Joseph reddeford walker biography

American explorer

Joseph R. Walker (December 13, 1798 – October 27, 1876) was a mountain man and experienced scout. He established the segment of the California Trail, the primary route for the emigrants to the gold fields during the California gold rush, from Fort Hall, Idaho to the Truckee River.

The Walker River and Walker Lake in Nevada were named for him by John C. Frémont.^[a]

Early life

The R. stood for Rutherford, but is also found as Reddford, Reddeford, and Redeford.

"Rutherford" came from his great-grandmother's, Kathleen Rutherford Walker, line,^[2] and not his mother's, as incorrectly stated in some sources.

Early years

Walker was born in Roane County, Tennessee, the fourth child of seven born to Joseph and Susan Willis Walker.^[3] In 1819, the family emigrated to Missouri,^[4] settling west of Fort Osage.^[5] In 1820, he traveled to Santa Fe and was detained for a short while by Spanish