Walkers in Scotland

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Permalink Reply by Jim Walker on June 5, 2010 at 3:47pm

Hello Tina:

Historically, WALKER has been the 17th most common name in Scotland (and the U.S.).

So tieing down the Walkers to one area is impossible. I have done extensive research both physically in Scotland and on-line for 15 years.

However, one needs names, birthdates, birth places, sibling names and spouse surnames etc in order to know if they are connected.

Below is a bit of history related to Toaping castle - you may already know all this.

The following was written by Samuel H. Walker (1844-1935) on the occasion of his parents 50th wedding anniversary in 1883:

“During the earlier years of the eighteenth century, from 1715 to 1746, Scotland was much agitated by the different attempts of the "Pretenders," James and Charles, to obtain a foothold upon the soil, and recognition as the crowned heads of England and Scotland, in pace of the Elector of Hanover, who, a German, had been crowned as George 1st, King of England.

“This foreign substitution, for the native born house of Stuart, was revolting to the sensitive sensibilities of many Scottish Chiefs, and they raised the standard of rebellion, hoping, while England was entangled with European wars, consequent upon the accession of a German to the throne, to secure recognition from the powers of Europe and support from the nation for the house of Stuart. After many disastrous encounters with the power of England, supported by the Hollanders, in which they suffered great loss of life, the remainder sought safety from the wrath of the King and fled to foreign soil. Of those who were taken many were executed, others were banished, while those who eluded pursuit were for three years published, both at home and the colonies, as rebels and felons, with large rewards offered for their heads.

“Isaac WALKER and his brothers Charles and Nathan were thus forced to flee, with five hundred pounds offered for their heads, and found in France temporary secrecy and security. Isaac Walker's wife, a Stuart, was informed of his intention to sail for America and made all her preparations to follow him, but was baffled for four years, least she should betray his hiding place in the forests of Maryland. He was afraid to communicate with her, and intended to return secretly to Scotland and bring back his wife, whom he had not seen for so long. By some kind providence, the day he intended to sail from Alexandria, the vessel he expected to return in brought his wife, and they met at the wharf. It was stated by Grandfather Nathan that, as his mother came up the hill from the wharf, a parrot called out to her, "Scotch;" when she exclaimed, ‘Laird! How did the poor creature know?’

“The brothers constructed a large white oak log house at the head waters of Bear Garden Branch, in Prince George's County, about nine miles northeast of what was afterwards called Washington, D.C. This house remained standing until about 25 years hence, when some of the logs were used to repair the barn and granary, which are now standing, and a piece of which is the cane this day presented to Jonathan T., Walker by his grandchildren. They named the place "Toaping Castle", after their stronghold in the old country; and after they thought it safe to acknowledge their identity, and danger was over.”

Regards,

Jim Walker

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Permalink Reply by Tina Price Marek on June 6, 2010 at 7:37am

Jim...thanks for the reply...I do have the article that you posted, which is what I am using to find Isaac Walker, spent last night on Scotlandspeople web site trying to find Isaac, and all the pages I viewed, not one of them mentioned an Isaac anywhere or his brother Nathan....found some Charles Walkers....Found some Elizabeth Stewarts/Stuarts, but no Isaac.....I assume the article is reliable because I got my article from the DAR Chapter in Hyattsville, MD, but wondering if it is accurate...I guess this is the proverbial brick wall...but I will keep looking....

Permalink Reply by William Douglas on June 6, 2010 at 10:46am

Tina,

I am aware of four castles connected with the Walker family:

• Pitlair, in Fife, currently, I think, a nursing home The Walkers of Pitlair seem well documented
• Bedlormie Tower, in West Lothian,
• Crawfordton Tower, in Dumfrieshire
• Newark castle, in Ayrshire
• I know there is a Toaping Castle in Maryland, but cannot find anything similar in Scotland.
  
  Good luck,
  
  William
  www.douglashistory.co.uk

Permalink Reply by Tina Price Marek on June 6, 2010 at 12:35pm

Thanks William, I have looked for Toaping Castle in Scotland too and came up empty...makes me suspicious about the story....but I will keep looking and hoping to find something that I can verify..


Thanks

Tina

Permalink Reply by Cathy (Aitken) Summersell on July 14, 2010 at 3:11pm

Have you tried looking in Ireland as WALKER is from Ireland and moved to Scotland, Just a thought