Biography of Josiah Walker

Josiah Walker (1761-1831) was Professor of Humanity, 1815 to 1831.

The son of an Ayrshire minister, Walker was a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. He became tutor in the city and to the family of the Duke of Athole, and he met Robert Burns in Edinburgh and when the poet visited the Duke at Blair Castle in 1787. Walker visited Burns in Dumfries in November 1795 and subsequently wrote An Account of the Life and Character of Robert Burns (1811). He was Collector of the Customs at Perth and editor of the Perth Courier before his appointment to the University chair.

Walker's lectures were so popular that he had to divide his ordinary class in two, and employed assistants including his son (also Josiah) to assist him with his teaching duties.

Summary

Josiah Walker
Classical Scholar
Born 1761.
Died 1831.
University Link: Professor
Occupation categories: classical scholars
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Record last updated: 13th Jun 2008

University Connections

University Roles

• Professor

Academic Posts

Professorships:

• Humanity

On This Day Entries

• Appointment of Josiah Walker to the Chair of Humanity (April 14 1815)