Mr. Quincy Walker a Local Farmer in Tangipahoa Parish

Quincy Walker
Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell

Quincy Walker was born in 1937 in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. His parents were Nathan and Frances Walker. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Walker years ago. On a bus tour of farms in Lexington, Mississippi, I sat next to this griot. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed every minute of it. My goal was to get as much information from him as possible about family history, local history, and farming.  

Nathan Walker was born in 1919 in Bolivar, Louisiana to Albert Walker and Monnie Walker. Earnesteen Walker, Luella Walker, Esterrann Walker, Millie Walker, Charles Walker, and Lula Walker were their children. 

The year of Albert's birth was around 1888.  Mr. Quincy often spoke of the lessons he learned from his grandfather Albert, whom he called "Pa". He used many of the lessons he learned today. His grandmother used herbs to heal the family and community when they were sick, and he shared some of the things she taught him about herbs as part of his Native American heritage.  Albert's parents were Harrison Walker and Phillis Walker.  Harrison was born around 1859 in Mississippi. According to the 1900 United States Federal Census, he was living in Police Jury Ward 2, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. Harrison was a farmer  by occupation. He could read and write. He was rented his home. Harrison and wife were the parents of a large family; Fetus Walker, Handy Walker, Florence Walker, Albert Walker, Charley Walker, Flancy Walker, Elizabeth Walker,  Geneva Walker, Jessie L. Walker, and Mary E. Walker.  Harrison Walker died at the age of 84 on January 29, 1939.

He is no longer able to do things he used to due to his advancing age and health problems. Upon turning 60 years old, he began farming. He regrets not starting sooner. Growing up on a farm, he had no interest in farming, so he went to college to get an education. Formerly, he was a teacher in the Tangipahoa Parish School System.