is of his literary career.
The public schools of Augusta were completed by 1874 and
upon the recommendation of all of his teachers young
"Henry," as he was familiarly called, was matriculated at
the Atlanta University, one of the most noted of Negro
colleges in the South. In this institution he studied for
eight years, coming out in 1882 with the class honor and the
degree of A. B. His parents died during his early boyhood,
even before he had entered the Atlanta University, so that
in his efforts to complete his collegiate career he had to
rely largely upon his own resources, and the very kind
assistance of his foster parents, and other friends whose
protege he was.

Prepared for his life work, he left school in June, 1882,
and was immediately elected principal of the Mitchell Street
Graded School, Atlanta, Ga., his examination papers being
the best offered for this position. In the following
month--July--he was also elected President of the Georgia
State Teachers' Association for Colored Teachers, of which
body more will be said later. As a student at College our
subject was studious, popular with professors and students,
and acquired that assiduity and strict adherence to business
that has since characterized all his subsequent life. In the
profession of teaching he continued to rise higher and
higher each year, holding positions of trust and honor under
each of the State's superintendents of education down to the
present incumbent. For eighteen years he has held sway in
the public school of the city of Augusta, during which time
Mr. Walker has officered the Second Ward Grammar School, the
famous Ware High School and at present the First Ward High
School, which position he still fills with dignity and
credit to himself and race. As Peabody expert, Mr. Walker,
by appointment of the successive State superintendents of
education, has occupied the lecture platform in all parts of
the State, with the best lecturers, white and Colored, that
money could command, and they have all cheerfully conceded
his ripe ability to master and handle successfully such
subjects as have been assigned him from year to year. As a
practical school man and well-informed scholar, Mr. Walker
is always at home. As a Peabody lecturer he has often been