James M. Walden

From "Under Both Flags: Civil War in the Albemarle", from the Museum of Albemarle
https://underbothflags.ncdcr.gov/1863characters/james-walden.html

Born in July 1842, James M. Walden came from a long-established free black family in Northampton County. His father, Squire Walden, worked as a day laborer. The 1860 Census lists his personal estate at only $83.

On January 1, 1864, James M. Walden enlisted in the 2nd United States Colored Cavalry at Fortress Monroe. He gave his occupation as carpenter. Quickly promoted to corporal, Walden became a sergeant in Company E on February 1, 1864. During the last year-and-a-half of the Civil War, he spent a majority of his time in the Ambulance Corps, serving as a guard and driver. On August 1, 1865, he became first sergeant of his company.

Upon leaving the army in 1866, he returned home to Northampton County. After marrying Milly Weaver, Walden moved close to her family in Hertford County. Active in the black community, Walden worshiped at Pleasant Plains Baptist Church. Together with Arajah Smith, the Waldens also founded Waters Training School (presently C.S. Brown High School) in Winton, North Carolina.

James M. Walden died on May 21, 1908.

Photo Courtesy of the Chowan Discovery Group

There is a photo of James M. and Millie's grave/memorial on the Chowan Discovery Group. In the photo, the person at left in the photo is Richard Gadsden, James Walden’s great-grandson. According to this page,
"James Walden was a cavalryman in the U.S. Colored Troops, a leader at Pleasant Plains Church, a founder of the Walden School and supporter of the Chowan Educational Association, the parent organization of Waters Training School."
http://chowandiscovery.org/about/advisory-group/