John Walker

The two John Walkers -- Uncle and Nephew -- with their families arrived at Maryland in August 1726. They first settled in Chester County Pa. In 1734 they moved into the Valley of Virginia and was one of the earliest settlers in Rockbridge County. The gallant Uncle and Nephew took up land on both sides of the rapid stream, which still bears their name, flowing parallel to the mountain range two miles distance from the natural bridge.

The Walkers were staunch Presbyterians and helped to build the first log church which they named New Providence in memory of Providence Church in Ireland from whence they had come. In 1900 some of the descendants were still living on the original land and were active elders in the New Providence Church.

The Uncle and Nephew, both named John, were distinguished as "Gunmaker John" and "Gunstocker John." Gunmaker John Walker made the locks and barrels on the anvil of his shop and Gunstocker John made the woodwork. The brave emigrants, buried in the wilderness, were dependant on themselves for everything, and arms were a necessity in the neighborhood of war like savages of the mountains.