Asa Walker
S. 6305. Arabella G. Walker, of Annapolis, Md., is the widow of the late
Rear Admiral Asa Walker, United States Navy.
Asa Walker was born in New Hampshire, November 13, 1845. He was appointed a cadet midshipman at the United States
Naval Academy, November 21, 1862, graduated in June, 1866, and thereafter continued in active service in the various
grades to which he was duly promoted until November 13, 1907, when he was retired as rear admiral, having reached
the age of 62 years. He was made rear admiral January 7, 1906.
During the war with Spain Admiral Walker was in command of the Concord of Admiral Dewey's fleet and was promoted
for eminent and conspicuous conduct in the battle of Manila Bay, May 1, 1898. His last active service was as superintendent
of the United Stats Naval Observatory in Washington.
Admiral Walker died of pneumonia March 7, 1916. The widow has made no claim for pension under the general law
for the reason that she can not prove that her husband's fatal disease was due to cause originating during his
active service in the Navy and before his retirement. Her application for a pension of $12 per month under the
act of April 19, 1906 (No. 1063185) was rejected on the ground that the service as a cadet midshipman at the Naval
Academy during the period of the Civil War was not a pensionable service under the act cited. Rejection was affirmed
on appeal by the Secretary of the Interior.
Mrs. Walker married the deceased officer June 11, 1890, and is about 59 years of age. Accompanying the bill is
medical testimony to the effect that she is incapacitated by reason of trouble with her eyes from earning a living;
also her own sworn statement that she owns her home in Annapolis, Md., and has an income from stocks and bonds
and other sources to the amount of $1,700 yearly. A pension of $50 per month is recommended.
[Source: "Pensions and increase of pensions for certain soldiers
and sailors of the regular Army and Navy, etc.}
February 22, 1917.
Serial Set Vol. No. 7113, Session Vol. No.B
64th Congress, 2nd Session
H.Rpt. 1532
Transcribed for Genealogy Trails by Terry Wages]
