Born: February 4, 1878, Spring Frog Cabin, Audubon Acres, Elise Chapin Wildlife Sanctuary, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Died: September 26, 1960, Elise Chapin Wildlife Sanctuary, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Buried: Next to Spring Frog Cabin.
Robert was the husband of Elberta Clark (married 1904).
He was educated at Maryville College, and at Grant University, Chattanooga, Tennessee (law degree, 1905).
He is remembered as a naturalist, author, poet, local historian, horticulturalist, and editor.
I know the way I go—
That leads me on o’er rugged height,
’Neath threat’ning clouds that bear no light,
Down through the depths of darkest night,
This common way I go.
I know the path I tread—
Its piercing stones make bleeding feet,
Its windings lead through scorching heat,
The Tempter rude oft here I meet,
On this lone path I tread.
I know the road that’s mine—
The pilgrim’s footprints that I see,
All leading on to victory,
Are signboards left for guiding me,
On this rough road of mine.
I know my Father’s road—
He leaves me not alone to go,
For o’er this road His comforts flow,
And on the way His blessings blow,
On this my Father’s road.
Robert Sparks Walker
The Improvement Era, Volume 23
Number 7, May 1920, p. 1007
If you know where to get a good photo of Walker (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),