James Ruben Walker moved with his father in 1768 to the plantation located 1/2 mile above the mouth of Cane Creek and about 1 mile from Brittain Church in Rutherford County. He was the only member of his family of six patriotes who served throughout the War of Independence in the capacity of a private soldier. Sometime after the war, he removed from Rutherford County and settled in Burke County, NC

On October 24, 1832, he applied for a pension for his Revolutionary services. He was allowed a pension on his claim No. S. 3447, while a resident of Burke County. His decleration follows:

"In 1776 three months wIth Cap. John Hardin's Company; Col. Bateman's Regiment, and went to Cross Creek against the Scotch-Tories a little later. Three months in Captain Thomas Lyle's Company, and was out against the Indians. In 1777 Captain Hardin's company was out agains the Indians, and burned some of their towns, and took prisoners; length of service not stated. Three months in Captain Joseph McDowell's company. In 1761, three months in Captain McFarland's company, Col. Charles McDowell's regiment. On his way home from service he was arrested by the Tories and his discharge was taken from him".

In 1836, he moved to Knox County, TN, where he died. He had eleven children, and among his descendents of today are numbered the Pattons of Buncomeb; the Foxes, the dorseys of Cleveland and Rutherdord; Coopers, Bettis, Hennessees and Erwins, of McDowell, Burke and Buncombe, and Clays of Rutherford and McDowell, also Walkers, Russels, Foxes, Wardells, and Smiths, of Tennesse; Walkers of Kentucky, Walkers, Adkins, Borgers and Collins, of District of Columbia; Walkers and Taylors of Texas; Jones, Coons, Sturgeons, and Brewers of Illinois; Reeves of California.