Robert J. Walker, a former U.S. secretary of the treasury in the 1840s, becomes the governor of Kansas Territory. He is obligated to uphold the legislature at Lecompton, even though he is personally opposed to the proposed Lecompton Constitution and the proslavery elements in Kansas. After leaving office on December 15, 1857, Walker continues to support the North through the Civil War. Due to his Unionist views, the state of Texas retroactively reattributes the name of Walker County to honor Samuel Walker, a Texas Ranger.