Walker, Robert, 1717-1785

Robert Walker was born the 17th of the 3rd month 1717 (old style), the son of John and Sarah Walker of Batley, Yorks. He was appointed an Elder when young and was very serviceable in meetings for discipline. He became a clothier.

He married in 1743, at Liversedge, Hannah Firth, daughter of Jacob Firth of Liversedge, Torks. They lived at Gildersome, near Leeds.

In 1751 he was called to the ministry, in which he appeared with few words and mostly in his home neighborhood until 1756, after which with the unity of Friends he at different times visited most parts of England, travelled once to Ireland, and in 1773 visited North America, where he laboured with much fervency of spirit 'and was favoured with a Sense of the then approaching troubles in that part of the world and delivered many faithful warnings, suitable caution and instruction...'

'He was much devoted to the Lord's service, of an humble kind, a exemplary upright conversation, accompanied with innocent chearfulness; was properly concerned that his temporal affairs might be conducted reputably'.

In 1785 with a certificate from his monthly meeting he visited Friends in London, and afterwards, because his health was worsening, went to the house of Thomas Phillips at Tottenham. He died there, 24 Sept. 1785, aged about 68, and was buried from Devonshire House, at Friends Burying Ground, Whitechapel, 29 Sept.

From the Dictionary of Quaker Biography (Haverford College).