Walker, Robert, 1717-1785

<p> WALKER, Robert (1716/7-1785) <p>
<p> Robert Walker was born 17.i.March 1716/7, 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. <p>
<p> He married 25.viii.Oct. 1743, at Liversedge, Hannah Firth, daughter of Jacob Firth of Liversedge, Torks. They lived at Gildersome, near Leeds. <p>
<p> 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...' <p>
<p> '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'. <p>
<p> In 1785 with a certificate from his MM 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. <p>

p.94. 1743. Whereas Robert Walker of Balley in the County of York Clothier son of John Walker and Hannah Firth daughter of Jacob Firth... have declared their intentions of taking each other in marriage... this twenty fifth day of the eighth month called October in the year of our Lord 1743..

p.85. Robert Walker... who died the 24th day of the ninth month, called September one thousand seven hundred and eighty five...

p.100. Robert Walker son of John and Sarah Walker in Batley parish born the 17th of 1st month