Reuben E. Walker

Born in Maryland in 1841, Reuben was the child of Owen and Eliza Walker. Mr. and Mrs. Walker were free as early as 1840, and therefore young Reuben was born free. He grew up, working on farms in Carroll County. He did not attend school in antebellum Maryland.

Some records indicate that he served in Company B of the 29th Infantry, USCT. Unfortunately, his service record has not been found yet.

Mr. Walker married Ms. Amanda Mason in the spring of 1870, when she was barely 18 years old. They would go on to have 10 children, seven of whom survived him.

Mr. Walker never learned to read or write, although his wife was literate. In 1870, about 80% of the African Americans in the county were illiterate as well as 20% of the white population. Nonetheless, he was a prominent and well-respected member of the community. Mr. Walker served as a trustee for the school for African Americans in Westminster. He often participated in a debate society, held at the Union Street hall. We can imagine in the 1890s, before radio, movies, tv and the Internet, people would enjoy hearing these debates as entertainment.

In 1900, the Walkers lived in Westminster, renting their home on Court Street. Five of their children lived with them, as well as Mrs. Rebecca Mason, his mother-in-law. He had become a coachman, driving the carriage for a private family.

Mr. Reuben Walker passed away in the fall of 1907, at the age of 66. He is buried at the historic Ellsworth Cemetery, in Westminster, Maryland. His headstone was cleaned as part of the general restoration of the cemetery.