Bedford County Memories

     This is a page in which you, the visitors, may share your reminisces, recollections and memories about your family growing up and living in Bedford County. Please feel welcome to share short stories and photos of your family's role in the history of Bedford County to be added to this page.
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Submitted by William Roy Mock

Benjamin Harris Walker is my great-great grandfather. He was the son of Sarah (Harris) and Abner Walker, Sr., that came from York County to Bedford County around 1827, and lived in St. Clair Township, which was organized in 1794. The township was further divided into East and West St. Clair in 1875. He was born in 1808 and died in 1896. He married Mary Allison who was born in 1810, and died in 1872.

He was a distinguished Quaker and was considered a prominent leader in the "Society of Friends" in and around the Fishertown and Pleasantville area of Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

In the 1884 History of Bedford, Somerset, and Fulton Counties, Pennsylvania. (page 293):

"Mr. Walker was a strong anti-slavery man in the days when the word abolitionist was a term of reproach. Preceding the war he was an indefatigable worker in behalf of the slaves and was one of the leading operators of the underground railway. For many years a standing reward of five hundred dollars was offered for the apprehension of Mr. Walker, and his life was often in danger."

Most people might consider Quakers to be total "pacifists." Apparently, with the guidance of the "inner light," the principle of freedom was considered a high priority. In addition, to being a well-known operator throughout Bedford County, with the Underground Railroad, I found it extremely interesting that during America's Civil War, that six of his sons served in the Union Army. I am extremely proud of our Walker family's military history.

Thomas G. Walker   91st PVI, Co. I

Benjamin H. Walker   84th PVI, Co. A

Morris Walker   84th PVI, Co. A

William A. Walker   21st Calvary, Co. E

Asahel Walker   84th PVI, Co. A

Isaac Walker   205th PVI, Co. C