​Samuel was born circa 1748/9 although no records have been uncovered of his birth or early life, and he only emerges in adult life as a consequence of undergoing training for church ministry.
He trained at Scott’s Academy in Heckmondwike and in 1774 was duly appointed as Minister of Heywood Chapel, Northowram; a Congregational chapel formed by Rev. Oliver Heywood in 1688.
Although Heywood United Reform Church still exists today, it only moved into its current building in the 19th century.
Image from the book Northowram, its history and Antiquities by Mark Pearson (1898)
At the same time, the Scott’s Academy in Heckmondwike closed and the training/teaching of students transferred to Northowram. Samuel was both a church minister and taught students in the Ministry.
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On 9th June 1777, he married Jane (nee Porter), who gave birth to John (1778-1795) and Cornelius (1782-1810). They were apparently living in Northowram throughout this period.
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Unfortunately, in the 1790s Samuel’s position as Minister was brought into question. Although there are scant details available, it appears he was not popular. The book 'Congregationalism in Yorkshire' describes the choice of Walker as an ‘unhappy one’ and after about 12 years, representations were sent to London Society which destroyed confidence in him. He resigned as minister in 1793, apparently due to “unpleasantness”. He was only approximately 44 years old at this time and continued to teach at the Academy until 1795.
List of students educated at Heckmondwicke, Northowram and Idle by Rev Walker (book Airdale Independent College Reports 1816 - 1831)
When Samuel died in March 1796, his surviving family moved to Field House, Shelf.
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Researched by Mandy Baynham
Photograph of gravestone made for exhibition