Pendleton in Madison County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
William (Bill) Walker
1896-1992
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, April 8, 2023
1. William (Bill) Walker Marker
African American actor and activist William Walker was born in Madison County and graduated from Pendleton High School in 1915. He served in the all-Black 92nd Division in WWI. Walker performed on Broadway in the 1920s and 1930s and became a character actor in film and television for over forty years, with roles in movies such as The Killers (1946) and Big Jake (1971).
Walker's most notable role was as Rev. Sykes in the Academy Award-winning 1962 film To Kill A Mockingbird, which shed light on national issues of race, class, and gender. As a Screen Actors Guild board member (1952-1971), he advocated for better representation and increased opportunities for African Americans in all roles and forms of entertainment.
Erected 2022 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Pendleton Historical Museum, And Friends of William Walker. (Marker Number 48.2022.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 40° 0.363′ N, 85° 44.591′ W. Marker is in Pendleton, Indiana, in Madison
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Falls (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Three White Men Were Hung Here (about 300 feet away); Indians Murdered 1824 (about 500 feet away); Abolitionists Mobbed (about 500 feet away); Falls Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); The A.B. Taylor House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cook's Opera House (approx. ¼ mile away); Interurban Railroad (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pendleton.
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, April 8, 2023
2. William (Bill) Walker Marker
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, April 8, 2023
3. William (Bill) Walker Marker
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, April 8, 2023
4. William (Bill) Walker Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. This page has been viewed 377 times since then and 170 times this year. Last updated on January 1, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 9, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
