Brian Buntain - A.K.A. Robert S. Walker -
Being a teacher, I felt it would be appropriate to portray a member of the 43rd who had become an educator following the War. I started my search with the appendix in J.J.Williamson's "Mosby's Rangers". While scanning the section which describes the "present [1896] whereabouts and occupation of surviving members of Mosby's Rangers", I discovered Robert Stringfellow Walker. Mr. Walker was listed as "principal Woodberry Forest High School, Orange, VA." At the time, it seemed to be a natural fit, so I began to develop Robert Walker, a Ranger in the 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry.
Several years later, my research led me to a reference which implied that Woodberry Forest School still existed. A "hunch" call to long distance information confirmed the school's existence. Another call, to the school, revealed that not only was "Captain Bob" (their fond reference) the principal, but the founder, as well! An exchange of information with the school's historian, showed that Robert Walker was an exceptional choice! Not only did I select an educator, but a visionary, who understood that education was the key to the recovery of the South following the fall of the Confederacy.
In 1995, I wrote an article for the newsletter of the Stuart-Mosby Historical Society. Not long after its publication, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a letter from a grandson of Captain Walker! During our tour of Mosby's Confederacy in 1997, we had the pleasure of spending a splendid evening with Robert's grandson; and on our tour in 1998, we were fortunate to be able to visit the school. As I have learned more about the man, Robert Walker, I have experienced a growing respect for his accomplishments as a Ranger and as an educator. To come to know Captain Walker has been a humbling experience. I consider it an honor to portray him, and strive to do honor to him by my presentation.