Ben Walker is the father of Addy Walker. She refers to him as "Poppa." Ben Walker is, at the start of the series, enslaved along with his family. He is descended from an African brought to America in enslavement, Aduke (thus partially Yoruba) and gave the name to Addy as her full name. He works both in the fields and as a carpenter, which Ruth brings up when she things that Master Stevens won't sell their family and separate them due to their skills. He reminds Addy that freedom is in her head and heart, even as she is being enslaved, and it is seeing how her spirit is being crushed under enslavement that makes him determined to run away with his family. He is sure Addy is a smart girl and is upset that the burdens of enslavement are wearing her down. Ben is a strong, brave, proud, and determined man who works hard to protect and care for his family, both when they are enslaved and after they are free. He knows what he wants and sticks to it. He cannot initially read or write, but with his daughter's help has learned how to do both by the time of Shadows on Society Hill. Ruth says that while Ben doesn't do sweet talk, he does sweet things, which counts more in a man.