My Genealogy Hound

EDGAR WALTER, Postmaster of Summerville, and a prominent business man of that village, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., in 1824, being the son of Peter and Nancy (Jordan) Walter. The paternal grandfather, Adam Walter, was born in Germany, whence, after his marriage, he emigrated to the United States and located in New York, where he passed the remaining years of his life. A farmer by occupation, he was an industrious, persevering and honorable man, and was highly regarded throughout his community. In his native land he was actively identified with the Catholic Church, but after coming to the United States he did not connect himself with any church. His wife survived him about twelve months, passing away at the advanced age of ninety-seven. Their children were Jacob, Conrad, Peter, Abraham, Betsy and Lucinda. Born of humble parentage, Peter Walter at an early age developed traits of self-reliance and perseverance which in after years aided him in securing success. After his marriage in Herkimer County, N. Y., to Nancy Jordan, he removed to Otsego County, and, purchasing land, developed a finely-improved farm, which unfortunately he lost, together with the savings of years, through signing security notes for friends and being forced to meet them. Afterward, he was in the employ of others for a time, and his later years were spent with the children. Politically, he was a stanch supporter of the principles adopted by the Whig party.

In the parental family were six children, one of whom died in infancy. The others were: Sarah, who first married David Moore, and after his demise became the wife of J. P. McCumbert; David and Joseph, deceased; Nancy, who died in childhood; and Edgar, the subject of this sketch. The last-named began at the age of twelve to make his own way in the world. Orphaned at that age by the death of his mother, he afterward made his home with Davis Carroll, and remained with him until he reached manhood. His time was principally spent on the farm, and he received a practical education in the Cherry Valley High School, graduating from that institution in 1842. Afterward, he engaged in teaching school for six years. Coming to Michigan in 1846, Mr. Walter located in Cass County, and here resumed his professional work, engaging in teaching for six years. Later he secured a clerical position in a store at Niles, where he remained for six years. From Niles he came to Summerville, where for five years he conducted a general merchandising business, and afterward sold that enterprise and bought ninety-six acres of land. He has added to his property until he has acquired the ownership of one hundred and twenty acres, the most of which is improved and placed under cultivation.

At the age of thirty-three Mr. Walter married Miss Mary Durby, who was born in Niles, and resided there continuously until after her marriage. They are the parents of six sons, as follows: Frederick, Walter J., Leroy, Arthur, Luean and Raymond. Leroy is at present operating the home farm, and Raymond, who is a teacher by profession, is now teaching in Greenville, Mich. In his social connections Mr. Walter is identified with Pokagon Lodge No. 126, A. F. & A. M., of which he was Master at the time the charter was given. A Republican in politics, he has served as Justice of the Peace, and is a Notary Public. Under the administration of President Harrison he was appointed Postmaster at Summerville, and has since held that position. In connection with his official duties, he conducts a general mercantile business, and has a large trade among the people of the vicinity.