My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE WALTER. From the successful career of this gentleman may be gleaned many lessons worthy of emulation by the young. In boyhood he did not have the educational advantages common in our day, as the schools of those times were inferior in quality of instruction afforded. Early in life he was obliged to earn his own livelihood, but this very fact, instead of being a misfortune, doubtless developed in his character the traits of energy, self-reliance and perseverance for which he has always been known. A native of Northampton County, he is still a resident here, his home being in Williams Township, where he owns a valuable piece of property.

Born October 18, 1818, the subject of this biography is the son of Leonard and Sarah (Lattig) Walter, natives of Northampton County. His paternal grandfather, George Walter, was an early settler of Forks Township, arid was residing here at the time of the Revolution. The maternal grandfather, Peter Lattig, was a pioneer of Williams Township, where his latter years were spent. By trade Leonard Walter was a brickmaker, which he followed the greater part of his life, though his latter days were spent in farm work. He was a man held in esteem by his acquaintances, and occupied a number of public offices, in which he served acceptably. He was Overseer of the Poor of Williams Township, and also filled the offices of School Director and Assessor.

Reared to manhood in Northampton County, our subject was for a brief period a student in the early pay schools, never having the privilege of attending a public school. While his opportunities were limited, he has been a thoughtful reader of current newspapers, and is well informed in both local and national matters of importance. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the trade of a carpenter, and this occupation he continued to follow until he was more than forty. As a workman he was skilled and conscientious, and his services were in demand throughout the county. Since retiring from the trade his attention has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he now owns a well improved farm of thirty-eight acres in Williams Township. For a number of years he engaged in butchering during the winter season, which work proved remunerative.

The lady who in October, 1840, became the wife of Mr. Walter was known in maidenhood as Elizabeth Thomas, and was born in New Jersey. Seven children were born unto them, of whom four are now living, namely: Mary E., wife of Thomas J. Kolb; Sarah A., who married Sylvester Mairworth; Susan, Mrs. Herbert Genther; and Rosa, wife of Charles N. Siegreaves. Mr. and Mrs. Walter are identified with the Lutheran Church of South Easton,and are a worthy couple, esteemed wherever known. Successful in business, he owns, in addition to his farm, some valuable business property in Easton and a residence in South Easton.

In politics Mr. Walter is a Republican. He has always been loyal to the institutions of our Government, and during the Civil War responded to the call of Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, for volunteers in the service of the Union. He was in the army for two weeks, mainly engaged in guard duty in Maryland, being detailed to guard rebel prisoners at Hagerstown. His son John, who volunteered in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, was in the service about two and one-half years, when he came home on a furlough, and soon afterward died from the effect of exposure and hardships in the army.