Philip Walter was born in Germany, Nov. 2, 1810, son of Jacob and Catherine (Fick) Walter. He received his education in Germany, and at the age of fifteen learned the trade of a mason. In 1838 he emigrated to America, and lived ten years in Southern Indiana, working at his trade. He then removed to Clayton County and entered 800 acres of land on Roberts Creek. He has made excellent improvements on his place, which he has divided recently between his children. In 1871 he built the large flour-mill near his residence, on the creek, at a cost of $10,000. He married in 1835, while in Germany, Barbara Walter. They had ten children, eight living - Michel, Jacob, John, Katherine, George, Mary, Henry and Barbara. Philip died at twenty-six years of age, and Peter at the same age. Mrs. Walter died in February, 1879. Mr. Walter was again married in the winter of 1882, to Mrs. Murde Eible, widow of I. Eible, of Girard Township. She was born in Germany. Mr. Walter was one of the pioneers of Wagner Township, and started almost alone to build up a home in that section, there being but one house between his place and McGregor at the time. He is well known throughout the entire county, and is classed among Clayton's oldest and most respected citizens. He is a Presbyterian. Politically he favors the Democratic party. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1143 |