Walterj
Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history
of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western
Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
JOHN E. WALTER is one of the
newer arrivals from the east in the reservation country and is now in partnership
with Mr. Hamilton in the Chesaw Trading company, which does a general merchandising
business. They own their building and have a large well assorted
stock of goods which finds ready purchasers from the surrounding country.
John W. Walter was born in Miami county, Indiana,
on January 13, 1876, the son of William R. and Mary E. (Barker) Walter,
natives of Germany and Indiana, respectively. The father came to
the United States when a boy, settling in Danville, Illinois, whence he
went to Miami county, Indiana, and there married. Our subject has
the following named brothers and sisters, William, Mrs. Mary Droneberg,
Mrs. Laura Ryan, Mrs. Ida Hamilton, and Omer T. John E. received
a good education from the common schools and then learned the carpenter
trade and did contracting and building for several years. This was
in the city of Peru, Indiana, and then he started in the grocery and meat
market business, which was followed for some time.
On July 11, 1900, Mr. Walter married Miss
Grace 0. Evans, a native of Miami county. The wedding occurred in
Peru and Mrs. Walter's parents are George S. and Josephine (Tillet) Evans.
The father was a prominent citizen of Peru, fought through the Civil War,
and died in 1886. The mother is also deceased. Immediately
after his marriage Mr. Walter settled on his farm in Indiana and there
remained until 1902, when he sold his property and came west, visiting
Rossland, British Columbia, and other points. He was so well impressed
with the country that he sought out a location and brought his family out
in the spring of 1903. He located at Chesaw and bought the interest
in the mercantile business mentioned above. Mr. Walter is a good
business man and has showed himself possessed of integrity and sound principles.
He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and of the Benevolent Order of Colonials.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter, Paul S. and Ruth A.
Mr. Walter is also interested in different mining ventures and properties
in this section in addition to his mercantile business.