Bedford County PA Archives Biographies.....Walter, Daniel ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com May 2003 DANIEL WALTER, a venerable citizen of Bedford township, Pa., has for many years been prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits on his fine and well-improved homestead. He was born March 4, 1822, in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. His father, Jacob Walter, Sr., was a son of Joseph Walter, one of the very early settlers of this section of the State. Jacob Walter, Sr., was a lifelong resident of Bedford County. In his early manhood he followed the carpenter's trade, but later on he settled down as a farmer in Bedford township, where he spent the closing years of his life. He was a man of sterling principles and an active member of the Reformed church. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Dibert, bore him six children, all of whom reside in Bedford township. They are: Samuel; Daniel, the special subject of this brief sketch; Mary A., wife of Frederick Zimmers; Anna M., wife of William Phillips; Jacob; and Walter. Daniel Walter received a limited education in the subscription schools of Bedford township, and on the parental homestead obtained such a thorough knowledge of the various branches of agriculture as led him to adopt farming as an occupation. Energetic, persevering, and an excellent manager, he has fully earned the large measure of success that has crowned his efforts. His farm, with its fine improvements, including a commodious residence and excellent farm buildings, is one of the most desirable pieces of property in this locality. He is a valued member of the Reformed church, and in politics is a Democrat. Mr. Walter married Mary A. Sills, who is a daughter of Abraham Sills, a prosperous farmer of Bedford township. Her paternal grandfather, George Sills, was one of the original settlers of this township, having taken up the land now owned and occupied by Mr. Walter in Colonial days, while it was yet in its primitive wildness. Though he and his family had to endure all the privations and hardships that beset the pioneer, they toiled uncomplainingly, and wrested a comfortable home from the wilderness. Mr. and Mrs. Walter have but one child living, a son named Frank. Their only daughter, Sarah J., died when five years old. Source: Bedford Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., Pa