JEFFERSON COUNTY NEW YORK CIVIL WAR SOLDIERS' BIOGRAPHIES

WALTER WALRATH

Union Soldier - Distinguished Service

Walter Walrath was born in Shantyville, (Orleans 4 corners), NY, and at the age of 19 enlisted in the 94th N. Y. Volunteer Infantry, Company F, for 3 years at Cape Vincent, NY on August 20, 1864. He was honorably discharged June 2, 1865. He died February 17, 1929 in Lafargeville, NY.

Guard In Fenian Trouble, 83, Dies - Man Who Served At Cape Vincent Expires

W.H. Walrath Passes Away Lafargeville Resident Served Under Captain JB Ainsworth

Also Was Engaged as Teacher Many Years Ago.

Lafargeville, Feb 18.- WH Walrath, 83, died at his home here Sunday morning, after an illness of ten days. Mr Walrath was born June 9, 1845, the son of Alonzon and Katy Maria Walter Walrath. His parents then lived in a log house of two rooms one half mile from Shantyville, now Orleans Fours Corners, on the Henry Walrath farm. When he was two years old he, with his parents, moved to a farm two miles from Depauville, known as the Augustus Schnauber place. It was while here that he started his education . Isaac Mitchel and Jacob Shepherd, two noted teachers in their day, were his first instructors. His parents later moved to a farm near St Lawrence and here he entered school under a teacher by the name of Aaron K Tuttle, an honor student and graduate of the Normal school at Albany; also he had a term at Warren Settlement, under AE Cooley of Adams Center, then a noted teacher and later a prominent lawyer. Mr Walrath walked three miles to and from school and did six hours of farm work each day during this term. One winter term at Clayton and later a term in Eastman college, a business school at Poughkeepsie, completed his education.

At 16 he was a licensed teacher and taught country schools in four adjoining districts and one term in the lower school at Cape Vincent. While teaching he received from $20 to $30 per month, boarded around and taught every other Saturday at Warren Settlement. Here he had over 80 scholars, many grown up and some teachers themselves.

In 1864 his father and a younger brother enlisted in the 186th regiment, and left Mr Walrath and two still younger brothers the care of the farm. He was soon called himself to help guard Cape Vincent during the Ferian raids. Here he belonged to the 94th regiment, Company D, Captain JB Ainsworth in command. This was during the winter of 1864 and 1865. Later Mr Walrath served 14 years in the same regiment of the National Guard, meeting once or twice a year.

On Feb 20, 1868, he married Marian E Henry, daughter of Charles and Elida Henry. Three years later he bought the George Combs farm on the north shore of Three Mile Bay, and began farming. Mr Walrath joined the grange, then just coming into prominence. He held many offices in this organization and then became master. A few years later Mr and Mrs Walrath moved back to St Lawrence on a farm and while here he organized the St Lawrence grange and was master here until he moved to Clayton Center, where he purchased a stock farm. This proved a success and was noted as having the best blooded Jersey cattle for miles around.

For many years Mr Walrath was a director in the Grange Fire Relief association and helped place that company on a firm basis.

Because of failing health, Mr Walrath was obliged to sell the stock farm, and shortly after he purchased a hardware and grocery store of WC Hill, to which a millinery department was added under the management of Mrs Walrath.

In the spring of 1915 Mrs Walrath passed away and Mr Walrath soon sold out the business which they had carried on for nearly 28 years. Mr Walrath was a member of the F&AM lodge, having joined that organization at Clayton in 1878. Later he was demitted to Lafargeville lodge, F&AM, No 171. In 1903 he joined the Theresa chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and the Watertown Commandery, KT , No 11, as well as Media Temple AAONMS. At the same time he joined the Lodge of Perfection, Council of Princes of Jerusalem, Chapter of Rose Croix and central City Consistory, SPRS Valley of Syracuse, NY, 32nd degree Mason. Mr Walrath was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and for 46 years was on the official board of St Lawrence, Clayton and Lafargeville churches and an usher in the church from 1893 until within the past year. His first vote was cast for General Grant as president. Mr Walrath supported the Republican ticket.

On Thanksgiving Day, Nov 29, 1916, he married Mrs Frances Fuller. They have resided in this village since their marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs Frances Walrath; one daughter, Mrs Jerome Darling, and one grandson, Lawrence Snell; also one brother in Troy. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1 pm, at the house and at 1:30 pm at the Methodist Episcopal church. This will be a Masonic funeral and the Knights Templar will act as escorts. Rev B.J. Davison will officiate at the church. Interment will be in Grove cemetery, Lafargeville.

Sources:
Jefferson County NYGenWeb, US Civil War Service Records, "Electronic," for Walter Walrath
Newspaper - The Watertown Daily Times - Monday, Februaury 18, 1929

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http://jefferson.nygenweb.net/cwbwalrath.htm updated March 7, 2009