HENRY WALTER, a native of Germany, was born July 18, 1817, in Frankfort-on-the-Main, his parents being Henry and Katherine (Knoepp) Walter. When Henry was 12 years old, his parents decided to come to America to spend the remainder of their days. They sailed to New York city, and from there proceeded to Jefferson county, N.Y., where Mr. Walter bought a farm. He lived there between three and four years, and then removed to Oswego, where he staid about three years, and then came to Madison county, Ill., where he bought a farm, and he and his wife resided there while they lived. He died about the year 1833, and Mrs. Walter about 1830. In 1832, Henry enlisted in Co. D, 2d U.S. Inf., and was soon on his way to Florida, to take part in the Seminole war. He served under Gen. Winfield Scott, during all the swamp fighting, marching and campaigning of that severe war, from the time of his enlistment until the close of the war, retaining his health all the time they were in the Everglades. When the war with Mexico came on, while not in active service at the front, he was engaged as drill-master in drilling recruits for the regular service, at Governor's Island, and in that time drilled thousands of men, hence most of them were in good condition for future service in the Mexican war. As soon as it broke out, he went with Co. A, 3d U.S. Inf., to Vera Cruz, arriving in time to take part in the bombarding and capture of that city. The authorities wanted him to remain at Governor's Island, but he had gone three times to Mexico with squads of men that he had drilled, and the third time was allowed to remain. He was given a sergeant's position, and served with his regiment through all their triumphant progress from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico, engaging in every battle with them. After the capture of the last named city he was given the command of a company of city guards, during the four months of occupation. From there they went to Mobile, where he was discharged. He went to St. Louis, where he remained some time, and from there removed to Madison county, Ill., where he bought a small tract of land. In 1855, he came to Greene county, locating where he still resides, on Sec. 2, T.9, R. 13. Oct. 1, 1851, he was married to Mary Kemper, a native of Hanover, and a daughter of Victor Kemper. To them were born eleven children, ten of whom are living - Mary, wife of Henry Borlin; Katherine, wife of Harmon Schepers, living in Carrollton township; Henry, married Nettie Busch, and lives near his parents; Eliza; Sophie, wife of Bernard Wiist, living in Jersey county; Charles, married Miss Dugan; Laura, Helen, and Rosa. The one deceased is Sarah, who died at the age of five years and four months. Mr. Walter has a fine farm of 560 acres of land, well improved. He and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Walter spent 12 years of his life in the service of his country, most of the time in some of the severest fighting and campaigning in its history, and though surviving all the dangers of war, he came out with his health so impaired that he has endured much suffering since, as a result of his service.