My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES J. WALTERS, known throughout Northampton County as a prosperous and representative citizen of Raubsville, has spent his entire life in the county where he now resides. Here his birth occurred on the 21st of July, 1850, his parents being Jacob and Sophia (Shively) Walters, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter born in Northampton County, Pa. Tradition says that his paternal ancestors were originally residents of Germany, but the family has been represented in America for several generations. The Shively family was also early established in this county.

About 1844 the father of our subject moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, and, settling in Williams Township, Northampton County, began the life of an agriculturist. There he continued to reside, occupied in tilling the soil, until his death, which occurred at the old homestead July 20, 1872. Throughout his community he was well and favorably known, and in political matters was a stanch advocate of Democratic principles. A Lutheran in religious belief, he held membership in the church of that denomination in Riegelsville.

The subject of this sketch was in youth the recipient of such educational advantages as the common schools of Williams Township afforded. These he attended during the winter seasons, while the summer months were devoted to farm work. At the age of fourteen his school days ended, and he was thereafter exclusively occupied in agricultural pursuits. His marriage, October 24, 1876, united him with Miss Annie, the daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Dimmick) Raub, of Raubsville, the mother being now deceased. This family has been very prominent in Northampton County, and the village of Raubsville was named in their honor. Mr. and Mrs. Walters are the parents of one child, a son named Jacob D.

At the time of his father’s death our subject was twenty-two years of age, and he then began in business for himself on the old homestead in Williams Township. He continued to live there for many years, and through his energy and industry effected many improvements in the place, brought the soil to a high state of cultivation, kept the various buildings in good repair, and maintained the farm at a high standard of improvement. In 1894 he retired from the old homestead, and, moving to Raubsville, has since made his residence in this village.

In politics a Democrat, Mr. Walters has served as School Director of Williams Township, and also frequently represented that township as delegate to county conventions. At one time he was a member of the Northampton County Committee fiom the eastern part of Williams Township. In religious belief he is identified with the Lutheran Church of Raubsville, in which he is officiating as a Deacon. Socially he belongs to Prosperity Lodge No. 567, F. & A. M., at Riegelsville, and is also a member of Fairview Grange No. 696, Williams Township. A close observer and reader, he is intelligently posted on the current affairs of the day, and takes an active interest in both local and national issues.