George H. Walther Explained

George H. Walther
State:Wisconsin
State Assembly:Wisconsin
District:Milwaukee 9th
Term Start:January 3, 1876
Term End:January 1, 1877
Predecessor:Frederick Zetteler
Successor:Christian Sarnow
Party:Reform
Birth Date:28 November 1828
Birth Place:Betzigerode, Electorate of Hesse
Death Place:Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Restingplace:Forest Home Cemetery,
Allegiance:United States
Branch:United States Volunteers
Union Army
Rank:Lt. Colonel, USV
Serviceyears:1861 - 1865
Battles:American Civil War

George H. Walther (November 28, 1828July 30, 1895) was a German American immigrant, surveyor, and politician. He served as a Union Army officer in the American Civil War and later served one term in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the north side of the city of Milwaukee.

Biography

Walther was born in the village of Betzigerode, in what was then the Electorate of Hesse. He attended the military academy at the nearby city of Kassel and worked as a civil engineer and surveyor. In 1855, Walther emigrated to the United States and settled in Theresa, Dodge County, Wisconsin. He served as county surveyor and drainage commissioner for Dodge County. Walther was also justice of the peace and revenue inspector. During the American Civil War, Walther served as captain of Company I in the 7th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment and was wounded at the Battle of Gainesville. He later returned to service as major with the 34th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment and was then promoted to lieutenant colonel of the 35th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. In 1866, Walther moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1876, Walther served in the Wisconsin State Assembly on the Reform Party ticket. Walther died at his home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a result of the wounds he suffered during the American Civil War.[1] [2]

Personal life and family

George Walther married twice. His first wife was Margaret Juneau, a daughter of the founder of Milwaukee, Solomon Juneau.

Notes and References

  1. 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1876,' Biographical Sketch of George H. Walther, pg. 472
  2. 'Milwaukee Matters-Colonel George H. Walther,' Milwaukee Weekly Wisconsin, August 3, 1895, pg. 16