Walter S. Emery

Walter S. Emery came to Barnes County at the age of twenty-one from the State of Maine. He worked for several farmers, including Henry Beal, and married Mattie, the daughter of Henry Beal.

The Beal family had come to Valley City in 1881, settling in Ashtabula Township. There were three daughters and an adopted son.

To the union of Walter and Mattie were born eight children:

  1. Edwin H.,

  2. Amos M.,

  3. Viola M.,

  4. Angie B.,

  5. Ernest A.,

  6. Walter S. Jr.,

  7. Esther E., and

  8. Mattie B.

All are now deceased.

Like all early settlers, the Walter Emerys had their difficult times, what with Indians, crop failures, children to raise, little income. The couple separated about 1900 and later Walter married Angie Beal, sister of his previous wife. A large land-owner at one time and in partnership in an implement business, Walter later lost his land. He worked for the State Highway Department and passed away in 1946.

Of his family, Edward married Gustava Undem. Amos married Emma Nelson in 1916 and were the parents of six children. Amos died in 1944. Emma lives in Valley City.

Angie married George Pond and have four children. Ernest married Esther Hayes. Walter S., Jr. married Dora Koch in 1922, and Esther married Douglas Martin in 1919.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 63