SAMPSON WALTERS.-Prominent among the thriving and progressive agriculturists of Sullivan county is Sampson Walters, who displays much judgment and skill in his calling, his farm being one of the most valuable and attractive of any in Haddon township, everything about the premises indicating the care and supervision of an excellent manager, and a thorough-going farmer. A son of Sampson Walter, Sr., he was born February 21, 1862, in Cass township. His grandfather, Frank Walters, came from his Kentucky home to Indiana in 1837, and spent the remainder of his life in Sullivan county.


A native of Kentucky, Sampson Walters, Sr., was born January 22, 1827, near Lexington, where he lived until ten years old. Coming with his parents to Sullivan county, Indiana, he assisted his father in clearing and improving a homestead from the forest. Becoming then a farmer from choice, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in Cass township, March 28, 1890. He married Elizabeth Simpson, who was born January 20, 1825, in Sullivan county, Indiana, of English ancestry. She survived him, and is now residing in Greene county. She is a member of the Church of Christ, to which her husband also belonged. Six children were born of their union, namely: Courtney, deceased; John, a resident of Sullivan county; Elizabeth, wife of James Decard, of Greene county; Francis E., deceased; Alary Ann, wife of Louis Saucerman, of Sullivan county; and Sampson, of this sketch.


Growing to manhood on the home farm, Sampson Walters was educated in the district schools, and until twenty-two years of age assisted his father, under whose instruction he became well drilled in the various branches of agriculture. Beginning the battle of life, then, on his own account, Mr. Walters purchased the farm on which he now lives, in Haddon township, and in its management has had excellent success, having now in his possession five hundred acres of choice land, admirably adapted to general farming and stock raising. He deals quite extensively in stock, making a specialty of hogs, cattle and sheep, an industry which he finds profitable. He has in his possession one of the oldest deeds in Sullivan county. It is dated June 6, 1827, and was executed by President John Quincy Adams. Mr. Walters is a man of good business capacity, alive to the interests of the rural community, and is one of the stockholders in the Carlisle Telephone Company, which he helped to organize. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.


Mr. Walters married April 14, 1886, Permelia A. Land, who was born in Haddon township, Sullivan county, February 22, 1864, a daughter of James R. and Sarah A. (McKinley) Land, neither of whom are now living. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walters, namely: Edward E., born February 3, 1887, was graduated from the Carlisle high school in 1906, and is now attending the Indiana University at Bloomington; Jesse N., born May 17, 1888, is a student in the Carlisle high school, being a member of the class of 1909; and Maude, born June 6, 1892, attends the Carlisle high school, belonging to the class of 1911; she has received both a vocal and instrumental musical education. Mr. and Mrs. Walters are highly respected throughout the community in which they reside, and are worthy and valued members of the Church of Christ, of Paxton, Indiana.