Rowley, Walter R.

The following data is extracted from Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement.

Walter R. Rowley, who is farming one hundred and fourteen acres of well improved land in Mount Pleasant Township, where he has always lived, was born May 5, 1869, of the marriage of Joseph and Ellen Rowley. The father came to Racine County in 1850 and worked at the butcher's trade for three or four years, after which he returned to England, his native land, and brought his wife to the new world. He purchased a small farm and in connection with the cultivation of his land engaged in the butchering business. For ten or twelve years he followed farming and then removed to Lake Geneva, where he lived for two years. At length he returned to the farm which he owned in Skunk Grove and later he embarked in the butchering business in Racine, where he remained for five years. On the expiration of that period he bought seventy-five acres of land in Mount Pleasant Township, which he cultivated, and for thirty years he engaged in the butchering business, retiring from active life about ten years before he was called to his final rest. He passed away in 1911 and was laid to rest in Mound cemetery, while his wife died in 1910. They were consistent members of the Episcopal Church and Mr. Rowley gave his political support to the Democratic Party. In their family were four children: H. J. and T. H, who are living in Racine; Elizabeth, the wife of James Corse, of Racine; and Walter R.

The last named acquired his early education in the common schools of Mount Pleasant Township and also studied for a time in Valparaiso, Indiana, after which he worked with his father until the latter's death. He has always devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits and is today successfully farming one hundred and fourteen acres of rich and productive land in Mount Pleasant Township. His place is well improved with substantial buildings and modern equipments, including all farm machinery which facilitates the work in the fields.

On the 18th of October, 1892, Mr. Rowley was married to Miss Alice Foster, a daughter of C. S. Foster, of Racine, and they have three children: Gertrude, Eleanor and Joseph. Mr. Rowley follows an independent political course, voting according to the dictates of his judgment, with little regard for party ties. For twenty-five years he has filled the office of road commissioner, doing much to keep the highways in good condition, and for three years he has been a member of the school board. His interest in the moral progress of the community is indicated in his membership in the Baptist church.

Source: Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement

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