The life record of Henry Halter is proof of the fact that success is not a matter of genius or of fortunate circumstances, as some contend, but is the direct result of earnest labor and perseverance, for Henry Halter is a self-made man who owes his prosperity entirely to his persistent, earnest effort. He is now successfully engaged in truck farming upon a tract of land of forty-four acres on section 31, Mount Pleasant Township. He was born in Milwaukee County, ‘Wisconsin, October 13, 1855, a son of Lewis and Mary (Concelmanl Halter, who were natives of France. In the year 1842 the father came to the new world and in 1846 arrived in this state, settling in Milwaukee County, where he continued his residence for fifty-seven years, removing in 1903 to Mount Pleasant Township, Racine County. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, for his death occurred in 1904, while his wife passed away in 1892. Henry Halter is one of nine children, eight of whom are yet living. He pursued his education in the public schools of Milwaukee and Racine counties and in the city of Racine learned the tinner’s trade, which he followed for three years. He afterward spent a year in California and upon his return worked upon his father’s farm up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated in 1S83. He then purchased a part of his father’s land in Caledonia Township and continued to engage in farming there until 1903. He next bought forty-four acres of land in Mount Pleasant Township, which he has since devoted to the purposes of truck farming, making a specialty of cabbage, potatoes and onions. He annually gathers good crops and his success is the result of his close application, unfaltering energy and firm purpose.
In 1883 Mr. Halter married Emma Swantz, who died leaving one daughter, Emma, the wife of Robert West, of Mount Pleasant Township, by whom she has three children–Esther, Janet and Eunice. In 1891 Mr. Halter was united in marriage to Miss Fredericka Sheckler, her father being John Sheckler, an old settler of Racine County. They had two children, as follows: Edna, the wife of Harvey Hansche, by whom she has one child; and Frank, at home.
Mr. Halter belongs to the Baptist church and makes it his daily purpose to conform his life to its teachings. In politics he is a republican and for twenty-three years he has served as a member of the school board and has also been school clerk and pathmaster. In public service he has proven loyal and progressive and at no time is he remiss in the duties of citizenship. He rejoices in what has been accomplished to promote the welfare of Racine County and is ever ready to lend his aid and co-operation to movements for the general good.
