from the 1878 Hendricks County history:

Walter, Joseph G., P.O. Rainstown; farmer, Sec. 27, born in this county, Jan. 29, 1848; son of William Walter, b. Dec., 1809, and Caroline Reynolds. Married April 18, 1872 to Virginia, daughter of Fleming and Mary Dickerson.

from the 1914 Hendricks County History:

The pursuit of agriculture in itself seems to make a peculiar appeal to those characteristics in mankind which tend toward and develop the true and sincere in character. Nearer, in his daily life, to the beautiful heart of nature than any other man, witnessing in all around him the wonders which the Almighty daily performs; seeing in the sprouting of the seed, the purling of the brook and habits of live creatures the miracles which are hidden from the cliff dweller of the crowded city, is it small wonder that he is uncontaminated in his daily life and work, his nature depends and truth and sincerity became his natural attitude toward life and his fellow men.

It is of such a man we wish to speak in this article. Joseph G. Walter was born January 29, 1848, in Middle Township, Hendricks County, the son of William Eli and Caroline (Reynolds) Walter. His boyhood was spent upon the farm of his father, and here he roamed the fields and learned the fundamental principles of his vocation. He attended the schools of the township, assisting his father with the work of the farm in his spare time.

In 1872 Mr. Walter was married to Virginia Dickerson, but in the year 1880 death called her from him. In 1891 he again married, Azzie Pierson, the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Jones) Pierson, becoming his wife. Three children have come to bless this union, all of whom are still at home with their parents.

During his early life, Mr. Walter was at one time seized with the desire for a change, and this wanderlust led him to seek new scenes and new faces and new occupations in the Far West. The beautiful state of Colorado eventually became his goal and there, for five years, he engaged in the work of mining silver, but the love of home and the memories of the green fields of his native county were strong within him and he finally turned his back upon the glories of the beautiful Rockies and returned to the Hoosier state. Here he has since remained, eventually purchasing a farm of about sixty-four acres, lying both in Middle and Union Townships, and this tract, with its comfortable house and well-kept buildings, is one of the well known homesteads of the locality.

The subject's father, Eli Walter, was a native of Fauquier County, Virginia, but emigrated while still a young man, to Hamilton County, Ohio, remaining in this place about two years. A residence of about five years in Wayne County followed, and there he met and married Caroline Reynolds, a native of the state of New Jersey. Eleven children were born to them, as follows: Sarah, John W., Nancy Rachel, Lucy Jane (Anderson), Alexander, Joseph G., Martha C. (Thompson), George, Benjamin, William and an infant who lived but a few hours. Of these children but three survive, Joseph G., Lucy Jane and Martha C. Mr. Walter entered land from the government in St. Joe County, and also in Tipton County, this state, but it was in Hendricks County that he chose to spend his days and rear his family. He was untiring in his efforts upon the farm, giving his time and energy to the successful cultivation of the soil, drawing there from sustenance for his large and growing family. The faithful wife and mother was called from this earth to her final rest in 1857, and for thirty-three years thereafter he found his comfort in his home and children, until death called him in 1890.

In manner, Joseph G. Walter is quiet and unassuming, yet sociable withal and a man to inspire confidence. His reputation for honesty and veracity is unquestioned and his friends speak of him as a man "whose word is as good as his bond." He is a firm believer in the tenets of the Republican Party; a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Pittsboro, and is also affiliated with the Masonic order of that place. He has aspired to no political office, devoting his energies to his home, his farm and the improvement of his surroundings, but in all questions touching the welfare of the community at large he shows a vital interest. Though not an active member of any church, his sympathies are with the Christian denomination. Both he and his wife are devoted to their three children and are popular with the young people in their vicinity.

A man of large acquaintance, many friends and a host of well wishers, his life has been a source of uplift to those with whom he has come in contact, and the community at large is the better for his having lived in it. Thus has he fulfilled man's highest mission in life, to so live that when he is called from hence he shall leave the world better than he found it.

from the Republican for Nov. 14, 1929:

Joseph G. Walter was born in Union township almost eighty-two years ago and died at his home in Brownsburg Nov. 9. He was twice married first to Virginia Dickerson, of Boone County, a few years after her death he married Azzie Pierson, of Danville. To this union three children were born, one son, Don, and Miss Ersie, of Brownsburg, and Mrs. Ben McGraw, of Philadelphia, Miss. In early manhood he united with the New Hope Christian church and continued in that faith throughout life. He was the oldest member of the Pittsboro I. O. O. F. Lodge and was also a member of the Masonic Order. The funeral services in charge of Rev. Ogden assisted by Rev. Tremaine were held in the Brownsburg Christian church, Monday afternoon, and the body was laid to rest in the Lizton K. of P. cemetery beside the wife and mother. Both orders of which he was a member conducted burial rites at the grave.

from the Indianapolis Star for Nov. 11, 1929:

Pittsboro Man, 82, Dies

Pittsboro, Ind., Nov. 10 - Joseph Walters, 82 years old, oldest member of the Pittsboro Masonic and Odd Fellow lodges, will be buried at services in the charge of the two lodges at Lizton tomorrow. His death Saturday (Nov. 9, 1929) was caused by disabilities of senility.