John Patterson Walters is a pioneer of Empire City, where he has resided since June, 1877, and where he is now the leading merchant. Mr. Walters was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, Oct. 10, 1837. His parents were Frank and Wilhelmina Walters. His father was born in Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, and his mother in Switzerlaud. His father was a miller by trade, but in Pennsylvania followed coal mining.

John P. Walters had only the advantages of a common school education, and very early in life went to work in the Pennsylvania oil fields. Later and up to 1868 he was engaged in manufacturing glass sand at Pittsburgh, Pa., and thereafter, up to 1876, he was engaged in operating coal mines in that state. In June, 1876, he came west to Kansas and located at Hutchinson, later at Osage City, and in June, 1877, located at Empire City, where he has merchandised with gratifying success. He has served as councilman, city clerk, member of the school board, mayor and postmaster at Empire City. He was three times elected mayor, and after serving as postmaster three years resigned the position. In every position of public trust held by Mr. Walters he has rendered acceptable service. In politics he has supported the principles of the Republican party with unflinching fidelity. Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias, and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Public spirited, Mr. Walters has lived the life of a progressive and enterprising citizen. While he has not accumulated a large fortune, yet he has achieved success in the business world. He has been more or less interested in mining at Empire City and Galena, sometimes with success. Of him it can be truthfully said that in all of his business transactions he has been honest and a fair dealer with his fellowmen. He is highly respected, and has led an exemplary life.

In 1875 he married Agnes Adams, who came west with him as his young wife, and who shared his sorrows as well as joys, and was a faithful helpmate to him for twenty-one years, when, in 1894, she passed to the great beyond, leaving three children—Frank A., Addie and Lillis.