Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 571 - 572 

ALBERT G. WALDEN, Marshal of Wichita Fire Department, and Superintendent of American District Telegraph Company, of that city, is a cool, clear-headed, wide-awake man, possessing great tact for business, and by his pleasant and courteous treatment of those who come in contact with him has rendered himself very popular among all classes of citizens in this metropolis. He was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Dec. 29, 1849, and is a son of Baltzer and Julia A. (Streeter) Walden. His father was a ship builder on the Ohio River, and dealt in lumber, being very successful financially in his business. He was killed by the falling of a cornice from the Ohio Trust Company building in 1855, at which time several others were also killed.

            The esteemed mother of our subject now lives in Wichita. Of her marriage nine children were born, three of whom are now living: Granville M., a dealer in live stock in St. Louis, where he is well and favorably known; A. G.; Edwin B., a mail carrier in Wichita. Just before the death of the father the family had moved across the river into the State of Kentucky. Our subject, who was at that time six years of age, attended school in Cincinnati.

            In 1862, although but a boy of thirteen years, Albert G. left home and joined his brother Adolphus P., who was then a soldier, stationed at Milliken's Bend, Miss. Our subject remained with his brother's regiment, the 8th Indiana Infantry, and in 1864, when it veteranized, he enlisted in its ranks and continued to be a member of it until the close of the war. He was at the battles of Champion Hills, Black River, siege of Vicksburg, and in many skirmishes. He accompanied Gen. Banks on his expedition and was captured by the rebels, but after three days was re-captured by the Union soldiers. He as bravely and faithfully served his country as many an older and more experienced soldier. At the beginning of the war he went with his mother and others of the family to live in Anderson, Ind., and at the close of the war he returned to school in Anderson, where he remained until 1868, when he entered the regular army and served five years as a soldier, being stationed at Atlanta, Ga., and other Southern points.

            Retiring from a military life our subject went to St. Louis and engaged in the live stock trade with his brother, remaining in that city until 1880. From there he went to St. Joseph, Mo., and assisted in building the city water works. He subsequently acted as traveling salesman for a St. Joseph house for four years, and during that time, in 1882, he came to Wichita, where, after leaving the road, he opened a sample room for notions and hosiery, representing a Philadelphia firm.

            In October, 1886, Mr. Walden was appointed Chief of the Wichita Fire Department, consisting of four companies and sixteen paid men. Under his vigorous, systematic and business-like management it has become one of the finest and most effective organizations in its particular line in the State of Kansas. He organized the paid department and is its first chief. He has always taken a great interest in the fire departments of the various cities in which he has resided, and has made a careful study of their methods; he has also had an experience of several years as a member of volunteer fire companies, so that it is evident that he is well fitted for the important position he now holds. When the fire department was organized the members thereof presented our subject with an elegant gold badge, and later with one of the finest trumpets made. Mr. Walden also organized and is Superintendent of the American District Telegraph Company, and is now engaged in putting in a fire alarm service for the city. He is a member of the Board of Trade, and by his successful business operations has acquired valuable city property, and is now erecting a handsome residence.

            To the wife who presides with gracious hospitality over his home our subject was married Dec. 6, 1882. She was formerly Miss Malvina A. Descaux, daughter of Edward and Albertine Descaux. Her mother is now instructor in German in the Lewis Academy, of this city.

            In politics Mr. Walden is active in the ranks of the Republican party ; socially, he is a member of Warwick Lodge No. 44, K. of P., also of Uniform Rank, Wichita Division No. 2, of which he has been Commander for three years.

            The portrait of this enterprising representative citizen accompanies this sketch.

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