William Emerson Walrath, one of the leaders in the public life of the town of Canajoharie, New York, has been associated with the Beech-Nut Packing Company at that place for eighteen years in its department of traffic. He was born in Freysbush, town of Minden, New York, on August 13, 1887, his parents being Emory and Lida (Iffland) Walrath. The former was born February 2, 1860, at Freysbush, New York, and died at Fort Plain, on February 27, 1912. He was commissioner of highways in the town of Minden for twelve years. Emory Walrath was the son of William J. and Lucinda (Dunckle) Walrath. William J. Walrath was born at Freysbush, New York. He was a cabinetmaker by trade but also made coffins and fanning mills. He fought in the battle of Oriskany and was killed in action. His wife, Lucinda (Dunckle) Walrath, was born at Freysbush and died in that place. Captain Jacob Walrath, paternal great-grandfather of William Emerson Walrath, fought in the Revolutionary war. Lida (Iffland) Walrath, mother of William E., was born at Freysbush, February 3, 1866, and is living in that place, aged fifty-eight years. She is the daughter of Paul and Nancy (Smith) Iffland. Paul Iffland was born in Germany and died in Freysbush in 1889. He was postmaster at Freysbush, and also a custom shoemaker. Nancy (Smith) Iffland was born in Fort Plain and died in Freysbush. Ferdinando Smith, maternal uncle of the subject of this review, fought in the Civil war, and his brother, Fred Smith, enlisted at the age of sixteen and never has been heard from since that time.
William Emerson Walrath attended the public and high school at Fort Plain, New York, then became a student at Gloversville Business College and graduated in the class of 1905. Following his graduation he worked as bookkeeper for a few months for the Independent Coal Company at Gloversville, then came to Canajoharie, and became associated with the Beech-Nut Packing Company in its traffic department, which position he has held for eighteen years. During the World war Mr. Walrath was official registrar for the town of Palatine for the selective draft and was, justice of the peace in Palatine Bridge for two terms (eight years), 1914-1922. From 1912 to 1922 he was clerk of the village of Palatine Bridge and has also been democratic committeeman for the town of Canajoharie.
On October 4, 1911, William E. Walrath was united in marriage to Miss Regina Ayers Fuller in Palatine Bridge. She was born July 5, 1889, in Palatine Bridge, her parents being Jacob E. and Hellen (Cooper) Fuller. She was educated in the public and high school of Palatine Bridge. Her father was born January 4, 1841, at Palatine Bridge and died there May 12, 1922. He was a carpenter and builder. Alva Fuller, paternal grandfather of Mrs. Walrath, was a wagonmaker, and was born in Palatine Bridge, and died there. His wife, Elizabeth (Schill) Fuller, was born in Palatine Bridge and also died in that place. Alva Fuller was the son of David Fuller, and Captain Abner Fuller was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Hellen (Cooper) Fuller, mother of Mrs. Walrath, was born November 15, 1847, in Lenox, New York, and is now living in Palatine Bridge, aged seventy-seven years. She is the daughter of Jacob Henry and Harriet (Dockstader) Cooper. Jacob Henry Cooper was born in Kinderhook, New York, October 4, 1812, and died in Newark, New York. He was a farmer. His wife was born in Sharon, New York, June 19, 1813, and died on December 20, 1900, at Canajoharie. Mrs. Walrath is an active worker in the Methodist church, of which she is a member and is also a member of the choir. She holds membership in the Monday Evening Club and the Fort Rensselaer Daughters of the American Revolution, both of Canajoharie.
Two sons and two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. William Emerson Walrath: Donald Fuller was born in Palatine Bridge, on October 29, 1912, and died at that place on June 23, 1920; Mary Elizabeth was born on January 25, 1918, in Canajoharie; Robert Donald was born on July 11, 1920, in Canajoharie; and Rosann was born June 20, 1924.
Mr. William E. Walrath is a member of Hamilton Lodge, No. 79, A. F. and A. M., of Canajoharie, of which he is past master. He is also a member of Palatine Union Grange, No. 580, and of the Canajoharie Automobile Club. He attends the Methodist church and politically is identified with the democratic party. He is fond of outdoor life and particularly enjoys fishing. His integrity of character and his appreciation of the duties which rest upon him have made Mr. Walrath a most acceptable incumbent in the position which he has held for so many years.