His mother moved to Montgomery County, Missouri, and Walter labored on a farm during his boyhood, attending school only during the winter months.
He also "studied law under Ben Sharp, a prominent lawyer in the area", and was admitted to the bar in 1855.
An oil painting of him adorns the walls of the Chamber, "a memorial placed by Legislative direction".
[3] He died fifteen months later, at his home in Danville, Missouri, having suffered lung issues and diagnosed with consumption.
Described as an "industrious judge", it was further written that "his opinions indicate that with experience and good health he would have earned for himself a prominent rank".