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Transcipt of the obituary of Henry S. Walck , Oldest Resident of Greencastle.
January 10, 1929.


"Death Comes To Henry S. Walck, Oldest Resident of Greencastle."

Succumbing to an attack of pnemonia, Henry S. Walck , Veteran grain cradle manufacturer, and Greencastle's Oldest citizen, died at 11:40 o'clock(sic) last friday night at the home of his son , Lester R. Walck, South Washinton street , aged 94 years , 8 months and 16 days.

Mr. Walck was born in Antrim township on April 17th (sic),1834, the son of Samuel Walck. His Birth occured during the administration of Andrew Jackson ,seventh president of the united states, more than ten years prior to the Mexican War, and more than 25(sic) years prior to the Civil War. As a yougn man he engaged in farming on the Stover farm, now known as the Winger farm, about one mile southeast of Greencastle. He was married in 1855 to Miss Sophia Foster , also of Antrim.

It was while working on the Stover farm that Mr. Walck at the reuest of a friend, fashioned a shaking fork for the use of his friend.The workmanship was such that other friends soon began placing orders for forks, and Mr.Walck established a little shop on the farm. A few years later , about 65 years ago, he removed the shop to his own property oppositeCanebrake school house and engaged in bussiness as a manufacturer of forks, rakes, and grain cradles.His bussiness grew rapidly, and his shop on the Leitersburg road became famous.

At the height of his sucess he produced in a year about 1500 grain cradles , and 2000 each of forks and rakes. Each year he sent out direct mail announcements concerning his product, and his mailing list was at one time the largest handled at the local postoffice(Sic). With the aid of his son, Lester R.Walck, he continued in bussiness until about five years ago, when he retired at the age of almost 90 years.

Mr. Walck was a man of remarkable Vigor , retaining his facilities to the last (sic). He was a familiar figure to several generations of Greencastle- Antrim residents , who liked to greet him when he drove to town, and many of whom remember his shop on the Leitersburg road (sic) , with it's stacks of gleaming forks and cradles. He was a member of Grace Reformed church of Greencastle , and a man of high integrity who enjoyed the respect as well as the friendship of all who knew him.Only a few months ago , he sold his property in Canebreak and removed to Greencastle , making his home in the new house erected by his son Lester R. Walck , owner of the L.R. Walck Hatcheries.

Surviving Mr. Walck are the following children: Mrs.J.B. Bower, State Line ; Ambrose L. Walck , Kauffman Station ; Rev. Chalmers Walck , of Fredrick, Md. ; And L.R. Walck of town. One brother , Moses Walck of Route 1 also survives.

The funeral service was held at the home of L.R Walck at 1 o'clock (sic) on Sunday, conducted by the Rev.G. E. Plott , and burial was made in Cedar Hill cemetery.(sic).

Transcribed on October 15, 2005
Robin N Starliper
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