Walter Samuel "Terry" Falk, III

Notes:

Legendary Texas artist, Walter S. Falk III died unexpectedly on Tues., July 10, while painting in his home studio in Rockport. The son of the late Anne and Lt. Col. Walter S. Falk, Jr., he is survived by wife Rhonda Stout Falk, Rockport; daughter Sheryl Falk, Houston; sons Nathan and Benjamin Falk, Rockport, sister Patricia Falk, Bridgeport, CT; and devoted friends and collectors around the world.

Born Sept. 20, 1945, in Philadelphia, Walter graduated from The University of Texas at Austin. He attended graduate school in philosophy, but when his advisor lost his Ph.D. dissertation, Falk crossed Guadalupe St. and began painting and selling watercolors on the sidewalk. Falk pushed to establish a dedicated marketplace for artists and craftspeople, which led to the creation of the People's Renaissance Market.

Falk was an exquisite artist with a distinctive artistic style-lyrical, whimsical and captivating. He combined dreamlike color in watercolor, acrylic, or oil backgrounds, with human figures inked with unerring gesture and movement, with brief, poetic titles. He had gallery shows, but he felt art belonged to the people, not to the upper crust alone. So he sold his paintings on the street and in festivals, which made him a keen human observer, contributing to his artistic reach even as it challenged him materially. Walter loved beauty, and made many sacrifices for his art. He sold nearly 40,000 original works in his life time, an achievement friends believe is unequalled, and he sold them on every continent on the globe.

Falk traveled extensively throughout Mexico, Canada, Europe, and South America. He had great adventures, climbing pyramids, mountains, and waterfalls, swimming with alligators and fighting bandidos. He shared his adventurous spirit in his paintings and through his captivating stories. He was a larger than life character who has been compared to Hemingway and Steinbeck. He relished life, and stayed true to himself throughout his.

A funeral service will be held this Sunday, 2:30 pm, at the First United Methodist Church, Rockport. A celebration of his life will be held soon in Austin. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made toward any charity supporting the arts or the environment or the American Heart Society.

(Courtesy of Sheryl Falk)

Walter married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living

Walter married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living
2. Benjamin Andrew Falk was born on 12 Jan 1989 in Austin, Travis County, Texas; died on 15 Jul 2023 in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Notes:

WALTER S FALK 22 Mar 1914 27 May 2001 (V) 78756 (Austin, Travis, Texas) (none specified) 173-05-5372 Pennsylvania

Walter married Josephine Anne Glennon Pearce on 2 Jun 1944 in Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi. Josephine (daughter of Jefferson Clayton Pearce and Nora Iduma Latimer) was born on 18 Oct 1923 in Pascagoula, Jackson County, Mississippi; died on 18 Dec 1994 in San Patricio County, Texas; was buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Bexar County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

When she applied for a social security account, she was living at 2103 Chesnut Street in New Orleans, LA. She 18 years old, and her first job was at Realty Operators in the 500 Marine Building in New Orleans.

Notes:

Married:
Sheryl Falk emailed that "My grandfather, Walter S. Falk, Jr. married Anne Pearce on June 2, 1944 in Biloxi Mississipi in the Chapel at Kessler Field. Her parents were from Biloxi, Mississippi."

Notes:

Walter Samuel Falk Birth Date: 26 Feb 1880 Birth Place: Monroe Residence: Delaware, Pennsylvania Roll: WW2_2240135 Note regarding the images for the states of PA, MD, WV, and DE. These four states were scanned at the National Archives facility in such a way that the back of one person's draft card appears on the same image as the front of the next individual. The result is that when you click to view the original image, you will see the correct front side of the draft card, but the back of the previous soldier's card. Ancestry is aware of this problem, and is working to correct this issue.
Ancestry.com. U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007


(Research):

Census Information:

1930 Federal Census
Pennsylvania, Delaware County, Upper Darby Twp
Enumerated April 3, 1930
ED 23-161 SD 27 Sheet 3A Stamped 107
Wilde Avenue
1005-54-59
Falk, Walter S. Head $20,000 M W 50 M31 Mich Germany Germany Retired USN
Falk, Anna T. S. Wife F W 45 M 24 Pa Pa Maryland
Falk, Vivian S Dtr F W 17 S Pa Mich Pa
Falk, Walter S Jf Son M W 16 S Pa Mich Pa
Falk, Evelyn H Dtr F W 8 S Ct Mich Pa
--------60
Sneden, James C Father-in-Law M W 80 M 20 Pa Ireland/Freee State Ireland/State
Sheden, Mary E Mother-in-law F W 84 M 24 Maryland Ireland/Free State Virginia

Walter married Anna Thompson Sneden on 26 Aug 1911. Anna (daughter of James Coulter Sneden and Mary Ellen Holloway) was born on 2 Sep 1885 in Pennsylvania; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sheryl Falk sent the following information about her paternal great-grandmother, Anna Shenden Thompson, excerpted from a book Anna wrote about her life:

She writes that her maternal grandmother Hester (Hetty) Lucas (born 1812) was the daughter of Hester Bowen (Boen) and Parker Lucas. She lived with her family in the Eastern part of Virginia at Accomak county. They lived in a fine estate and raised Thoroughbred horses.

Hetty married Lemuel Holloway of Lewes Delaware. They married and lived for quite a time at Ironshire, Maryland. There Mary Ellen Holloway was born Oct. 17, 1845. Mary Ellen grew up and moved to Philadelphia, living with her older sister, Esther Anne Holloway Purnell (or Purcell). Esther's husband accidently shot himself leaving her to rais her children alone.

Anna's father James Coulter Sneden was born in Philadelphia Jan. 18, 1851 at 16th and Pine Street. His parents came to America from Belfast lreland. His father William Sneden started to work as a carpenter but soon began building houses for himself. James Coulter Sneden often spoke of going to Independence Hall when he was 10 years old to see the body of Abraham Lincoln lying in state.

James Coulter and Mary Ellen met at a church social -Pine Street Church (3rd and Pine streets). They were married Oct. 13th, 1881 by the Rev. Adair. My great grandmother, Anna Sneden Thompson was born Sept. 2, 1885. (The baby's name was originally recorded at City Hall as "Ann Jane", however the maternal grandmother did not like that, so they added an "a" to Ann and substituted Sneden for Jane). Grandfather Sneden lived just long enough to see the baby.

Notes:

Married:
Sheryl Falk emailed that "Anna S. Thompson married Walter Samuel Falk in a military wedding on Aug. 26?sup?th?/sup?, 1911, one month to the day after they had met. They had three children. Vivian (married Bill Buchanon-Lt. Commander USN, ), Walter, Jr., and Evelyn Holloway (1921). On July 21, 1945, Evelyn married Donald Dickee (USMC, wounded) and they lived in Oklahoma City, on 12-31-1934, Anna's mother passed away. " Sherry later added that Walter was a Naval Officer, and he proposed to Anna on board the USS Olympia in 1911. The Falk family donated photos of the engagment to the Ship's museum during a reception hosted by the Philadelphia Yacht Club.

Notes:

At the time of the 1930 Federal Census, a Jefferson C. Pearce was listed as an inmate at the US Veterans Hospital 74, in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was listed as Male, White, age 33 and married, born in Alabama, with a father born in Mississppi and a mother born in Alabama. His Mississippi Death certificate indicates he was a veteran of World War I, his usual occupation was shown as clerk, and his parents were listed as Oscar T. Pearce and Pearl Springfield. He died at the a Veterans Administration Hospital.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1930 Census
Mississippi, Harrison County, Biloxi, District 5
Enumerated April 28, 1930
ED 24-5 SD 11 Sheet 21B
Reynoir Street
309-521-536
Pearce, Clayton J Head R 25 M W 33 M 26 Ala Ala Ala Propietor Pecan Shop
Pearce, Iduma W Wf F W 30 M 22 North Dakota (sic) Miss Miss
Pearce, Anna G Dtr F W 6 S Miss Ala Miss

1940 Census
Mississippi, Harrison County, Biloxi City, Beat 1
Enumerated May 1, 1940
Sd 6 ED 24-2 Sheet 24B
315----R 22
Pearce, Jefferson C Head M W 43 M No 8 Ala Same Place
Pearce, Nora I Wf F W 40 M No H-1 Miss Same Place
Pearce, Anna G Dtr F W 16 S Yes H-2 Miss Same Place

Jefferson married Nora Iduma Latimer about 1922. Nora (daughter of William Edwin Latimer and Mary Alice West) was born on 24 Oct 1899 in Handsboro, Harrison County, Mississippi; died on 3 Oct 1968 in Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport, Harrison County, Mississippi. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Patty Falk posted on a Latimer Genealogy board that she was trying to find a link to her mother's side of the family: Her grandmother was "Iduma Latimer (b. 20 Oct 1899), married Jefferson Pearce. They lived in Biloxi, MS. Jefferson was from Alabama. Iduma was one of four children, Iduma, Edna, Edwin and Victor. Their mother was Mary Latimer who died in Miss. about 1964. Edna married Stanley CAMPBELL and Edwin married Rose. They lived in Gulfport. Victor married Lucy, they lived in New Orleans. Victor and Lucy has one daughter, Martha Louise, born about 1944. Edwin and Rose had 3 daughters, but I don't know their names."

Sheryl Falk later obtained a copy of Iduma Latimer Pearce's death certificate from the State of Mississippi. Her date of birth per the certificate was instead shown as 24 October 1899, in Mississippi. Parents were listed as William Latimer and Mary A. West. The birth certificate of Iduma's daughter, Josephine Anne Glennon Pearce listed Iduma's full name as Nora Iduma Latimer, born in Handsboro, Mississippi. Anne was shown as her first child.

(Research):
Census Listings:

1920 Census
Mississippi, Harrison County, Gulfport, Beat 2
Enumerated 22 Jan 1920
SD 6 ED 50 Sheet 26A Ward 4
HH 523-542
Robert and Ella Latimer (ages 37 and 30) and children Laborer City Streets
HH 524-543
E.J. and Ellen Latimer (ages 72 and 66) Laborer City Streets
HH 528-547
Latimer, William E Head M W 44 M Miss Miss Miss Carpenter House
Latimer, Mrs. Allice Wf F W 43 M Miss Miss Miss
Latimer, Nora Iduma Dtr F W 20 S Miss Miss Miss
Latimer, Robert E(dwin) Son M W 15 S Miss Miss Miss
Latimer, Edna Urumia? Dtr F W 13 S Miss Miss Miss
Latimer, Victor Son M W 9 S Miss Miss Miss

Notes:

A relative of Sheryl Falk, Diane Kramer, indicated that after searching "Emigration Records and German Birth and Baptismal Records" she found their common ancestor, Andreas Falker, from Siefersheim, Hessen, about 48 miles from Darmstadt which is listed as where he was from on all records after his marriage records. She added that Lutheran Church Baptismal Records in Baden, Germany show he was born Feb 9, 1845. This is consistent with Walter Falk (Sr)'s "birthday book" entry of Feb 8 or 9, 1845. This also fits with his marriage to Katherina in a Lutheran church in Monroe.

Diane added that Baptismal records list his parents as Adam Falk and Susanna Mebus Falk who married Nov 4, 1841.Adam's father was named Andreas, so it looks like Andrew was named after his grandfather.Andrew also had a sister Frederika Catharina Falk who was born May 14, 1843, two years before him. Susanna's parents, and therefore Andrew's grandparents, were Joh Lorenz Mebus and Catherina Mebus.

The German Emigration Registry shows Andrew purchased passage (meaning legally registered to emigrate) April 1, 1867 in Mainz, Germany and listed his birth as 1845 and place of origin as Siefersheim. He departed later that same year, but from where exactly or the name of the ship Diane still doesn't have.

In an earlier post to a genealogy message board, Diane indicated that Andrew died ca 1881 in Ohio.

(Research):

Household:

1880 Census

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace

Andrew FALK Self M Male W 35 HESSE DARMSTADT Butcher HESSE DARMSTADT HESSE DARMSTADT
Catharine FALK Wife M Female W 33 WITTEMBURG Keeping House WITTEMBURG WITTEMBURG
Carrie FALK Dau S Female W 8 MI HESSE DARMSTADT WITTEMBURG
William FALK Son S Male W 6 MI HESSE DARMSTADT WITTEMBURG
Frederick FALK Son S Male W 4 MI HESSE DARMSTADT WITTEMBURG
Otto FALK Son S Male W 2 MI HESSE DARMSTADT WITTEMBURG
Walter FALK Son S Male W 3M MI HESSE DARMSTADT WITTEMBURG
Source Information:
Census Place Monroe, Monroe, Michigan
Family History Library Film 1254596
NA Film Number T9-0596
Page Number 527B

Andreas married Catharine Luft before 1872 in Monroe County, Michigan. Catharine was born in Jan 1847 in W?rttemberg, Germany; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census
Michigan, Monroe County, First Ward, City of Monroe
Enumerated 1 June 1900
SD 2 ED 76 Sheet 5B
Fourth Street
262-108-110
Falk, Catherine Hd W F Jan 1847 53 Wd 6/6 Germany Germany Germany 1851 49
Falk, Otto Son W M Oct 1878 21 S Mich Germany Germany Moulder
Falk, Walter Son W M Feb 1880 20 S Mich Germany Germany Locksmith
Falk, Henrietta Dtr W F Apr 19882 18 S Mich Germany Germany At Home
Luft, William Nephew W M May 1870 30 S Mich Germany Ohio Salesman Clothing

James married Mary Ellen Holloway on 13 Oct 1881. Mary was born on 17 Oct 1845 in Ironshire, Worcester County, Maryland; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Possibly married as early as 1871, based on their response to the 1930 census. (Married at ages 20 and 24).

Notes:

His Death certificate lists his parents as A. C Pearce, born Georgian, and Miss Adeline West, place of birth unknown. His usual occupation was shown as Night Watchman, at Berman Brothers. He was buried in Oakland Cemetery.

(Research):
Census Listings:

1910 Census
Alabama, Walker County, Pr. 5, Carbon Hill Town
Enumerated 19 Apr 1910
SD 6 ED 175 Sheet 8B
Pearce, Oscar T. Head M W 38 m1 14 years Miss Miss Miss Laborer Coal Mines
Pearce, Pearl Wf F W 33 M1 14 5/5 Ala Ala Ala
Pearce, Clayton Son M W 13 S Ala Miss Ala
Pearce, Jessica Dtr F W 12 S Ala Miss Ala
Pearce, Othella Dtr F W 10 S Ala Miss Ala
Pearce, Verna Dtr F W 8 S Ala Miss Ala
Pearce, Mary L Dtr F W 3 S Ala Miss Ala

Oscar married Addie Pearl Springfield about 1896. Addie was born about 1877 in Alabama; died on 30 Sep 1910 in Carbon Hill, Fayette County, Alabama. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her Alabama death certificate lists her parents as Dr. and Mrs. Th??? J Springfield.

She had lived in Carbon Hill for 7 or more years, which is where she contracted Pellagra, which she had suffered from for 18 months. She was not yet 33 years old when she died.

Cemetery was shown as Pisgah.

Notes:

When he registered for the draft during World War I, he was shown as a ships carpenter for Dierks Blodgett AB in Pascagoula, Mississippi. His nearest relative was his wife, Mrs. William Edwin Latimer, and their address was Rt. 3, Bell, Gulfport, Mississippi. His physical description was Tall, of medium build, with grey eyes and light brown hair.

His obituary, said to have been printed in the Daily Herald, Biloxi, on July 24, 1922, a transcription of which was posted on his FindAGrave memorial page created by Carmella Seymour, follows:

W. M. LATIMER DIES"

"At 1 o'clock this morning Wm. Edwin Latimer, aged 47 years, 8 months and 17 days, died at his home in the northeastern part of Gulfport. Mr. Latimer had been ailing for some time, the disease being of such a nature that it would not yield to medical treatment. He was born at Handsboro and had been a resident of Gulfport almost since the establishment of the city. For a number of years he was connected with the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad with the construction department. He was well known and liked by a large circle of friends and relatives. A number of years ago he united with the Methodist church in Gulfport and had been a consistent member since. He was especially interested in Sunday School work. A wife and four children beside three sisters and five brothers remain to mourn his death. The funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. W. L. Linfield at the family residence tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. The relatives who are present from out of the city are Mr. and Mrs. C. A. White and children from laures, and the daughter, Mrs. J. C. Pearce from Birmingham."

A photo of his headstone, erected by the Woodsment of the World, is also shown on his FindAGrave memorial page.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census
Mississippi, Harrison County, Beat No. 2
Enumerated 18 and 19 Jun 1900
SD 140 ED 32 Sgweet 17B
551-555
Latimer, Edwin V Head W M Nov 1874 25 M 2 Miss Miss Miss Laborer Saw Mill
Latimer, ALice Wf W F Apr 1876 24 M 2 1/1 Miss Miss Miss
Latimer, Nora I Dtr W F Oct 1899 7/12 S Miss Miss Miss

1910 Census
Mississippi, Harrison County, Beat 2, City of Gulfport
Enumerated 26 Apr 1910
SD 6 ED 42 Ward 4 Sheet 23B
Magnolia Street
None-392-404
Latimer, Wm E Head M W 33 M1 12 Carpenter D&GI (??) Shops
Latimer, Alice Wf F W 32 M1 12 5/4
Latimer, Nora Dtr F W 10 S
Latimer, Robt E Son M W 5 S
Latimer, Edna Dtr F W 2 S
Latimer, Victor Son M W 1/12 S

1920 Census
Mississippi, Harrison County, Gulfport, Beat 2, Ward 4
Enumerated 22 Jan 1920
SD 6 ED 50 Sheet 26A
Central Fork
HH 553
Robert and Ella Latimer
HH 557
EJ and Ellen Latimer
HH 559
Latimer William E Head M W 44 M
Latimer, Mrs. Alice Wf F W 43 M
Latimer, Nora Iduma Dtr F W 20 S
Latimer, Robert E Son M W 15 S
Latimer, Edna Winona tDtr F W 12 S
Latimer, Victor Son M W 9 S
HH 561
Pearce, J F and Mrs D E

William married Mary Alice West about 1898. Mary was born on 21 Apr 1876 in Mississippi; died on 18 Oct 1963; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport, Harrison County, Mississippi. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]