Ref: "A Twentieth Century History and Biographical Record of LaPorte County, Indiana", Rev. E.D. Daniels, 1904 Page 780:
"Walter S. Tilden, one of the best known residents of Cass township, where he has a fine farm in section 2, is a descendant of Holland Dutch ancestors, and comes of an old Vermont family from which have come some men of prominence in public life and many men of worth and great usefulness in the private walks of life. Samuel J. Tilden, one of the most eminent of the standard-bearers of the Democratic party, was a second cousin of the father of Walter S. Tilden.
John F. Tilden, grandfather of Walter S. Tilden, was born and reared in the state of Vermont, and was an early settler in Ohio. He died in Beaverdam, Wisconsin, at the age of seventy-two years. His son, Dr. John F. Tilden, was also born, reared and educated in Vermont, and moved to Ohio when a young man, locating near Sandusky. He engaged in raising sheep there for some years, and while there studied medicine. In 1846 he drove fifteen hundred sheep through to LaPorte county, Indiana, and after remaining in this county for two years went back to Ohio and brought his family, locating in Center township. He farmed and raised sheep after coming to this county, and then devoted himself exclusively to the practice of medicine, which he continued for forty years, until his death, April 3, 1897. He was one of the best known physicians of LaPorte county, and was one of the successful business men of the county. He was a life-long Democrat, although he had six Republican brothers. He was a trustee of Cass township for seven years, and could be relied upon for assistance in all public movements.
Dr. Tilden was married while living in Sandusky, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Lockwood, a native of Canada and a daughter of Eleazer Lockwood, who came to Ohio at an early day, and afterward moved to LaPorte county, where he died at the age of eighty-four years; he was one of the old-school Methodists, and a man who was esteemed by everyone. Mrs. Elizabeth Tilden was educated in Ohio, and she lived to be seventy-two years old, passing way in LaPorte county in 1874. She was the mother of three daughters and two sons, all of whom grew to maturity. Sarah Ann died in Nebraska in December, 1892; Jerome B. resides in Schyler, Nebraska; Sabra Ann is the wife of Aaron Pepple, of North Liberty, Indiana; Walter S. is the next in order of birth; and Charlotte is the wife of William Irwin, of Schuyler, Nebraska.
Walter S. Tilden was born in Erie county, Ohio, November 26, 1844, and came to LaPorte county when he was about two years old. His education was received in the log schoolhouses of that day. He remained on the home arm and assisted his father until the latter's death. He is now the owner of two hundred and fifty-five acres of some of the best land in the township. He does general farming, raises some stock, and is a progressive and successful man.
September 11, 1866, Mr. Tilden was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Lawrence, the daughter of John and Agnes (Lawrence) Lawrence, who were natives of England and came to LaPorte county in 1842. Mrs. Tilden is the third daughter, and was born in LaPorte county, April 15, 1844. She received her education in the county, and taught school here for three years before she was married. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tilden; John Franklin, who married Miss Mary Conboy and lives in Noble township, LaPorte county; Emma, the wife of Robert Marks, who resides on one of Mr. Tilden's farms; Geneva, deceased; Clifton, deceased; Lenora, deceased; Byron Elmer, living at home, single; and Grover C., who is a teacher in Cass township, having graduated in class of 1903 of the Wanatah high school.
Living, as he has, in LaPorte county since he was two years old, it is but natural that Mr. Tilden should be one of the citizens most interested in everything pertaining to its welfare, and he has always been willing to put his shoulder to the wheel in any movement requiring united effort. He has always been Democratic in politics, and was at one time county ditch commissioner.
Mr. and Mrs. Tilden have in their possession one of the old parchment deeds, executed April 1, 1848, and bears the signature of President James K. Polk and is the tenth deed of the kind found in LaPorte county. It is a valuable souvenir in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tilden."