WALTER, Thomas Ustick, architect, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 4 September, 1804; died there, 30 October, 1887. His early education was liberal but not collegiate, and at the age of fifteen he entered the office of William Strickland, the architect of the mint and the custom-house, Philadelphia. After acquiring a knowledge of linear drawing and a general acquaintance with the professional practice of architects, he resumed his general studies, prosecuted them for seven years, and after two more years with Nr. Strickland he began practice as an architect in 1830. His first important work was the new county prison (1831), which is now generally known as Moyamensing jail, mid in 1833 he made the original designs for Girard college, and was sent to Europe by the building committee of that institution, that he might study there. On his return he took charge of the college building, which was completed in 1847, and which it is claimed is the finest specimen of classic architecture on this continent. Mr. Walter's next great work was the breakwater at Laguayra for the Venezuelan government; in 1851 his design for the extension of the capitol at Washington was adopted. Having been appointed government architect, he removed to Washington, and remained there till the completion of the work in 1865. (See illustration.) While in Washington he also designed the extensions of the patent-office, treasury, and post-office buildings, the dome on the old capitol, the congressional library, and the government hospital for the insane. Among the works of his private practice in Philadelphia were the designs for St. George's hall, the Preston retreat, and the Biddle and Cowperthwaite places on Delaware river. He assisted the architect; of the new Public buildings at Philadelphia in their erection, and was so engaged till his death. He was a member of the Franklin institute after 1829, held its professorship of architecture, and in 1860 delivered a course of lectures on that subject, in Columbia college, New York. He was a member of the American philosophical society after 1841, and was one of the original members of the American institute of architects, of which he was president at the time of his death. He received the degree of D. C. L. from the University of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1853, and that of LL.D. from Harvard in 1857.