My Genealogy Hound

JOHN WALLACE. Among the business men of St. Joseph engaged as dealers in lumber and builders’ materials, Mr. Wallace is one of the most prosperous and enterprising. He inaugurated this enterprise in 1881, and has since conducted it in such a manner as to commend himself to the approbation and patronage of the people of the county. In addition to lumber and builders’ materials, he carries an extensive stock of lath, wood, coal, etc., and transacts a large business in those lines.

Mr. Wallace was born in Dundee, Scotland, March 7, 1835, and is a son of John and Mary (Reed) Wallace, natives of Scotland. When John was six years old his parents removed to Wayne County, Mich. His father was an honest, industrious man and followed the trade of a moulder. In Wayne County, John entered the common schools and gained a fair knowledge of the “three R’s.” His schooling was limited, and his education was principally acquired in that vast school where all mankind are pupils, the school of experience. Being a thoughtful reader and a close observer, he has become well informed upon all subjects of general interest, and his opinions upon matters of importance are valuable and frequently sought.

At the age of sixteen Mr. Wallace was apprenticed to learn the trade of a machinist and was employed at that occupation for several years. Later he secured a position as engineer on the Lakes in a vessel that plied between St. Joseph and Chicago and between Buffalo, Detroit and Chicago. In 1881 he built a tug, which had a regular run on the Lakes and through which he made some money. About that time he embarked in the lumber business, which he has conducted successfully up to the present time. As a business man, he is accurate in methods, conscientious in his dealings with all, and uniformly reliable.

In every question of general interest Mr. Wallace is not only interested, but is well informed and entertains definite opinions. In his political connections he adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and is never better pleased than when he is able to aid in securing a great victory for the party. He has often been called upon to serve as Alderman of St. Joseph, and has also filled with honor to himself the positions of Collector and Treasurer. He is a Director in the Union Banking Company of this city, and is connected with other prominent enterprises of the place. Socially, his connections are with Occidental Lodge No. 56, A. F. & A. M.

The marriage of Mr. Wallace occurred in February, 1860, and united him with Miss Alice, daughter of James McMahon, a native of Ireland. Mrs. Wallace was born in Detroit, Mich., and received her education in the schools of Detroit and Chicago. Her marriage has resulted in the birth of ten children, whose names are: Lewis D., William G., Maude M., James, Alexis J., Edith A., Roy F., Dudley B., John, Jr., and Alice V. The family home is in a beautiful residence on the corner of Elm and State Streets, in St. Joseph, and is one of the cozy dwellings for which this city is noted.