My Genealogy Hound

James E. Walls, a retired merchant of Leasburg, is the son of Spencer and Anna Walls, nee Higdon, and was born in 1827, in Marshall County, Tenn., the second of five children in his parents’ family. As he grew up, farming became his chosen occupation, but unfortunately he was denied all opportunities or advantages for obtaining an education. In 1868 he located in Missouri and entered into the dry goods business, at Leasburg, where he carried on merchandising for several years. His success at this point led him to start another store at the Scotia Iron Works, but in 1875, after a successful career there, he was burned out. In 1847 Mr. Walls was married to Miss Amelia, daughter of John and Polly Waters, both Virginians by birth. Eleven children blessed this union, all of whom are now deceased. Since his residence in this county Mr. Walls has purchased some property, and at the same time possesses some in Tennessee. Besides an eighty acre tract here, he owns five town lots and two dwellings in Leasburg, where he makes his home. His mother, a lady eighty-six years of age, is a member of his family, and, though advanced in years, is well preserved and quite active. She is a member of the Methodist Church, as are also Mr. and Mrs. Walls. He is a Republican, politically, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity.