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Below is a family biography included in The History of Hickory County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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James T. Wallen, a resident of Wheatland Township, Hickory County, Mo., was born in East Tennessee, March 15, 1826, and is a son of Michael and Lucinda (Saulsberry) Wallen, who were born in North Carolina and White County, Tenn., respectively When a young man, Michael Wallen removed to Tennessee, and, in 1830, located in Cole County, Mo., and died on the Gasconade River when about forty-five years of age. His widow afterward married William McKay, and, after residing in Miller and McDonald Counties, removed to Hickory County, where she died, aged about sixty-four years. To them were born six children, of whom James T. is the only one now living. Those deceased are Susan, Elizabeth, Andrew, Daniel, and Spencer P. To the mother’s last marriage one daughter was born, Maria J., who is also deceased. James T. Wallen received his education by his own exertions in Miller County, and made his home with his mother until twenty-five years of age, then turned his attention to farming in Hickory County. During the Mexican War he attempted to enlist, but was prevented from so doing by his step-father, Mr. McKay; but, when the Rebellion broke out, he, in 1862, joined the Home Guards, Company I, Eighth Missouri State Militia, and served until April 21, 1865, and was mustered out at Springfield, having participated in many battles, among which were Fayetteville, Tomahawk, and many others. He was never wounded, and was taken prisoner once, but was only retained a short time. He is a Republican in politics, and, in 1872, was elected constable in Montgomery Township, and served, by re-election, until he finally refused to serve longer. In 1882 he was elected judge of the Western district, and was re-elected in 1884, being urged, at the expiration of this term, to become a candidate for re-election, but refused. On the 22d of July, 1851, he and Miss Sarah McKenzie ran away from home, and were married. She was born in Monroe County, Tenn., May 24, 1831, and is a daughter of James McKenzie. To them were born five children, four of whom are living: Sarah E., wife of R. H. Gardner; Nancy C., widow of George W. Dixon, deceased, and William F. Blackwell, deceased; Minervia J. (deceased); Daniel R. R.; and Lucinda, wife of Charles Tillery, of Hickory County. Mrs. Wallen is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he of the old Primitive Baptist denomination. He is a Mason, and belongs to the G. A. R. He owns some excellent land in Hickory County, the result of hard work and economy.

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This family biography is one of 53 biographies included in The History of Hickory County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Hickory County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Hickory County, Missouri family biographies here: Hickory County, Missouri

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