My Genealogy Hound

Judge W. I. Wallace, circuit judge of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, and one of the prominent men of Laclede County, Mo., is the son of Zebina and Lucinda (French) Wallace, who were of Scotch-Irish descent. The Wallaces trace their genealogical ancestry back to the earliest colonists immigrating to Massachusetts. The paternal grandfather, Seth Wallace, was born in Massachusetts, but immigrated to the State of New York, where he passed his last days. He was a farmer by occupation, as were most of the family; was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was noted for his bravery. Zebina Wallace resided in Vermont until 1859, when he moved to Dane County, Wis., purchasing a farm near Madison, and here resided until his death, which occurred in 1881. He was a tanner by trade, which he learned in his youth, but his last days were spent on the farm. The mother died in 1883. They were the parents of nine sons, seven yet living: William, Christopher, Dewitt C., Jonathan C., Francis E., Washington I. and Joseph W. One remarkable feature of this family is that on the father’s side the grandfather and father died at the age of eighty-five years, and on the mother’s side the grandparents died at the age of eighty-five and eighty-four, respectively. Judge W. I. Wallace was born December 25, 1840, on the Green Mountains, in Franklin County, Mass. Here he was reared until fifteen years of age, when he went with his parents to Wisconsin, and in that State received his education. Being desirous of fitting himself for a professional life, he chose the law course, and took particular interest in his choice. He attended the University of Wisconsin, where he graduated in the year 1864. He also attended the Ann Arbor College, where he graduated in the law course in the spring of 1866. He came directly to Lebanon, Mo., where he entered into partnership with A. D. Groesbeck, a leading attorney and a very estimable gentleman. The firm continued as Groesbeck & Wallace until Mr. Groesbeck’s death, which occurred in 1870. Since that date Mr. Wallace has continued the practice alone. His unusual ability won for him a large practice and considerable prominence. In 1868 he was elected prosecuting attorney, and served until 1870. In 1876 he was sent as a member to the State Senate, where he served faithfully for four years. In 1884 he was elected to his present position of circuit judge (he having seven counties in his circuit), and was re-elected in 1886. He has held several other offices of public trust, and has filled all in an honorable and satisfactory manner. In 1863 he enlisted in Company D, Fortieth Wisconsin Infantry, and served until the regiment was mustered out. He was offered an officer’s position, but refused to accept. He participated in many of the severe skirmishes, and was a brave and gallant soldier. He was married in 1876 to Miss Louisa Groesbeck. They have one child, Clara. Judge Wallace and wife are members of the Congregational Church, and he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has passed all its degrees.