JOHN A. WALLACE. The original of this sketch is the owner of one hundred and eighty-two acres of land located on section 24, North Otter Township. He is a native of New Hampshire, having there passed his youthful days and there remained until after he was twenty-two years old. His father was Amos Wallace who was born in Franconia, N.H., his mother was Mary (Hildreth) Wallace, who was born in Littleton, N.H. They settled in Littleton and there remained until they died. The father was a farmer by occupation and doubtless found his time fully occupied in making prolific the rocky ground of New Hampshire. One can imagine that the twelve children that the family boasted, found occupation in picking up the stones on the farm and ranging them in symmetrical order as fending.
Our subject was the eleventh child and was born in Littleton, N.H., November 8, 1835. When he had reached his twenty-second year he left home and came to Macoupin County, where he has ever since been a resident with the exception of about a year and a half spent in Sangamon County. He has always followed farming. His marriage took place October 2, 1861, his wife's maiden name being Mary H. Smith, a daughter of Elisha and Susan A. (Eaves) Smith whose sketch may be found under the name of Elisha Smith in another portion of this volume. Their marriage took place in North Otter Township at the residence of the bride's father.
They are the parents of eight children - Willie A., who married Mary E. Cable; Edgar E., who died when an infant; Jesse E., who married Myrtie E. Chaffin; Lew E., who died in infancy; Della A., Clara A., Leslie, all of whom died when children, and Glenna P. Mrs. Wallace was born in North Otter Township, November 14, 1840. Our subject has erected a series of buildings on his place which are complete in every way.
Mr. Wallace has been appointed to several offices in North Otter township. He has served as School Director for a long time. In his political preference he is a Republican. Our subject and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially, Mr. Wallace is an Odd Fellow.