Robert B. Wallace was one of five children, four of whom are living: Robert B., Richard M., who is now in Kansas; Kearney, deceased; William, who is living in this State; Armenia, wife of Turner Funk, of Vernon County, Mo. Robert's father, in 1849, went to California at the time of the gold excitement and was moderately successful in his quest for the precious metal. He remained in California about two years, when he returned to Illinois, but he subsequently went back to California and there died, about 1853. Politically, he was a Democrat, and like all pioneers had done much hard labor. He was known in his day to be the best cradler in Morgan County, and he was equally good in landing the scythe. He was always in favor of any move that was for the public good, and that would elevate society, and he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his neighbors. Robert's mother is a member of the Christian Church, and is now well advanced in years. She subsequently married Samuel Poole; they purpose making their home in California.

Robert B. Wallace was reared to manhood in this county, and received the education incident to district schools, and having been an extensive reader all his life is well posted on general topics. He enlisted July 2, 1862, and was mustered into service in the following August, in Company E, 101st Illinois Infantry, as a private soldier. After his regiment went South it was assigned to the Army of the Mississippi, and latterly to the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Dallas, Peachtree Creek, and was in the siege of Atlanta from start to finish. From Atlanta he went with Sherman in his march to the sea, and on that celebrated expedition he was on duty as one of the foragers, during part of the trip. He was also participated in numerous minor engagements. He was captured by the rebels at Holly Springs, Miss., and was a prisoner six months; he was paroled, and spent some time at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., until he was duly exchanged. He finished up a creditable war record by taking part in the Grand Review, which occurred in the month of May, 1865, at Washington, and on the following 27th of June he was honorably discharged, after which he returned to Morgan County, where he has since resided.

Mr. Wallace was married Feb. 2, 1859, to Mary F. Anderson, daughter of Alexander Anderson, a pioneer of Morgan County. To Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have been born seven children, four of whom are living: Comella, Lottie, Myrtle and James W.; the following are deceased; Arthur, William and Lulu. Mr. Wallace's home is a mode of comfort and convenience. He is a member of Rollin Taylor Post No. 524, G. A. R., and has been commander for three terms in succession, and is now adjutant of the post. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both he and his wife take a great deal of interest in social matters. Mr. Wallace politically, is a Republican. He is reckoned one of the good citizens of Morgan County, and in his business he is meeting with deserved success.