Jay Wallace

WALLACE, WHEELER, HOOK, BAKER, COLWELL

Posted By: Marie Salisbury (email)
Date: 11/1/2009 at 11:54:29

History of Linn County, pp. 156-157

Jay Wallace, who devotes his time and energies to the operation of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 14, Marion township, was born in Indiana on the 6th of November, 1850. His parents, James and Eliza Alls (Wheeler) Wallace, both of whom were natives of New York, removed to Indiana about 1844, there purchasing a tract of forty acres of timber land. After residing thereon for twelve years they made their home in Black Hawk county, Iowa, where for two years, on the expiration of which period they went to Benton county, where they bought land and spent the remainder of their lives. The demise of James Wallace occurred in 1876, while his wife was called to her final rest in September, 1904, when she had attained the age of eighty-four years. Unto this worthy couple were born nine children, five of whom are still living.

Jay Wallace attended the common schools in his youthful years and in 1907 bought his present place of one hundred and sixty acres on section 14, Marion township, Linn county. He not only engages in general farming but also makes a specialty of the raising and feeding of stock, which branch of his business adds materially to his income.

In October, 1895, Mr. Wallace was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah J. (Baker) Hook, whose birth occurred in Wapello county, Iowa, in April, 1860, her parents being William and Mary (Colwell) Baker, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Wallace had nine children, as follows: I.N. , a resident of La Porte City, Iowa; Jason M., who also lives at that place; Walter L., who has passed away; Mary May, the wife of David Gilbert, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Maud L., at home; Clinton S., who lives in Californina; Newton, who is also still at home; Minnie, who is attending business college at Cedar Rapids; and Theresa, deceased.

In politics Mr. Wallace has always been a staunch democrat and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has capably served in the office of road supervisor. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to the chapter and commandery at Vinton. He is likewise a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Mount Auburn, Iowa, and has filled some of the chairs therein. Both he and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church and their religious faith is undoubtedly a premeating element and influence in their lives.