My Genealogy Hound

BENJAMIN F. WALLACE, one of the well-to-do and successful farmers of township 45, range 25, has hewed out his own way to prosperity and richly deserves what he has achieved. He was born in Tennessee, January 19, 1855, and for many years dutifully assisted his parents, Thomas and Hannah ( Hibbs) Wallace. The father and mother were also born in Tennessee, where they were reared and married. In the spring of 1861 Thomas Wallace came with wagon and team to Nodaway County, this state, and for six months lived there on rented land. Not being satisfied with the locality, he came to Johnson County in the fall of the year, first settling on Clear Fork Creek. There he rented a house, but as the winter was quite advanced he waited until spring before putting in a crop of grain. For three years he lived upon this place, each year laying aside a goodly sum of money, with which it was his intention to purchase a tract of land. He made a selection of one hundred acres in Post Oak Township, to which he afterward added a like amount, and upon this fine estate he resides with his estimable wife. Mr. Wallace never had any desire to hold office, but as a farmer he achieved an enviable reputation. His interest in school affairs, however, led to his being elected Director of the district where his family of sons and daughters attended school.

To Thomas and Hannah Wallace there were granted twelve children, of whom we make the following mention; Amelia married David Widbee and resides in Henry County, this state; Elizabeth became the wife of William Keeney; Nancy married James Warnick, and they reside near Knobnoster; William never married, and is at present residing in Montana; Joseph married Nannie Briscoe, and their home is near Center View; Hanie married Thomas Marshall, a resident of this township; Fannie was formerly the wife of Thomas J. Rogers, and at the time of her death lived in Nodaway County, Mo.; Benjamin F. was next in order of birth; Louisa is now the wife of Thomas J. Rogers; Thomas married Evelyn Lindell, and makes his home near the farm of our subject; Siotha A. is the wife of Howard Clark, and their home is in Henry County; and Tabitha died, aged thirteen years.

One year prior to attaining his majority our subject went to Nodaway County, and there worked on a farm for one year. He then made his way to Montana, and after one summer spent in similar employment returned to the old home, where he remained until his marriage, October 20, 1881. His union was with Miss Annie Vanblarcum, a native of Henry County, Ill., where her birth occurred November 4, 1862. Her parents were David and Bridget (Thornhill) Vanblarcum, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and England. Her parents were farmers in Henry County, whence they came to Cass County, this state, in 1869, and later moved to Johnson County, where the mother of Mrs. Wallace died November 11, 1886. Her father now makes his home with our subject.

When ready to establish a home of his own, our subject purchased ninety acres across the road from where he now lives and which at that time belonged to his father. To this he later added thirty acres, and as the years passed by and he became more prosperous, he erected thereon a suitable residence and other buildings. He later became the owner of thirty acres on the east side of the road, to which tract he moved his dwelling, and there he has since lived. He gives his attention to general farming, raising, besides the various cereals, a good breed of stock.

Mr. and Mrs. Wallace became the parents of five children. The eldest died unnamed; Thomas H. departed this life when six months old; William Carl, was born April 14, 1886; Nora, April 16, 1889; and Laura, November 26, 1891. Our subject has been School Director in his district for several years, and as the incumbent of this office gives satisfaction. He is a Republican in politics and takes great interest in the success of his party. He is a self-made man, and the property of which he is now the proud possessor has been acquired by diligent labor and good judgment in the expenditure of money. Mrs. Wallace is a devoted member of the Baptist Church, and a faithful worker in the Harmony Church.