THOMAS G. WALLACE, one of the best and most systematic farmers of West Finley township, is a son of Charles, whose father, Robert Wallace, was born and married in County Down, Ireland. His wife was formerly Esther Walkingshaw, daughter of John Walkingshaw, a miller of County Down. After his marriage, Mr. Wallace sailed (in 1804) with their eldest son from Ireland to America, and while on the ocean, the second son, Robert, was born. The family first settled in Westmoreland county, Penn., and resided there ten or twelve years, finally making a permanent home in West Finley township, Washington county. Their other children were John, Samuel, Mary Ann, Martha and Jane. Of this family Robert is now the only living member. The mother died June 14, 1848, and the father lingered until 1856, when he, too, passed away. Charles Wallace, the eldest son of the above family, was born January 2, 1802, in County Down, Ireland, and passed his youth in America, on the farm of his father. He learned the trade of a weaver, and followed that vocation until he settled on the farm now occupied by his son, Thomas G. He was united in marriage with Ann Griffith, daughter of Thomas Griffith, of Donegal township, Washington county, who was a native of Wales. To this union were born children as follows, the names and dates of birth being given: Margaret, October 15, 1826; Robert, January 4, 1828; Thomas G., March 19, 1829; Samuel, September 10, 1830; John, November 8, 1832; Charles, July 14, 1833; Esther, January 8, 1836; William, July 16, 1837; Mary J., February 7, 1839, and Arthur, May 15, 1842. Of these children, Esther, Samuel, John and Mary J. are deceased. Mr. Wallace was a charter member of the Haneytown Presbyterian Church. In politics he was formerly a Whig, and on the formation of the party became a Republican. On May 19, 1871, he was laid to rest, and on February 6, 1879, was followed by his wife.
Thomas G. Wallace was born in Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., and came with his father to West Finley township, where he assisted in the general duties of the home farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when he began working by the month for the neighboring farmers, in which he continued three years. On March 14, 1854, he was married to Elizabeth Haggerty, of Independence township, Washington county, who bore him one daughter, Anna Mary, who died February 11, 1855, the mother having died February 5. On February 9, 1860, Mr. Wallace was married to Harriet L., daughter of Alexander Patterson, whose ancestors were of Irish birth, and to their union were born the following children: Beverage P., born January 31, 1861; Anna M., born May 4, 1862; William A., born June 18, 1863; Charles H., born September 8, 1864; Lizzie J., born October 23, 1865; James P., born January 23, 1867; Lelia A., born March 25, 1868; Samuel M., born August 25, 1869; Ida B., born November 3, 1870; Thomas H., born January 20, 1872; Nancy M., born May 13, 1873; Edward L., born February 17, 1875; John A., born November 20, 1876, and Laura E., born May 11, 1881. Of the above family, Samuel, James and Lelia are deceased. When Mr. Wallace began married life he was too poor to purchase a home, and so continued to rent until he had paid $7,000 for the use of farms. He then concluded that renting was as expensive as purchasing property, and so bought the old home farm, which by the practice of economy and good management he has nearly paid for. He is one of the few farmers who keep a strict account of the sales and expenditures of the family. During the last year Mr. Wallace has sold about $1,500 worth of stock and produce from his farm. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Haneytown, W. Va., to which he gives a liberal support. In politics he is a leading Republican.
Text taken from page 1160 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]