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WILBUR M. FALLIN. The Missouri mule has a reputation throughout the world. That reputation in some sections is not the kind that would be pleasing to him if he but knew, for there are times when he is unruly, stubborn and inclined to show his displeasure by means of his heels. But nevertheless, when it comes to quality and fine points in his anatomy he is not excelled on the globe and he has done much to advertise the "Show Me" state abroad. There are few foreign armies where he is not found, and nearly every war of importance increases his demand. However, by nature he is not a warrior and no doubt prefers the peaceful plantations and the lazy negro drivers of the cotton and cane districts of the South, where, for three-quarters of a century these animals have been sold in ever increasing numbers. Throughout this state men may be found who devote their exclusive attention to dealing in mules, finding it a desirable and profitable business. Among these the firm of Fallin Brothers of Springfield, composed of Wilbur M. and Walter A. Fallin, is the best known in southwestern Missouri, and is one of the oldest and most successful.
Wilbur M. Fallin was born March 31, 1872, in Greene county, Missouri. He is a son of Joseph S. and Polina (Reed) Fallin. The father was born in middle Tennessee in 1841, and there grew to manhood and attended school, emigrating to Greene county, Missouri, in the early sixties, where he established the future home of the family, and here his death occurred on March 26, 1909. He was a stone mason by trade, but devoted most of his life to general farming and stock raising. He left his farm in 1884 and moved to Springfield. His wife was born in 1843, and she died in 1877. They were married in Arkansas. To this union five children were born, namely: Anna died about 1889; Minnie lives in Springfield, Missouri, Wilbur M., of this sketch; Emma Belle lives in Springfield; Walter A., who is a member of the firm of Fallin Brothers.
Wilbur M. Fallin received his education in the ward and high schools of Springfield. He had an inclination toward the livestock business when very young and began his career by buying and selling hogs and calves. He also learned the trade of stone mason under his father, but did not follow this long until he returned to the livestock business and also engaged in farming a few years. In the year 1900 he formed a partnership with his brother, Walter A. Fallin, who gave up his position as machinist in the Frisco shops, and they engaged in the horse and mule business, under the name of Fallin Brothers, buyers and sellers, and were successful from the first. They have continued in this line of endeavor ever since and have built up an extensive and lucrative business. They were first located on the sough side of the city lot, remaining there until 1914, when they bought and built three commodious and substantial barns, including 5the erection of a modern two-story brick building, one hundred and twenty by one hundred feet, on Market street and Mule alley, where they are at present located, owning two hundred feet on Market street and one hundred and seventy-five on Mule alley. They keep a large number of high-grade mules on hand at all seasons, buying and shipping to various markets continuously.
Wilbur M. Fallin was married on December 10, 1902, to Mary Elizabeth Roper, who was born in Polk county, Missouri, June 12, 1884. She is a daughter of J. W. Roper and wife, who live on a farm in Polk county. Mr. Roper's wife was known in her maidenhood as Vine Davis. Mr. Roper moved from his farm to Springfield and engaged in mercantile pursuits for some time, and he is still living in this city.
Three children have been born to Mr. And Mrs. Wilbur Fallin, namely: Wesley Edwin, born September 7, 1904; Alfred M., born August 18, 1906, died December 10, 1909; and Orin, born August 29, 1909.
Politically, Mr. Fallin is a Republican, and he and his family belong to the Christian church.
Walter Augustus Fallin, of the firm of Fallin Brothers, was born October 23, 1877, at the Fallin homestead near Springfield, and here he grew to manhood and attended the ward and high schools. He learned the machinist's trade when a boy and for some time worked at the same local Frisco shops, where he remained until 1900, when he formed a partnership with his brother and began dealing in horses and mules, as related in a preceding paragraph. He was married on April 7, 1901, to Hattie G. Price, who-was born in Greene county, August 29, 1882, and was here reared and educated. She is a daughter of William K. and Ellen (Gregory) Price, the father a native of Ohio, and the mother was born in Greene county, Missouri. Mr. Price came to Springfield when a young man and has long been employed in the local Frisco shops, where he has charge of, a department.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter A. Fallin, named as, follows: Lawrence A., born September 25, 1903; Walter Harold, born, June 12, 1908; Joseph Price, born March 31, 1912; Earle Augusta, born August 9, 1914.
Politically, Mr. Fallin is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Court of Honor, the Maccabees, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the United Workmen, also, the Travelers' Protective Association. He is a member of Central Christian church.
The Fallin boys are excellent judges of mules and horses, and have gained and retained a reputation for prompt and fair dealings, consequently have always enjoyed the good will and confidence of their score of regular customers and patrons.
Both Wilbur and Walter Augustus served ten months in the Spanish-American war, enlisting for service, and on May 3, 1898, were called out. Their company went first to Jefferson Barracks, then to Chickamauga, Tennessee, and from there to Lexington, Kentucky, then to Albany, Georgia, where they were mustered out, March 3, 1899.
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