Springfield-Greene
County LibraryEarly and Recent History and Genealogical Records
of Many of the Representative Citizens
JOHN A WALLIS. Although the twentieth century farmer is of necessity a very busy man he can nevertheless keep on equipping himself with such information as advancing times make necessary. John A. Wallis, a farmer of Jackson township, Greene county, is a man who has kept abreast of the times in a fairly commendable manner, being both a wide reader and a close observer and he is therefor succeeding.
Mr. Wallis was born near Ebenezer, Greene county, Missouri, May 16, 1867. He is a son of Allen and Mary E. (Bedell) Wallis, both natives of North Carolina, the father born on October 1, 1823, and the mother on November 18, 1832. They were young in years when they emigrated with their parents to Greene county, Missouri, each family being early settlers here. These parents of our subject grew, to maturity on farms in this locality and were educated in the district schools, which they attended a few months each winter for a few years, and here they were married on January 21, 1849. Allen Wallis became a very successful farmer, owning a farm of four hundred acres. He lived in different parts of this county. His death occurred on December 23, 1898, and two years later, on June 10, 1900, his wife followed him to the grave. They were worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church, were great charity workers and kind to their neighbors, especially in sickness and were greatly beloved by all who knew them. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Mrs. Malissa J. Cowden, Mrs. Sara E. Cowden, these gentlemen being brothers; Luther E. is engaged in farming in this county; Mrs. Nettie O. Brackett is deceased; Charles L. is farming; John A. of this sketch; and Allen M., a farmer.
John A. Wallis was reared on the home farm where he worked until his marriage, having meanwhile received a good common school education. On September 23, 1888, he married Ella Huff, who was born in Greene county, April 23, 1869, on the farm where she now lives, and here she was reared and she was educated in the public schools. She is a daughter of Charles W. and Missouri (Whitlock) Huff, both natives of Greene county, the father born on July 16, 1830 and the mother was born on June 21, 1834. Mr. Huff was one of the successful farmers of this county, owning seven hundred acres at the time of his death, June 15, 1886. His wife died on October 7, 1911. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and she belonged to the Presbyterian church. They were well known and highly respected. To these parents eight children were born, namely: Thomas A., Charles C., Mrs. Sarah E. Gridges, a widow; Samuel, deceased; Annie E., deceased; Mrs. Lulu N. Brown; Etta A., wife of our subject, and Marvin, deceased.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Wallis has been without issue.
After his marriage Mr. Wallis bought a farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres. He at present lives on his father-in-law's farm, owning two hundred and fifteen acres of the same, and in all he owns three hundred and five acres. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising in a, successful manner and keeps his land well cultivated and well improved and has a pleasant home.
Politically, Mr. Wallis is a Democrat, and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
[1870-1871]
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | Y
Table of Contents | Keyword Search | Greene County History Home | Local History Home