WALLIS-Benjamin - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Benjamin L. WALLIS - the arrival of few of the citizens of Allen County antedates that of Mr. Wallace (sic) who came to it in 1856 locating north of Iola. In the years of his residence here he has watched with interest the progress of events which have place this county on a par with many counties of the older east and to measures which have contributed to the material upbuilding and substantial development of the community he has given endorsements and support. A native of VA he was born in Lee County in 1833. His paternal grandfather emigrated from Scotland to the Old Dominion at an early day and the maternal grandfather left his home in Holland to take up his abode in the new world when VA was a part of the colonial possessions of England in America. The paernts of our subject were both born in Lee County in the latter part of the 18th century and in 1834 removed to Indiana, locating on a farm where they spent their remaining days. Benjamin L. Wallis spent his boyhood days in hard work upon his father's farm and as he lived in a new settlement he had but limited opportunities to secure an education. He learned the carpenter's trade and in 1856 came to KS. Here he followed carpentering for six years and in 1862 returned to Indiana, there to enter his country's service as a member of the 46th Indiana Infantry which was attached to the Western army. He served under Gnerals Hovey and McClarran and participated in many important engagements including the battles of New Madrid, Fort Pillow and St. Charles. In 1864, he was mustered out of the service. During the term of his enlistment he was always found at his post of duty, faithfully defending the old flag. In 1865, Mr. Wallis was united in marriage to Miss Sophia McCool, whose parents were born and reared in Ohio and removed to Indiana in the early 50s. Mrs. Wallis (sic) has two brothers, Jacob and John, who are married and reside with their families in Fountain County, Indiana. Mr. Wallace (sic) has two brothers, John and Henry who, with their families reside in the Hoosier State. His sisters are Mrs. Louisa Grubbs, a widow now living in Muncie, Indiana; Susan McKinley also of Muncie and Mrs. Nellie Shipley Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Wallis have five children: William C, who is with his parents; Scott A, blacksmith in LaHarpe and is married; Charles B who is a member of the 35th Regt of US Volunteers in the Philippines; Mrs. Emma Morrison of moran and Mrs. Gertie Wooten who is living near Iola. For a number of years after his return from the war Mr. Wallis resided in Indiana but like most people who have once lived in Kansas, he desired to return to the Sunflower state and in 1879 took up his abode once more in Allen Co. He purchased a farm south of LaHarpe and although it was then a tract of open priaire, he made it one of the best improved farms in the county, continuing its cultivation until February 1899, when he put aside the more arduous duties of farm life and moved to LaHarpe. He is a staunch advocate of the Populist party and since his boyhood days has been a consistent member of the Christian Church. His advancement in the business world has resulted from his own energy, prompted by a laudable ambition, and his prosperity has been well and worthily achieved.