John
A. Wallace
(1849-1929)
Bibliography of Sources on This Member
Obituary – August 1, 1929, Mendota, IL
Professor J. A. Wallace is Claimed By Death –
AFTER AN ILLNESS OF OVER TWO YEARS, INSTRUCTOR OF MUSIC IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. BURIAL AT DAVENPORT.
Prof. J. A. Wallace passed away at his home in this city on Monday, July 29th, 1929, after an illness which started on January of 1927. He was born at Wellsburg, W. Va., on September 4th, 1849 and would have been 80 years of age had he lived until September of this year
In his early youth, Mr Wallace gave marked ability of possessing unusual talent and was a student at Valparaiso, Ind., taking up this study, later he was a student of Bellini who was recognized as one of the most proficient teachers in that day. He was also given private lessons, and his talent was developed along musical lines.
Mr. Wallace and his brother M. W. W. Wallace established a music store at Davenport, Iowa, which they conducted for quite a number of years and for three years taught in the Musical Academy at Davenport. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace came to Mendota, in 1895 and a week later Mr. Foster, who was then superintendent of the East Mendota School, introduced music into that institution. Mr. Wallace was given the position of instructor, and it was felt the school was indeed fortunate in securing his services. Besides the work in the grades and high school, Mr. Wallace always had a large number of students which he taught privately and besides this city his work extended to the neighboring cities. Many there are who can contribute their musical ability, both in voice and instrumental to Prof. Wallace’s thorough instructions. For 17 years, Mr. Wallace continued his work in the Mendota schools.
Mr. Wallace was united in marriage on December 28th, 1882 to Miss Mary Barrette at Davenport, Iowa. To this union there were five children born, two sons, and three daughters. One daughter and the two sons preceded him in death. Those remaining are Mrs. Julius Kliyla and Miss Ruth Wallace of this city who with the bereaved widow mourn the loss of the deceased. There is one brother living, Jas. Wallace of Faulkner, Iowa.
Mr. Wallace was a man of exceptional character. His even disposition, his smile, and his kind word was ever present at all times. His early training in a Christian home and his continued relations with the church and pleasant surroundings had given him the balance which few men possess. He worked hard in his chosen activities and always endeavored to do his best every hour of the day.
The deceased was an elder of the Presbyterian church in this city and was also a teacher of the Bible class. He was interested in Y. M. C. A. work and when there was an association here, he was one of the leaders. His voice was often heard in the quartettes and lead in the singing. Many there are who remember his willingness to always contribute his talents when needed. He was a member of the Library board and was secretary of that organization for many years. Thus, he found time to be useful in a public way besides carrying on his own work. At the funeral services, some of the members of the quartette who sang were also members of the Y. M. C. A. quartette of which Mr. Wallace was a member in years past and some of the songs they sang were those he loved so dearly.
The funeral services were held
on Wednesday morning a eight o’clock at the late home conducted by his pastor,
Rev. Willis B. Townsend. Messrs. Theo. G. Herbert Sr., R. Schildberg, Geo. P.
Nauman and Wm. Ashley sang. The remains were taken via auto to Davenport, Iowa,
where internment was made in the family lot. The Episcopal burial service was
read at the grave. 1
Professor Wallace was a faculty member of Mendota
College from at least 1909 to 1911. No other dates can be confirmed. 2, 3
1 The Mendota Reporter. 1 August 1929.
2 Epitome. 1911. College Literary Society.
3 Mendota College Annual. 1909-1910
Special thanks to Diane McCully, of the Mendota Museum and Historical Society
_____________________________________________________________________________
Submitted by
Chris Hulett
If you have additional information about this member, please submit email to: