Isaac M. Wallace
SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: BAIRD, BALDWIN, FUNSTON, WALLACE
ISAAC M. WALLACE, a prominent farmer and stock-grower of Urbana Township, was born in the town of Greenwich, Conn., Oct. 24, 1843. His parents, William and Elizabeth (FUNSTON) WALLACE, were natives of England, both of whom came to this country at an early age. His father was a stone and brick mason by trade, but had also some experience in farming. Their means were limited, and they were obliged to encounter many struggles with adverse circumstances in bringing up their family of six children. The father died at the age of seventy; the mother is still living.
Isaac M. Wallace was educated in Greenwich, Conn. After attaining to the age of manhood, he engaged in the railroad business on the Hartford & new Haven Railroad, where he was first engaged as brakeman, then became baggagemaster, and was afterward made conductor. He occupied this position for eight years, and then came West, as contractor for the L. D. & S. R. R., and afterward was employed on the I., B. & W. as conductor. He held this position until 1885, when, desiring a more quiet life, he retired from the railroad business and bought the property where he now resides, located on section 19. His farm contains 160 acres of valuable land, and is in an excellent state of cultivation.
On the 19th of February, 1887, Mr. Wallace was united in marriage with Miss Mary E., who is the daughter of Frank and Sarah (BALDWIN) BAIRD. Her family were formerly residents of Ohio, but have for some time made their home in Champaign County. Mr. Wallace has erected a fine residence, large and commodious barns, and other farm buildings on his premises. There were none of any kind on the place when he purchased it. He has attained his present prosperity by his native energy, good judgment and executive ability.