JOHN WILLIAM WALLIS 1850-1903

WALLIS, BLACKBURN

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 2/9/2005 at 13:40:47

Wallis, Wm. John, the only child of Thomas and Jane Wallis, was born in Thornliebank, Scotland, of English parentage, June 1, 1850 and died in Nashua, Iowa, May 4, 1903, aged 52 years, 11 months and 3 days. At the age of two years his parents moved to Glasgow where he remained fifteen years. In 1867 he came to America coming direct to McGregor, Iowa, where he obtained employment in the New office. In the spring of 1868 he identified himself with the publishers of the McGregor Times where he remained for a number of years. In October, 1893, he moved to Postville, Iowa, where he and his son Charles became the proprietors and publishers of the Postville Graphic, and from that time until death father and son were thus associated. On May 12, 1901, they purchased the Nashua Post and during their management the business has more than met their most sanguine expectations. On March 30, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah R. Blackburn of McGregor, Iowa, to them were born one child, Charles Raymond, who with the wife survive him and mourn the loss of an affectionate husband and an indulgent father. For about fifteen years the deceased had been a member of the Masonic fraternity and was also identified with the Odd Fellows, the A.O.U.W. of Iowa, and of the S.W. of W. He was converted to God in Glasgow, Scotland, at the age of fifteen and joined the Wesleyan Methodist church, of which his parents were active members. On coming to America he joined the M.E. church and continued a worthy member of the same until called to join the church triumphant. His end was peaceful. The funeral service was conducted by his pastor, Rev. A.D. Stevens, and the church was filled with sympathizing friends. the members of the various societies with which Bro. Wallis was identified attended in a mass [remainder cut off my copy].

Postville Review, 5/22/1903 - contributed by Sharyl Ferrall