OBITUARY
MR.
JAMES WALLACE
Mr. James
Wallace, father of Reeve Henry Wallace of Middleton, one of the old
settlers of that township, died on Friday, April 22nd, at Wyecombe, in
the 86th year of his age.
He
was ill but a few days and death was the result of the physical
functions having run their life course, leaving the spirit in its
freedom to pursue its destiny elsewhere. His suffering was of short
duration and its end the sleep of peace.
James
Wallace was born near Whitfield, in the County of Armagh, Ireland, on
July 10th, 1824, and when nine years of age his father emigrated from
Ireland to Canada, settling in the County of Halton.
When
24 years of age, young Wallace came west and was satisfied in the
selection of the old homestead location in Middleton, which his son
Henry, since his father retired from his industry and toil and settled
in Wyecombe for a well earned rest, has continued to make more
promising for profit.
In
1853 Mr. Wallace went back on a visit to Ireland and on the ocean on
his return fell into a friendship with Miss Jane Simpson, coming out
to Canada also, which ended in a marriage settlement for both on young
Wallace's farm in Middleton.
Four
children were born from this union, two of whom, Henry and James,
survive the death of two sisters, and also the death of their mother
in 1861.
The second home
companion of Mr. Wallace was Miss Ann Mabee, who died, leaving two
sons and two daughters, three of whom are living in the Western
States, the remaining one, Mary, being married to Mr. Colin Blake, of
Lyon's Corners, Elgin County.
In
May, 1890, Mr. Wallace united in marriage with Miss Susannah Brown, of
Malahide, who survives his companionship in a lonely widowhood.
Politically,
Mr. Wallace was a life long Conservative, and in the early times when
partyism ran high with much feeling and a chip on the shoulder, he was
not one to let a cause drop for want of support.
He
was for sixty-five years an enthusiastic Irish Orangeman, and in
religion an adherent of the Methodist communion. The funeral services
took place on Sunday, April 24th, at Wyecombe, the Rev. Mr. McArthur,
of Lynedoch, officiating, many life long friends and relatives
attending in sad respect to this aged man's final departure. -- com.
