STOCKDALE, WALLACE TAPPEN (deceased), was for many years a leading business man in Springfield, Ill., where most of his life was spent. He was born at Wapakoneta, Auglaize County, Ohio, January 3, 1843, a son of Joseph and Melissa (Elliott) Stockdale. The father was born in Yorkshire, England, and the mother in Piqua, Ohio, November 5, 1818. Joseph Stockdale came to Ohio before his marriage which occurred in 1840, and moved to Springfield, Ill., in 1845, when his son Wallace was about three years of age. He was a dealer in fine stock, especially horses, and a successful business man. He formerly owned a farm that extended from what is now Allen Street to Washington Park and other farm land and city realty. He and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in Springfield. They were parents of four children, who were educated in the public schools of Springfield. William Stockdale served four years in the Illinois Light Artillery during the Civil War and died as a result of exposure in the army, on his return to Springfield.

Wallace T. Stockdale was one of three boys who graduated with the second class from the Springfield High School. He also graduated from Bryant & Stratton's Business College in St. Louis, and was a graduate of Wesleyan College at Bloomington, Ill. He had a natural taste for books and learning, and as a young man taught school several years in Sangamon County, earning the money with which he pursued his later studies. He received his legal education in the office and under the assistance of Gen. John A. McClernand, a prominent man of Springfield, and was admitted to the Bar in that city in 1868. He was well educated along many lines, became an expert accountant, and was well fitted to pursue his chosen work.

Mr. Stockdale was married at Springfield, May 19, 1868, to Miss Etta T. Wood, who was born in Belleville, N.Y., December 28, 1846. She is a daughter of Alva and Tryphena C. Wood, the former born in Jefferson County, N.Y., November 1, 1810, and the latter born in New Hampshire, January 5, 1810. She was one of fourteen children and the youngest daughter. Mrs. Stockdale taught school twenty-five years in Springfield schools. Children as follows were born to Mr. Stockdale and his wife: Alice M., a teacher in the Edwards School in Springfield; Thomas W., machinery superintendent in the employ of the Tiger Gold Mining Company, at Harrington, Ariz.; Mabel, a stenographer, lives at home with her mother. Wallace T. Stockdale died at his home, 101 East Allen Street, Springfield, October 27, 1907, and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was an earnest member of the First Methodist church, of Springfield, and interested in many benevolent and charitable movements. He was a strong Democrat all his life and was active and prominent in party affairs. Mr. Stockdale was an example of the higher type of American citizen, interested in the welfare of the community and ready to forward any beneficial public movement. Mrs. Stockdale owns the family home and other property located in the same block. She was formerly a member of the Woman's Club, is an officer in the Missionary Society and member of the Illini Historical Club, as are both her daughters.