Charles Marshall Wallace, manufacturer, twice mayor of Winfield and one of its most public spirited and progressive citizens, is a native of Illinois, born at Windsor, Shelby county, Feb. 9, 1870, the son of Josiah and America (Ross) Wallace. The father was born in Kentucky, the son of Alfred Wallace, also a native of that state. Josiah Wallace was one of the pioneer farmers of Cowley county, Kansas. He died in 1883, leaving a family of eight children. When a young man he married America Ross, the daughter of Rev. Thomas B. Ross, a native of Tennessee. In 1868 he located a homestead in Cowley county, near Winfield. He was a man of strong influence in the early development of the county; was its first probate judge; was a veteran of the Mexican and Civil wars; a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and had the distinction of having preached the first sermon in Winfield, the service being held in an old log store building.

Charles M. Wallace acquired his education in the schools of Cowley county. Upon his father's death it devolved upon him to assist in the support of his mother and the family, and for some years he remained on the home farm, then entered the employ of the Alexander Milling Company of Winfleld. He early proved his adaptability in this line of endeavor, was successively promoted and became head miller. In 1902 he purchased a half interest in the property and became manager of the business. He is known to the milling interests of Kansas as an able executive, with a thorough knowledge of the trade; and has been successful. His methods have been clean, capable and honest, and the business under his direction has had a sound and continuous growth. Since reaching his majority he has taken an active interest in the questions of the hour and is an influential worker in the Democratic party. He was elected a member of the school board of Winfield in 1904, and reëlected for a second term; was elected mayor of Winfleld without opposition in 1908, though the city is strongly Republican; was re-elected in 1909, also without opposition, but refused to become a candidate in 1911. His incumbency of this office was marked by comprehensive effort as to the needs of the city, vigorous and impartial enforcement of the law, and a progressive policy, which did much to improve and develop Winfleld as a business and residence city. During his administration he was the active force in securing the consolidation of the Winfield Water Company's plant with that of the Winfield Municipal Light and Water plant. This consolidation has given the city one of the most modern, best built and adequate systems in the state and represents to date an outlay of $250,000. His administration also saw the retirement of $10,000 of water bonds—the payment being made from earnings of the new plant. On his retiring from office he was presented with a valuable watch and chain by the citizens as a token of appreciation of his services in their behalf. In the Wichita meeting of 1910 of the mayors of Kansas municipalities he served as chairman of the waterworks committee.

On Oct. 29, 1893, Mr. Wallace married Mrs. Sadie Mathieson, nee Hamilton, of Rockford, Ill. To them have been born four children: Lucile, Raymond Ross and Nadine Essie May. A son, Alexander Hamilton, died in infancy. Mrs. Wallace was a woman of broad culture and a firm believer in the home and family. She died in Eureka Springs. Ark., Aug. 10, 1906. She was a member of the Presbyterian church. On Feb. 9, 1909, Mr. Wallace married Mrs. Jennie M. Contraman, a sister of his first wife. She is a woman of broad culture and popular in the social circles of Winfield, has taken the place of mother in the hearts of her husband and sister's children. Mr. Wallace has attained the Thirty-second degree in Scottish Rite Masonry, and was elected class orator of the valley of Wichita in 1910. He has also served as high priest and eminent commander of Winfield Commandery, No. 15. He is a member of Winfleld Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.