Martin R.M. Wallace-- Part 2: At Battles of Fort Henry, Donelson and Shiloh

With the coming of the Civil war, Martin Wallace helped organize the 4th Illinois Cavalry with Theophilus Dickey (where he studied law with his brother William Wallace).  He was commissioned as major of the unit on October 12, 1861.  Theophilus Dickey was the regiment's colonel (William Wallace was married to Dickey's daughter.)

Martin Wallace led troops at the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh.  His brother William was killed at Shiloh.

He assumed command of the 4th Illinois Cavalry following the death of Col.William McCullough in December 1862.  Promotions to lieutenant colonel and colonel came in January and June.  He was mustered out  on November 3, 1864.

On May 4, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated him Wallace to the grade of brevet brigadier general of volunteers to rank from March  13, 1865.The United States Senate confirmed it on May 16, 1866.

After the war, Wallace was named U.S.  Assessor in the Chicago District.  In 1869, he was elected to the Cook County Court and served for eight years.  He also served as attorney on the Cook County Board.  His wife, Emma, became a noted philanthropist.

Martin R.M. Wallace died on March 6, 1902, in Chicago and is buried in Rosehill Cemetery.

--Old Secesh