|
biography
|
|
Wallace, Robert Bruce, of Pittsburg, one of the foremost opticians of Allegheny County, was born April 19, 1867,
in Philadelphia, a son of Henry Wallace. Of Scotch origin, he descends from a family that fled from Scotland to the north of Ireland to escape religious persecution. There John Wallace,
the paternal grandfather of Robert B., was born, bred, and lived to a good old age, having been a farmer.
Henry Wallace was born in Ireland, where his early years were passed. In 1847 he emigrated to the United States, settling in Philadelphia, and until the time of his death, September 6, 1885,
was a loyal citizen to his adopted country. He married Elizabeth Stevenson, who was born in County Derry, Ireland, where her father, John Stevenson, the representative of a thrifty Scotch family,
was for many years engaged in the book trade. Having outlived her husband, she died October 10, 1887. Of their eleven children five are living, namely: Mary E., of Pittsburg; James, a physician
in Philadelphia; William J. and Harry, merchants in Colorado; and Robert Bruce, the subject of this sketch. Robert Bruce Wallace was reared and educated in his native city, and there acquired his
knowledge of optical instruments under the instruction of Ivan Fox, of the Fox Optical Company, with which he was connected seven years. In 1887 Mr. Wallace came to Pittsburg as an optician,
working for a company which in 1890 he bought out, and at once organized the Wallace Optical Company. He has since built up an extensive business, which is constantly increasing, making a
specialty of fitting lenses, in which his success is not surpassed by any optician in the State. Progressive in his methods and equipments, he keeps well abreast of the times in every detail
pertaining to the use and manufacture of optical instruments or goods. Mr. Wallace is- a man of culture, suave and social in manner, and is held in high regard for his many excellent qualities.
In politics he is a sound Republican.
Biographical review: containing life sketches of leading citizens of Pittsburg and the vicinity, Pennsylvania. Boston: Biographical Review Pub. Co., 1897, Author: Anonymous.
|