Biographical Sketch of

William Scobie

Transcribed by Char Eckman



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 617 - 618 


Stephen Fallis, the present Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of the town of Montello, is a representative 
of one of the pioneer families of Marquette County.  His father, William Fallis, was born in County Fermanagh, 
Ireland, in 1792, and was reared to manhood in that country.  On attaining to years of maturity he wedded Ann 
Teven, who proved to him a noble helpmate.  Mr. Fallis was a farmer and land agent in his native country, but 
in 1849 he severed all business connections with the Emerald Isle and crossed the broad Atlantic to America, 
where he had determined to make his future home.  On leaving the vessel in which he made the voyage he came 
to Marquette County, and in the town of Mecan entered a claim from the government, which he transformed into 
a fine farm, making his home thereon from 1850 until 1865 when he sold out and became a resident of Montello, 
where he passed the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1867.  His wife survived him about four years.  
They were parents of three children who lived to adult age but Stephen is now the only surviving member of the 
family.  John, the eldest, remained in Ireland several years after the emigration of the family to America but 
at length came to this country and went to the home of his father in the town of Mecan, but died a few days 
after his arrival.  The sister, Margaret Ann, wedded Robert Page, and died after about four years of married life.

Stephen Fallis, the subject of this sketch was born on the Emerald Isle, on the 14th of February, 1833, and in 
that country his early boyhood days were passed.  He was seventeen years of age when he came to America and since 
that time has made his home in Marquette County, covering a period of forty years.  He lived in the town of Mecan 
until his father sold his farm, when he came with his parents to the village of Montello.  He has long been one 
of the representative men of the County and has served in various public positions.  He entered upon his official 
career as Chairman, in the town of Mecan, and in 1866 was elected Sheriff.  In 1875 he was elected County Treasurer, 
the duties of which office he discharged four years, and has been Chairman of the town of Montello for many terms.

Mr. Fallis united his destiny with that of Miss Mary Jane Foster, daughter of William Foster, of Montello, and by 
union have been born four daughters - Margaret, Sarah, Lilly and Aggie, all born in the village where they are 
still living.

In political sentiment Mr. Fallis is a Democrat and is a man who keeps himself well informed on the leading issues 
of the day, whether political or otherwise.  The many official positions which he has held attest the confidence 
reposed in his ability and integrity by his fellow citizens, and well may they thus honor him for he has never been 
known to betray a trust or intentionally injure another.






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