He is known for winning his seat in Congress in a contested election over incumbent Republican congressman, and future U.S. President, William McKinley in a contentious vote.
He studied law in the office of Benjamin Stanton,[1] and eventually became the prosecuting attorney of Columbiana County in 1851 and 1853.
He successfully contested as a Democrat the election of William McKinley, to the Forty-eighth United States Congress[2] and served from May 27, 1884, to March 3, 1885.
He was appointed judge of the court of common pleas by Ohio Governor George Hoadly on March 5, 1885, to fill a vacancy and served one year; he continued the practice of law until his death in Lisbon, Ohio.
Wallace married Elizabeth L. McCook of Columbiana County in August, 1848, and had four children.