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James Wallis – Minister, Proprietor and Father

Circa 1850 photograph of a James Wallis, the first Minister and who provided land for the first St. James. Wallis was a tall man and is in this photograph is wearing a black waisted coat, with light coloured pants. He holds a cane and top hat in his right hand.

Image photo: Peter Oliver

James Wallis and his business partner, Jamison, donated land in Fenelon Falls for St. James the Apostle Church in 1835. James Wallis conducted the first services till the first clergyman arrived in 1838. He was also a Justice of the Peace, and commanded a local militia during the Rebellion of 1837.

James Wallis’ first wife was Janet Fisher and they had four children. After Janet Fisher died, Wallis married Louisa Forbes from Peterborough. They have six children, the second youngest being Katherine E. Wallis, renowned artist and sculpture and best known for her poignant sculptures of children and animals.