Joseph Worthington Elliott Wallace, a native of Philadelphia, Pa., served as United States Consul to the colonies in Texas from 1829 to 1832, later joined Austin's Colony, and took part in campaigns that led to the Texas War for Independence. In 1837, with W.B. DeWees, he platted the town of Columbus. In 1840, he was in the Battle of Plum Creek, repulsing Comanche Indians, and in 1842 he served under Gen. Edward Burleson in defense against invasions from Mexico.