John William Wallace

While working as librarian to the Law Association of Philadelphia, he compiled three volumes of decisions of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals,^[3] which sat in that city. He wrote The Reporters on English reporters and cases, first as an article in the American Law Magazine (1844),^[4] and then as a book in multiple editions (1845, 1855, 1882) that made his reputation.

His twenty-three volumes of reports of the Supreme Court's cases (volumes 68-90) are highly respected for their quality. He also served as president of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (April 13, 1868 – January 12, 1884).^[5]

Wallace died in Philadelphia, his hometown, on January 12, 1884.^[1]