Severn Teackle Wallis (September 13, 1817 – September 4, 1894) was an American lawyer, journalist, and political figure from Maryland. He is noted for his work as a newspaper editor, his involvement in Maryland state politics during the mid‑19th century, and his writings on legal and constitutional matters.
Early life and education
- Born in Baltimore, Maryland, to a prominent family; his father was Dr. William H. Wallis.
- Received a classical education and studied law, being admitted to the Maryland bar in 1839.
Legal and journalistic career
- Practiced law in Baltimore and served as counsel in several high‑profile cases.
- Became editor of the Baltimore Gazette (later the Baltimore Daily Gazette) in the 1840s, using the platform to comment on contemporary political issues, including the debate over slavery and states’ rights.
Political activity
- Served multiple terms in the Maryland House of Delegates (1849, 1856, 1864).
- Participated in the 1864 Maryland Constitutional Convention, which produced a new state constitution that abolished slavery.
- Held the position of city attorney for Baltimore (1855–1857).
- Initially sympathetic to Southern interests, Wallis shifted toward a Unionist stance during the Civil War, advocating for the preservation of the Union while opposing radical emancipation measures.
Publications and writings
- Authored several pamphlets and articles on constitutional law, including “The Constitutional History of Maryland” (1855).
- Contributed essays to legal periodicals and delivered public lectures on the nature of state and federal powers.
Later life and legacy
- Retired from active journalism in the 1870s but remained engaged in civic affairs and legal scholarship.
- Died in Baltimore on September 4, 1894, and was interred at Green Mount Cemetery.
Wallis is remembered primarily for his role in Maryland’s mid‑century political transformations and for his contributions to legal journalism and constitutional discourse.
