James T. McAllister, one of the young and most energetic as well as popular lawyers of Grand Rapids, was born in Detroit, Mich., January 6, 1870, a son of James L. and Catherine (Sheridan) McAllister. The father, now deceased, was a lumber-man by vocation, and the mother, who is a second cousin to the late Gen. Phil Sheridan, famous for his gallant cavalry service in the Civil War, is now a resident of Reed City, Osceola county, Mich.

James T. McAllister was well grounded in the English branches of learning and in the classics in the schools of Detroit, which he attended until nineteen years of age. He then entered the law office of Judge J. B. Jedkins, now of Grand Rapids, but at that time a resident of Reed City, and after a full course of study was admitted to the bar, by that gentleman, at Baldwin, Mich. Mr. McAllister then came to Grand Rapids and began practice, in the subordinate position of clerk, in the office of McGarry & McKnight, and remained in this office until 1893, when he formed a partnership with Edward L. Walbridge, with whom he practiced one year, his next partnership was with William F. McKnight, in conjunction with whom a practice was had for three years, and then, June 1, 1898, a partnership with J. A. Lombard was formed and is maintained until the present time, under the firm style of Lombard & McAllister, with office in the Norris block.

The marriage of Mr. McAllister was solemnized at St. Ignace, Mich., November 15, 1892, with Miss Mildred Madden, who was born in Mount Forest, Canada, October 18, 1870, and this marriage has been blessed with three children, viz: Mildred (now deceased), Thomas and Robert.