D.W. "80 John" Wallace
Loraine, Mitchell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1860 - 1939) Born of slave parents, Victoria County. At 15 became a cowboy. Rode from Old Mexico to Kansas. In 1877, came to this county, riding for Clay Mann, whose "80" brand gave him name for rest of life. On Mann's advice, bought land; past 25, and 6'3" tall, went back to school. Left Mann's for own ranch, 1891. Eventually had fine cattle and crops on 12 1/2 sections of land. Also oil was found on his property. Up to 74, still rode bucking horses. Married Laura Owen; 3 of their 4 children became teachers. His interest in education caused a school to be named for him. (1966)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born to enslaved parents in Victoria County in 1860, Daniel Webster Wallace became a cowboy at fifteen, driving cattle from Mexico to Kansas. Riding for rancher Clay Mann—whose "80" brand gave him his lifelong nickname—he took Mann's advice, bought land, and even returned to school past the age of twenty-five. He built his own ranch in 1891 and prospered on cattle, crops, and oil, and his devotion to education saw a school named in his honor.
Why it matters
Wallace's rise from slavery to one of Texas's most successful Black ranchers challenges the whitewashed image of the American cowboy and cattle frontier.
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Related people
- · D. W. Wallace
- · Clay Mann
- · Laura Owen
Themes & tags
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