He was born enslaved in Texas and died a millionaire rancher whose name still rides across the plains. Daniel Webster Wallace entered the world on September 15, 1860, in Victoria County, Texas, born into slavery. By the time he passed away in 1939, he was known as “80 John,” a wealthy rancher, respected cowboy, and community leader whose life story defied every barrier he faced.
As a boy, Wallace was captivated by the cowboys he saw riding out at dawn. At fifteen, he left the plantation fields behind and joined a cattle drive. He started as a wrangler, but his grit, speed, and determination quickly earned him a place among the riders.
Over the years, Wallace worked for some of Texas’s biggest cattlemen, enduring stampedes, droughts, rivers, and raids. His reputation spread across the ranges not only for his skill but also for the respect he commanded.
In 1885, his mentor Clay Mann made a deal: Wallace would save his wages, and Mann would let him pasture cattle under his “80” brand. That partnership launched Wallace’s ranching career and earned him his own nickname — “80 John.” At just 25 years old, Wallace purchased his first piece of land. He even returned to school, determined that education would anchor his legacy.
With his wife Laura by his side, Wallace grew his ranch into an empire. He invested in windmills to sustain the land, sent his children and grandchildren to college, and funded schools, churches, and community halls. Three of his four children became educators. A local school was named in his honor.
When Wallace died on March 28, 1939, his estate was valued at more than $1 million — an extraordinary milestone for a man born enslaved. Yet his true wealth was measured not in dollars, but in integrity, vision, and the opportunities he created for others.
His homestead still stands, preserved at Texas Tech’s National Ranching Heritage Center. In April 2023, he was posthumously inducted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Great Westerners.
His was a life marked by endurance, courage, and clear-eyed purpose.
A cowboy, a rancher, a father, a leader, a legend.