Laney Walker in Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Rev. Samuel Butler Wallace

— 1878-1938 —

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

1. Rev. Samuel Butler Wallace Marker

Inscription. Reverend Wallace graduated from Howard University. A former pastor of Trinity CME Church. He envisioned a library where black children, denied access to local public libraries, could study, read for pleasure and conduct research. Rev. Wallace led a letter-writing campaign that resulted in the white community donating the old firehouse on Gwinnett Street, now known as Laney Walker Boulevard. The black community responded by donating books, and the Community Library officially opened in the fall of 1937. After the death of Rev. Wallace, his wife, Etta V. Wallace, continued his work, serving as Library Director until 1953. The library is now named in his honor.

A Buffalo Soldier, Wallace served in the Spanish American War. As a member of the legendary 10th Calvary, he fought at San Juan Hill in 1898. He posthumously received a commendation from President Lyndon B. Johnson for his service in the Spanish American War.

Erected 2011 by Claire Pickens (granddaughter) • The Wallace family • Augusta African American Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Education

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• War, Spanish-American. In addition, it is included in the Georgia - Augusta African-American History Walk series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.

Location. 33° 27.969′ N, 81° 58.83′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is in Laney Walker. Marker is on Laney Walker Boulevard, 0.1 miles west of C S Hamilton Way, on the right when traveling west. Marker is on the Augusta African-American History Walk, in front of the Wallace Branch Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1237 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Atty. Judson Whitlocke Lyons (a few steps from this marker); Rev. Jesse Peters Galphin (a few steps from this marker); Carrie J. Mays (a few steps from this marker); Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Channing H. Tobias (a few steps from this marker); Sidney “Beau Jack” Walker (a few steps from this marker); Dr. John Hope (a few steps from this marker); Frank Garvin Yerby (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

2. Rev. Samuel Butler Wallace Marker

Rev. Samuel Butler and Henrietta "Etta" Vivian Jones Wallace image. Click for full size.

Joy Russell via Pinterest

3. Rev. Samuel Butler and Henrietta "Etta" Vivian Jones Wallace

The Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System named the Laney Walker branch after the couple in recognition of their work for the library.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 160 times since then and 103 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.