Craftsman, Farmer, and Stalwart Citizen of Granger

Samuel D. Wallace was born in Salt Lake City in 1854, the son of George B. Wallace — one of Utah’s 1847 pioneers who helped turn the Salt Lake Valley into thriving farmland. Raised with the values of hard work and community service, Samuel spent most of his life in Granger, where he earned a reputation as a skilled craftsman, a dedicated farmer, and a steadfast neighbor.

In 1876, Samuel married Martha Jeremy. Together they built a large family of fourteen children — seven of whom lived to adulthood. Like many pioneer families, the Wallaces knew both the blessings and hardships of farm life on the west side of the Jordan River. Samuel was deeply committed to building not only his own home and fields but a better community for everyone around him.

By trade, Samuel was a talented carpenter and was known for his careful, quality work. His craftsmanship left a mark on Granger in many ways — from homes to schools. In January 1907, tragedy struck when Samuel fell from the roof of the new two-story Monroe Schoolhouse he was helping build. In an unexplainable accident, he lost his footing and fell 35 feet to the frozen ground below, striking his head and neck. Though the other workmen rushed to his aid, Samuel passed away within minutes. The loss was deeply felt by his family, neighbors, and all who knew him as a trustworthy, hard-working friend.

Samuel’s dedication to the land extended well beyond his own farm. He was an active voice for farmers and fruit growers across Salt Lake County. As vice president of the Fourth District Horticultural Society, he studied the challenges faced by local orchards and fields. He spoke out publicly in 1905 about the importance of good spring cultivation and was deeply involved in the County Board of Horticulture. Samuel also raised concerns about the smelter fumes drifting over Granger — warning that the poisonous gases were destroying fruit trees, crops, and even the bee industry so vital to local farms. His leadership helped push for protections and fairness for farmers whose livelihoods were threatened by unchecked industrial pollution.

Through it all, Samuel D. Wallace remained known as a careful workman, an honest advocate for his neighbors, and a loving father. His tragic passing came far too soon, but the legacy he left behind — fields cultivated, homes built, and community strengthened — lives on as a testament to a life of steady service and quiet dedication.

Samuel D. Wallace was born in Salt Lake City in 1854, son of pioneer George B. Wallace.
He spent most of his life in Granger as a skilled carpenter, careful craftsman, and respected farmer.
Samuel married Martha Jeremy in 1876; together they had 14 children, seven of whom lived to adulthood.
He built homes, worked the land, and spoke for local farmers and orchardists.
As vice president of the Fourth District Horticultural Society, he fought against smelter fumes harming crops and bees.
His careful work and good character made him a trusted neighbor and stalwart citizen.
He tragically died in 1907 after a fall while roofing the Monroe School, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and community service.