Neighbors honor legacy of iconic Augusta businessman W.S. Hornsby

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Hornsby subdivision in Augusta is celebrating history on Thursday with new signs in the neighborhood.

The new signs are to honor and represent the man their subdivision is named after.

W.S. Hornsby brought a foundational history to the city of Augusta, serving as a trailblazer for Black businesses in the area.

For Walter S. Hornsby IV, his name comes from a strong legacy and history starting with his great-grandfather W.S. Hornsby Sr.,. lovingly called W1.

“My great-grandfather is W1. W1 promoted this area, but he also was the co-founder of Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Co. down on Laney Walker,” he said.

It was through his own ventures of entrepreneurship that W.S. Hornsby inspired and helped pave the way.

“There’s a lot of people that were hired by him at Pilgrim. So he hired a whole lot of us. Our people, our folks,” said Hornsby.

From entrepreneurship to philanthropy.

A Diversity Scholar for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Joyce Law, said: “Mr. Hornsby was involved in almost every major project that occurred in the city. Of course his company, national organizations. There was no organization or cause that he really did not touch during his lifetime.”

He served as chairman for multiple organizations and was an active church member, serving as alumni president for Walker Baptist Institute.

Leaving a legacy on the city of Augusta, especially in Hornsby subdivision, where he lives on through those who live there.

“People who are filled with hope. A large amount of hope,” said Law.

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