If you are in deep East Texas on TX 63 southwest of Burkeville, be sure to read the historical marker designating the site of Shankleville, a black community named for an ex-slave.
Jim Shankle was born in 1811 on a Mississippi plantation. When he married Winnie, she already had three children. Soon after the marriage, their master sold Winnie and her children. Jim heard enough of the business deal to know that they were taken to a plantation in East Texas. He grieved for several days. Then, determined to find his family, he ran away. With a price on his head as a runaway slave, he headed west, always moving at night, foraging in fields for his food, and hiding in the fields when he heard others on the road. Not daring to use a ferry, he swam both the Mississippi and Sabine rivers.
After a 400-mile journey, he reached East Texas and moved at night from plantation to plantation asking about Winnie. Finally, Jim found her as she collected water at a spring. For several days, Winnie hid Jim and brought food to him at night. Some accounts say Winnie’s master found Jim, other stories say she told her master about her husband. Whatever the truth, the plantation owner agreed to buy Jim.
In addition to Winnie’s three children, they raised six of their own. When emancipation came following the Civil War they became farmers and began buying land with their partner Steve McBride. Eventually they held 4,000 acres in the black community called Shankleville, which boasted schools, churches, a cotton gin, sawmills, and gristmills.
Steve McBride, who could not read, married one of the Shankle daughters. He established McBride College (1883-1909), fulfilling his dream of helping others receive the education he had been denied.
Winnie Shankle died in 1883 and Jim died five years later, ending a love story that became a legend.
Wow, talk about perseverance paying off.
Every time I’ve crossed the Mississippi since I heard this story I’ve been amazed again.
That’s such a pretty and heartwarming story. Thanks for sharing.
And, thank you for reading and commenting.
I love a love story!
Me too!
I let out a sigh after reading this. This. This is a love story. Thanks for the telling…so tenderly. I didn’t get a notice that you’d posted, but I know to look for you on Fridays. Maybe my notice will arrive in my email tomorrow.. Myra is your book Legacy on Barnes and Noble? I don’t use Kindle.
I hope you’ve finally gotten a notice. Don’t know what could be wrong. Thanks for loving this love story.
This story leaves me with a feel good feeling.
Me too! When you cross the mighty Mississippi, think of Jim and Winnie Shankle.
Another good story, Myra. I cannot imagine what it must have been like to see your loved ones sold off like cattle. Such love and commitment to follow Winnie and risk everything just to be with her.
I still grieve for both of them. So much cruelty in the slave stories.
Great story Myra. Just in time for Valentine’s Day 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading. It’s my favorite love story.
Reblogged this on My Big Fat Mexican Life and commented:
In honor of Black History month, I thought it fitting to reblog this great true story.
Thanks so much for sending this story along to your readers. I’m grateful for your support.