Tinbridge Hill in Lynchburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

John and Rachel Kinkle

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 14, 2021

1. John and Rachel Kinkle Marker

Inscription.
John (1810-1889) and Rachel (1836-1885) were mulattoes who had been born slaves in Virginia. Sold by their original master to pay debts, they were purchased by an Episcopal minister who married them and baptized their children. The minister freed the entire family and allowed Kinkle to repay him gradually.

John Kinkle became the valued employee of the Union Railroad Station responsible for baggage handling. He also was involved in politics in the Reconstruction Era, helping to elect conservative Gilbert Walker in 1870, marking the end of military rule in Virginia.

The handsome slender shaft marks the family's graves nearby.

Note: The Reverend William H. Kinkle was the minister of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church from 1843-1867 and is likely the minister referred to above. John, Rachel and their daughter, Anna J., who died in 1869 at age 15, were all listed on the register of Saint Paul's. The family may have assumed Reverend Kinkle's name out of respect and gratitude.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 37° 24.888′ N, 79° 9.341′ W. Marker is in Lynchburg, Virginia

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. It is in Tinbridge Hill. Marker can be reached from Taylor Street, 0.1 miles north of 4th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Taylor St, Lynchburg VA 24501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Col'd" Gravestones (here, next to this marker); Amelia Elizabeth Perry (here, next to this marker); In Memory of Sawney Early, Malinda Speece, and Their Descendants (here, next to this marker); Elizabeth Gavino Hubert Lushington (here, next to this marker); Daniel Butler (a few steps from this marker); Jennie Hicks (within shouting distance of this marker); Unmarked Graves (within shouting distance of this marker); Uncle Sawney (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lynchburg.

Additional keywords. human trafficking; slave trade

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 125 times since then and 22 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on August 18, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.