Near Gilmer in Upshur County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Meshack Roberts
Photographed by Jesse Nelsen, July 3, 2021
1. Meshack Roberts Marker
Meshack a faithful slave, came to Gilmer with his master, O. E. Roberts before 1850. While Mr. Roberts was away in the Civil War, Meshack ran the farm and looked after the family. To get money to finance farm costs, Meshack shod horses for soldiers and others and baked and sold ginger cakes. Meshack was an example of the sincere loyalty found over the South.
At wars end, his master gave him freedom, land and material to build a home. Meshack, later moved to Marshall where he served in the Texas legislature, in 1882, Meshack helped establish Wiley College for Negros.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Government & Politics • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 32° 43.676′ N, 94° 55.763′ W. Marker is near Gilmer, Texas, in Upshur County. It is on Highway 154 0.4 miles west of Primrose Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gilmer TX 75645, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "The Gilmer Mirror" (approx. 0.8 miles away); 1925 Gilmer Post Office (approx. 0.8 miles away); Sam Houston Spoke Here
this page online
Regarding Meshack Roberts. The marker is in error as slaves of the states in the Confederacy were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863. While that may not have been enforceable during the Civil War, the December 6, 1865 passing of the 13th Amendment ended chattel slavery in the United States. However a system of debt slavery via convict leasing persisted through much of the South until 1941.
Also see . . .
1. Meshack Roberts at the TSHA Handbook of Texas. (Submitted on July 11, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.)
2. Shack Roberts. Wikipedia article about Meshack "Shack" Roberts. It notes a fuller biography of Mr. Roberts, including being attacked and left for dead by the Ku Klux Klan. Additionally, while Roberts served in the
Photographed by Jesse Nelsen, July 3, 2021
2. Meshack Roberts Marker
Additional commentary.
1. Language in the marker
The language in the inscription is taken directly from the marker. If the language were created today, it would likely not refer to Meshack as a faithful slave, and would refer to O.E. Roberts as his enslaver rather than master.
— Submitted October 7, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 26, 2025
3. Meshack Roberts Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2021, by Jesse Nelsen of Farmersville, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,417 times since then and 112 times this year. Last updated on October 6, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on July 5, 2021, by Jesse Nelsen of Farmersville, Texas. 2. submitted on August 23, 2021, by Jesse Nelsen of Farmersville, Texas. 3. submitted on October 6, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
