Spotlight Upon Unsung Heroes:

Rance Durham,, Freestone County Trailblazer

By Wilbur Thirkield Titus

Rance Durham, 7/22/1859-3/6/1950, is counted as one of my heroes because of 
the enormous accomplishments that he made under difficult circumstances.

Mrs. Juanita Manning suggested that I place the spotlight upon Rance Durham 
because of the impact that he made upon the communities of eastern Freestone 
County.

Dr. Robert L. Uzzel, his great, great grandson, wrote "Rance was one of the 
most respected members of his community, Owen’s Chapel, and all of the other
surrounding communities, for his sharp mind, his ability to get thing done, 
and his concern for his fellowman.

"Uncle Rance,"as he was commonly known, was born in slavery to Allen and 
Hannah Wafer Durham on July 22, 1859 in De Soto Parrish, Louisiana, and was 
bought to Texas when he was ten years of age, where he lived a very active 
and productive life. At the time of his death he had become one of the most 
influential and respected men of eastern Freestone County.

"He was very active in Pine Top Methodist Church (now Union Methodist Church),
Pine Top Masonic Lodge (now Rising Star), in politics, and as a family man."

He was married to Alice McDonald by G. W. Solomon on January 2, 1879. Their
children were Willie Anderson, Abner, Tezia, and Georgia.

Rance’s community activities include being selected District and County 
Chairman of the Republican Party in October 1912, a position that he held for 
years. He helped African Americans to register to vote. He was also elected 
the only African American to be elected in the history of Freestone County.

Rance’s formal education was meager, but he did much to advance the education
of the youth of his community by securing books, equipment and supplies for
the school.

As a farmer and business man, he was a daring entrepreneur and employed a 
number of people in his enterprises. He farmed land that he bought near Red 
Lake. He built a cotton gin and syrup mill on this property which were used by
the people of the community. He bought other property and the extent of his 
holdings is unknown.

Rance is remembered for donating a portion of his personal property for a 
community park: The Rance Durham Park, which was used by residents of the 
community for gatherings such as the 19th. of June with general socialization,
base ball, barbecue and other activities were enjoyed.

Our hero gave legal and personal advice to many of his people and helped to 
organize a burial society. This was most helpful at a time when African 
Americans were not able to secure mainline insurance.

Blindness in his latter years forced him to reduce his activities

" his wit, cheerfulness, and sharp mind was a lasting trademark" which lasted
until his death on March 6, 1950 at he age of 90 years.

What a man! Is there wonder that Lance Durham is considered a trailblazing 
hero of the Owens Chapel Community, Freestone County, Texas.For additional 
information see History of Freestone County, Vol. 1.