Rowlett, TX – Just off Chiesa, nestled among vitex and bullbriar, a humble tombstone marks the final resting place of Jane Endsley, a remarkable figure in Rowlett’s history whose story remains largely unknown. Born a slave in Jefferson, Texas, in 1850—though some reports suggest she may have been born earlier in 1848—Endsley overcame her circumstances to become a successful businesswoman, community leader, and activist, leaving a lasting impact on generations.
Recently, Dorothy Williams Brooks shared Endsley’s inspiring story in the Rowlett Facebook group, igniting a call for recognition of her contributions to the community. “It is astonishing that a park, community center, or other memorial has not been created for her,” Brooks noted. “Her success is well worth the effort of naming something after her and studying what drove her, despite the challenges she faced.”
In response to this growing awareness, Jeff Winget, Mayor of Rowlett, announced at the June 17, 2025, City Council meeting that a proclamation honoring Jane Endsley was approved. “This is a great opportunity to show support for one of the individuals who had a tremendous impact on Rowlett’s history,” the Mayor stated.
Jane Endsley’s life was defined by resilience and determination. After marrying Moses Calloway in 1862, the couple moved to Rowlett, where they became sharecroppers and eventually acquired a 100-acre farm. Following her husband’s death in the late 1880s, Jane managed their prosperous farm, which was valued at $15,150 in 1882.
In 1894, Endsley married C. F. Franklin, followed by two more marriages before finally marrying H. E. Endsley in 1914. During this time, she sold the family farm but retained the timber rights, establishing a successful coal and log business in Dallas that became the largest of its kind in the city.
Endsley was a community-oriented individual. She co-founded the Macedonia Baptist Church, which grew into the Good Street Baptist Church with a congregation of more than 5,000 members. Additionally, she established the Household of Ruth, a women’s lodge that provided funeral insurance for African Americans who were often denied coverage by white-owned companies.
A pioneer in her community, Endsley was known for her generosity, often allowing neighbors to use her telephone at a time when it was considered a luxury. During the Great Depression, she and her daughter worked tirelessly to feed the hungry and care for the sick and elderly. Although she never learned to read or write, she developed her own shorthand and maintained family records that were previously reported to continue to be cherished by her descendants.
Jane Endsley passed away in 1933 and was buried in a family plot in Rowlett, yet her legacy continues to inspire. As the community advocates for a memorial in her honor, there is hope that her story will not only be recognized but also serve as an example of perseverance and success against all odds.
