North Texas historical exhibit depicts story of former slave turned rancher, pioneer

In Southlake, the name Bob Jones is synonymous with overcoming adversity to find success.

Visitors can learn about the history of Jones and why he is so revered in a new exhibit from the Southlake Historical Society titled “Bob and Almeady Chisum Jones: A true story of resilience, courage and success.” It opened recently and runs through Sept. 4 at the Southlake Town Hall and Southlake Library.

John Dolford “Bob” Jones was born a slave in 1850. He overcame those oppressive beginnings to become a prosperous landowner and well-respected rancher in the area.

Today, Jones is remembered through such ways as Bob Jones Road, along with a nature center and park that also bear his name.

The exhibit tells the story of Jones, who lived until 1936, and his wife Almeady (1857-1949), also a former slave.

Included in the exhibit are recently uncovered family artifacts that give fresh insight into the family’s story. Hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It’s free to the public.

“We tried to put Bob’s and Almeady’s lives into context as former slaves in Texas. The challenges they faced made their story even more remarkable. Our goal was not to influence or judge, just provide information,” said Anita Robeson, historian for the Southlake Historical Society.

“They were members of our community, good, hard-working citizens who courageously faced challenges and achieved success. They were area pioneers. They were part of the heritage of Texas.”

As his farm and ranch grew, Jones provided jobs for both Black and white tenant farmers, threshing machine operators and other farm workers. He was also known for loaning money to tenant farmers, working with them to make sure they found success. In 1948, sons Jinks and Emory established the Grapevine Auction Barn, until the 1970s the largest business in Southlake. Their wives ran the Jones Bros. Cafe, thought by many historians to be the first integrated cafe in Texas.

“Bob and Almeady made their way successfully through a difficult world. They earned the trust and respect of all who knew them,” Southlake Historical Society President Connie Cooley said. “They valued God, family and education. They took pride in who they were.”