We The People: This Day in History, December 26
Shep Mullens Marries and Becomes McLennan County’s First Black Commissioner
Published: Dec. 26, 2025 at 7:59 AM CST
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - On December 26, 1866, McLennan County’s first Black County Commissioner, Shep Mullens, married his wife, Sallie Downs.
Both former slaves in Texas had a daughter they named Mary in 1858.
Mullens went on to serve as the leader of McLennan County’s Republican Party and hold a seat in the Texas House of Representatives.
Mullens died in 1871, and by 1883, all black officials were removed from office by white leaders and voters.
The next African American to represent Texas was elected in 1966, following the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.
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