From Jim Crow to the Last Best West

In 1910, twelve African American families from Oklahoma journeyed north to claim the promise of a better life in the Canadian West. Among them was Julius Caesar Lane, a former enslaved man whose legacy, and that of his family, is intertwined with the history of Saskatchewan’s first Black community. The settlement, anchored by Shiloh Baptist Church now a designated Provincial Heritage Property —near Maidstone, became a symbol of resilience, faith, and determination in the face of racial barriers.

In this deeply personal and meticulously researched account, Leander K. Lane—descendant of Julius Caesar Lane—traces his ancestors’ steps through the tumultuous aftermath of slavery in the United States to Canada, documenting the challenges and successes they experienced in their new home.

Drawing from oral histories, historical texts, and never-before-consulted archival documents, Lane vividly brings to life the untold story of the Shiloh community, from their origins in the American South to their enduring impact in Western Canada. This compelling narrative is both a heartfelt family memoir and a vital piece of Canadian history, shedding light on the rich heritage of Black prairie homesteaders and the indomitable spirit of the Shiloh People.

Leander K. Lane is a retired heavy-duty mechanic and a leading expert in the history of the Shiloh People. He is a founding member of the Shiloh Baptist Church and Cemetery Restoration Society and has served as president since its inception in 2001. His other writing has been featured in Our Canada and Prairies North magazines and the anthology Our Gift of History, Our Stories: Saskatchewan 1905–2005. Leander lives in Edmonton, Alberta, where he was born and raised.

Leander K. Lane's profile page