Research Center Looking for Exodus Colony Descendants

FREDERICKSBURG, VA - Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - The Center for African American Genealogical Research, Inc. (CAAGRI) has announced that it has launched a national campaign to find the descendants of the historic Votaw Colonies of Kansas. Between 1879 and 1881, approximately 60,000 African Americans migrated to the mid-West in search of beginning their lives anew. Of particular interest are the descendants of Shelby County, Texas: Richard Alexander, Martha Coleman, Abra Gudden, William Gilbert, Henry Hill, William Jones, Wesley Mattock, Betty Seastruck, Susan Saunders, George Saunders, Thomas Saunders, Thomas Teal, Alfred Teal, George Lovell, Benjamin & Charlotte Ingram, Robert Hopson, Paul Davis, Ancrum Goodwin, and Andrew Teal. “While we’ve identified these individuals in particular, we are also interested in descendants of all of the townships that settled into the State of Kansas,” said Dr. Carolyn Council, CAAGRI’s Director of History Education. CAAGRI continues to look for additional colonies and families that settled in Kansas as a part of the “Great Exodus Migration”. To date, the following colonies have been identified: Summit Township, Little Caney, Dunlap Colony, Morton City Wabusee Colony, The Bottoms, Tennesseetown, Singleton’s Colony, Nicodemus, Votaw Juniper Town, Mud Town, Scuffletown, Hodgeman City Colony, David City Colony, Redmonsville, Wayside, Groove’s Center, Burlington, Richie’s Addition, Sedan, Chautaqua.
“Our research team spans the U.S. and consists of professional genealogists, authors, librarians and the Shelby County Historical Society Museum & Library of Texas. Our hope is to expand our team to include researchers in Kansas who would be willing to help in this effort,” said Paula D. Royster, CEO of CAAGRI. Royster continued, “We also enjoy the support of Kansas State Legislator and nephew of the late Alex Haley-Senator David Haley.”
A reunion of descendents is planned for August 2007 in Kansas. African Americans who think they might be descendants should contact CAAGRI at: 540.785.9925 or via email: exodusterdescendants@caagri.org Written inquiries should be mailed to: CAAGRI, P.O. Box 41246, Fredericksburg, VA 22404.
About The Center for African American Genealogical Research, Inc. (CAAGRI)
Founded in 2004, The Center for African American Genealogical Research, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides free genealogical data to the community at no cost. The only organization of its kind, CAAGRI’s specialized services provides a location for African Americans to conduct in-depth genealogical research, free computer training, mentoring programs for at risk youth and low-moderate income families and organizes special projects that include historical preservation efforts.


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