Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News

DNA Genealogy Identifies Tulsa Race Massacre Victim After 100 Years

Mist gathers on the horizon at Dud's Corner World War I Cemetery in Loos-en-Gohelle, France, on March 13, 2014. On Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, First World War cemeteries and memorial sites in Be

A victim of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre has been identified as C.L. Daniel, a World War I veteran, through DNA genealogy, Tulsa officials announced. The remains were found during an archaeological dig at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Mayor G.T. Bynum revealed the victim's identity at a news conference, stating that Daniel's family was unaware of his burial location for the past 103 years until this recent discovery.

Using data from GEDmatch and Family Tree DNA, along with assistance from Intermountain Forensics, officials were able to identify Daniel. A letter from the National Archives also played a significant role in confirming his identity.

Remains found at Oaklawn Cemetery during archaeological dig.
Victim C.L. Daniel identified through DNA genealogy in Tulsa Race Massacre.
Family unaware of burial location for 103 years until recent discovery.

The circumstances surrounding Daniel's death remain unknown, as his remains did not show any signs of gunshot wounds, according to Bynum.

The letter from C.L.'s family attorney to the US Veterans Administration, found in the National Archives, provided compelling evidence linking him to the Tulsa Race Massacre.

Bynum expressed hope that the identification of Daniel would pave the way for identifying other unidentified victims found in similar circumstances.

Officials have confirmed through written documentation that 18 victims remain unidentified and buried. This recent identification underscores the importance of continuing the search for these victims with the belief that identification and reunification are achievable goals.

The ongoing 1921 Graves Investigation aims to identify the unknown victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre through archaeological digs and DNA analysis.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.