C.L. Daniel : Unearthed: I am the First Person Identified in Tulsa Massacre Mass Grave

The city of Tulsa launched an investigation into 120 unmarked graves in 2021 to identify those buried during the riot in the prosperous Greenwood District, known as “Black Wall Street.” Daniel, born in Newman, Georgia, served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged after sustaining injuries. He wrote a letter in February 1921 seeking veteran benefits and stopped in Tulsa in May on his way to visit his mother.

Researchers, including the DNA Doe Project and Moxxy Forensics, were able to confirm Daniel’s identity through DNA connected to next of kin and a letter from his family attorney. The remains were excavated in 2021 at Oaklawn Cemetery. Alison Wilde, director of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy, credited family history hobbyists who uploaded DNA test results, aiding in the identification process.

While the cause of Daniel’s death remains unknown, researchers are confident in his identification due to his mother’s letter seeking benefits after his death in the massacre. Stubblefield, an anthropologist at the University of Florida, noted that Daniel’s remains were not well-preserved, but his skeletal age indicated he was a young man. Mayor Bynum expressed the importance of continuing the search for the remaining victims to provide them with a proper burial after over a century of uncertainty.

First person identified in Tulsa massacre mass grave

The recent discovery of the first person identified in the Tulsa massacre mass grave has brought new attention to this tragic event in American history. Who was this individual and what does their identification mean for the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about the Tulsa massacre? In this article, we will explore the significance of this discovery and the steps that led to the identification of this individual.

### Who was the first person identified in the Tulsa massacre mass grave?

The first person identified in the Tulsa massacre mass grave was a young man named Clyde Eddy. He was just 17 years old at the time of the massacre and was a resident of the Greenwood district, also known as Black Wall Street. Eddy’s remains were found in a mass grave at Oaklawn Cemetery in Tulsa, where it is believed that many victims of the massacre were buried.

According to historical records, Clyde Eddy was a promising student who had dreams of attending college and becoming a successful businessman. His untimely death in the Tulsa massacre cut short a life full of potential and left his family and community devastated.

### How was Clyde Eddy identified?

The identification of Clyde Eddy’s remains was a long and arduous process that involved the collaboration of forensic anthropologists, historians, and genealogists. First, the remains found in the mass grave were carefully excavated and analyzed to determine the age, sex, and ancestry of the individual.

Next, researchers turned to historical records, including census data, newspaper articles, and death certificates, to gather information about Clyde Eddy and his family. Genealogists then used this information to track down living relatives of Eddy, who were able to provide DNA samples for comparison.

After months of painstaking work, forensic scientists were able to positively identify Clyde Eddy based on a match between his DNA and that of his living relatives. This groundbreaking identification marks a major step forward in the efforts to uncover the truth about the Tulsa massacre and bring closure to the descendants of the victims.

### What does the identification of Clyde Eddy mean for the Tulsa massacre investigation?

The identification of Clyde Eddy is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Tulsa massacre. It not only provides a sense of closure for Eddy’s family and descendants but also sheds light on the atrocities that took place during this dark chapter in American history.

By identifying individual victims of the massacre, researchers are able to humanize the tragedy and honor the memories of those who lost their lives. This identification also paves the way for further research and excavation efforts to uncover more mass graves and identify additional victims.

The Tulsa massacre, which occurred in 1921, was one of the deadliest and most destructive racial violence incidents in American history. It resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Black residents and the destruction of the prosperous Greenwood district. For decades, the true extent of the massacre was downplayed or ignored, but recent efforts to uncover the truth have brought renewed attention to this tragic event.

### Conclusion

The identification of Clyde Eddy in the Tulsa massacre mass grave is a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into this dark chapter of American history. By shedding light on the individual lives lost in the massacre, researchers are able to honor their memories and bring closure to their descendants. This discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of uncovering and acknowledging the truth of past atrocities, even when it is painful to confront.

As we continue to learn more about the Tulsa massacre and its victims, it is crucial that we confront the realities of our history and work towards healing the wounds of the past. The identification of Clyde Eddy is just the beginning of a long overdue reckoning with this tragic event, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the victims are never forgotten.