Using DNA sequencing, the process by which genetic information of a DNA sample is obtained from remains, Intermountain Forensics, the laboratory assisting the City with DNA analysis for the Investigation, is helping create genetic genealogy profiles.

Each of those profiles are uploaded into GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA, two authorized databases that allow comparisons to unidentified remains. Individuals who have voluntarily shared their DNA tests with GEDmatch and/or Family Tree DNA, whether as part of this investigation or otherwise, will have these genetic genealogy profiles (and others that are produced from this investigation) compared to their own.

• Open the Map

If you believe you have any of these surnames in your family tree that align with the locations mentioned, please reach out to the Intermountain Forensics team at www.tulsa1921dna.org. 

C. L. Daniel is the first Tulsa Race Massacre victim to be identified from the City's 1921 Graves Investigation.

• Learn More: July 12, 2024 Press Release
• Letter from Attorney to Veterans Administration
• Letter from C.L. Daniel

If you believe you have any of these family surnames in your family tree that aligns with the locations mentioned, please reach out to the Intermountain Forensics team at www.tulsa1921dna.org.

If you believe you have any of these family surnames in your family tree that aligns with the locations mentioned, please reach out to the Intermountain Forensics team at www.tulsa1921dna.org 

If you believe you have any of these family surnames in your family tree that aligns with the locations mentioned, please reach out to the Intermountain Forensics team at www.tulsa1921dna.org 

If you believe you have any of these family surnames in your family tree that aligns with the locations mentioned, please reach out to the Intermountain Forensics team at www.tulsa1921dna.org 

If you believe you have any of these family surnames in your family tree that aligns with the locations mentioned, please reach out to the Intermountain Forensics team at www.tulsa1921dna.org 

If you believe you have any of these family surnames in your family tree that aligns with the locations mentioned, please reach out to the Intermountain Forensics team at www.tulsa1921dna.org 

If you believe you have any of these family surnames in your family tree that aligns with the locations mentioned, please reach out to the Intermountain Forensics team at www.tulsa1921dna.org 

If you believe you have any of these family surnames in your family tree that aligns with the locations mentioned, please reach out to the Intermountain Forensics team at www.tulsa1921dna.org 

xxxxxxx

• Using genetic genealogy, it's believed that Burial 180 in Oaklawn Cemetery belongs to that of George Melvin Gillispie - a late-to-middle aged male buried in a simple wooden casket with no evidence of trauma (of note, C. L. Daniel did not have evidence of observed trauma, but he is a Tulsa Race Massacre victim).
• George was born in 1881 and has no known cause of death. George's last proof of life comes from documentation from Payne County, Oklahoma, in December of 1920. Later documents that mention George were from his wife's subsequent marriage, when in 1924, she stated that her previous husband was already dead - putting his death somewhere between 1920 and 1924.
• The City of Tulsa and Intermountain Forensics have notified his living family members in Oklahoma City of the connection to his burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. The City is thankful for their participation in the genetic genealogy work so far, which ultimately led to his identification as Burial 180 in Oaklawn Cemetery.
• About George: George was one of 13 siblings who grew up in Oklahoma. He was loved by his family who wrote to him often, as well as his wife. It is unclear how George ended up in Oaklawn Cemetery, and the investigation into the manner of his death continues.
• Next Steps: The City of Tulsa will be working with the Gillispie family and the proper authorities regarding any reburial or memorialization.
• Help Needed: The public is strongly urged to come forward with any additional information regarding their connection to George's life.

If you believe you have any of these family surnames in your family tree that aligns with the locations mentioned, please reach out to the Intermountain Forensics team at www.tulsa1921dna.org 

If you believe you have any of these family surnames in your family tree that aligns with the locations mentioned, please reach out to the Intermountain Forensics team at www.tulsa1921dna.org 

If you believe you have any of these family surnames in your family tree that aligns with the locations mentioned, please reach out to the Intermountain Forensics team at www.tulsa1921dna.org 

Intermountain Forensics is seeking help from anyone who may be associated with the above surnames or have relatives from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. If your family tree has the surnames in the location of interest for any of the unknown burials, please contact the genealogy team at Intermountain Forensics. Information can be submitted online by clicking the "Provide Information" button at www.tulsa1921dna.org. You can also find instructions for participating with DNA in this project at the same website. You can also email the genealogy team directly at idteam@tulsa1921dna.org.