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The Truth Behind the Colonel's Death

 

The Colonel even though in his '70's was in very good health

History is defined by who is telling the story........ The Colonel was a remarkable person and truly a leader. The documentation you normally review (or obtain) infers "the Colonel was killed in an accident."

Our interpretation of the Colonel's death was obtained through re-creation and first-hand interviews and review. Participating in the research was Charles Allen, who at the time was Vice President of the Los Angeles Chapter of Friends of Allensworth and now resides in Allensworth, Judith Leslie-Thomas, who at the time was Docent Trainer, and Fred Thomas, III, who was president of Friends of Allensworth-Los Angeles Chapter. Monrovia library presented news clippings from their micro-fiche archives. Most dismiss the Colonel's death as a simple tragedy, however those with a burning desire for truth will explore the circumstances surrounding this mystery and conclude, yes it was a tragedy, and yes there is conclusive evidence that points towards assassination.

The Colonel was healthy as a horse in 1914.

Docents Judith Leslie-Thomas and Charles Allen alongside Colonel's gravesite in Los Angeles, were
responsible for digging much history to contribute to current conclusion.

By the way, for inquiring minds the Colonel (along with many founders of Allensworth) is buried at Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery, which is located in Los Angeles (Washington & Normandie) and immediately North of Santa Monica Freeway. Exit at Normandie, Vermont or Western. His stone looks new and is located near the north/east portion of the property (get specific directions at the office).

NEW!!! FOR INQUIRING MINDS THE COLONEL'S TOMBSTONE IS LOCATED SMACK IN BETWEEN SECTIONS N & S (CHECK AT OFFICE) YOU MUST SEE THIS FOR YOURSELF. LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.

Yes, the book is correct, as his funeral was held at Second Baptist Church which still is active at 24th & Central Ave.

He was killed in the foothill town of Monrovia, CA as he was on his way to preach at Shiloh Baptist Church (still standing). His death occurred as he was walking down street (Myrtle Avenue) after getting off train (street now called Foothill).

Again, there was much going on in the California, as well as the nation, particularly in the African-American communities. Some were quite happy that Blacks had discovered Allensworth and could "disappear." There was a progressive movement as the town was truly on a roll. The Colonel was in contact with Booker T. Washington and "The Tuskegee of the West" was being seriously discussed, as Allensworth presented the perfect location to house such an intellectual facility. Surprisingly, many white citizens had supported this concept, however, it was diverseness in the African-American community, who despised such a plan because it was thought to be segregation, all over.

With all this going on, many could see that the Allensworth experiment had merit and was about the gain tremendous popularity. Again, the Colonel was well known and his strategy for recruiting settlers was successful. As he often did, much of his time was spent "barnstorming" throughout various towns, as well as making periodic church visits, which is the reason he was in Monrovia.

Common sense prohibits any logical person from defining his death as anything but an accident. Unfortunately, as you read much documentation there is a quick gloss over about his death, as if he died due to old age, and that is a travesty because the documentation suggest a mild uproar, led by Mrs. Allensworth to make to officials have an inquest.

Think about it, hit by a motorcycle - OK, but run over repeatedly???? Why have these basic facts not been mentioned?? Why must a person need to explore documentation ??

The reason his death is so compelling is who knows what could have come of the town of Allensworth - had he lived. His six years spent there seem so short, yet his leadership was well documented.

More details to follow so stay tuned but moreso, pay attention and think.

Allensworth represents an important part of African-American History, as well as American History

PLEASE CHECK NEW LINK AS PHOTO PAGE IS NEW AND IMPROVED. We encourage you to share this page with others. Remember it is just one perspective but the history and documentation is very shaky, which is why new information is being provided everyday. Many, many people have an Allensworth connection and don't realize it because property, in particular was purchased "site unseen" and after doing hours-cleaning, etc. descendants find various artifacts. Thanks for stopping by and please check back often as this site represents a work in progress.

You know, the Allensworth saga is incredible but if you think that's something, set back, get some perspective and go back in time to appreciate his death. You don't need a PhD to realize "it just didn't happen." A couple of poignant facts - the Colonel was good friends of Booker T. Washington, and Tuskegee Institute was rolling along with success. Directly across highway 43 on the other side of Allensworth, plans were underway to create a Tuskegee of the West - in Allensworth. Can you imagine, with all of the migration west - this would have been remarkable but history once again tells the story that just as some folks despised (misunderstood) Booker T, the same was true for the Colonel - folks were in denial and instead of realizing that segregation can have a positive spin, they downplayed "any negro institution" and eventually the idea was gone. Nevertheless, the Colonel was on a mission and the brilliance of those he was able to recruit added to this Mecca. Thank God Mrs. Allensworth insisted on an inquest for the murderers, otherwise, many would have dismissed "the old man" as simply fragile. What I'm getting at is in 1914 there was lots going on with Blacks across the nation, but particularly in California and it had to be stopped!!!

**MORE PHOTOS ON ALLENSWORTH'S GREAT FOUNDERS - CLICK HERE TO ACCESS

  

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