Now, the Principal Research Group, a nonprofit composed of scientists and historians, is combining DNA analysis with genealogical research and calling on the public, especially those with deep Texas roots in the 19th century, to help uncover the identities of these men and restore their names to history, said PRG genealogist Rita Simonetta.
“All of these men passed away over 100 years ago so the amount of DNA matches that I get is limited,” Simonetta said. “We really need the community’s help to step forward.”
The backstory
Discovered in 2018 during construction at Fort Bend ISD’s James Reese Career and Technical Center, the site received national recognition for the discovery, prompting the formation of PRG under archaeologist Catrina Whitley, according to the group’s website. The site is located at 12300 University Blvd., Sugar Land.
In fall 2019, the Texas Historical Commission granted Whitley and PRG a permit to conduct the 10-year study to conduct DNA, genealogical and historical research to identify descendants to restore the names of the lost population, according to the website.
In 2024, PRG partnered with the Snow Molecular Anthropology Lab at the University of Montana, led by anthropological geneticist Meradeth Snow, where extractions from bones and teeth were used to make mitochondrial DNA matches, according to the website.
Snow said three families have been linked through mitochondrial DNA, and another through nuclear DNA. However, she said progress is limited, as the lab has only had access to the remains for about six months.
The approach
Simonetta said DNA tests, which are conducted by third-party companies FamilyTreeDNA and GEDmatch, are limited in scope and designed specifically to find family connections rather than to provide full genetic profiles.
The genomic data is stored in an offline, secure private database from and never shared publicly or in searchable databases without the donor’s explicit consent, according to the website.
“We're not doing a whole sequencing ... we're just [testing] to do familial matches,” Simonetta said. ”If there's privacy issues, talk to us. We can help mitigate them."
Get involved
A detailed report on the 95 men includes names, convictions, physical descriptions and counties of origin—including Fort Bend, Harris, Galveston counties along with others across Texas, Simonetta said.
If any of the names sound familiar, even if through maternal lineage, Simonetta said the public should visit the PRG website and complete the "find out" form. PRG will follow-up with confirmed descendents, covering the cost for two family members per case
Additionally, PRG officials are also fundraising for DNA sample collection kits and isotope analysis to assist the narrowing down of living potential relatives, according to its website.
Funding
As a nonprofit, PRG’s work is supported by individual donations, grants and partnerships—including biotech firm Qiagen, which provides discounted DNA kits and materials, Snow said in an email.
“We are not paid for our work, just for the necessary tools to carry out the analyses, like the DNA lab reagent costs,” Snow said. “All of what we do is truly a labor of love."
Zooming out
While PRG handles the DNA portion, the nonprofit has asked Friends of the Sugar Land 95 to aid in community outreach efforts for site identification and financial backing for DNA kits, President Marilyn Moore said.
In collaboration with Fort Bend ISD, Friends of SL95, has been actively fundraising the estimated $4.5 million needed to build a memorial site in honor of the men buried there with a capital fundraiser to start at its upcoming Juneteenth event.
Additionally, the district is working with Fort Bend County Precinct 3 commissioner Andy Meyer to finalize an agreement that would provide a funding commitment of $1.5 million to the project with unused park bonds, said Chassidy Olainu-Alade, chief communication officer for FBISD, in an email.
Looking Ahead
The Texas Historical Commission, FBISD and Friends of the Sugar Land 95 have partnered to commemorate the dedication of the historical marker received in June and reflect on the historical significance of the site. Additionally, potential matches can attend the event to receive a free DNA testing on-site, Simonetta said.
A public ceremony will be held June 19 at 10 a.m. at the James Reese Career and Technical Center, according to the district website. Participants can get free tickets on Eventbrite, district officials confirmed.
