Genealogy of the African Simpa/Simpo Family of Edgefield, South Carolina

The intention behind writing this article is to pay tribute to my Bini ancestors, who were forcibly taken from what is now Nigeria and endured the harrowing journey of the Middle Passage, ultimately being enslaved in Edgefield, South Carolina. I inherited the surname Simpa/Simpo from my Bini ancestors, and in homage to their legacy, I chose to socially change my name to Simpa. It resonates more deeply with me than my legal last name, which was associated with the individuals who once owned my ancestors. I consider it a unique privilege to identify my original surname within this lineage, unaltered by the names of slave masters.

The narrative begins in Benin City, located in present-day Nigeria, where my ancestors, Tasso and Minda Simpa, were said to have been born, according to certain researchers/genealogists, serving as the founders of this ancestral lineage. The surname Simpa has origins in Nigeria, meaning "my desire" or "what I asked for." Interestingly, 'Simpa' also appears in other West African traditions, such as the Awutu/Efutu people of Winneba, Ghana, referring to their town as Simpa. Osimpa means 'The Builder' and was the name of a founding king, Osimpam Bondzie-abe. This shows that the name carries deep Indigenous African roots across multiple regions. Even though their exact place of origin is debated by some descendants, we can still confidently say they are from West Africa, and the Simpo/Simpa surname is Indigenous to Africa.

Breakdown of my direct lineage to Tasso and Minda Simpo/Simpa.

Following their transportation from present-day Nigeria to Edgefield, South Carolina, Tasso and Minda were sold to a man named Andrew Pickens.

Photo of Andrew Pickens, enslaver

The son of Minda and Tasso, my 4th great grandfather, was born in Edgefield, South Carolina, in the year 1830.

Archie Simpa in the 1900 census. His birthplace is listed as South Carolina while his parents' birthplaces are listed as being in Africa. 

On Sept 20, 1838, Tasso and Minda along with their children are sold to a new owner by the name of Francis W. PIckens who was Andrew Pickens son.

Source: US Slave Records 1774-1866, Pg. 311

It's truly heartbreaking to witness my ancestors being dehumanized in these records, referred to as cattle rather than human beings. The unimaginable torture and abuse they endured is beyond comprehension. Yet, I am deeply inspired by their resilience and proud to be descended from such strong, remarkable individuals.

An excerpt from the will of Andrew Pickens mentioning Tasso, Minda and their children. 

An excerpt of the will states, "To my son, I also give & bequeath the following negroes, Jack & his three children Betsey, Meshach, & Lenart; Tafso & Minda & their five children, Willonghby, Archy, Ellen, Mina & Tafso;"

It's difficult to comprehend the cruelty with which human beings treated others, viewing my ancestors and many others as mere property rather than fellow living beings. My enslaved ancestors were denied autonomy and robbed of their freedom. I want to emphasize the profound privilege I feel to have access to these records, as many others in the diaspora do not have the same opportunity to trace their ancestors. Some slave records didn't even acknowledge our ancestors by name, reducing them to mere ages. It's disturbing and heart-wrenching to confront these records, yet I'm grateful to possess them so that future generations of my family can remember their roots and identity. This history should be taught openly in schools rather than hidden away. Some of my ancestors, born into slavery, lived into the 1900s. This is recent history, not distant past, and the intergenerational trauma is still felt by descendants today.

This is a photo of the Edgewood Plantation, where the Simpa/Simpo family was enslaved, and some of my direct ancestors likely participated in building the structure along with other enslaved peoples. 

It's intriguing to note that Tasso Jr (the son of Tasso and Minda), along with several of his children, relocated to Jefferson, Florida, as documented in the 1885 Florida State census and the 1870 US Federal Census. 

The 1870 U.S. Federal Census

I believe this move was deliberate rather than coincidental. Jefferson, Florida, situated within the Chiaha chiefdom and Seminole territory, holds significance. The Seminoles historically intermarried with African individuals and engaged in conflicts and alliances, fostering Maroon communities. My ancestors lived through the Seminole Wars and likely were aware of these events. It's plausible that they were motivated to relocate to Florida during the Reconstruction Era, drawn by the newly granted voting rights for African American men and the presence of a thriving African American community.

“In the early years of Reconstruction, Florida’s state and local governments were controlled by the Republicans, the same party that had acted in Congress to force the Confederate states to write new state constitutions acknowledging the end of slavery. Backed by African-Americans and supportive whites, the Republicans attempted to ensure political and social equality for freedmen.” - https://www.floridamemory.com/learn/classroom/learning-units/civil-rights/#Antebellum

DNA

The genetic makeup of the descendants of Tasso and Minda Simpa/Simpo confirms their ancestry from present-day Nigeria. They exhibit diverse percentages of Nigerian heritage, with Nigeria consistently appearing as a region in their DNA results. Additionally, they have DNA matches with individuals currently residing in Nigeria, further validating their Nigerian lineage.

These genetic communities on AncestryDNA are shared among the descendants.

Cultural Preservation

It's crucial to highlight that certain elements of Bini culture persist within the descendants of Tasso and Minda Simpa/Simpo. Some descendants possess artistic talents, reflecting the renowned Bini tradition of sculpture and artistic expression. Others have skills in braiding and maintain West African hairstyles, while some engage in aspects of Yoruba/Edo spirituality. Certain descendants are actively learning various West African languages, including Edo or Yoruba. Additionally, many descendants have a deep appreciation for Nigerian cuisine and can prepare staple dishes like Egusi soup. Despite the painful legacy of having ancestors forcibly taken, there are descendants who aspire to visit present-day Nigeria and reconnect with long-lost relatives. Furthermore, descendants of Tasso and Minda are eligible for membership in the Sons & Daughters of the United States Middle Passage.

Photos 

Please note that the family photos accessed publicly through AncestryDNA are based on what has been shared by descendants. The accuracy of these family connections and ties depends on the information provided by those who uploaded the photos.

A photo of Annie L. Cook (my great-grandmother) and Gwendolyn Mitchell as a baby (my grandmother), who are both direct descendants of Tasso & Minda Simpa/Simpo.

Photo of Ann Simpo, the daughter of Archie and Martha Simpo.

Photo of Ellen Simpo, direct descendant of Tasso and Minda. 

In closing, I express my gratitude to all the family genealogists and historians whose efforts have made this article possible. Without the dedication of volunteers and individuals delving into archives, I, as a descendant, would not have access to the knowledge and information about this lineage. My hope is that this article aids others in tracing their African ancestors and instills a sense of pride in descendants regarding their heritage, despite the brutal truths of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Note: If you are a descendant of these lineages, have inquiries, possess new information for the article, or suspect a connection to these lines, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at afroindigenousyesa@gmail.com.