Family history research often leads us to stories we never expected to find. In Greenwich, Connecticut, amateur genealogist Dennis Richmond Jr. has done just that—uncovering a lineage of free Black ancestors stretching back to the 18th century. His work not only enriches his own family’s story but also reshapes how local history is understood.
Richmond traced his ancestry to 1785, when records show his sixth-great-grandfather, Jeffrey Felmetta, paid taxes. At an era when slavery had not yet been abolished in Connecticut, this discovery highlights a remarkable example of independence and success. Felmetta’s life challenges traditional narratives and reveals the presence of free Black landowners contributing to community life in early America.
Richmond’s research didn’t stop there. He uncovered more relatives who made their mark on Greenwich history. His great-great-great-uncle, George E. Green, served in the Civil War as part of the 29th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers—a unit of Black soldiers who fought for the Union. Another ancestor, Joseph Glover, owned a cleaning business in the 1920s, advertised his services in local newspapers, and boldly traveled during an era when doing so as a Black man carried serious risks.
These discoveries show how genealogy can shine light on lives that deserve recognition. By piecing together tax records, military documents, and old photographs, Richmond created a fuller picture of a family story that might otherwise have been forgotten.
As Jean Graugnard often emphasizes, family history is about stories that deepen our understanding of heritage and community. Richmond’s findings do exactly that—reminding us that resilience, entrepreneurship, and service are part of the fabric of Greenwich’s past.
Local historians and town officials have praised Richmond’s work for expanding the record of Black history in Connecticut. His dedication, beginning when he was only 13 years old, proves how personal passion can make a lasting contribution.
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