While browsing through the Ohio Historical Society website and their section 'African American Experience in Ohio (1850-1920)' I ran across a bit of information I hadn't seen before.

It appears the 'colored men' of Ohio held a State Convention in Columbus, Ohio July 16-18 1856. Two of the attendees were Lewis Adams & Francis Adams of Champaign County, Ohio. Lewis Adams is my 3rd great-grandfather and Francis one of his sons, is my 2nd great-grandfather.

The eight (8) page report of the proceedings, procedures and actions taken by Council of Colored Men is found at the URL below. There are many gentlemen named and their home locations are mentioned so if you have ancestors in Ohio during this time period you might investigate the roster of attendees.

Art Thomas