Karina Robinson, Author at

Independent Historian

K. Robinson, M.A., is an independent writer, researcher, and genealogist specializing in the historical content of the Americas and Europe. She received her B.A. from Mills College in art history and foreign languages (Spanish, German, and Italian) and earned her master’s degree in History from Arizona State University. In addition to unearthing and constructing 100-plus family histories, she has contributed research to several recent monographs, including Anne Pruitt-Logan’s biography on Dr. Lucy Diggs Slowe, Faithful to the Task at Hand and scholar Nancy Dallett’s At the Confluence of Change: A History of Tonto National Monument.

When not expanding the content and scope of her masters’ thesis on California’s first African American landowners in preparation for commercial publication, Ms. Robinson conducts freelance historical and genealogical research.

Marguerita Ragsdale (1948- )

Marguerita Dianne Ragsdale was born in April 1948 in Richmond, Virginia to Lillie and Vernon Ragsdale and raised alongside her five sisters on a farm in McKenney, Dinwiddie County, Virginia. After starting her undergraduate work at Virginia State University in Petersburg, she transferred to American … Read MoreMarguerita Ragsdale (1948- )

Jacob Francis (1754-1836)

Jacob Francis, Revolutionary War veteran, was born on January 15, 1754 in Amwell, New Jersey. His mother was African American and his father’s race was unknown. What is known of Francis’ childhood is found in the personal testimony included on his military pension application. It … Read MoreJacob Francis (1754-1836)