Charles Langston [1817-1892 age 75] grandfather of poet and writer, Langston Hughes [who lived in Lawrence during his youth]. Married to Mary Sampson Langston. Source: https://www.kansashistory.gov/publicat/history/1999winter_sheridan.pdf Charles Langston used his time and talents to improve the lives of his fellow African Americans through his leadership in the underground railroad, slave emancipation, education, welfare, politics, fraternal orders, journalism, and other activities. For nearly three decades he had been a leader of the campaigns in Kansas for black suffrage and for blacks' rights to serve on juries and in the state militia. Moreover, he was a leader in seeking improved social and economic conditions for black citizens.