Scipio Vaughan (c. 1784–1840) was an African-American artisan and former slave who played a significant role in inspiring a "back to Africa" movement among his descendants in the early 19th century. Born in the Owu kingdom of Abeokuta in Yorubaland, Scipio was captured by slave traders and taken to the United States, where he ultimately gained his freedom. He married Maria Theresa Louisa Matilda Conway, and together they raised nine children in South Carolina. On his deathbed, Scipio urged his sons to return to their native Yorubaland, initiating a movement to reconnect with their African roots.Following their father's wishes, James Churchill Vaughan and his brother Burrell Vaughan emigrated to Liberia, seeking to escape oppressive laws and rebuild their lives in Africa. They later traveled to Yorubaland as missionaries and became prominent figures, with James establishing a successful hardware business and leading a revolt against white missionaries. The Vaughan descendants are now dispersed across three continents, including Africa, the Caribbean, North America, and Europe, maintaining connections and occasional reunions across borders.Scipio Vaughan's legacy lives on through the perseverance and accomplishments of his descendants, who have strived to restore their dignity, pride, and heritage, while navigating the challenges of post-slavery societies.