OUR LEGACY

The first seeds of the Wimberly–Ford family on this continent were likely planted in the late 1700s or early 1800s. We can trace our lineage back to individuals born shortly after the end of slavery, whose parents were most likely enslaved people or Native Americans. Among their God-fearing descendants were Minger Ford, who married Louveina, and Jim Wimberly, who married Elise (or Alice). These families initially resided in Twiggs County, Georgia. The Ford couple had eight children, while family records indicate that the Wimberly couple had three children. However, census data suggests that the Fords had sixteen children, though their names were not documented.

The Wimberly–Ford families have since expanded over approximately eight or nine generations. Today, their descendants primarily reside along the East Coast and in Mid-Atlantic states.

Early Residency and Historical Context

The families’ early settlements were in Twiggs County, Bleckley County, and Cochran, Georgia. Fort Twiggs, established in 1793 and named after General John Twiggs, was commanded by Colonel Ezekiel Wimberly (later promoted to Major General) during the War of 1812; however, he was not related to our lineage.

Bleckley County, Georgia’s 145th county, was created in 1912 and named after State Supreme Court Justice Logan E. Bleckley. Its county seat, Cochran, was named for Judge Arthur E. Cochran and incorporated on March 19, 1869.

Blessed with some of the most fertile agricultural soil in the South, Bleckley County became home to affluent farm owners who thrived on row crop farming. The county’s primary commodities included cotton, corn, soybeans, peanuts, vegetables, peaches, apples, and pecans. Livestock farming, particularly beef and hogs, also contributed significantly to the local economy.

Our ancestors primarily worked as farm laborers, toiling from sunup to sundown for as little as 35 cents per day in the early 1900s. They were sharecroppers on farms owned by Green Wiley, Dyke Bullard, Will Trunell, Clyde Pernell, and Snell Coley before seeking other employment opportunities. Many relocated to different states in search of a better life. After sharecropping, they found jobs in railroad work, carpentry, construction, and domestic labor.

Migration and Expansion

Families frequently moved from place to place, following the seasonal harvests. This constant migration eventually led to permanent relocations. While we have not yet determined exact timelines, we know that by 1925–1926, family branches had formed in Butler County, Alabama, when Henry and Ella Jane Ford Cornelius (daughter of Minger and Louveina Ford) settled there.

Other key migrations include:

1930: Amanda Ford (daughter of Minger and Louveina) and her husband, Chester Frye, a traveling Baptist minister, relocated to Osier Field, Georgia.
1935: Mossie L. Wimberly Jackson (daughter of Tim and Emma Ford Wimberly) and her mother moved to Florida in search of better opportunities.
1941: George Wimberly Sr. (son of Tim and Emma) moved to Pompano Beach, Florida.
Mid-1930s: Freddie and Johnnie Wimberly moved to Florida, followed by Revonia Wimberly Williams in 1942.

Today, documented branches of the family extend to New York, South Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Virginia, North Carolina, and California. Remarkably, the granddaughter of Jim and Elise Wimberly, Susie Wimberly Baggs, and her family still reside in Bleckley County, maintaining a presence in our ancestral homeland.

Family Legacy and Generational Growth

The four original family seeds—Minger and Louveina Ford, and Jim and Elise Wimberly—have flourished into eight and nine generations of descendants.

According to living relatives:

Minger and Louveina Ford had eight children: Emma Ford (1881), Ella Jane Ford (1883), Amanda Ford (1885), Kelly Ford (1887), Thomas Ford (1892), Abraham Ford (1889), and George Ford (1869). However, the 1870 census lists Louveina Ford as the mother of sixteen children. Additionally, the 1880 census records two more: Mingo D. Ford (1872) and Daniel J. Ford (1875).
Jim and Elise/Alice Wimberly reportedly had three children: Timothy Wimberly (1875), Martilla Wimberly (1881), and Almeta Wimberly (1884). However, multiple census records also list Alline Wimberly (1884) as a daughter.

Our Shared Values and Traditions

We are fortunate to maintain communication with hundreds of family members. Over the past twenty years, we have gathered in various states to break bread and fellowship, celebrating our heritage and strengthening family bonds.

Our Wimberly–Ford ancestors were deeply rooted in faith, maintaining strong personal relationships with God and active church lives. Prayer and scripture were central to their daily existence. They were hard workers, always willing to go the extra mile, and were known for their loyalty, generosity, and hospitality. Their word was their bond, earning them deep respect in their communities.

They passed down strong values, teaching children to:

Never lose hope
Show respect for elders
Put forth their best effort in all endeavors
Maintain a positive attitude

Education has always been a cornerstone of our family values. Despite limited opportunities, some of our ancestors learned to read and write. Today, we honor their legacy through academic achievements, with descendants excelling as teachers, nurses, chemists, child care workers, law enforcement officers, musicians, ministers, human service workers, psychologists, and more.

Educational Institutions and Achievements

Bleckley County boasts one of the best school systems in Georgia’s mid-state region. Cochran, its county seat, is home to Middle Georgia College (MGC)—one of the oldest two-year colleges in the United States and a founding unit of the University System of Georgia.

Georgia also has a rich higher education system, including 96 community colleges and universities. Atlanta alone is home to five historically Black colleges:

Clark Atlanta University
Interdenominational Theological Center
Morehouse College
Morris Brown College
Spelman College

Additionally, Georgia’s state college system includes:

Albany State University
Fort Valley State University
Savannah State University
Paine College
Shorter College
Morehouse School of Medicine

Continuing the Legacy

While our family research continues, we recognize that some details may be incomplete. We welcome corrections, additions, and shared family stories to further enrich our collective history.

The Wimberly–Ford family is built on faith, hard work, love, and resilience. We carry these values forward, honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us while ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots.