We have been able to trace the Strong family back to Jordan Strong (b. 1819) and Amy Strong (b. 1821). According to the 1870 United States Census, they were both born in Georgia. We were able to locate Jordan and Amy Strong through the Walker Family Tree on ancestry.com (although we do not as yet know our connection to the Walker Family). To Jordan and Amy Strong were born the following children: George Washington, Sr. (b.1845); Abram (b. 1850); Leah (b. 1851); and Emily (b.1854).

At the time of the 1870 Census, there was also a one month old child named John in the household. John was George, Sr.’s son. Although the Strongs lived in Beehive, Alabama at some point, they were living in Macon County by the time of the 1870 Census. (See Jordan Strong and Amy Strong Census under Historical Documents)

George Washington Strong, Sr. married Sarah James (b.1846) on February 12, 1868. (See George W. Strong, Sr. and Sarah James’ Marriage Certificate under Historical Documents) According to the 1870 Census, George Washington Strong, Sr. and Sarah James had the following children: John (b. 1870); George, Jr. (b. 1873); Leona (b. 1875) and Emma (b.1877).

George Washington Strong, Jr. and Willie Lou Freeman were married on January 26, 1896 by Minister R. F. Echols at the home of Willie Lou’s Caucasian father, William (Billy Boy) Miles. The place of marriage is listed on the Marriage Certificate. (See George Strong, Jr. and Willie Lou Freeman’s Marriage Certificate under Historical Documents) Willie Lou’s mother was Ada Freeman. She was said to be part “colored” and part Native American. Family lore suggests that Ada may have been of Creek origin. According to historical publications, Creeks owned and controlled most of the land of the area until 1830. US Census documents show William “Billy Boy” Miles’ home to be located next to his daughter’s home on the Census route. Willie Lou’s home was listed as family number 82 and Willie Miles’ house was 83. (See 1900 US Census of Willie Miles and 1900 US Census of George Strong, Jr. under Historical Documents)

George Washington Strong, Jr. and Willie Lou Freeman had the following children: Daisy (b. 1897); Freddie (b. Oct., 1998); David Lee (b. 1900) (See 1917 David Lee Strong WWI Draft Registration information and Draft Registration Cards) under Historical Documents); Mary (b. 1901); Garrison (b. 1904); Lenora (b. 1905); Johnnie Mae (b. 1907) (See 1920 US Census of Johnnie M. Strong as a 13 year old girl under Historical Documents); Georgia (b. 1909); Nellie Pink (b. 1911); William (b. 1914); Emma Lee (b. 1916); and Jimmie Lois (b. 1918). Johnnie Mae’s name is misspelled. Notice also that her race, as with all of the other children in the household was listed as mulatto.