Our Lineage
The Big Seven
The seven children of Charles & Rebecca Ford, born between 1867 and 1878. Each branch is known by its color — worn proudly at every reunion.
Roots
Charles & Rebecca Ford
Last-generation enslaved · circa 1840
ADAM
Branch color · adam
Eldest of the Big Seven (b. 1867). Bought land farther up Bowman Lane.
Children
- Angie
- Applis
- and 8 more
BINA
Branch color · bina
Bina Victoria Ford Desaussure. Settled in Hendersonville, Colleton County.
Children
- Lawrence Jr.
- Raymond
- Ashley
- Bertha
- Susie
- Tom
- Caleb
- Carey
- Willie Ethel
DIANA
Branch color · diana
Also spelled Dianna. Carrier of one of the largest branches.
Children
- Birdie
- Cassie
- and 8 more
FORTUNE
Branch color · fortune
A line known by the bold red banner at every reunion.
Children
- Ginia
- and 8 more
LUCY
Branch color · lucy
The green branch — small in number, mighty in spirit.
Children
- Ellen
- and 5 more
ROBERT
Branch color · robert
Settled at Toomer Hill, now Ford Lane, off Ritter Road.
Children
- Cain
- and 4 more
TOM
Branch color · tom
Youngest son (1878–1940). Inherited the original 20 acres on Bowman Lane. Married Mamie Singleton, then later had additional children.
Children
- Lela
- Coleman
- Holman
- Virginia
- James
- Gladys
- Walter
- Ora Belle
- Thomas
- Jell Emma
- Harmon
- John
- Nettie
- Lawrence
Have a correction or a name to add? Tell the family historian.