Our Story Begins

Before we can truly explore our family’s history, we must first understand the world our ancestors lived in.

In 1735, slavery was officially banned in the colony of Georgia. Its founder, James Oglethorpe, believed slavery was morally wrong and “against the Gospel.” However, just 15 years later, that ban was lifted.

Many colonists, dissatisfied with the results of their own labor, argued that enslaved people were necessary for economic success. They believed a slave-free society could not bring them the prosperity they desired. Over time, they pressured Georgia’s leadership until the ban was repealed.

On January 1, 1751, Georgia became a slave state.

 t is difficult to fully grasp the hardships our ancestors endured over 150 years ago.

Enslaved people were subjected to conditions ranging from harsh to brutally inhumane. Punishments such as whipping, hanging, and abuse were common. Families were separated without warning, often sold away from one another with no regard for age or connection.

They were treated not as people—but as property.

At the time, many in the South justified slavery by claiming Black people were incapable of caring for themselves. They argued slavery provided food, clothing, and exposure to Christianity. While some in the North opposed slavery, many still held beliefs of racial inferiority.

The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, due to his anti-slavery stance, sparked fear across Southern states.

In response:

• 7 Southern states, including Georgia, seceded from the Union 
• Eventually, 13 states formed the Confederate States of America 

This led to the American Civil War, a conflict that would reshape the nation.

The Civil War brought devastation across the South. Homes, farms, and infrastructure were destroyed, and over 620,000 lives were lost.

During the war, on January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, freeing many enslaved people and allowing them to join the Union Army as United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.).

Following the war, three critical amendments were added to the Constitution:

• 13th Amendment – Abolished slavery 
• 14th Amendment – Guaranteed equal protection under the law 
• 15th Amendment – Granted Black men the right to vote 

The Civil War officially ended on May 13, 1865.

 “Free at last, free at last…”

In 1870—just five years after slavery ended—our family appears for the very first time in U.S. census records.

For the first time, they were documented:

• By name 
• By age 
• As a family unit 

This moment marked more than a record—it marked recognition, identity, and a new beginning.

In 1870, we meet our ancestor George Washington Jones, a 14-year-old boy born in 1856—born into slavery but now living in freedom.

He lived with:

• His mother, Millie Jones, age 34 (our Matriarch) 
• His stepfather, James, age 35 (our Patriarch) 

Through records, we later learn his biological father was Josh Jones of Thomasville, Georgia.

George was the oldest of many siblings, including:
Joseph, John, Patsy, Caroline, James, Ann, Ellen, and Amanda.

Though some relationships are still being researched, what remains clear is this:

This was the beginning of the Gardner family legacy as we know it today.

George, like many formerly enslaved individuals, faced immense challenges:

• He was unable to read or write early in life 
• Opportunities were limited 
• Survival required resilience and determination 

Yet despite this, he and his family laid the foundation for generations to come.

From these beginnings—through hardship, perseverance, and faith—our family has grown into what it is today.

Every name, every story, every record uncovered brings us closer to understanding who we are and where we come from.

Their journey is our legacy.

Created by Cousin Rutha (Sissy) Mahoney