I started my research into Jack Leonard, my grandfather’s grandfather almost 15 years ago. I had put all of my research on hold many years ago after running into several dead ends. After viewing the PBS program African American Lives, I decided to start up again.

I first did a Google search on the name Jack Leonard and founf that SC State Senator, Kent Williams had provided a presentation to the Pee Dee, South Carolina Geneological Society regarding Jack Leonard along with the history of St James AME Church in Marion. I sent both Kent and the genealogical society emails requesting info and to my surprise they both responded. At the same time, I had started building the family tree online via Ancestry.com and soon concluded why Senator Kent Williams had so much information; Jack Leonard is his grandmother’s grandfather. Even more surprising was the fact that Kent’s brother is the reknowned syndicated columnist, Armstrong Williams. I was stunned when I went to their websites, pulled up their photos and realized the strong resemblance; almost like looking in a mirror!

Taking this a step further, I decided to read some of the shared stories on this site before writing mine only to find out that someone wrote about the Ginwright Family from the 1700’s. Well, I made another connection to my family tree because Jack Leonard’s daughter married Henry Ginwright, son of Homus Ginwright. This is truly amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU