Every family has a story. Ours begins with Suckey Bey, enslaved at Mount Vernon, and runs across eight generations and 270 years to where Melissa and I stand today. This is that line — the roots beneath everything I call the Wilson Estate.

Family Origins

The Wilson family traces its ancestry through the Quander family to the Fante (Fanti) people of present-day Ghana. Family history records that an ancestor, Egya Amkwandoh, was kidnapped during the transatlantic slave trade and transported to North America.

According to family tradition, when asked his name by slaveholders, he replied, “Amkwandoh.” His response was reportedly misunderstood as “I am Quando,” and the surname Quando was subsequently recorded. Over time, the spelling evolved into Quander, establishing one of the oldest documented African American families in the United States.

Direct Line of Descent

1. Suckey Bey (1753–1839)

Enslaved by George Washington

2. Nancy Carter (1788–1847), who married Charles Quander

Enslaved by George Washington

3. Lewis Carter Quander (c.1821–1864)

4. James A. Quander (1843–1925)

5. Carrie Ella Quander (1875–1951), who married George Brutus Wilson (1879–1942), uniting the Quander and Wilson family lines

6. Arthur Wilson Sr. (1915–19xx)

7. Arthur Wilson Jr. (1940–2012)

8. Dr. Arthur Wilson III (1962– )

Suckey Bey at Mount Vernon

Suckey Bey (1753–1839) was owned and enslaved directly by George Washington at Mount Vernon. She lived and worked at River Farm as an enslaved fieldworker, labouring from dawn until dusk in the wheat fields, often alongside mule teams. After completing the day’s work, she returned home to care for her family, including her daughter, Nancy.

Because Suckey Bey was owned and enslaved directly by George Washington, she and her children were freed in 1801 under the provisions of Washington’s will. Her daughter, Nancy Carter, later married Charles Quander, uniting the Carter and Quander family lines. Through this marriage, Suckey Bey’s descendants became part of the Quander family, recognised as one of the oldest documented African American families in the United States.

Continuing the Wilson Legacy

The marriage of Carrie Ella Quander and George Brutus Wilson united the Quander and Wilson family lines, marking the transition from the Quander surname to the Wilson surname. Today, Dr. Arthur Wilson III represents the eighth generation in this direct line of descent from Suckey Bey.

Our family’s journey spans more than 270 years: from the forced removal of ancestors from West Africa, through slavery and freedom, to a legacy of resilience, perseverance, education, and public service.

Today, Dr. Wilson works alongside Wilson family historian Tina Marie Leonard (née Wilson) to preserve and share this remarkable history, ensuring that the stories, achievements, and lessons of previous generations continue to inform and inspire those who follow. Through a commitment to education, professional achievement, building generational wealth, philanthropy, and responsible family stewardship, he seeks to honour the sacrifices of his ancestors by creating greater opportunities for future generations.

As part of this vision, Arthur and Melissa Wilson established the Wilson Estate—a family legacy framework that integrates property, financial stewardship, education, governance, shared experiences, and enduring values to help each generation build on the achievements of those who came before. Together, they are committed to honouring their family’s heritage while creating enduring opportunities through knowledge, service, stewardship, and hope for generations to come.