Alan Steppe
Strom Thurmond, the long-serving U.S. Senator from South Carolina, had five legitimate children with his wife, Nancy Moore Thurmond. He also had one daughter from a previous relationship with a black housemaid. Here’s a breakdown:
Essie Mae Washington-Williams (1925–2013): In 2003, Essie Mae Washington-Williams publicly revealed that she was the daughter of Strom Thurmond and Carrie Butler, a black teenager who had worked for the Thurmond family. This disclosure came after Thurmond’s death. For many years, Washington-Williams’ paternity was a secret, although she did have private communications with Thurmond and received some financial support from him. The revelation highlighted the complexities of Thurmond’s personal and political life, particularly because of his segregationist stances during parts of his career.
Nancy Moore Thurmond (born 1955): She is named after her mother.
James Strom Thurmond Jr. (born 1960): He followed in his father’s footsteps into law and politics, and has served in various capacities, including as a U.S. Attorney.
Juliana Whitmer (born 1965)
Paul Reynolds Thurmond (born 1976): Like his older brother, Paul also pursued a career in politics. He has been involved in South Carolina state politics.
J. Strom Thurmond (born 1978)
Throughout his life, Strom Thurmond was a controversial and influential figure in U.S. politics, particularly noted for his switch from the Democratic to Republican party and for his long-held, though eventually modified, views on race and segregation. The revelation about his daughter, Essie Mae, added another layer to the public’s understanding of him.
