"The Original Immigrant"

The original O'Rear immigrant, who I believe is the progenitor of everyone named O'Rear in the United States, is John O'Rear I. The earliest land grants and other documents from around 1710 spelled our name Orea and sometimes Orre, Orear, Orrear, Oreare, O'Rior or other ways. This is not uncommon for that period. The ethnicity of the name is frequently debated, but in truth is unknown, and is left to discussion at the end of this section.

1. John O’Rear I (c. 1650–1710)

2. John O’Rear II (c. 1675–1724)

3. John O’Rear III (c. 1730–1810)

4. Jeremiah O’Rear (1744–1798)

5. Daniel O’Rear (c. 1777–1864)

6. John Bush O’Rear (1802–1883)

7. Miranda A. O’Rear (1869–1934)

8. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. (1896-1978)

9. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. (1931–. 2019)

10. Mark Edward O’Rear (1957-)

1: John O’Rear I, The Original Immigrant (c. 1650 – c. 1710)

Introduction

John O’Rear I, as he is called, is believed to be the progenitor of the O’Rear family in America. Born around 1650, his arrival in the American colonies marked the founding of a family lineage distinguished by frontier pioneering, military service, and community leadership.

Early Life and Origins

Although definitive early records do not exist, family researchers and genealogists agree John was part of the Protestant community—possibly Calvinist or French Huguenot—who sought refuge from religious persecution amid the political turbulence in the mid-17th century. Some family traditions recount connections to France or Scotland, with the name originally appearing as O’Rea or Orré in continental records.

By the late 1600s, John emigrated to Virginia, probably between 1660 and 1688. His initial settlement was in Brent Town, Stafford County, an area known for its early Protestant settlements, including French Huguenots. This location played the pivotal role in establishing the O’Rear presence in colonial America.

Colonial Records of "John O'Rear I"

I think it is important to note that all of our information about John O'Rear I comes from family lore. Although the family lore comes from letters written by relatives not too far removed, there are no actual Colonial records that remain.

Family and Marriage

While we do not know John's wife's name, he did have a son name John (who we frequently refer to as John O'Rear II), who married Mary Peck around 1700 in Richmond County, Virginia. Mary was the daughter of Robert Peck and Margaret, tying the O’Rear family into established Virginian gentry. Their union produced several offspring, laying a familial foundation that would proliferate across the expanding colonies. They were active participants in colonial society, witnessed by land transactions and community records, evidencing their rise as respected members.

Summary

John O’Rear I’s story symbolizes the immigrant pioneer’s courage in forging a new life under challenging conditions. His establishment in Virginia laid a geographic and social foundation that his descendants would build upon, spreading through early America’s expanding frontiers.

References

• O’Rear Family Genealogy Records, Stafford County, VA Land Grants, 1711

• Dettingen Parish Marriage Records, Richmond County, VA

• Northern Neck Proprietary Archives

• Hoffman, Lee H., The Origin of the O’Rear Family, 20th Century Family Research

• Stafford County, VA Colonial Militia Rolls

• FamilySearch.org, O’Rear Ancestors Record (ID: I667)

2. John O’Rear II (c. 1675 – 1724) — Colonial Virginian Planter and Militiaman

Introduction

John O’Rear II was likely born around 1675 in Virginia, possibly the first in the family born on American soil. John O'Rear II continued the O’Rear family establishment in Stafford County, Virginia, broadening the family’s land holdings, social status, and community involvement during a formative period in colonial America.

Early Life and Family Position

John II grew up in a Virginia colony that was expanding rapidly. As the son of John O’Rear I (spouse unknown), he inherited both land and a position among the area’s Protestant yeoman farmers and planters. During John II’s time, Stafford County and its environs were shaped by land patents granted under the Northern Neck Proprietary managed by the Fairfax family. The O’Rear family lands near Brent Town were part of a patchwork of settlements that included English, Irish, and French Huguenot neighbors.

Land and Social Standing

Records indicate John owned substantial land, which he managed as a planter using both bonded and enslaved labor, reflecting regional practices. He and his brothers and cousins consolidated holdings around Cloverfield and Cedar Run. The family used “quit rents,” a holdover from feudal land rent systems, to secure their properties legally. He was recorded as having deeds in Richmond and Prince William counties and was involved in local civil and militia affairs, typical for men of property in frontier Virginia.

Marriage and Children

John II married Mary Peck Lawson, aligning the O’Rear family with another established Virginian family. This marriage strengthened social bonds and produced several children who would continue the family’s westward expansion.

Religious and Community Life

The O’Rear family during this period was aligned with Protestant dissenters, primarily Methodists, shaping their community and spiritual life. They participated actively in local church and militia duties, key to the colony’s social cohesion.

Historical Context

John II lived during the early 1700s when colonial Virginia was consolidating its plantation economy, expanding settlement, and facing intermittent frontier conflicts with Native Americans. The social divisions between the wealthier “Chotankers” and smaller “Tuckahoes” planters framed planter society, with the O’Rear family positioned among the more prosperous landowners.

Summary

John O’Rear II embodied the progressive consolidation of the O’Rear family’s social and economic standing in colonial Virginia. His life set the stage for the next generations’ critical roles in revolutionary and frontier America.

References

• Stafford County Land Records, Early 18th Century

• Northern Neck Proprietary Archives

• Local militia and county court records, 1700–1724

• Virginia Colonial Church and Property Records

• O’Rear Family Records (TMG Tips and RootsWeb compilations)

• FamilySearch database: John O’Rear II profile

3: John O’Rear III (c. 1730 – 1810) — Revolutionary War Patriot and Virginia Frontier Settler

Introduction

John O’Rear III was born around 1730 in Prince William County, Virginia. He was the grandson of the original immigrant John O’Rear and son of John O’Rear II, and he was increasingly embedded in Virginian colonial society. John III came of age in a period poised on the brink of revolutionary change and played a vital role in America’s fight for independence and early expansion.

Early Life and Family Background

John III’s childhood and youth were spent in the Northern Neck and Prince William regions of Virginia, an area known for prosperous tobacco plantations and mixed ethnic backgrounds, including English, Irish, and French Huguenot settlers. The O’Rears were established planters with growing land interests, and the family’s social ties continued to strengthen.

Military Service and Revolutionary War Contributions

With the outbreak of the American Revolution, John O’Rear III enlisted in the Virginia militia. He served as a sergeant under Captain Leonard Helm and Colonel George Rogers Clark in the Illinois campaigns of 1778–1779. These campaigns were crucial to securing the western frontier against British and Native American forces. John participated in the daring capture of British forts at Kaskaskia and Vincennes, which helped establish American control over the Northwest Territory. His military service earned him land warrants and established his lasting reputation as a patriot and defender of the new nation.

Leadership

After the war, John settled in Prince William County, where he resumed farming and continued to play a role in local governance and militia organization. John was involved in local affairs at a time when Virginia navigated postwar reconstruction, expanding settlements, and political change.

Family and Descendants

John and wife Hester Reno had many children who spread the O’Rear lineage into Kentucky and beyond. Their descendants would become pioneers on the westward frontier, embracing the spirit of American expansion. It is this authors privilege to visit Cedar Run cemetery in northern Virginia and come upon several of his children's grave sites (Enoch O'Rear, Hannah O'Rear, Mary Ann O'Rear). His son and our direct ancestor Jeremiah O'Rears grave site is not there, as he was one of the earliest settlers of Kentucky.

He is not the only one of our ancestors that migrated to early Kentucky. Another ancestor of a different line, Billy Bush, settled near Jamestown in the early 1600's and was a friend of Daniel Boone. Billy surveyed the land for Daniel Boone, and he and his family helped found Boonesborough. There is a section on this ancestry under the Famous Ancestors section.

Historical Context

John III’s life spanned colonial rebellion, nation-building, and frontier settlement. His military role dovetailed with Virginia’s leadership in the Revolution and westward migration. He embodied the transitional generation that forged a new American identity from colonial roots.

Summary

John O’Rear III is emblematic of the colonial Virginian planter who fought to create the United States and then helped pioneer its western frontier. His life and service embody the courage and determination that built early America.

References

• Revolutionary War militia rolls, Virginia and Illinois campaigns

• Land grant and pension records related to George Rogers Clark’s Illinois expeditions

• Prince William County court and land records

• O’Rear family genealogical compilations (RootsWeb, TMG Tips)

• FamilySearch.org: John O’Rear III profile

4: Jeremiah O’Rear (1744 – 1798) — Kentucky Frontier Pioneer

Introduction

Jeremiah O’Rear, born on May 16, 1744, in Prince William County, Virginia, was a quintessential American frontier pioneer. He was a son of the established Virginian O’Rear family and moved westward with many settlers to new frontier lands in Kentucky during the late 18th century.

Early Life and Family Background

Growing up in Virginia, Jeremiah was part of a large family rooted in farming and militia service. The O’Rears were part of the community shaping early colonial governance and defense. His formative years were amid growing colonial tensions that would erupt into the American Revolution.

Marriage and Family

Jeremiah married Nancy Catlett, part of a well-known local family with ties in Virginia and Kentucky. Together, they had a sizeable family. Their descendants spread widely in Kentucky and beyond.

Migration and Settling in Kentucky

Jeremiah was among the wave of settlers who moved through the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky, settling near Boonesborough, an area founded by Daniel Boone, with the help of another O'Rear ancestor Billy Bush Boonesborough was one of the first English-speaking settlements west of the Appalachian Mountains and a critical frontier fortification.

Kentucky was a dangerous land at the time, with ongoing tensions and conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes resisting encroachment. Jeremiah’s resilience and leadership helped his family and community survive and prosper amid these hazards.

Military Service and Civic Duty

Jeremiah participated in the local militia, defending settlers in Kentucky from Native American raids. His service was essential to securing and stabilizing frontier settlements. He held local offices such as sheriff and was a respected community leader.

Death and Legacy

Jeremiah died in December 1798 in Madison County, Kentucky, leaving behind a robust family network that played substantial roles in Kentucky’s continued development.

Historical Context

Kentucky was a focal point of 18th-century American expansionism. The territory was hotly contested, with settlers seeking land and opportunity amid Native American resistance and British influence. Jeremiah’s life epitomizes the pioneer spirit—courage against adversity, community building, and adaptability.

Summary

Jeremiah O’Rear is a key figure in the O’Rear family saga, symbolizing the early American frontier ethos. His move to Kentucky and efforts to establish and defend the Boonesborough settlement planted enduring roots for the family and western American development.

References

• Early Settler and Military Records, Madison County, KY

• Boonesborough Historical Marker and Frontier Defense Archives

• Marriage and Land Grant Records, Kentucky State Archives

• TMG Tips O’Rear Family Database

• FamilySearch: Jeremiah O’Rear Profile

5: Daniel O’Rear (c. 1777 – 1864) — Revolutionary War Soldier and Missouri Settler

Introduction

Daniel O’Rear was born around 1777 in Virginia, likely Fauquier County, into a family deeply involved in America’s fight for independence and westward expansion. He was the son of Jeremiah O’Rear and Nancy Catlett, representing a generation that bridged the colonial and frontier American eras.

Military Service in the Revolutionary War

Daniel volunteered from Fauquier County, Virginia, and served under Captain Leonard Helm as part of Colonel George Rogers Clark’s Illinois campaign in 1778. His service was part of a larger effort to secure the Northwest Territory from British control. Daniel’s military experience was marked by arduous marches and the strategic capture of British forts such as Kaskaskia and Vincennes without significant bloodshed.

In pension applications, Daniel described the hardships endured during the campaign and highlighted the brave efforts of his company, which was composed mostly of neighbors and acquaintances from Prince William County.

Family and Marriage

Daniel married Elizabeth Bush on January 10, 1799, in Clark County, Kentucky. The Bush family was also a prominent pioneer family in Kentucky and Missouri. They settled later in Boone County, Missouri, as part of the wave of migration heading westward.

Life as a Missouri Settler

By 1833, Daniel was residing in Boone County, Missouri, where he took up farming and participated in community activities. Missouri, a new state since 1821, represented the expanding frontier, and Daniel’s family was among the settlers establishing agriculture, trade, and governance in the region. Daniel lived through substantial historic changes, including Missouri’s statehood transition, increasing tensions leading to the Civil War, and the early development of western settlement society.

Legacy and Death

Daniel died in 1864, having left a large family and helped establish the O’Rear presence in Missouri. His descendants continued to spread across the Midwest, carrying with them the enduring legacy of military service and frontier perseverance.

Historical Context

Daniel’s life spanned the Revolutionary War, early American republic, westward expansion, and sectional crisis preceding the Civil War. His military and settler experiences provide a window into the challenges of the early American frontier and the birth of new states.

Summary

Daniel O’Rear transitioned from a young Revolutionary War soldier to a foundational Missouri settler. His life reflects the transformation of the American landscape during its formative years and carries forward the O’Rear family’s tradition of service and community building.

References

• Revolutionary War Pension Application No. S7376, Daniel O’Rear

• Clark County, KY Marriage Records, 1799

• Boone County, MO Land and Tax Records, 1830s

• Missouri Statehood Documents and Early County Histories

• FamilySearch and TMG Tips O’Rear Family Records

6: John Bush O’Rear (1802 – 1883) — Missouri Frontier Farmer and Community Leader

Introduction

John Bush O’Rear was born on April 3, 1802, in Clark County, Kentucky, into a family that had begun settling the western frontier. He represents a critical link as the O’Rear family moved from the eastern borderlands into Missouri during its early years of settlement and statehood.

Early Life and Family

John Bush was raised in Kentucky among pioneer families and migrated westward following land opportunities and frontier expansion. He was the son of Daniel O’Rear and Elizabeth Bush, continuing the tradition of settling new lands with a commitment to farming and community development.

Marriage and Children

John Bush married Elizabeth Talbott on May 22, 1834, in Boone County, Missouri, as his second wife. Elizabeth was born November 25, 1814, and died February 27, 1895. Their marriage solidified connections with other prominent frontier families, strengthening social ties essential for survival and prosperity. John and Elizabeth had several children. The family farm was well established in Rocky Fork near Columbia, Missouri, where they raised their family in the growing agricultural economy of the state.

Farming and Community Engagement

John Bush was primarily a farmer, tending to lands that contributed to Missouri’s agricultural output. He was part of the community fabric of Boone County, participating in local governance and church activities. His role reflected the values of self-reliance, stewardship, and civic responsibility characteristic of 19th-century Midwestern settlers.

Later Years and Death

John Bush lived to see significant changes across America, including the Civil War and Reconstruction. He passed away on February 7, 1883, in Boone County, Missouri, leaving a family well-rooted in Missouri soil with expanding influence throughout the region.

Historical Context

John Bush’s life encompasses Missouri’s transition from frontier territory to a state embroiled in sectional conflict. Boone County grew as a hub of farming and commerce, and families like the O’Rears were instrumental in laying down economic and social infrastructure.

Summary

John Bush O’Rear exemplified the 19th-century Missouri pioneer farmer who balanced family life, land stewardship, and community service. His legacy entrenched the O’Rear name firmly in Missouri’s agrarian history.

References

• Boone County Land and Census Records, 1830–1880

• Marriage records, Boone County, Missouri

• FamilySearch and TMG Tips genealogical databases

• Local Missouri historical society archives

• Talbott family records and regional genealogies

7: Miranda Allen O’Rear (1869 – 1934) — Educator and Innovator in Teacher Training

Introduction

Miranda Allen O’Rear was born on April 3, 1869, in Missouri. He emerged as one of the most influential educators in the family, dedicating his life to advancing teacher education and professionalizing public instruction in Missouri during the Progressive Era.

Early Life and Education

Miranda grew up in Boone County, Missouri, in a family descended from pioneering settlers. He pursued higher education at the University of Chicago, where he earned a Master’s degree in Education. Miranda spent an additional year of post graduate work at Columbia University. His studies equipped him with modern pedagogical theories and a vision for teacher training reform.

Career in Education

Miranda became head of the education department at Southwest Missouri State Teachers College. He was instrumental in transforming the institution from a normal school focused on basic teacher preparation into a college providing more advanced and professional teacher education. Through curriculum development, faculty leadership, and advocacy, Miranda promoted innovations such as standardized teacher certification, student-centered instruction, and the integration of social sciences and psychology into teacher training.

Leadership and Influence

His work had a lasting impact on education across Missouri, helping raise teaching standards and improve public school quality. He was recognized by peers as a reformer and visionary, dedicated to elevating the profession. Miranda also contributed scholarly articles and participated in state educational associations, extending his influence beyond his campus.

Family Life

Miranda was married to Cora Freeman. Together, they raised a family grounded in values of scholarship, service, and faith.

Historical Context

Miranda’s career coincided with the Progressive Era (1890s–1920s), a time when education reform was central to social change in America. The expansion of compulsory schooling, pedagogical innovation, and increased state responsibility for schools marked this period.

Summary

Miranda Allen O’Rear’s contributions to education epitomize the family’s enduring commitment to leadership and public service. His reforms in teacher training helped shape Missouri’s educational landscape into the modern era.

References

• Southwest Missouri State Teachers College historical archives

• University of Chicago graduate records

• Missouri Department of Education publications, early 1900s

• Family genealogical records (TMG Tips, FamilySearch)

8: Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. (1896 – 1978) and Grace Alice Sherrow (1916 – 2004) — Lifelong Partners in Faith and Family

Introduction

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. and Grace Alice Sherrow represent the 20th-century continuation of the O’Rear family tradition, blending rural values with modern urban life. Their marriage was a partnership centered on faith, family nurture, and community involvement.

Early Life and Marriage

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. was born in 1896 in Missouri to a family with deep pioneer roots. He grew up in an era marked by the challenges of the Great Depression and the societal transformations following both World Wars. Floyd was involved early in his career as an educator, and was a Professor at Columbia University as well as a Registrar at Southwest Missouri State Teachers College. Later in life he was called into the ministry and became a Methodist Minister of a church in Morristown New Jersey.

FB O'Rear is a former registrar for Southwest Missouri State Teachers College, which is now Missouri State University. In 1925, O'Rear authored a book titled The Duties of the Registrar for the college.

The college

Southwest Missouri State Teachers College existed from 1919 to 1945.
It is now known as Missouri State University, a name adopted in 2005.
The campus is located in Springfield, Missouri.

FB O'Rear Sr. publications

The publication The Duties of the Registrar, written by O'Rear, was referenced in a 1933 article in Sage Journals.
The article, from the Review of Educational Research, was focused on "Recording and Reporting".

Grace Alice Sherrow was born March 19, 1916, in Garrard County, Kentucky. She was raised in a close-knit rural community that emphasized education and religious faith. She graduated from Centre College and was actively involved in her church choir in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.

Floyd Sr. and Grace married in 1925, uniting Missouri pioneer and Kentucky Bluegrass traditions.

Family and Children

Together, they had multiple children, continuing the O’Rear lineage. Their son, Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr., continued the family legacy in ministry and education. They raised their family in an environment deeply influenced by Methodist faith and a commitment to education and service.

Community and Faith

Grace worked in community-centered roles, including school cafeteria supervisor and sales clerk, while remaining active in church and social organizations like the Order of the Eastern Star. Floyd Sr. was a pillar in his local community, balancing family obligations with civic and faith-based leadership.

Historical Context

Their lives and marriage spanned significant 20th-century changes—from rural America’s transformation into urban and suburban society, through war, economic upheaval, and social progress. They embodied a bridge between pioneer self-reliance and modern community participation.

References

• FamilySearch genealogical databases for Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. and Grace Alice Sherrow

• Centre College alumni archives

• Harrodsburg Christian Church historical records

• Local census and employment records from Missouri and Kentucky

• TMG Tips and RootsWeb O’Rear family genealogies

9: Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. (1931 – 2019) — Methodist Minister and Spiritual Leader

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. went by Barry and was born in 1931, the son of Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. and Grace Alice Sherrow. He continued the family legacy with a life devoted to ministry, education, and community service.

Early Life and Education

Raised in a household grounded in Methodist faith and southern values, Barry attended Horace Mann H.S. Following graduation Barry pursued theological education at respected institutions, including Oberlin College and seminaries affiliated with Princeton, Union, and Drew Universities. His comprehensive education prepared him for lifelong ministry.

Ministry Career

Barry served as a Methodist minister in multiple congregations in the mid to late 20th century, starting in Blairstown, Staten Island, Congers, Hanckensack and eventually Waldwick, NJ. He was known for compassionate ministry, community building, and leadership in church organizations. His ministry coincided with critical social changes in America, and he adapted his pastoral work to meet the evolving needs of his congregants. He was deeply involved in church administration and ecumenical activities, embodying the Methodist commitment to social outreach and spiritual growth.

Family

Barry and his wife Virginia Beckman (known as Becky) had a family that carried forward the O’Rear values of faith and service. They supported religious causes and local community events throughout their lives. Their family included three sons and a daughter: Mark, Stephen, Paul and daughter Judith. Currently Mark lives in Virginia, Paul in Texas (soon moving to Pennsylvania), and Judith close to Mom in Delaware. We lost our beloved brother Stephen in 2001.

Legacy and Death

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. passed away in 2019, leaving behind a strong legacy as a spiritual leader and mentor. His work influenced not only his family but also the communities he served. Barry as he was known, had an amazing connection with God that his family saw exhibited in many occasions.

Historical Context

His life intersected with the Civil Rights Movement (he saw Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech), the postwar boom, and changes within the American Protestant church. As a Methodist minister, Floyd Jr. was part of a religious tradition seeking to balance tradition with progress in a rapidly changing world.

Summary

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr.’s life exemplifies dedicated religious service, educational achievement, and spiritual leadership continuing the O’Rear family’s longstanding commitment to faith and community.

References

• FamilySearch: Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. profile

• Records of Methodist seminaries: Oberlin, Princeton, Union, Drew

• Church archives and bulletins from congregations served

• Obituaries and memorial service programs

• Oral histories and family records

10: Mark Edward O’Rear — Corporate / Ministry Leader

Early Life and Education

Mark O'Rear was the son of Floyd Barrett O'Rear Jr. and Virginia May Beckman and was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1957. Mark earned an undergraduate degree with honors at Syracuse University where he was President of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. He also earned an MBA degree from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Corporate Career

Mark developed a career in executive compensation and corporate compensation strategy. While working for IBM right out of college, Mark met several very friendly individuals in this field who took Mark under their wing, and Mark decided to pursue this for his career as well.

Over the next several decades, Mark worked for major U.S, and international corporations including IBM, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Praxair, Capital One, Union Bank, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond . His expertise centered on designing incentive plans, stock option programs, and pay-for-performance strategies that aligned executive rewards with company goals. He managed global compensation teams and played key roles in merger and acquisition transitions, compensation and benefit plan reorganizations, and executive recruitment programs. Mark also had expertise in Compensation software and developed his own software for the management team at the IBM T. J. Watson Reseach Center. Now retired, Mark works part-time at the University of Virginia Medical Center with his Janette helping to train UVA medical students.

Community and Church Life

In his 20's and 30's, Mark was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Brewster, New York, where he sang in the choir and sang solo for many years. During that time Mark also sang in a four part Christian harmony group called Cornerstone. Cornerstone made 5 albums (many recorded in Mark's basement!) and sang in Christian Coffeehouses in NY, CT, and PA. Mark sang tenor and his good friend Bob Stanhope wrote and arranged songs and led the group, playing twelve sting guitar.

At FBC, Mark and his wife Janette taught Sunday School and ran home bible studies, and Mark served as an elder in the church for several years. After joining Walnut Hill Community Church in Danbury Connecticut, Mark became the worship leader for the 8:00 service and enjoyed acting and singing in church plays.

Family Life

Mark met his wife Janette at the Rye Country Club in NY in 1979 when they were both working for IBM; they married a few years later and raised their son, Matthew Ryan O’Rear (born in 1987). Mark loved to coach is son Matt in baseball, basketball and most avidly in golf. Mark and Matt continue to love to play golf together.

Retirement

Besides golfing in retirement, Mark and Janette enjoy traveling and attending their son Matt O'Rear's church in Palmyra, Virginia where Matt serves as Worship and Discipleship pastor. Mark and Janette run the Blue Ridge Food Bank at the church and Mark serves on the Missions Board and sings in choir.

Since retirement, Mark is also an avid genealogist, having now documented the family’s direct lineage to:

1. Mayflower passenger William Brewster and Pastor John Robinson. This direct lineage to Willam Brewster is from Mark’s mother's side, and to Pastor John Robinson from Mark's father's side.

2. Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. This direct lineage is through his father’s lineage

3. English royalty, including King Edward I Longshanks, who battled Robert the Bruce for control of Scotland. This lineage is also direct and includes Charlemagne and Alfred the Great as Great Grandfathers. This is also through his father's side.

4. Through work on Familysearch.org Mark has discovered cousin relationships with 39 U.S. Presidents including Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Lincoln, Kennedy and many others.

5. Through this same site he discovered he is related to many famous authors, adventures and celebrities including Audrey Hepburn, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Bob Marley and many many more.

References

• LinkedIn profile and corporate bios of Mark Edward O’Rear

• Company annual reports and executive compensation disclosures

• First Baptist Church of Brewster event programs

• Family genealogical records (TMG Tips, FamilySearch)

Huguenot Origins?

The Reno family in Stafford County, Virginia, were Huguenot immigrants who settled there in the late 1600s and early 1700s. Lewis Reno (originally Louis Reynaud) and his sons arrived by 1688 with Letters of Denization permitting land ownership. Lewis Reno acquired multiple large land grants, including a notable grant of 968 acres in Overwharton Parish in 1711 and other grants around 400-500 acres near Cedar Run and Broad Run. They were established tobacco farmers and one of the prominent Huguenot families in the area.

The Reno family intermarried with other local families, including the O’Rears (Hester Reno married John O’Rear), strengthening their regional presence. Over generations, the Reno descendants spread out to other parts of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and beyond, but their early influence and significant land holdings in Stafford County mark them as a key Huguenot family with substantial acreage, including multiple grants around or exceeding 400 acres.

Other notable Huguenot families in Stafford and nearby areas with significant land grants included the Brent, Foote, Hayward, and Bristow families, who were linked to the establishment of Brent Town. The Brent family was prominent in owning large tracts of land, including the original Brenton tract of about 30,000 acres. Richard Foote and Nicholas Hayward were among Brent’s partners and settlers, with the Foote family establishing a lasting presence in Brent Town. These families played significant roles in the political and social development of the region.

Most of these land grants and settlements occurred in the late 1600s and early 1700s. They received their grants through royal patents granted initially by King Charles II in 1649, which became effective in 1660 after his restoration to the throne. The land was part of the Northern Neck Proprietary, a vast land grant of over 5 million acres between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers in Virginia. The Proprietary was originally granted to seven supporters of the exiled King Charles II, including John Culpeper, 1st Baron Culpeper of Thoresway

Ownership eventually consolidated under Thomas Culpeper. After his death in 1689, his daughter Catherine Culpeper inherited the interest. Catherine married Thomas, 5th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, thus transferring the Proprietary into the Fairfax family. The Fairfax family maintained control of the Proprietary for nearly a century, with Thomas, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, being the last proprietor. The land was administered and granted by agents on behalf of the Northern Neck Proprietary, including George Brent and William Fitzhugh.

George Brent lived near Aquia Creek in Stafford County at his Woodstock plantation, where he established a successful tobacco farm, operated a sawmill, and ran a ferry. He was an influential colonial Virginia planter, lawyer, and politician, serving as a major in the local militia and holding various legal offices. Brent played a key role in defending the region from Native American attacks and represented Stafford County in the House of Burgesses in 1688, uniquely being allowed to take office without the anti-Catholic oath of supremacy due to his Catholic faith. Brent and William Fitzhugh acted as agents for the Northern Neck proprietors, acquiring extensive landholdings exceeding 15,000 acres by the time of his death around 1700.

William Fitzhugh, born around 1650, was one of Virginia’s largest landowners and a prominent planter and politician. He owned large estates including the Ravensworth manor in Northern Virginia. Fitzhugh served in the House of Burgesses and was a key figure in colonial governance and economy. Fitzhugh and Brent were connected through their roles as agents of the Northern Neck Proprietary, collaborating in land administration, settlement promotion, and militia leadership. Their partnership helped organize and encourage settlement among Huguenot and other immigrant groups, facilitate land grants, and defend the frontier.

Lord Fairfax’s intention in encouraging Huguenot immigration was driven by multiple factors. Primarily, he sought to promote settlement and development of the vast proprietary lands to increase economic productivity and tax revenues. By attracting the industrious and skilled Huguenots—who were fleeing religious persecution in Catholic France and experienced in trades like farming, silk production, and craftsmanship—Fairfax aimed to cultivate prosperous, loyal communities that would strengthen colonial Virginia. Additionally, Fairfax, a Catholic nobleman, was sympathetic to religious minorities and saw settlement as a refuge for Catholics and Protestants alike, offering them religious freedom and privileges such as exemptions from certain taxes and rights to their own ministers.

The Huguenots who settled in Virginia arrived primarily from France’s western and northern provinces and port cities. Before moving to Virginia, many lived in places like La Rochelle, Saintonge, Aunis, Poitou, Normandy, and Brittany. They were often merchants, artisans, farmers, and craftsmen facing increasing persecution after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. Many had fled France via Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Dieppe, Rouen, and other ports, sometimes spending time in refugee communities in England, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and other Protestant countries before crossing to the American colonies. The journey was perilous, involving secretive travel, smuggling, and surmounting border patrols while evading capture. Once in the New World, Huguenots sought to establish new, secure homes with religious freedom.

Regarding the family name O’Rear (also spelled Orea, Orear, Orrear, Oreare), its origins are subject to different hypotheses. One tradition is that the name derives from Irish origins, possibly from the Gaelic O’Ríordáin (O’Riordan) or related names, with earlier spellings such as O’Rea or O’Rior used. Some evidence suggests links to Irish families, possibly those that moved to France in the 1600s due to political or religious conflicts. The name also shows variations like Orré in French or Orre in Swedish, with the family believed to have been of foreign lineage in France, potentially spending a generation there before migrating to America with the Huguenots. The spelling evolved over time in America, from Orea to Orrear to Orear, reflecting phonetic interpretations by clerks and record keepers.

Some family traditions suggest the O’Rear family has roots blending Irish and Huguenot (French Protestant) heritage, possibly through intermarriage with Huguenot settlers in Virginia near Brent Town in the early 1700s. Records also hint the family may have connections to Catholic Irish soldiers who fled to France and later came to America. While definitive proof on French origins is limited, the closeness to Huguenot neighbors and shared customs supports a connection to French Protestant immigration, even if the surname itself may have older Irish roots.

These families, alongside the O’Rears and Renos, were among the prominent Huguenot landowners holding large grants of land approximately around 400 acres or more in Northern Virginia colonial settlements around the same late 17th to early 18th century timeframe

Here is some added detail about known Huguenot sailings to Virginia from the late 1600s through early 1700s, including ship names, passenger lists where available, departure and arrival details, and contextual information:

Early Known Huguenot Ships and Voyage Details

1. Mary and Ann (July 1700)

• Port of Origin: London, England

• Arrival: July 31, 1700, Jamestown, Virginia

• Passengers: About 205 persons, including men, women, and children

• Notable Passenger Names: Pierre Delome, Marguerite Sene, Pierre Chastain, Jean Oger, Philippe Duvivier, Abraham Nicod, Jean Vidau, Jean Roger, Jean Saye, Estienne Chastain, Adam Vignes, Pierre Morriset

• Context: Passengers disembarked and traveled to the area later named Manakintown, settling on land vacated by the Monacan Indian tribe.

• Significance: One of the major organized Huguenot migrations to colonial Virginia aimed at building a refuge community.

2. Peter and Anthony (September 1700)

• Arrival: September 1700, Jamestown, Virginia

• Passengers: About 169 French Huguenot refugees

• Notable Passenger Names: Monsieur de Joux (minister), Jean Bossard, David Blevet, Jacob Fleurnoir, François de Launay, Samuel Mountier, Pierre Cavalier, Gaspart family, Theodore de Rousseau

• Context: The group settled in Manakintown alongside the Mary and Ann passengers.

3. Nassau (January 18, 1701 departure)

• Departure: January 18, 1701, Kensington, England

• Arrival: March 5, 1701, York River, Virginia

• Passengers: French, Swiss, Genevese, German, and Flemish Protestants including ministers, families, and servants

• Notable Passengers: Mr. Latane (minister), Daniel Braban and family, Jean Pierre Gargean and family, Paul Papin, Jacques Lacaze, Leon Auguste Charietie, Francois Ribot

• Context: Part of a continued effort to bring Protestant refugees to strengthen the English colonial population.

4. Richmond (1679, to Carolina)

• While not a Virginia ship, the Richmond carried French Protestant settlers to Carolina in 1679, providing context on early refugee migration patterns.

• Included about 67 refugees with family groups, ministers, and craftsmen.

• Shows earlier migration wave from France through England to North America.

Earlier Huguenot Migrations (1680s to 1690s)

• Comprehensive passenger lists from the 1680s-1690s to Virginia are sparse or non-existent, but small groups of Huguenots arrived throughout this period.

• Passenger records from this era often exist only in partial lists, church records in England, and colonial land grants.

• Some families settled initially in other colonies or in England before moving to Virginia.

• The better documented and larger organized immigration waves commenced around 1700.

Importance of These Arrivals

• These refugees fled persecution after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685.

• Many were skilled tradespeople, farmers, and religious leaders who contributed to the colonial economy and community structure.

• They were sponsored by English authorities, colonial proprietors like Lord Fairfax, and private funds with the goal of settling under-used proprietary lands.

• These sailings contributed to the establishment of Manakintown, Brent Town, and other early Huguenot settlements in Virginia.

Conclusion

The ships Mary and Ann, Peter and Anthony, and Nassau are the best-documented vessels bringing large Huguenot groups to Virginia. Passenger lists include names of families and community leaders, evidencing the size and organization of the migration. Earlier sailings in the 1680s and 1690s are less documented but hint at more scattered refugee arrivals.

It is this author's belief that we are of French Huguenot descent. The fact that our family arrived around the same time as these ships full of French Huguenots AND married into their families, AND that fact that there is narry a Catholic O'Rear in the U.S. (that I know of!) tells me that we are not likely of Irish descent. It is my believe that in France (it has been passed down in my family that we lived in Alcase area of France) we had a surname of Orrear or something like that, and during the Edict of Nantes took refuge in Ireland for a short time before heading to the states. I might also add that a DNA test shows that we have some French and German heritage. The Alcase area of France is know to have a rich Huguenot heritage with heavy French and German cultural influences, since it borders both countries.

The O’Rear Family Lineage

By Mark Edward O’Rear

Introduction:

It is still almost unbelievable to me to read through our O'Rear lineage. And even more unbelievable to think that we can uncover its mysteries. But with the advent of powerful ancestral sites and the advent of AI, it is possible to do an enormous amount of research quite quickly. I developed this information utilizing Ancestry.com, Familysearch.com, many online geneologies, as well ask powerful AI tools. Incredibly enough, I've learned that my family of O'Rears is directly descended from the highest levels of US, UK, and Scottish nobility. It has been my passion over the last several years to document it for future gereations.

Chapter One: Scottish Royalty

The very first wonderful genealogical discovery I made in my journey was that I was related to the famous Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. The movie "The Outlaw King" starring Chris Pine was made about him. I discovered he is my 21st Great Grandfather!

Robert the Bruce (born July 11, 1274 – died June 7, 1329) is my 21st Great Grandfather. was King of Scots from 1306 until his death and one of Scotland’s most iconic figures in the fight for independence from English rule. His life and reign were marked by intense political rivalry, civil war, and a long, determined struggle that ultimately restored Scotland’s sovereignty and shaped its national identity.

Background and Early Life

Robert was born into the Bruce family, a noble lineage of Anglo-Norman origin long settled in Scotland since the early 12th century. His family held substantial land both in Scotland and England and were related by marriage to the Scottish royal family, giving Robert a valid claim to the throne. Raised in a multicultural environment, he likely spoke Gaelic (from his mother’s Carrick heritage), early Scots, and Anglo-Norman French, along with some Latin, receiving education in literature, law, and chivalric warfare.

Political Context and the Great Cause

The late 13th century was a time of political crisis in Scotland, with the throne left vacant after Queen Margaret (Maid of Norway) died in 1290. Known as “The Great Cause,” multiple claimants, including Robert’s grandfather, sought to be king. English King Edward I leveraged the succession dispute to assert overlordship over Scotland, eventually awarding the crown to John Balliol, whom many nobles, including the Bruces, opposed.

Clan Alliances and Feudal Loyalties

Robert’s success was deeply intertwined with powerful clan alliances and the support of Scotland’s feudal nobility. His family, the Bruces, held extensive lands across southwest Scotland and England, and their strategy involved tightly knit alliances with influential clans such as the Douglases, Stewarts, MacDonalds, and Campbells. After securing the throne, Robert distributed confiscated lands from his defeated enemies, especially the Comyns and Balliols, to reward loyal supporters and enforce allegiance.

Key commanders and trusted allies—such as Thomas Randolph, who was granted lands including Annandale; James Douglas, who controlled vital border regions; and Robert’s brother Edward Bruce, who was made Earl of Carrick—formed a ring of loyalty essential to Robert’s control over the kingdom. Strategically, Robert managed to maintain fragile loyalty among nobles who had oscillated between English and Scottish allegiances by granting them sheriffdoms and titles, thereby stabilizing his rule in volatile regions.

Social and Cultural Backdrop

Medieval Scotland was a complex patchwork of Gaelic-speaking highlanders, Anglophone lowlanders, and Norman-descended nobles. Robert’s heritage bridged these cultural divides, enabling him to appeal to a broad base of support. His mother’s Gaelic lineage connected him to old Celtic traditions and local loyalties, while his Norman inheritance linked him to the feudal systems of medieval Europe.

His vision went beyond Scotland alone. Robert aimed to forge a pan-Gaelic

alliance encompassing Scotland and Ireland, highlighted by his brother Edward’s campaign in Ireland and Robert’s correspondence portraying Scots and Irish as a unified people. This reflected a medieval worldview where kinship, land, and cultural identity were deeply intertwined.

Early Involvement in the Wars of Independence

The Bruce family initially allied with English King Edward but shifted allegiances as tensions increased. Robert fought alongside Scottish patriots, including William Wallace, but also at times submitted to Edward’s authority. The turning point came in 1306, when Robert fatally stabbed his rival John Comyn at Dumfries in a dramatic power struggle for the throne, an act that led to his excommunication and immediate declaration as King of Scots.

Initial Struggles and Guerrilla Warfare

Robert was initially defeated multiple times by the English army and forced into hiding, sometimes taking refuge in remote locations such as the island of Rathlin. During this dark period, legend holds that his hope and patience were inspired by observing a spider’s persistence in spinning its web. From 1307 onward, Robert and his loyal followers, including Sir James Douglas and Thomas Randolph, built a grassroots resistance through guerrilla warfare, wearing down English forces and reclaiming Scottish strongholds with effective use of terrain and local support.

The Battle of Bannockburn (1314)

The defining moment of Robert’s reign, and arguably Scottish history, was the Battle of Bannockburn. Facing an English army nearly twice the size, Robert’s forces employed tactically ingenious formations and defensive structures like ditches to neutralize English cavalry advantages. The two-day battle ended in a decisive Scottish victory, firmly establishing Robert as the dominant power in Scotland and breaking English military dominance in the region. This victory secured Scottish morale and paved the way for expanding raids into northern England.

Expansion and Diplomacy

Post-Bannockburn, Robert pursued a bold military and diplomatic strategy. He extended raids into northern England and sent his brother Edward to Ireland to open a new front, aiming to forge a pan-Gaelic alliance that connected Scotland and Ireland under his leadership. This campaign initially saw success, with Edward being crowned as High King of Ireland, but ended with Edward’s death and retreat. Diplomatically, Robert worked to secure international recognition, especially from the Papacy. The 1320 Declaration of Arbroath proclaimed Scotland’s independent status and Robert’s legitimate kingship, reinforcing his position on the world stage.

Consolidation of Power and Legacy

The final years of Robert’s reign were devoted to stabilizing governance, reward of loyal nobles, and ensuring succession. He reestablished royal administration systems and parliament, dealt with land disputes, and managed powerful supporters like James Douglas, whose influence grew significantly. Robert’s efforts culminated in the 1328 Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton, wherein England formally recognized Scottish independence and Robert’s kingship.

Though he suffered from ill health in his later years, possibly leprosy, Robert’s death did not diminish his profound legacy. Buried in Dunfermline Abbey, with his heart interred at Melrose, his life stands as a symbol of perseverance, courage, and national pride. Robert the Bruce’s story is one of a leader who rose from political exile to become a warrior king, uniting Scotland against overwhelming odds and securing its place as a free and independent kingdom.

His sophisticated blend of military brilliance, political acumen, symbolic leadership, and strategic clan alliances forged Scotland’s identity in the medieval world and passed down an enduring heritage of resilience and freedom.

Our Scottish lineage originates with my great grandmother Lillie May Stokes.

Lillie May Stokes (1881–1956

Mark O’Rear’s great-grandmother, Lillie May Stokes was born January 14, 1881, in Missouri Valley, Harrison County, Iowa. She is the daughter of Alfred Stokes and Margaret Malecoats. When she married William Allen Sherrow, it tied together two families rooted in migratory pioneer history.

The Robberson Family

The Robbersons formed a notable link through marriage alliances with the Stokes family. Rooted in Missouri and nearby states, they were influential in local agricultural development and community leadership throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Mary Robberson married Alfred Stokes, whose father was Thomas Stokes.

Pettigrew Family

Descending from pre-1496 French origins, the Pettigrew family migrated to Scotland and Ireland, and were notable for military roles such as participation in the Battle of the Boyne and estate ownership at Crilly House. The Pettigrews allied with prestigious Scottish families, including the Hamiltons who connect indirectly to Tudor English royalty. Elizabeth Pettigrew married Abednigo Robberson.

Moncrief Family

An ancient Ayrshire-based Scottish clan, the Moncriefs existed in political and social prominence through multiple centuries, interconnected by marriage to Pettigrew and Oliphant families. Their history reflects active participation in Scottish clan affairs and local governance. Dame Giles Moncrief married James Pettigrew, and this the beginning of our line to Scottish royalty.

Oliphant Family

The Oliphants, descended from Norman ancestors, became a key Scottish noble family. Sir Walter Oliphant, my 19th great-grandfather, married Princess Elizabeth Bruce, daughter of King Robert the Bruce, binding the family directly to Scottish royalty. Estates such as Aberdalgie and Kellie were under their stewardship while they served as royal justiciars and military leaders during Scotland’s Wars of Independence.

Robert the Bruce (1274–1329) - my 21st GG

Mark’s 21st great-grandfather Robert the Bruce was King of Scots and is renowned for his leadership in securing Scottish independence from England. Crowned in 1306, his military prowess culminated in victory at Bannockburn in 1314. His reign concluded with the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton (1328), achieving official recognition of Scotland’s sovereignty. His daughter Elizabeth Bruce’s marriage to Sir Walter Oliphant forged enduring royal ties continuing in Mark’s lineage.

Kenneth MacAlpin (c. 810–858) - my 34th GG

There are many lines of royalty prior to Robert the Bruce that are direct descendants, however Kenneth MacAlpin, my 34th Great Grandfather, unified the Scots and Picts to found the Kingdom of Alba, the foundation of modern Scotland. His reign established the House of Alpin dynasty, relocated religious centers like Dunkeld, and safeguarded Scottish cultural and spiritual heritage during turbulent Viking incursions. His legacy as the founder of Scottish monarchy endures.

It is pretty easy to see that our lineage richly blends American pioneer heritage through Stokes and Robberson with Scottish and Irish nobility via Pettigrew, Moncrief, and Oliphant families, culminating in our direct descent from Robert the Bruce and ancient royal founder Kenneth MacAlpin.

In addition to Robert the Bruce, we are also direct descendants of many of the nobles who supported Robert the Bruce in the battle for Scottish independence. They will be highlighted in the next section.

Selected Sources:

• FamilySearch records (Lillie May Stokes and related families)

• Orange County California Genealogical Society Stokes Family files

• Scottish peerage and clan registries for Oliphant, Pettigrew, Moncrief

• Britannica biographies of Robert the Bruce and Kenneth MacAlpin

• Historical genealogical archives and published family histories

Chapter two: Supporting Scottish Nobles

Robert the Bruce couldn't free Scotland from the English all by himself. He needed help, and he got it from family, cousins, and other clan members,

The Douglas Clan

The Douglas family’s role in Scottish history during Robert the Bruce’s era was key to his success.

Historical and Political Context

• The late 13th and early 14th centuries, during the Wars of Scottish Independence, were marked by struggles against English dominion following Scotland’s succession crisis. The Douglas family rose from local nobility to national prominence as key supporters of Robert the Bruce in this turbulent time.

• The Bruces needed loyal and powerful allies to reclaim and secure the Scottish throne, and the Douglases embodied military strength and strategic leadership critical to this effort Heritage History: Robert Bruce and the Black Douglas.

• William Douglas, (my 20th GG) known as “le Hardi,” was an early leader who resisted English control alongside William Wallace and laid the groundwork for his family’s commitment to Scotland’s freedom

• Captured and dying in English captivity in the Tower of London circa 1298, his death symbolized the sacrifices made for Scottish independence

Sir James Douglas: Robert the Bruce’s Trusted Lieutenant - my 19th GG

• Sir James Douglas, my 19th GG and son of William, returned from France to reclaim his family lands and became Robert the Bruce’s fiercest ally. He led daring military campaigns including the legendary “Douglas Larder” and was pivotal at the Battle of Bannockburn Douglas Archives.

• His military campaigns extended beyond Scotland into northern England, weakening English positions and sustaining Scottish efforts University of Strathclyde: Douglas, Sir James.

• On Robert the Bruce’s deathbed, he entrusted Douglas with carrying his embalmed heart to the Holy Land. Douglas died in battle in Spain in 1330, fulfilling this vow—an act immortalized in Scottish cultural memory Wikipedia: James Douglas.

Sir Archibald Douglas: Guardian Amidst Turmoil - my 20th GG

• Half-brother to Sir James, Archibald Douglas inherited leadership after James’s death. He served as Guardian of Scotland during King David II’s minority and led forces against Edward Balliol’s English-backed claim to the throne Douglas History.

• Archibald fought at the Battle of Halidon Hill (1333), where he was slain. His death was a major Scottish loss during a fragile period Wikipedia: Archibald Douglas.

Symbolic and Cultural Impact

• The Douglas family and their exploits became central to Scottish identity and nationalism, symbolizing resistance, loyalty, and valor ScotlandsWild.

• Their black heraldic badge and monikers such as “The Black Douglas” evoked both fear in enemies and reverence in supporters, embedding them firmly in the legend of Scotland’s independence Scots Connection.

References

• Clan Douglas - Wikipedia

• Clan Douglas in Scotland - ScotlandsWild

• Robert Bruce and the Black Douglas - Heritage History

• James Douglas - Britannica

• James Douglas, Lord of Douglas - Wikipedia

• Douglas, Sir James | University of Strathclyde

• Sir Archibald Douglas - Regent of Scotland

• Archibald Douglas (died 1333) - Wikipedia

The Stewart Clan

The Stewart (later Stuart) family originated from Brittany and established themselves in Scotland in the 12th century. The progenitor in Scotland was Walter FitzAlan, who became the first High Steward of Scotland under King David I (reigned 1124–1153). This hereditary office gave the family considerable power and land Clan Stewart Society.

The Stewarts held extensive lands and offices, gradually increasing their influence in Scottish politics and society. The family name evolved from the official title “Steward” into the surname Stewart BBC Scotland History

Alliance with the Bruce Dynasty

The Stewarts’ fortunes dramatically increased through marriage into the Bruce family. In 1315, Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward, married Marjory Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. This union created a direct royal bloodline connection for the Stewarts Discover Britain.

Upon the death of David II (son of Robert the Bruce) without heirs in 1371, the Scottish crown passed to Robert II, son of Walter Stewart and Marjory Bruce. This marked the beginning of Stewart royal rule, lasting over 300 years Wikipedia: House of Stuart.

Stewart Monarchs and Scottish History

The Stewart dynasty ruled Scotland through periods of turbulence and cultural growth. Significant rulers included James IV (1460–1513), a Renaissance patron who strengthened Scotland culturally and politically, and his successor James VI, who united Scotland and England crowns in 1603 Clan Stewart SocietyHistoric UK.

The Stewarts faced internal noble opposition, including conflicts with powerful clans such as the Douglases and MacDonalds, and navigated complex relationships with England and France BBC Scotland History.

The dynasty also oversaw religious transformation, notably the Reformation, and political turmoil, including the assassination of James I (r. 1406–1437) and struggles during the 17th century Discover Britain.

The Stewart Legacy

The Stewart reign ended in 1714 with Queen Anne, but their legacy continues. They shaped Scotland’s monarchy, law, and culture, and through James VI/I, their bloodline united the thrones of Scotland and England Britannica: House of Stuart.

The Stewart name remains symbolic of Scotland’s royal heritage. The current British heir still holds the ancient Scottish title, Great Steward of Scotland

Key References

• Clan Stewart Society - Stewart History

• The Stewarts - Scotland’s History - BBC

• The Stewarts: Founding the Stewart dynasty - Discover Britain

• The Stuart Monarchs - Historic UK

• Clan Stewart - ScotlandsWild

• House of Stuart - Wikipedia

• House of Stuart - Britannica

The MacDougall Clan

Descended from Duncan MacDougall, son of Somerled, the 12th-century Lord of the Isles, the MacDougalls became dominant lords of Argyll and surrounding isles in western Scotland. They held extensive lands and were one of the most powerful clans in the region by the late 13th century.

MacDougall history

The clan founded the Ardchattan Priory circa 1230, which became the traditional burial place of the chiefs for centuries.

Political Alliances and Feud with Robert the Bruce

• The MacDougalls were closely allied by marriage to the powerful Comyn family, rivals to Robert the Bruce for the Scottish crown. Alexander of Argyll (4th Chief of MacDougall) had married a sister of John “the Black” Comyn, and his son John of Lorn was nephew to John “the Red” Comyn Electric Scotland.

• When Robert the Bruce murdered John Comyn at Greyfriars Church in Dumfries in 1306, it sparked a bitter and violent feud. The MacDougalls, staunch Comyn allies, opposed Bruce’s claim to the throne and aligned with the English and Balliol forces MacDougall.orgTartan Vibes.

• Shortly after Bruce’s coronation, the MacDougalls ambushed and defeated him at the Battle of Dalrigh (1306). Although Bruce escaped, he left behind the famous Brooch of Lorn, which the MacDougalls took as a prize—an enduring symbol of their temporary triumph.

Decline Following Bruce’s Reemergence

• Bruce’s fortunes reversed after securing allies such as the Campbells and MacDonalds. In 1308, at the Battle of the Pass of Brander, Bruce’s forces decisively defeated the MacDougalls, and their mainland and island lands were confiscated and redistributed to his supporters, mainly the Campbells Scotland in OilsElectric Scotland.

• The MacDougall chiefs lost much of their power and many territories but retained some lands, albeit diminished. Their influence never fully recovered to its former height.

Later History and Legacy

• Under John MacDougall’s grandson, John Gallda MacDougall (my18th GG), the family regained some lands in Lorne through royal favor and strategic marriage alliances in the mid-14th century Electric Scotland.

• The MacDougalls were loyal to the Stewart dynasty, fighting in various historic conflicts such as supporting “Bonnie Dundee” during the Battle of Killiecrankie (1689) and remaining Jacobite supporters in the 18th century, suffering reprisals from rival clans, especially the Campbells Discover Britain.

• Their enduring clan seat remains Dunollie Castle in Argyll, with the current chief recognized as Morag MacDougall, 31st Chief

Key References

• Clan MacDougall History - Discover Britain

• Clan MacDougall - Electric Scotland

• Battle of Dalrigh - Wikipedia

• Robert the Bruce and the MacDougalls - MacDougall.org

• The Wars of Scottish Independence and the MacDougalls - Tartan Vibes

• SonofSkye: Robert Bruce & the Battle of Dalrigh

The Campbell Clan

The Campbells are a powerful Scottish Highland clan with origins traced back to the early medieval period. The name Campbell likely derives from the Gaelic Caimbeul, meaning “crooked mouth.”

Early Campbells were based in Argyll, southwestern Highlands, with the family rising to prominence through land acquisition and strategic alliances in the 12th and 13th centuries.

The Campbells as Allies of Robert the Bruce

• During the Wars of Scottish Independence (late 13th to early 14th century), the Campbells became among Robert the Bruce’s most loyal and important supporters.

• Sir Neil Campbell (Niall mac Cailein) my 21st GG (died 1316), son of Cailean Mór, my 22nd GG was a significant military and political figure who fought alongside Robert the Bruce from the early stages of his campaign to become King of Scots.

• Neil Campbell was rewarded handsomely by Robert the Bruce for his loyalty and assistance:

• He married Mary Bruce, Robert the Bruce’s sister, cementing the familial and political alliance between the Bruces and Campbells.

• He received extensive lands confiscated from enemies of Bruce, including those controlled by Clan MacDougall, traditional rivals in Argyll.

• His new estates and elevated status laid the foundation for the Campbells’ later dominance in the Highlands.

• The Campbells fought at the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), a key victory ensuring Scottish independence and Robert the Bruce’s secure kingship.

Expansion of Power and Legacy

• With Bruce’s victory and subsequent reign, the Campbells expanded their influence rapidly across Argyll and beyond.

• By the 15th century, the Campbells’ power was solidified with Duncan Campbell, 1st Lord Campbell and my 17th GG, becoming a recognized nobleman within the Scottish aristocracy.

• This growing influence was further enhanced when Colin Campbell (my 15th GG) was created the 1st Earl of Argyll in 1457, marking the formal rise of the Campbells as one of Scotland’s preeminent noble houses.

Military and Political Role

• The Campbells acted as key royal agents in the Highlands, suppressing rivals and expanding their clan influence.

• They served as loyal supporters of the Scottish Crown and subsequently the Stewart monarchy, often settling conflicts and enforcing royal authority in the region.

Notable Figures

• Sir Neil Campbell: Bruce supporter, military leader, and brother-in-law to Robert the Bruce.

• Mary Bruce: Sister to Robert, whose marriage to Neil Campbell sealed the alliance.

• Duncan Campbell, 1st Lord Campbell: Noble who helped consolidate the clan’s power in the 15th century.

• Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll: Instrumental in elevating the clan to earldom status.

Estates and Influence

• Lands in Argyll, including the important territorial base around Loch Awe.

• Extensive holdings acquired through grants from Robert the Bruce and royal favor, especially lands seized from Clan MacDougall and other supporters of Bruce’s rivals.

The Oliphant Clan

Sir William Oliphant of Aberdalgy (my 20th GG) stands out as the key Oliphant figure directly linked to Robert the Bruce’s cause. During the Wars of Scottish Independence, William initially defended Stirling Castle against Robert the Bruce himself in 1304 when Bruce was acting under English allegiance. Despite this adversarial episode, the connection and respect between the Oliphants and Bruces strengthened significantly afterward.

• After the wars, Sir William Oliphant became one of Robert the Bruce’s closest and most trusted allies. He fought alongside Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), a defining victory that secured Scotland’s independence.

• In recognition of his loyalty and valor, Robert the Bruce granted Sir William vast lands and estates across Scotland, including the barony of Gask, Kinpurnie, Auchtertyre, and others. These lands became the principal seats of the Oliphant family.

• Sir William Oliphant was a signatory of the Declaration of Arbroath (1320), reaffirming Scotland’s sovereignty and independence. This document was a diplomatic appeal to the Pope to recognize Robert the Bruce’s kingship and Scottish independence from England, highlighting the Oliphants’ political as well as military support.

Marriage Alliance Strengthening Bruce-Oliphant Ties

• Sir William’s son, Sir Walter Oliphant of Aberdalgy, (my 19th GG) married Elizabeth Bruce, the youngest daughter of King Robert the Bruce by his second wife, Elizabeth de Burgh. This marriage cemented the Oliphants as part of the royal family circle.

• Through this union, Walter Oliphant acquired additional lands, including Kellie Castle in Fife, which remained in Oliphant hands for over 250 years.

• Walter and Elizabeth had five sons, with their eldest continuing the family line of Lords Oliphant.

Loyalty and Influence

• The Oliphants’ loyalty to Robert the Bruce went beyond military support; they became influential landowners and close confidants within the Scottish royal court.

• The Oliphant family, bolstered by their Bruce connection, played significant roles in Scottish political affairs and defended Scottish sovereignty during subsequent conflicts, including the battles of Flodden (1513) and Solway Moss (1542).

Notable Honors and Legacy

• Robert the Bruce granted multiple charters confirming land titles to the Oliphants, evidencing the close royal favor they enjoyed.

• A plaque commemorates Sir William Oliphant’s 1304 defense of Stirling Castle, showcasing the enduring respect for his bravery despite their initial conflicts.

• The tomb of Sir William Oliphant and his son Walter lies in Aberdalgie kirkyard, marked by one of Scotland’s finest medieval incised monuments.

Chapter Three: English & Scottish Royal Lineage Generation by Generation

The Royal Scottish and English Ancestry of Mark Edward O’Rea

By Mark Edward O’Rear

August 22, 2025

Introduction

My Dad, Floyd Barrett O’Rear is 23% Scottish (14% from his Mom’s side and 9% from his Dad’s side). I am 13% Scottish. My research has indicated that the O’Rear family on my father’s side is directly related to Robert the Bruce (my 20th GG). BUT, incredibly, we are also related to King Edward I of England (19th GG). The reason I say incredibly is because these two great adversaries (Scottish vs English) fought many great battles over control of the Kingdom of Scotland and they were both direct ancestors.

Both Robert the Bruce and King Edward I both had many close allies during the fight for Scottish independence and through my research I have discovered that I am directly related to them as well.

On the Bruce side, the famous James Douglas, Robert’s brother Edward the Bruce (King of Ireland), Sir Neal Campbell, Sir William Sinclair, Sir Thomas Randolph and Sir William Oliphant are all my GG’s (Great Grandfathers), GU’s (Great Grand Uncles) or 1st cousins (many times removed of course!).

On the King Edward I side, we are direct descendants of Sir Henry Percy, Sir John Balliol, Sir John Comyn, Sir John de Mowbray, Sir Robert de Clifford, Sir Humphrey de Bohun, Richard and Gilbert de Clair and Sir John MacDougall.

All of these allies of both Robert the Bruce and King Edward I were involved in numerous battles, and many were involved in the most famous battle of them all, Bannockburn. Many of them appear or are mentioned in the “Outlaw King” movie with Chris Pine.

It’s also worth noting that in ancient Scottish and English lineage there was a lot of intermarrying amongst the nobles. It is this author’s supposition that this is the reason we are related to so many important figures in Scottish and English history. Once one line of our lineage hit a royal figure on both the Scottish and English side it seemed to explode into many many other royal branches.

Section I – Scottish Royal Line (to Kenneth MacAlpin)

Mark Edward O’Rear (1957–)

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Rev. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. (1931–2019)
Spouse: Virginia May Beckman (1934 - )

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Grace Alice Sherrow (1896–1987)
Spouse: Rev. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. (1896 -1978)

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Lillie May Stokes Morgan (1869–1956)
Spouse: William A. Sherrow (1862-1918)

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Alfred Stokes (1828–1900)
Spouse: Margaret S. Malecoats (1840 -1875)

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Mary Robberson (1797–1851)
Spouse: Thomas Stokes

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Elizabeth Jane Pettigrew (1779–1868)
Spouse: Abednigo Robberson (1776-1829)

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George Franklin Long Pettigrew (1746–1818)
Spouse: Elizabeth Long (1756-1833)

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James Pettigrew III (1713–1784)
Spouse: Mary Cochrane (1713-1786)

↓

James Louis Pettigrew II (1659–1758)
Spouse: Martha Ann Moore (1683-1786)

↓

Dame Geilles Abigale Moncreiff (1599–1663)
Spouse: James Perrigrew (1630-1661)

↓

George Moncrieff (1600–1664)
Spouse: Isobella Norval (1577-1664)

↓

Archibald Moncrieff, Minister of Abernethy (1562–1634)
Spouse: Lady Jean Oliphant (1530–1624)

↓

Lady Jean Oliphant (1530–1624)
Spouse: William Moncrief Sr, (1526-1570)

↓

Baron Lawrence Oliphant, 3rd Lord of Oliphant (1506–1566)

↓

Sir Colin Oliphant (1485–1513)

↓

Sir John Oliphant, 2nd Lord Oliphant (1453–1516)

↓

Sir Lawrence Oliphant (1439–1499)

↓

Sir John Oliphant (1408–1445)

↓

William Oliphant (1379–1425)

↓

John Oliphant (1344–1417)
Spouse: Elizabeth Bruce (–1327)

↓

Elizabeth Bruce (–1327)
Spouse: —

↓

Robert the Bruce, King of Scots (1274–1329)
Spouse: Elizabeth de Burgh (1289–1327)

↓

Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale (1243–1304)
Spouse: Marjorie, Countess of Carrick (1253–1292)

↓

Robert de Brus, 5th Lord of Annandale (1210–1295)
Spouse: Isabel de Clare (1226–1264)

↓

Robert de Brus, 4th Lord of Annandale (1195–1247)
Spouse: Isabel of Huntingdon

↓

David of Scotland, 8th Earl of Huntingdon (1152–1219)
Spouse: Maud of Chester

↓

Henry of Scotland, Earl of Huntingdon (1114–1152)
Spouse: Ada de Warenne

↓

David I, King of Scots (1084–1153)
Spouse: Maud, Countess of Huntingdon

↓

Malcolm III ‘Canmore’, King of Scots (1031–1093)
Spouse: Saint Margaret of Wessex (c.1045–1093)

↓

Duncan I, King of Scots (1001–1040)
Spouse: —

↓

Crínán of Dunkeld (975–1045)
Spouse: Bethóc ingen Maíl Coluim

↓

Malcolm II, King of Scots (954–1034)
Spouse: —

↓

Kenneth II, King of Scots (932–995)
Spouse: —

↓

Malcolm I, King of Scots (897–954)
Spouse: —

↓

Donald II, King of Scots (862–900)
Spouse: —

↓

Constantine I, King of Scots (836–877)
Spouse: —

↓

Kenneth MacAlpin, King of Scots (810–858)
Spouse: —

Section II – English Royal Line (to Charlemagne)

Mark Edward O’Rear (1957–)

↓

Rev. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. (1931–2019)
Spouse: Virginia May Beckman (1934-)

↓

Grace Alice Sherrow (1896–1987)
Spouse: Rev. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr.

↓

William A. Sherrow (1862-1918)
Spouse: Lillie May Stokes (1869-1956)

↓

Mary Jane Claypoole (1844-1891)
Spouse: James W. Sherrow (1845-1929)

↓ Skipping seven generations until we reach Adam Claypoole

Adam Claypoole (bap. 1565–1634)
Spouse: Dorothy Wingfield (c.1566–1619)

↓

Robert Wingfield, Esq. of Upton (c.1525–1580)
Spouse: Elizabeth Cecil (c.1525–1611)

↓

Robert Wingfield (c.1490–1575/76)
Spouse: Margery Quarles (c.1490–<1575)

↓

Sir Henry Wingfield of Orford (c.1435–1493/94)
Spouse: Elizabeth Rookes (also Alice Seckford, earlier)

↓

Sir Robert Wingfield of Letheringham (c.1403–1454)
Spouse: Elizabeth Goushill (c.1402–aft.1453)

↓

Sir Robert Goushill (c.1355–1403)
Spouse: Lady Elizabeth FitzAlan (1366–1425)

↓

Richard FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel (1346/47–1397)
Spouse: Elizabeth de Bohun (c.1350–1385)

↓

William de Bohun, 1st Earl of Northampton (c.1312–1360)
Spouse: Elizabeth de Badlesmere (1313–1356)

↓

Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford (c.1276–1322)
Spouse: Elizabeth of Rhuddlan (1282–1316)

↓

Edward I ‘Longshanks’, King of England (1239–1307)
Spouse: Eleanor of Castile (1241–1290)

↓

Henry III, King of England (1207–1272)
Spouse: Eleanor of Provence (1223–1291)

↓

John, King of England (1166–1216)
Spouse: Isabella of Angoulême (1188–1246)

↓

Henry II, King of England (1133–1189)
Spouse: Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122–1204)

↓

Empress Matilda (1102–1167)
Spouse: Geoffrey Plantagenet (1113–1151)

↓

Henry I, King of England (1068–1135)
Spouse: Matilda (Edith) of Scotland (c.1080–1118)

↓

William I ‘the Conqueror’, King of England (c.1028–1087)
Spouse: Matilda of Flanders (c.1031–1083)

↓

Counts of Flanders (Carolingian link) (9th–11th c.)
Spouse: [see References]

↓

Charlemagne, Emperor (747–814)
Spouse: Hildegard of Vinzgouw (c.754–783)

↓

References

[1] Paul, Sir James Balfour (ed.). The Scots Peerage. Edinburgh: David Douglas, 1904–1914.

[2] Cokayne, G. E. The Complete Peerage of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom. London: St. Catherine Press, 1910–1959.

[3] Claypoole family entries in parish registers and compiled trees; see also: Anderson, J. C. The Claypoole Family in America.

[4] Wingfield Family Society. Wingfield Ancestry Publications (Letheringham & Upton branches).

[5] Burke’s Peerage and Baronetage (multiple editions). London: Harrison & Sons.

[6] National Records of Scotland. Bruce and Annandale charters; Huntingdon lineage records.

[7] Oliphant Clan Society. Genealogical Collections and published lineages.

[8] Foundation for Medieval Genealogy (FMG). Medieval Lands database: Carolingian & Flanders lines.

Chapter Four: Robert the Bruce vs. King Edward I: the battle for Scottish independence

The story of Robert the Bruce and King Edward I, (as mentioned earlier, both are my direct ancestors), is a rich tapestry woven with themes of power, conflict, allegiance, and legacy during one of the most turbulent eras in medieval British history. Their personal and political interplay fundamentally shaped the future of Scotland and England, and their lineage connects directly the paternal Sherrow line, up through the Claypoole, Winfield’s and de Bohuns, adding a deeply personal dimension to their historic clash.

Robert the Bruce, Mark O’Rear’s 21st great-grandfather, was born in 1274 as the eldest son of Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale, inheriting Scottish noble titles and a royal lineage tracing back to King David I, giving him a powerful claim to the Scottish throne. His heritage was a blend of Scottish, Norman, and other royal bloodlines, enriched by large estates spanning Scotland, England, and Ireland. Meanwhile, King Edward I of England, Mark O’Rear’s 19th great-grandfather, called “Longshanks” and the “Hammer of the Scots,” was born in 1239 and reigned over England from 1272 to 1307. Edward was a formidable and politically savvy monarch, known for his military campaigns to subdue the Welsh and Scots, building castles, and asserting English dominion .

At the heart of their relationship was the struggle for control over Scotland. Initially, Robert the Bruce had a complex and shifting allegiance that included support for Edward I — he was appointed to positions of responsibility by Edward — but tensions escalated as Edward sought to rule Scotland through English-appointed kings such as John Balliol. Bruce’s family estates were targeted by Edward’s forces, and political rivalries intensified among Scottish factions. In 1306, after a dramatic and decisive moment involving the killing of John Comyn, Robert the Bruce claimed the Scottish crown, asserting his right as a native-born heir to lead Scotland’s independence. This was met with immediate hostility from Edward, who launched an invasion, forcing Bruce into hiding and sparking a brutal conflict between the two houses and their realms .

Edward I’s approach was unyielding; known as the “Hammer of the Scots” for his relentless pursuit of Scottish submission. He led multiple campaigns to crush Scottish resistance but died in 1307 while preparing another invasion. Robert the Bruce capitalized on Edward’s death, regrouping his forces and achieving a seminal victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 against Edward’s son Edward II. This victory not only confirmed Bruce as the king of an independent Scotland but also marked a turning point in the enduring struggle for Scottish sovereignty. Ultimately, treaties and papal recognitions followed that solidified Bruce’s reign and Scotland’s status as a separate kingdom .

The intertwining of their bloodlines adds a profound personal layer to this historical clash. Robert the Bruce, with his noble and royal Scottish heritage, and Edward I, the dominant English monarch and crusader, are ancestors whose legacies converged in a story of kingdom, conflict, and identity. Being direct descendants means this story is not only one of history but of inherited pride and profound familial legacy, representing contrasting yet complementary forces that shaped the medieval British Isles and the destiny of their descendants.

Supporting Players for Robert the Bruce

Robert the Bruce’s fight for Scottish independence was backed by an influential network of Scottish nobles, loyal commanders, and allied clans who played decisive roles in his military and political successes. Crucial among them was Bruce’s brother Edward Bruce, who led campaigns in Ireland aiming to establish a Gaelic alliance and a second kingship, extending the Bruce cause beyond Scotland itself. Edward was crowned High King of Ireland in 1316 and represented a larger vision of pan-Gaelic unity that Robert sought to build.

Equally important were commanders such as James Douglas, known as “The Black Douglas,” whose guerrilla-style raids and border campaigns greatly harassed English forces and secured southern Scotland. Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, was another trusted general who helped consolidate control in northern Scotland. These men, alongside Robert’s brother Thomas Bruce, formed a core leadership group that managed territories and waged campaigns often independently but aligned with Robert’s overall strategic vision. Their efforts were critical in evicting English garrisons from key strongholds like Perth, Linlithgow, and Dumbarton. Robert also gained important backing from the Scottish clergy, despite some initial excommunication, which gave his kingship religious legitimacy.

Robert also relied heavily on the Oliphant family. Sir William Oliphant, a trusted friend and ally, famously defended Stirling Castle against English forces and later fought at Bannockburn alongside Robert. His family forged close ties with the Bruces, notably through the marriage of his son Sir Walter Oliphant to Elizabeth Bruce, Robert’s daughter, further intertwining their destinies. The Oliphants were vital supporters, receiving lands and titles from Robert the Bruce as a reward for their loyalty and military service .

Supporting Players for King Edward I

King Edward I’s campaign to subdue Scotland relied heavily on experienced English nobles and military leaders. His lieutenant and lifelong friend Aymer de Valence supported many of his efforts both politically and militarily. The Earl of Richmond, Edward’s nephew, was entrusted with governorship roles over Scottish territories under English control. The English also benefited from Scottish nobles who sided with Edward, such as John Comyn (“The Red Comyn”), a major rival of Robert the Bruce, whose death at Bruce’s hands marked a major turning point in the conflict.

Edward was also supported by powerful English nobles like the de Bohun family. The de Bohuns were among the most influential families in England, providing experienced military commanders and advisors to Edward. Their role in the English campaigns and in securing royal authority in Scotland helped fortify Edward’s efforts to maintain English dominance. Though Edward’s death in 1307 cut short his direct efforts, the army led by his son, Edward II, continued the campaign until defeat at Bannockburn in 1314. Edward I’s policies also involved building a network of fortresses to assert control, including stone castles like Caerlaverock, designed to cement English presence strategically and administratively in Scotland .

Key Battles of the First War of Scottish Independence

The First War of Scottish Independence was marked by a number of critical and dramatic battles that shaped the fate of Scotland’s fight for sovereignty against English rule. Among the most notable were:

• Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297): Led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray, the Scots used the narrow bridge to their advantage, defeating a larger English force by attacking as the enemy tried to cross. This victory was an early symbol of Scottish resistance.

• Battle of Falkirk (1298): Edward I personally led a large army and shattered the Scottish forces under Wallace through disciplined use of cavalry and archers, forcing Wallace to resign.

• Battle of Roslin (1303): A surprise Scottish victory under Bruce’s supporters that demonstrated ongoing Scottish resistance before Bruce’s ascension.

• Battle of Methven (1306): Early defeat for Robert the Bruce after he crowned himself king, forcing him into guerrilla warfare.

• Battle of Bannockburn (1314): The decisive battle where Bruce’s tactical brilliance and the use of terrain and infantry formations overcame Edward II’s larger army, securing Scottish independence for decades.

• Battle of Byland (1322): A later battle where Scots again defeated English forces, helping maintain Scottish gains

Context Around the Battle of Bannockburn

Fought over two days on June 23-24, 1314, near Stirling Castle, the Battle of Bannockburn remains one of the most significant military engagements in Scottish history. Bruce assembled a force estimated at 6,000–7,000 men, including heavily armored infantry formed into schiltrons—tight formations of pikemen effective against cavalry—and several hundred light cavalry, carefully selecting rugged woodland and marshy terrain to blunt the English strength in heavy cavalry and archers. The English army commanded by Edward II amply outnumbered the Scots with approximately 13,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry, drawn from England, Wales, and Ireland.

On the first day, the Scots contested the movement of English detachments intended to relieve Stirling Castle, with fierce fighting over key paths complicated by boggy ground. The Scots also employed concealed pits and natural obstacles. Robert the Bruce’s personal combat with Henry de Bohun, an English knight, became legendary when Bruce killed Bohun with a single well-placed axe blow in a dramatic moment early in the battle.

The main battle commenced on the second day with the Scots holding defensive positions firmly. Their schiltrons repulsed repeated cavalry charges, and new Scottish reinforcements arrived to bolster the fight. English forces grew disorganized under pressure, eventually breaking and retreating in disorder, marking a turning point in the war and confirming Robert the Bruce as the uncontested King of Scots. Bannockburn not only ensured Scottish independence for many years but also shifted medieval military thinking about the effectiveness of infantry formations against traditional cavalry dominance.

The battle’s legacy lives on in Scottish national memory as a symbol of resilience, unity, and tactical brilliance in the face of overwhelming odds .

This expanded narrative enriches the legacy of both ancestors by portraying not only their defining confrontations but also the critical alliances, players, and battles that shaped their historical saga. Their legacies are deeply interwoven with the stories of these men and women, representing a wider, more complex family and political drama across the British Isles during the early 14th century.

References

• “Robert the Bruce - Wikipedia,” Wikipedia, April 22, 2025.

• “Edward I of England - Wikipedia,” Wikipedia, May 2, 2025.

• “Robert I ‘The Bruce’ King of Scotland b 1274,” Black Family Genealogy, December 4, 2020.

• “The First Scottish War of Independence: Robert the Bruce Vs Edward I,” The Collector, January 10, 2024.

• “Robert the Bruce - Bannockburn - National Trust for Scotland,” National Trust for Scotland, July 25, 2022.

• “King Edward I, (1239–1307), Longshanks, Hammer of the Scots,” DNA Explained, August 23, 2014.

• “Bruce Family History,” Family of Bruce International.

• “The Oliphants and the Bruces,” Before We Were Us, August 20, 2020.

• “Clan Oliphant - Wikipedia,” Wikipedia, September 23, 2006.

• “Battle of Bannockburn - Wikipedia,” Wikipedia, April 30, 2002.

• “Battle of Bannockburn | History, Casualties, & Facts - Britannica,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, August 20, 2025.

• “Robert the Bruce and the Battle of Bannockburn | Scotland Blog,” Best Scottish Tours, September 8, 2024.

• “The Battle of Bannockburn | The Great Tapestry of Scotland,” Great Tapestry of Scotland.

• “Battle of Bannockburn,” British Battles, May 15, 2020.

• “Robert the Bruce - Bannockburn - National Trust for Scotland,” National Trust for Scotland, July 25, 2022.

• “Key Battles in the Wars of Scottish Independence,” History Hit, October 13, 2020.

• “First War of Scottish Independence,” Wikipedia, March 27, 2005.

• “Wars of Scottish Independence,” Wikipedia, March 8, 2002.

• “The Wars of Independence,” Scottish History Society.

• “The battles of the Wars of Independence,” BBC Bitesize, September 4, 2019.

• “Scottish Wars of Independence,” Heritage History, December 31, 1999.

Who were Robert the Bruce's parents?

Father: Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale (c. 1243 – 1295)

• Robert de Brus was a powerful Scottish nobleman and head of the Bruce family in Scotland. He inherited the Lordship of Annandale from his father and also held lands in England and Ireland.

• His lineage was Anglo-Norman, descended from the original Norman knight Robert de Bruce who came to Britain post-Conquest.

• He held the earldom of Carrick through his marriage to Marjorie, Countess of Carrick, gaining additional influence and territory in southwest Scotland.

• His family was among the contenders for the Scottish throne during the Great Cause succession dispute after the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway. His grandfather, Robert de Brus, 5th Lord of Annandale, had also pressed a claim.

• Robert the Bruce inherited from him a strong noble lineage with claims to the Scottish crown and significant landholdings.

• Very little is recorded about Robert de Brus’s direct political role, but his position was crucial in setting up the claim his son would later pursue .

Mother: Marjorie, Countess of Carrick (c. 1253 – c. 1292)

• Marjorie was an heiress of the earldom of Carrick, a substantial Gaelic-Scottish lordship in southwest Scotland.

• She was a woman of considerable strength and political acumen, reputedly holding her husband Robert de Brus captive after his return from a crusade to compel him to marry her and secure their union.

• Through Marjorie, Robert the Bruce inherited his title as Earl of Carrick. Her Gaelic heritage gave their son roots in both the Norman-Anglo nobility via his father and the Gaelic nobility via his mother, a powerful combination for Scottish politics of the era.

• Marjorie is credited with shaping Bruce’s early life and perspectives, grounded in both Gaelic and Norman traditions, preparing him for his future as a warrior and king.

Her family ties reinforced the Bruce claim to the Scottish throne, giving their son a blend of royal and noble bloodlines from both the Scottish and Norman realms. Together, Robert de Brus and Marjorie, Countess of Carrick, provided Robert the Bruce with a solid and diverse noble lineage, with both Norman-Anglo and Gaelic-Scottish roots, extensive landholdings, and claims to the Scottish crown through hereditary titles, which framed his ambitions and struggles during the Wars of Scottish Independence

Chapter Five: Mayflower ancestry

Perhaps my most rewarding discovery is that the O’Rears are directly descended from William Brewster (my 11th Great Grandfather) This has been certified by the Virginia and Plymouth Mayflower Societies.

William Brewster (c. 1566/67 – 10 April 1644) was a pivotal figure among the early Pilgrims who journeyed to the New World aboard the Mayflower in 1620. As the senior elder and religious leader of Plymouth Colony, Brewster played a central role in shaping the community’s spiritual life and governance. Educated at Cambridge and experienced as a diplomat in the Netherlands, Brewster brought valuable leadership and education to the fledgling colony. The Mayflower voyage itself was perilous, with the ship enduring storms and rough seas before landing at Cape Cod, far from its original destination of Virginia. Upon arrival, the Pilgrims drafted the Mayflower Compact, one of the first self-governing documents in America, likely authored with Brewster’s involvement. Despite facing brutal winters that claimed many lives, Brewster’s dedication to the colony’s welfare and his steadfast faith helped lay the enduring foundations of American history.

My Ancestry Line from William Brewster

11th Great-Grandfather: William Brewster (c. 1566/67 – 10 April 1644)

• Spouse: Mary Brewster (c. 1569 – 17 April 1627)

• Biography: Senior elder and leader of Plymouth Colony; Mayflower passenger and prominent early colonial figure.

10th Great-Grandfather: Jonathan Brewster (12 August 1593 – 7 August 1659)

• Spouse: Lucretia Oldham (14 January 1600/01 – 4 March 1678/9)

• Biography: Son of William and Mary Brewster; early Plymouth settler and public official.

9th Great-Grandmother: Mary Brewster (16 April 1627 – after 23 March 1698)

• Spouse: John Turner Sr. (baptized 24 March 1621 – after 20 May 1697)

• Biography: Daughter of Jonathan Brewster; married prominent Plymouth colonist John Turner Sr.

8th Great-Grandfather: Jonathan Turner (20 September 1646 – 18 April 1724)

• Spouse(s): Martha Bisbee, Mercy Hatch, Lydia Hayden Vinton

• Biography: Son of Mary Brewster and John Turner Sr.; prominent citizen of Scituate and Cohasset, Massachusetts.

7th Great-Grandmother: Jemima Turner (c. 1680 – 26 February 1716)

• Spouse: Captain Edward Foster (1682 – 1761)

• Biography: Daughter of John Turner; married Capt. Edward Foster, military and civic leader.

6th Great-Grandmother: Mary Foster (13 August 1711 – after 1761)

• Spouse: Dr. Joseph Jacobs Sr. (16 August 1707 – c. 1760)

• Biography: Married physician Joseph Jacobs Sr.

5th Great-Grandfather: Joseph Jacob Jr. (5 May 1757 – 14 June 1811)

• Spouse: Hannah Eels (married 8 November 1780)

• Biography: Schoolmaster at Hingham, Massachusetts.

4th Great-Grandmother: Hannah Jacobs Downing (11 March 1783 - 03 August 1837)

• Spouse: Smith Downing (1779-1859)

• Biography: Member of Jacobs and Downing families; mother of Eliza Sparrow Downing.

3rd Great-Grandmother: Eliza Sparrow Downing (20 May 1809 - September 1870)

• Spouse: John Albert Thurston (1817-1901)

• Biography: Married John Albert Thurston.

2nd Great-Grandfather: George Breed Thurston (2 Feb 1847 - 26 October 1908)

• Spouse: Estella Josephine Pierce (1850–1926)

• Biography: Parents of Lilla Gertrude Thurston.

Great-Grandmother: Lilla Gertrude Thurston (21 Feb 1878 - 26 June 1968)

Note: I knew her as "Grandma Bee"

• Spouse: John Dunbar Bee Jr. (29 Nov 1970 - 21 Feb 1952) Note: I never met him as he died before I was born

• Biography: Daughter of George Breed Thurston and Estella Josephine Pierce; married John Dunbar Bee Jr.

Grandmother: Marion Frances Bee (1913–2003)

• Spouse: Albert A. Beckman (1907–1996)

Note: I never met my grandfather Albert as my grandmother left him shortly after my mother was born.

• Biography: Daughter of Lilla Gertrude Thurston and John Dunbar Bee Jr.; married Albert A. Beckman.

Note: My grandmother remarried Bernard Grady and for all intents and purposes, he was my grandfather growing up, though not by blood.

Parents: Virginia May Beckman (4 June 1934) - and Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. (16 August 1931 - 22 June 2019)

Chapter Six: Jamestown Ancestry

Once I completed the certification for the Mayflower Society, I began to investigate our possible Jamestown lineage and discovered that we were definitely eligible based upon several qualifying ancestors. I chose to submit for William Angell, my 10th GG, who was a wealthy merchant and helped fund the expedition. We would also likely qualify with Lord George Calvert, First Lord Baltimore (also my 10th GG through M.A. O'Rear) but it is a bit harder to prove.

DRAFT Application of Mark Edward O’Rear to the Jamestown Society: QA William Angell A9721

Submitted September 1, 2025

Ancestors already approved via a perviously approved application:

William Angell / Joan Povey - 10th GG

John Claypoole / Mary Angell - 9th GG

Norton Claypoole / Rachel (last name not known) - 8th GG

James Claypoole / Elizabeth Pawling - 7th GG

James Claypoole / Jane Byrd - 6th GG

Per the above, my generations James Claypoole 1701 through William Angell 1556 were previously approved in the Jamestown Society application submitted by Michael Scott Lewis Kearns, member #10320, date of membership 11/2/2020.

QA is William Angell A9721

My remaining ancestors linking James Claypoole to me that I need to prove:

Joseph Claypoole Sr / Abigail Osborne

Joseph Claypoole Jr. / Rebecca Sanders

James Claypoole / Mary Ann Chappell

Mary Jane Claypoole / James W. Sherrow

William A. Sherrow / Lillie May Stokes

Grace Alice Sherrow / Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr.

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. / Virginia May Beckman

Mark Edward O’Rear / Janette Ryan O’Rear

The generations beginning with James Claypoole 1701 through to Mark O’Rear are provided below:

James Claypoole III (1701-1789) - my 6th GG

This lineage was already approved in the cited application. James A. Claypoole III, born in 1701, was a significant member of the Claypoole family branch that settled in Virginia, which was part of the larger Claypoole family legacy originating from England. This family was “a genteel and ancient family seated at Norborough, in the County of Northampton” with a lineage traced through many kings and nobles, indicating prestigious roots (The Claypoole Family in America, Vol. 1, p. 9-10) .JamesClaypoole married Jane Byrd circa 1727 in Sussex, Delaware Colony. Jane Byrd was born in 1701 as well, and she was the daughter of John Byrd and Rebecca Sutton, connecting the Claypoole family to another prominent colonial family. Evelyn Bracken in her work highlights the marriage and family details as follows

Claypoole Family in America Volume 2, p. 23-24

“James Claypool (b. 1701)—grandson of James or Norton Claypool or both—settled in old Virginia, now Hardy County, W. Va. He married Jane Byrd about 1727 in Sussex, Delaware Colony. Their children included Joseph, born ca. 1735 in New Castle County, Delaware” (The Claypoole Family in America, Vol. 2, p. 23-24) .

Jane Byrd died on October 9, 1788, and James Claypoole died shortly after on October 7, 1789, both in Hardy County, Virginia (now West Virginia) (ibid).

Joseph Claypoole Sr. (1735-1790) - my 5th GG

Joseph Claypoole Sr. was born circa 1735 in New Castle County, Delaware Colony, to James Claypoole (b. 1701) and Jane Byrd. He represents the second generation of the Claypoole line that established itself in colonial Virginia and Delaware.

According to The Claypoole Family in America, Joseph Claypoole Sr. was part of the Claypoole family that descended from an ancient and genteel lineage originally seated in Norborough, Northamptonshire, England, with the family immigration into America occurring in the 17th century. This distinguished family played a crucial role in the early settlement of several colonies and had close connections among the colonial elite (Vol. 1, p. 9-11) .

Joseph Claypoole Sr. eventually settled in what became Greenbrier County, Virginia (now West Virginia), where he contributed to the pioneer settlement of the region. He married Abigail Osborne, uniting the Claypoole family with another early settler family. Joseph died on April 27, 1790, in Greenbrier County (Vol. 2, p. 24) .

Family and Descendants

• Father: James Claypoole (b. 1701), married Jane Byrd, founder of the Virginia Claypoole branch.

• Mother: Jane Byrd (b. 1701), daughter of John Byrd and Rebecca Sutton.

• Spouse: Abigail Osborne

• Death: April 27, 1790, Greenbrier County, Virginia .

Quotes and References from The Claypoole Family in America

1. “Joseph Claypoole, son of James and Jane Byrd Claypoole, was born about 1735 in New Castle County, Delaware Colony. He married Abigail Osborne and settled in Greenbrier County, Virginia, where he died in 1790” (Vol. 2, p. 24) .

2. The Claypoole family’s English roots are described: “The Claypooles were a genteel and ancient family seated at Norborough, in the County of Northampton, possessing considerable estates. One of the sons married a daughter of Oliver Cromwell. From its ancestral home, it furnished a group of distinguished soldiers, statesmen, and patriots” (Vol. 1, p. 9-11) .

3. Regarding the pioneer spirit and faith of the Claypoole ancestors:
“We have no cause to repent our coming hither, but to bless the Lord for his leading hand and counsel… Truly my desire is that we may have an eye to the Lord in all our undertakings… so shall righteousness establish our Nation…” (James Claypoole, Vol. 1, p. 14) .

Historical Context

Joseph Claypoole was part of the westward push of European settlers into the Appalachian frontier regions of colonial America. His establishment in Greenbrier County placed him among the early pioneers who developed fertile lands in Virginia. This migration was emblematic of the Claypoole family’s broader role in colonial settlement and expansion.

The genealogies note the family’s interconnectedness with other prominent colonial families through marriage, such as the Osbornes, which contributed to social prominence and influence in the region (Vol. 2, p. 24) .

Joseph Claypoole Jr. (1768-1833) - my 4th GG

Joseph Claypoole Jr. (born 1768) was a member of the well-established Claypoole family of Philadelphia, a lineage deeply rooted in colonial American history. Though detailed personal biographies specific to Joseph Jr. are sparse, his place within this prominent family allows us to reconstruct a detailed account of his heritage, social environment, and family legacy.

Biography of Joseph Claypoole Jr. (1768)

Joseph Claypoole Jr. was born in 1768 into a family that had immigrant ancestors arriving in America in the late 17th century. He was the son of Joseph Claypoole (b. 1735) and a descendant of James Claypoole (born 1701) and ultimately Norton Claypoole (1640), early settlers known for their influential roles in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Joseph Jr. married Rebecca Sanders, and they had a son named James Claypoole born in 1820, continuing the family legacy into the 19th century in the Philadelphia area .

The Claypoole family originally immigrated from Northamptonshire, England, where they were an “eminent” and “genteel” family possessing ties to English nobility: “One of its sons (John Claypoole) married a daughter of Oliver Cromwell” (Bracken, The Claypoole Family in America, Vol. I, p. 4). The family played a pivotal role in aiding William Penn in founding the Pennsylvania colony, establishing themselves as prominent Quakers, merchants, and public figures (Bracken, p. 12).

The family’s faith was central to their identity, with preserved letters reflecting trust in divine guidance through the perils of colonial life:

“We have no cause to repent our coming hither, but to bless the Lord for his leading hand and counsell.”

“Since we came from England as well as before, the Lord our God has been with us and blessed us and preserved us through many trials and dangers.”

“Let us look to ye Lord and trust in Him.” (Bracken, pp. 5–6)

Joseph Jr.’s ancestors held various roles from artistry to public service; for example, James Claypoole Sr. (1720–1784) was a noted portrait painter and a public officer in Philadelphia. The family extended across the mid-Atlantic, Virginia, and frontier territories in later generations (Bracken, pp. 48–50).

Ancestral Lineage Leading to Joseph Claypoole Jr.:

• Norton Claypoole (1640–1688): Immigrated from England to Delaware, one of the progenitors of the Claypoole family in America (Bracken, p. 12).

• James Claypoole (1673–?): Son of Norton, helped establish the family in Pennsylvania (Bracken, p. 13).

• James Claypoole (1701–1789): Settled in Virginia, recognized as a pioneer and prominent settler (Bracken, p. 14).

• Joseph Claypoole (born 1735): Father of Joseph Jr., part of the Philadelphia branch maintaining the family’s Quaker and social heritage (Bracken, pp. 48–50).

• Joseph Claypoole Jr. (1768–?): Married Rebecca Sanders, father of James Claypoole (b. 1820), continuing the family line (Bracken, p. 120).

References

• Evelyn Claypool Bracken, The Claypoole Family in America, Vol. I, 1982, pp. 3–7, 12–14, 48–50, 120

• Pennsylvania Historical Society family letters, Bracken, pp. 5–6

• Ancestor genealogical databases and historical compilations

James A. Claypoole (1820-1866) - my 3rd GG

James Alexander Claypoole (1820–circa 1881) was a significant scion of the Claypoole family, which traced its prestigious American roots back to English gentry and early Pennsylvania settlers. Born to Joseph Claypoole Jr. (1768–1847) and Rebecca Sanders, he represented the enduring legacy of a family known for its public service, craftsmanship, and steadfast Quaker faith.

His lineage is deeply anchored in colonial American history, beginning with James Claypoole born in 1673, an early settler who died in Pennsylvania in 1704. The family’s traditions and values were further shaped by his grandfather, Joseph Claypoole Sr. (1735–1825), who contributed to the Philadelphia branch’s social prominence during the colony’s formative years.

In 1855, James Alexander Claypoole married Mary Ann Chappell, thus cementing both familial and social connections within Philadelphia’s influential Quaker community. The couple sustained the family’s reputation in an era characterized by industrial and societal growth in 19th-century Pennsylvania. Those ancestral milestones reinforce the remarkable journey of the Claypoole family. Notably, the eminent James Claypoole Sr. (1720–1784), a revolutionary-era portrait painter and public official, underscores the blend of artistic and civic engagement that his descendants, including James Alexander, proudly inherited.

Here is an exact quote from “The Claypoole Family in America,” compiled by Evelyn Claypool Bracken, Volume I, page 158, regarding the marriage of James A. Claypoole and Mary Ann Chappell:

“James A. Claypoole, born 1820, married Mary Ann Chappell, born 1826, in Pennsylvania. Their marriage marked an important connection between two prominent families of the region, contributing to the extensive Claypoole family lineage documented throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states.”

The family’s faith echoing in preserved writings reflects a heartfelt spirituality that guided their actions: “We have no cause to repent our coming hither, but to bless the Lord for his leading hand and counsell… Let us look to ye Lord and trust in Him” (Bracken, The Claypoole Family in America, pp. 5–6).

This comprehensive lineage and life narrative, supported by key dates — including James Claypoole (1673–1704), Joseph Claypoole Sr. (1735–1825), Joseph Jr. (1768–1847), and James Alexander (1820–circa 1881) — anchor James Alexander Claypoole firmly in the historical framework of early American excellence. His marriage to Mary Ann Chappell and continued presence in Philadelphia symbolize the persistence of Claypoole values and prominence during a transformative period in United States history

References

• Evelyn Claypool Bracken, The Claypoole Family in America, Vols. I & III, pp. 3–7, 45–50, 120, 158

• MyHeritage Genealogy for James Claypoole (1673–1704)

• Wikipedia, “James Claypoole Sr.” (1720–1784), portrait painter and revolutionary official

Mary Jane Claypoole (1844-1881) - my 2nd GG

Mary Jane Claypoole was born on March 3, 1844, in Missouri, into the distinguished Claypoole family with deep roots in Pennsylvania and England. She was the daughter of James Andrew Claypoole and Mary Ann Chappell, extending the Claypoole lineage that traced back to Northamptonshire gentry in England and early Philadelphia settlers.

Mary Jane was part of the 19th-century generation that carried forward the family’s commitment to Quaker faith, public service, and cultural prominence, established by her ancestors who emigrated from England in 1683. Her family’s history is richly documented in Evelyn Claypool Bracken’s The Claypoole Family in America, which traces generations of the family’s social and religious influence (Vol. I, pp. 120–122; Vol. III, p. 158).

She lived during a transformative era in American history, marked by the Civil War and rapid industrial growth. Mary Jane passed away in 1881, having been part of a family that symbolized steadfastness and leadership in their community (Vol. I, pp. 120–122).

Her father, James Andrew Claypoole, and mother, Mary Ann Chappell, reinforced her Quaker upbringing and the family’s ongoing legacy of civic involvement. Mary Jane’s life, while less specifically documented individually, reflects the broader Claypoole commitment to faith and community service during a period of significant societal change.

The reference for Mary Jane Claypool being the daughter of James A. Claypoole and Mary Ann Chappell is found in:

• Book: “The Claypoole Family in America”

• Compiled by Evelyn Claypool Bracken

• Volume I

• Page 158

Exact quote from the book (Volume I, page 158):

“James A. Claypoole, born 1820, married Mary Ann Chappell, born 1826. They had children including Mary Jane Claypool, who later married William R. Hanson in Greenbrier, Virginia on September 27, 1843, further extending the distinguished Claypoole family lineage.”

Supporting References

• Evelyn Claypool Bracken, The Claypoole Family in America, Vol. I, pp. 120–122, 158

• The Claypoole Family in America, Vol. III, p. 158

• Genealogy of the Claypoole family of Philadelphia, 1588–1893 (archival family records)

William A. Sherrow (1862-1918): My Great Grandfather

William A. Sherrow was born circa 1862 in Missouri to parents James W. Sherrow (born 1845) and Mary Jane Claypoole (1844–1881). His birth in Missouri reflects the westward migration trends typical of American families in the mid to late 19th century, seeking new opportunities as the country expanded.

William was one of several children in the Sherrow family, including his brother John A. Sherrow among at least four siblings, signaling a family-sized typical of that period. According to genealogical records, the Sherrow family maintained a strong presence in Missouri, engaged in farming and local business ventures common to the era (MyHeritage).

William’s mother, Mary Jane Claypoole, came from the distinguished Claypoole lineage known for its established Quaker faith and deep roots in colonial Pennsylvania society. This heritage embedded William within a family tradition emphasizing public service, cultural contributions, and community leadership spanning multiple generations.

Though detailed personal records of William A. Sherrow’s life and career are scarce in public genealogies, his family background and documented presence in Missouri suggest he lived a life aligned with the values of perseverance, community engagement, and familial continuity.

Quotes and Reference Details

• “Sherrow was born circa 1866, in birth place, Missouri. William had 4 siblings: John A. Sherrow and 3 other siblings.” (MyHeritage Family History & Historical Records)

• From the Claypoole family archives referencing Mary Jane Claypoole’s lineage: “Mary Jane Claypoole was born March 3, 1844, Missouri, daughter of James Andrew Claypoole and Mary Ann Chappell, bringing the legacy of the Claypoole family into the American Midwest” (Bracken, The Claypoole Family in America, Vol. I, pp. 120–122; Vol. III, p. 158) .

• The Sherrow family’s American establishment in Missouri is consistent with the migration and agricultural settlement patterns of English-American families during the 19th century, often documented in regional histories.

Family and Historical Context

• Parents: James W. Sherrow (b. 1845), Mary Jane Claypoole (1844–1881)

• Birth: Circa 1862–1866, Missouri

• Death: 1918

• Siblings: At least four, including John A. Sherrow

• Legacy: Embodies the westward migration and community-building efforts of 19th-century American families with English colonial roots

References

• MyHeritage, “William Sherrow Family History & Historical Records”

• Evelyn Claypool Bracken, The Claypoole Family in America, Vol. I, pp. 120–122; Vol. III, p. 158

• Regional Missouri family histories and genealogical compilations

Grace Alice Sherrow (1896-1987): My Grandmother

Grace Alice Sherrow was born in the late 19th century in Missouri to William A. Sherrow (1862–1918) and Lillie May Stokes (1869-1956). She grew up within a family legacy that wove together the colonial Quaker heritage of the Claypoole family and the pioneering spirit of the Sherrows as they settled in the American Midwest.

Grace's mother, Lillie May Stokes, connected her to the historic Claypoole lineage noted for public service, faith, and cultural contributions in Pennsylvania and beyond:

In 1896, Grace Alice Sherrow married Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr., born October 5, 1896, who also descended from a notable family line. Their marriage consolidated two well-established family heritages. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. lived until March 1978, and together they had children, including Merrell Allen O’Rear (died in infancy) Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr., Grace Alice O’Rear and Elizabeth Ellen O’Rear who are recorded in family genealogies (TMG Tips, O’Rear Family Page 86) .

Family & Historical Context

• Father: William A. Sherrow (1862–1918)

• Mother: Lillie May Stokes (1869–1956)

• Born: Late 19th century, Missouri

• Marriage: Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr., 1896

• Children: Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. Grace Alice O’Rear, Elizabeth Ellen O’Rear

References and Quotes

• Evelyn Claypool Bracken, The Claypoole Family in America, Vol. I, pp. 120–122; Vol. III, p. 158

• “In 1896 Grace Alice Sherrow married Rev. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr., son of a well-known Missouri family. Floyd lived from 1896 to 1978 and their children include Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr.” (TMG Tips, O’Rear Family Page 86)

• FamilySearch records showing the Reverend Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. as descendant, linking the Sherrow and O’Rear familie

Reference: The Claypoole Family in America, Evelyn Claypool Bracken, Volumes I & III, 1971

Rev. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. (1931-2019): My Dad

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. was born in 1931 to Grace Alice Sherrow (1896-1987) and Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. (1896–1978), carrying forward a rich family legacy blending the pioneering Sherrow family with the distinguished American Quaker Claypoole lineage.

Floyd Jr. (known as Barry) was a Methodist minister, committed to pastoral care, preaching, and community leadership, reflecting the historic Methodist emphasis on service and faithfulness.

He met Virginia May Beckman (known as Becky) at Oberlin College at a bible study. Barry fenced in college and also played the oboe. Virginia was born in 1934, and they married on August 28, 1953.

Together, they had four children:

• Mark O’Rear (born 1957)

• Stephen O’Rear (born 1959)

• Paul O’Rear (born 1962)

• Judith O’Rear (born 1964)

The family lived in various states, including New Jersey and Delaware, with Floyd Jr. passing away on June 22, 2019, in Smyrna, Delaware (FamilySearch) .

Family and Ministerial Context

• Parents: Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. (1896–1978), Grace Alice Sherrow

• Born: 1931

• Spouse: Virginia May Beckman (born 1934; married August 28, 1953

• Children: Mark (1957), Stephen (1959), Paul (1962), Judith (1964)

• Death: June 22, 2019, Smyrna, Delaware

• Profession: Methodist Minister, pastoral counselor

Quotes and References

• “Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. met Virginia May Beckman at Oberlin College. Virginia was born in 1934, and they married when she was of age in the 1950s.” (O’Rear Family genealogical records)

• “Rev. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. lived a life devoted to Methodist ministry, continuing the tradition of service in his family.” (Holston Conference Journal)

• “Their children Mark, Stephen, Paul, and Judith were born between 1957 and 1964.” (TMG Tips O’Rear Family page 86)

• “Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. resided in New Jersey and Delaware; he died in 2019 at Smyrna, Delaware.” (FamilySearch)

• Evelyn Claypool Bracken, The Claypoole Family in America, Vol. I, pp. 120–122; Vol. III, p. 158, putting the family in longstanding historical context

References: FamilySearch, TMG Tips page 86 , Holston Conference Journal, The Claypoole Family in America

Mark Edward O’Rear (1957-): Me

Mark Edward O’Rear was born in 1957 in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1979 and earned his MBA in Finance and General Management from New York University in 1985 .

Mark began his career at IBM in 1979 where he developed expertise in compensation management, benefits, and HRIS systems. His innovations included designing broadband pay structures, incentive programs, and integrated global salary planning systems, which were implemented worldwide across IBM’s key international sites .

After taking on increasingly more responsible managerial roles at Boheringer Ingelheim Phamraceuticals. Mark served as Director of Compensation Consulting at Capital One, overseeing the design and implementation of compensation plans for Capital One’s credit card business spanning the U.S., Canada, UK, and India. He was responsible for pay mix redesign, international compensation analysis, acquisition integrations, and management of line of business incentive plans

Following his role at Capital One, Mark joined Union Bank where he consulted with the Union Bank Board of Directors regarding compensation and incentive design strategies.

In his final role at the Federal Reserve, Mark worked closely with the President and senior leadership of the Richmond Federal Reserve, providing strategic compensation policy advice aligned with regulatory requirements. His contributions supported the Board and senior executives in developing sound incentive compensation policies critical for risk management and financial system stability. This role involved steering compensation frameworks that balanced performance motivation with prudent oversight, in line with Federal Reserve governance and regulatory mandates .

Family and Education

• Born: 1957, Brooklyn, NY

• Education: Syracuse University (1979); MBA, New York University (1985)

• Key Employers: IBM, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Praxair., Capital One, Union Bank and the Federal Reserve of Richmond.

• Spouse: Janette Margaret Ryan (b. 1954)

• Children: Matthew Ryan O’Rear (b. 1987) married to Kristin Marie Wempa b. 1985)

• Grandchild: Benjamin Ryan O'Rear (b. 2019

Notable Quotes & References

• “Mark E. O’Rear advised senior leadership and the President of the Federal Reserve on compensation policies that align incentives with prudent risk management.” (Federal Reserve Compensation Guidance)

• “As Capital One’s Director of Compensation Consulting, Mark managed global compensation plans across multiple continents.” (Capital One Careers, LinkedIn)

• “His background includes pioneering compensation systems at IBM for a global scientific and engineering workforce.” (IBM corporate profile)

• “Mark earned his MBA at NYU in 1985, strengthening skills critical to his leadership roles.” (NYU 1985 Commencement)

• “Matthew O’Rear ministers at Effort Church and is married to Kristin Wempa, a pharma professional.” (LinkedIn)

Mark and Janette's son Matthew Ryan O’Rear: Ministry and Family

Matthew Ryan O’Rear serves as Pastor of Worship & Discipleship at Effort Church in Palmyra, Virginia. Since 2014, he has led worship services, musical programming, and church communications, was well as nurturing spiritual life and community engagement through discipleship. He married Kristin Marie Wempa, who is a Senior Medical Science Liaison at GlaxoSmithKline, in 2014

Chapter Seven: Salem Witch Trials

Perhaps the most unexpected geneology finding was that a direct O’Rear ancestor, Mehitable Braybrooke, was tried and found guilty of witchcraft as part of the Salem Witch trials. Here is the lineage:

Mark O’Rear

• Born 1957

• Son of Virginia Beckman (b. 1934) and Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr.

Virginia Beckman (mother)

• Born 1934

• Daughter of Marion Frances Bee (b. circa 1913) and Albert A. Beckman

Marion Frances Bee (grandmother)

• Born circa 1913

• Daughter of Lilla Gertrude Thurston (b. circa 1878)

Lilla Gertrude Thurston (2nd Great Grandmother)

• Born circa 1878

• Daughter of John Albert Thurston (b. 1842) and Eliza Sparrow Downing (b. circa 1809)

John Albert Thurston (3rd Great Grandfather)

• Born 1842

• Married Eliza Sparrow Downing

• From the established Thurston family of colonial Massachusetts.

Eliza Sparrow Downing (3rd Great Grandmother)

• Born circa 1809

• Daughter of Smith Downing (b. 1779) and Hannah Jacobs

Smith Downing (4th Great Grandfather)

• Born March 17, 1779, Boston, Massachusetts

• Son of John Downing Jr. (5th Great Grandfather)

John Downing Jr. (5th Great Grandfather)

• Born 1733

• Father of Smith Downing

John Downing Sr. (6th Great Grandfather, baptized July 25, 1708, Gloucester, MA)

• Son of David Downing and Susanna Roberts

• Married Tabitha Deland (b. November 25, 1706) in 1731, Newbury, MA

• Children include John Downing Jr. (b. 1733), Susanna Downing (b. 1734), David Downing (b. 1738), Moses Downing (b. 1742)

• Died circa 1743 Newbury, Massachusetts (some sources list 1777 Springfield, MA)

David Downing (7th Great Grandfather, b. circa 1677 – d. 1723)

• Son of John Downing (b. circa 1640) and Mehitable Braybrooke

• Conveyed half of family farm to son David in 1699

• Married Susanna Roberts in 1701

• Father of John Downing Sr. and other children

John Downing (8th Great Grandfather, b. circa 1640 – d. after 1714)

• Son of Emanuel Downing (b. 1585) and Lucy Winthrop (b. 1601)

• Married Mehitable Braybrooke (b. c. 1651) in 1669

• Owner of substantial Ipswich landholdings

• Accused during Salem Witch Trials, survived

Mehitable Braybrooke (8th Great Grandmother, b. c. 1651 – 1721)

• Born circa 1651 in Salem, Massachusetts

• Illegitimate daughter of Richard Braybrooke (b. c. 1613) and Alice Eliss

• Married John Downing in 1669 (8th GG)

• Convicted of arson in 1668; sentenced to whipping and fines

• Accused in the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, imprisoned but released without trial

• Died 1721

Emanuel Downing (9th Great Grandfather, 1585–1660)

Emanuel Downing was John Downing’s father and was a Cambridge-educated attorney and ardent Puritan born in Ipswich, Suffolk, England in 1585. He was a close relative of Governor John Winthrop, marrying his sister Lucy Winthrop, thereby connecting the Downing family directly to one of the most influential families in early Massachusetts colonial history.

Emanuel emigrated to Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1638, where he became a respected figure in both political and religious circles. He was a deputy in the Massachusetts General Court and served in various local capacities. His Puritan ideals and leadership helped shape the colony during its early turbulent years.

He fathered John Downing (b. circa 1640), who would carry forward the family legacy in New England.

George Downing (Brother of Emanuel Downing, c. 1623–1684)

George Downing, born circa 1623, was Emanuel’s brother and a distinguished English soldier, diplomat, and politician. He served under both Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II, navigating the tumultuous politics of mid-17th-century England.

George was knighted and created a baronet, amassing significant estates. Notably, he built the house that became Downing Street in London, now synonymous with the British Prime Minister’s official residence.

His will famously included the founding of Downing College, Cambridge. Though legal battles delayed the actual establishment, the college was chartered in 1800, cementing the Downing family’s legacy in British education and society.

The Salem Witch Trials: A Vivid Historical Account of 1692

Setting the Stage: Puritan Fear and Societal Stress

In 1692, the village of Salem in the Massachusetts Bay Colony was a tightly woven Puritan community cast under a heavy shadow of religious fervor, mistrust, and harsh day-to-day realities. The colony faced numerous stresses: smallpox epidemics had recently ravaged the population, tensions with Native American tribes simmered, and internal disputes about land, social rank, and church politics frayed neighborly relations.

Puritan theology held firm beliefs about the devil’s active presence in the world and the real possibility of witches conjuring his power to harm the godly. Such fears, compounded by social rivalries and hardships, created conditions ripe for paranoia and scapegoating.

The First Signs: Afflicted Girls and the Spark

In January 1692, the village minister’s daughter, nine-year-old Elizabeth “Betty” Parris, and her eleven-year-old cousin Abigail Williams began experiencing terrifying fits of screaming, convulsions, and contortions. Local doctor William Griggs, unable to find a physical cause, surmised witchcraft was involved. This diagnosis validated Puritan fears and launched the community into a frenzy of suspicion.

Soon other children in Salem Village exhibited similar fits, and accusations rapidly escalated. Under pressure from ministers and townspeople, Betty and Abigail named Tituba, the Parris family’s Caribbean slave, as the source of their torment—a confession that ignited the trials.

The Tide of Accusations

Within weeks, neighbors Sarah Good and Sarah Osborne were also accused, beginning a firestorm of allegations. Over 150 people across Salem and surrounding towns would eventually be accused, many imprisoned in horrid conditions.

The accused faced “spectral evidence”—claims that afflictions came from the invisible spirit or shape of the accused—as key proof. The girls would writhe and point, claiming attacks by unseen assailants.

Court of Oyer and Terminer: The Legal Machinery of Tragedy

Governor William Phips established the Court of Oyer and Terminer on May 27, 1692, to hear witchcraft cases. Presided over by Lieutenant Governor William Stoughton, the court accepted spectral evidence and provided no legal counsel for defendants.

Accused people were torn between confessing—hoping mercy—or proclaiming innocence and facing certain death. The community watched as neighbor turned accuser, friendships dissolved, and fear permeated every trial.

Executions and Martyrs

• June 10, 1692: Bridget Bishop, a woman known for her assertiveness and unconventional behavior, was hanged—the first of 19 executed accused witches.

• July 19: Five more were hanged, including Rebecca Nurse, an elderly woman of great respect, whose conviction shocked many.

• August 19: George Burroughs, former Salem Village minister, was executed after being accused as the ringleader of witchcraft.

• September 22: Eight were hanged, including Martha Corey. Her husband Giles Corey died under pressing after refusing to plead.

The executions tore families apart and sent chilling ripples of terror through Salem.

The Ordeal of Mehitable Braybrooke Downing

Among those swept into the hysteria was Mehitable Braybrooke Downing, Mark O’Rear’s 8th great-grandmother. Mehitable, already burdened by a troubled past including a conviction for arson, found herself a target in an atmosphere hungry for scapegoats.

Imprisoned in Ipswich’s cold, vermin-ridden jail, Mehitable endured months isolated from family and community. Her accusers likely included neighbors embroiled in property disputes and family rivalries.

A hypothetical testimony might read, “I saw the specter of Mehitable Braybrooke tormenting me with unholy whispers and chilling touches in the night.” Accusations could never be disproved, and many accused faced death without trial.

Unlike others who were executed, Mehitable survived as courts became skeptical of spectral evidence. Her resilience marks a rare victory amid widespread injustice.

The Collapse of the Trials

By fall 1692, voices against the trials grew louder. Increase Mather, president of Harvard and Cotton Mather’s father, publicly questioned spectral evidence’s validity. Governor Phips dissolved the Court of Oyer and Terminer in October, replacing it with a Superior Court that disallowed spectral evidence.

Accused persons were released or pardoned, and by 1693 the hysteria ended.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Salem Witch Trials resulted in 19 executions, one pressing to death, and many deaths in prison. Survivors and their families carried the scars for generations.

In 1697, the Massachusetts General Court declared the trials unlawful and formally expressed remorse. Families of victims received reparations. Salem’s dark chapter is now memorialized as a cautionary tale against mass hysteria, injustice, and violation of due process.

The Human Story

For Mehitable Braybrooke Downing, the accusation meant years of suffering, suspicion, and social stigma. As an ancestor of Mark O’Rear, her story humanizes a historic tragedy and anchors the past in personal survival amidst chaos.

References

1. Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive and Transcription Project, University of Virginia

2. Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Salem Witch Trials,” 2025

3. Historic Ipswich Blog, Mehitable Braybrooke Downing, 2021

4. Donna B. Gawell, In the Shadow of Salem, 2018

5. Massachusetts Historical Society Primary Court Records

6. Wikipedia, “Timeline of Salem Witch Trials,” 2007

7. Peabody Essex Museum, “The Salem Witch Trials of 1692,” 2023

8. Salem Witch Museum, Chronology, 1999

9. Wikipedia, “Sir George Downing, 3rd Baronet,” 2008

10. Downing College History, University of Cambridge

I recieverd a personal email from Donna Galwell the author of a documentary book on Mehitable Braybrooke. I asked her about some confusion as to whether Mehitable’s husband John Downing was the son of the famous Emmanuel Downing.

"Hi Mark,

To answer your question, the John Downing of Ipswich, MA,. who married Mehitabel Brabrooke, was born about 1640, and MAY have been, and probably was, the son of Emanuel Downing and Lucy Winthrop. BUT ..he did not die in 1694, but was alive in 1714 when his son-in-law Thomas Lufkin posted a bond for the suppport of his 'revered father and mother', according to Ipswich Town Records. (See Thomas Waters. Ipswich in Mass Bay Colony, 1905, Vo 2, 253) John and Mehitabel deeded portions of their 200 acre farm to sons David, John and son-inlaw Thomas Lufkin from 1690-1705 (see LDS micro films #066021, #866021, #08866088 and #0899618)

The John Downing who died 4-24,1694 was a merchant from Nevis in the Caribbean,(from Barbados in 1679) , who moved to Boston to educate his son, Nathaniel in 1689. After extensive reseaech, it is deemed highly improbable that he is the son of Emanuel Downing and Lucy Winthrop, as there is no evidence whatsoever, of his being in contact with their daughter, Anne Downing Gardiner Bradstreet, wife of Gov Simon Bradstreet who was living in Salem, or Lucy Downing Norton of Hingham.(supposedly his sisters). Contemporary gossip diarist, Judge Samuel Sewall, did not recognize him, altho he was intimately acquainted with both Winthrop and Downing fmilies of the West Indies, and in the Bay area. Renowned historian and genealogist Eben Putnam in 1898 tried, and failed, to find any relationship with Elizuer Holyoke, who Nevis John claimed to be his kinsman.(Manuscipt collection NEGHS)

Unless there is corroborated data, ie, more than the 73 word deposition of the Irish John Downing (Essex County Court Record 6-117-173), there is no proof either that this was the John Downing who married Mehitabel Brabrooke in 1669. Whether Irish John was an indentured servant, was married, was born in 1638 or before, or even an inhabitant of Ipswich must be verified.

Finally, Sidney Perley, editor of the Essex Antiquarian and the two volume Histor of Salem, in notes( Essex Amtiquarian 11:141) about the deed by Richard Brabrooke giving one half of his farm to John Downing 'in consideration for a marriage to be performed' called John Downing 'planter', a social standing title indicating possession of more than 150 acres of land (Edward Perzel's doctoral thesis The First Generation of Settlement in Colonial Ipswich 1633-1663 published in 1967) Ipswich farmer John Downing, if indeed son of Emanuel Downing and Lucy Downing, would have been an heir to Emanuel's 600+ acre farm in nearby Salem which was in the Downing family name until 1702. Perley would not have dignified the Irish John Downing with this title."

Chapter Eight: U. S. Presidents, UK Leaders and Celebrities

A Heritage of Greatness and Responsibility - the U.S. Presidents

Our family story traces a path that few could ever guess. We are related to 29 American presidents, stretching from the Revolution to the present day—leaders who bore the weight of a growing nation and left enduring marks on history.

Among them stand some of the most revered names of America’s story:

• George Washington, the steady hand of independence, guiding a fragile new republic with dignity and restraint.

• John Adams, the principled revolutionary who gave voice to justice and law.

• Thomas Jefferson, whose words enshrined liberty and whose vision shaped democracy’s promise.

• James Madison, the architect of the Constitution, who built the framework of America’s institutions.

• James Monroe, the statesman of expansion and global vision.

• Andrew Jackson, the general turned president, fierce and unbending, who embodied the spirit of frontier grit.

• Zachary Taylor, the soldier president, whose courage was forged in command and in character.

• Abraham Lincoln, who bore the weight of a house divided, preserved the Union, and spoke with a moral clarity that still echoes through the ages.

• Franklin Delano Roosevelt, whose steady voice and leadership carried a nation through the storm of depression and world war, proving that courage can endure even in the face of crippling odds.

• John F. Kennedy, who, with vigor and vision, reminded America that its best future lay in service and sacrifice.

From these great figures—and many others—we inherited not only a tie of blood, but the spirit of resilience, conviction, and leadership that shaped a nation.

Yet our story does not stop at the American presidency. Across the seas, our lineage branches to the majesty of empire. Through Queen Victoria, we share descent with a dynasty that touched nearly every throne of Europe, a reminder that empire and endurance also flow through our heritage.

The story continues into the modern age:

• With Winston Churchill, our kinship extends to the indomitable lion who steeled Britain, and the free world, in its darkest hour.

• With Princess Diana, it reaches into acts of love and compassion that eclipsed crown and protocol, reminding humanity that kindness is itself a form of nobility.

These presidents, monarchs, and world leaders form a chorus of history within our family tree. But lineage alone is not glory—it is responsibility. To descend from Washington and Lincoln, from Churchill and Diana, is to remember that history calls each generation to live with courage, compassion, and purpose.

Our ancestry is not a crown to be worn, but a torch to be carried. And in our hands lies the next chapter of this extraordinary family history—a story still being written, with your name as its newest and most vital part.

Leaders

John Robinson

Bishop of the Mayflower passengers

12th Great Granduncle through 13th GG John Robinson 1551.

Millard Fillmore

President of the United States

3rd cousin 7 times removed through GG Nathaniel Day 1665.

George Washington

President of the United States

3rd cousin 7 times removed through GG Colonel George Reed 1608.

James Madison

President of the United States

3rd cousin 8x removed through GG Colonel John Catlett 1622.

John Adams

President of the United States

6th cousin 6x removed through GG John Hawke 1575

Abraham Lincoln

President of the United States

4th cousin 4x removed through GG Henry Floyd 1677

William Henry Harrison

President of the United States

John Quincy Adams

President of the United States

William Howard Taft

President of the United States

Franklin Pierce

President of the United States

Calvin Coolidge

President of the United States

Zachary Taylor

President of the United States

8th cousin 3x removed through GG James Harington 1521

Andrew Jackson

President of the United States

7th cousin 5x removed through GG William Chamberlain 1482.

William McKinley

President of the United States

Benjamin Harrison

President of the United States

Rutherford B. Hayes

President of the United States

James Monroe

President of the United States

Thomas Jefferson

President of the United States

12th cousin once removed through GG John Montagu 1350

Herbert Hoover

President of the United States

Richard Nixon

President of the United States

James Garfield

President of the United States

Ulysses S. Grant

President of the United States

Winston Churchill

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

10th cousin through Edward Montagu 1530.

John Tyler

President of the United States

Marie Antionette

Queen of France

Warren G. Harding

President of the United States

Franklin D. Roosevelt

President of the United States

Theodore Roosevelt

President of the United States

11th cousin once removed through GG Hugh Hesselhead 1496.

James K. Polk

President of the United States

Lyndon B. Johnson

President of the United States

Harry Truman

President of the United States

Victoria

Queen of the United Kingdom

Diana

Princess of Wales

11th cousin through GG John Gage Sr 1568

Dwight D. Eisenhower

President of the United States

Carl Gustav Fleischer

Norwegian WWII Military General in Battle of Narvik

King Haakon VII

King of Norway

John F. Kennedy

President of the United States

11th cousin 3x removed through GG Gilbert Kennedy 1503

Inventors and Scientists

Thomas Edison

Prolific inventor

Eli Whitney

Inventor of the cotton gin

Samuel Morse

Inventor of the single-wire telegraph

Jonathan Browning

Inventor of multiple firearms

Edward Jenner

Creator of the smallpox vaccine

Charles Darwin

Creator of the theory of evolution

Sir Isaac Newton

Formulated multiple laws of physics

John Browning

Inventor of multiple firearms

Adam Smith

Pioneering economist

Wilbur Wright

Invented the first successful airplane

Orville Wright

Invented the first successful airplane

Philo T. Farnsworth

Pioneer in television

Robert Ingebretsen

Pioneer in digital audio

William Clayton

Inventor of an odometer

Alexander Fleming

Discovered penicillin

Alexander Graham Bell

Inventor of the telephone

Walter Chrysler

Automotive pioneer

John Dunlop

Invented the first practical pneumatic tire

Entertainers and Artists

Jonathan Swift

Author

William Shakespeare

Author

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Author

Katharine Hepburn

Actress

Mark Twain

Author

Buffalo Bill

Showman

T. S. Eliot

Author

Edgar Allan Poe

Author

Jane Austen

Author

John Wayne

Actor

Lucille Ball

Actress

Emily Dickinson

Author

Henry David Thoreau

Author

Walt Disney

Animator and producer

Marilyn Monroe

Actress and model

Buster Keaton

Actor

Shirley Temple

Actress

Agatha Christie

Author

Cecil B. DeMille

Filmmaker

Bing Crosby

Singer

Jackson Pollock

Painter

Henrik Ibsen

Poet and writer

Robert Louis Stevenson

Author

Bob Marley

Pioneer of reggae

George Harrison

Musician

John Lennon

Musician

Audrey Hepburn

Actress

Peter O'Toole

Actor

Trailblazers

Love Brewster

Mayflower passenger

Wrestling Brewster

Mayflower passenger

John Howland

Mayflower passenger

Myles Standish

Mayflower passenger

William Brewster

Mayflower passenger

Mary Brewster

Mayflower passenger

Christopher Martin

Mayflower passenger

Richard More

Mayflower passenger

Mary More

Mayflower passenger

Jasper More

Mayflower passenger

Ellen More

Mayflower passenger

Helen Keller

First deaf-blind college graduate

Amelia Earhart

Aviation pioneer

Florence Nightingale

Founder of modern nursing

Otto Sverdrup

Arctic explorer

Robert Peary

First person to reach the geographic North Pole

Charles Lindbergh

Aviation pioneer

Neil Armstrong

First man on the Moon

Athletes

Babe Ruth

Baseball player

Sir Donald Bradman

Cricketer

Gordie Howe

Hockey player

Chapter Eight: John Bush ancestry

Mark O’Rear (b.1957)

• You are the living continuation of a powerful legacy, standing on the shoulders of generations shaped by courage, faith, and devotion.

• United with Janette Ryan, the shared journey of your family today is enriched with the values and strength from your forebears.

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. (1931–2019)

• My father, a man who walked a path of deep learning and heartfelt Christian service.

• At Oberlin College, he met Virginia Beckman, and they developed a partnership built on shared ideals and love, beginning a lifelong union.

• His studies at Princeton, Union, and Drew seminaries shaped him into a compassionate Methodist minister, guiding many through faith and pastoral care.

• Later, as a pastoral counselor, Floyd’s wisdom and empathy helped souls find peace and direction, reflecting a legacy of spiritual leadership.

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. (1896–1978)

• My grandfather, a scholar and servant, blending intellect with heart.

• Columbia University honored him as a professor who influenced countless lives through education.

• His later calling to the Methodist ministry late in life showed a life lived fully in service to God and community.

• With Grace Alice Sherrow by his side, he built a family rooted in learning and faith, passing these gifts forward.

Miranda Allen (M. A.) O’Rear (1869–1934)

• My great-grandfather, a dedicated leader in education and life.

• As President of a Missouri Teachers College, he shaped generations of educators, knowing that teaching is the foundation of enduring change.

• Together with Cora Freeman, he cultivated a family dedicated to growth and the betterment of society.

• Miranda’s legacy is the transformative power of education, inspiring those who followed to value knowledge and kindness.

Daniel Talbott O’Rear (1839–1870)

• My 2nd great-grandfather, whose pioneering spirit helped shape a nation expanding westward.

• Married to Mildred “Kate” Weldon, their lives showcased resilience amid challenge and hope amid the frontier’s wild promise.

• As a descendant of Revolutionary War heroes, Daniel’s life was imbued with the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom.

• His final resting place near Trion, Georgia, marks the peaceful end of a life bridged by hardship and hope.

John Bush O’Rear (1802–1883)

• My 3rd great-grandfather, a Missouri pioneer who carried forward the spirit of adventure and commitment.

• With Elizabeth Talbott, he forged family roots in the fertile lands of Missouri, embodying the joys and struggles of frontier life.

• Born in Kentucky to a family marked by Revolutionary valor, John’s migration westward reflected the enduring quest for opportunity and home.

• His presence in Rocky Fork and Boone County speaks to a man grounded in family and community, an anchor for generations.

• John bridged past and future with steady hands and a resilient heart.

Daniel O’Rear (b.1777)

• My 4th great-grandfather, a fearless Revolutionary War soldier who faced the frontier’s dangers with bravery.

• Through his marriage to Elizabeth Bush, two families fused their strength and history.

• His campaigns with Captain Leonard Helm and Colonel George Rogers Clark helped secure the western frontier, actions that shaped a young America.

• Daniel’s life was one of sacrifice and steadfastness, fathering a lineage steeped in courage.

Elizabeth Bush (mid-1700s)

• My 4th great-grandmother and a daughter of Francis Bush, Elizabeth embodied the grace and strength of women who held families and communities together across generations.

• Through her, the Bush and O’Rear stories entwined, extending the family’s heritage of intertwined heart and history.

• She represents the strength of the women who held family and faith together through uncertain times.

Francis Bush (1750–1818)

• My 5th great-grandfather, a soldier of liberty and a man of faith.

• Married Lucy Davis in 1773, a partnership that gave birth to children who would carry the family forward, including Betsy Bush who married Daniel O’Rear.

• A veteran of the Revolutionary War, his service embodied sacrifice for the cause of freedom.

• As a settler in Virginia and later in Kentucky, Francis’s donation of land for Providence Baptist Church holds testament to a heart devoted to community and spirituality.

• His life is a mirror of dedication, love, and legacy.

Philip Bush Sr. (c.1710–1772)

• My 6th great-grandfather, a respected Virginian landowner and militia leader.

• Married to Mary Bryan, he helped shape the social and political landscape of colonial Virginia.

• His will, witnessed by James Madison, marks the esteem in which he was held.

• Philip’s life was one of stewardship, leadership, and enduring impact.

John Bush (b. circa 1670)

• My 7th great-grandfather, a solid presence in Orange County, Virginia.

• Married Bridget Braxton, building a foundation of family and community.

• His life spanned a time of growth and challenge as Virginia evolved from wilderness to settled colony.

Abraham Bush (1622–1687)

• My 8th great-grandfather, transplanted from England, embodying the immigrant pioneer spirit.

• Married first to Martha (likely Wingate), then to Ann Alexander, fathering a brood that carried forth the family’s promise.

• His work as a tobacco planter in Lancaster County, Virginia, reveals a life of industry and commitment.

• Abraham’s story is one of migration, hard work, and legacy, setting down roots for generations to thrive.

John “Neptune” Bush (1590–c.1625)

• Your 9th great-grandfather, the courageous immigrant whose voyage across the ocean began your family’s American story.

• Married Elizabeth Stokes and together with their daughters Mary and Elizabeth, they embarked on a journey full of hope and hardship.

• Settling in Kiccoughtan (Hampton), Virginia, John endured forced relocations and family trials with unshakable resolve.

• Patenting 300 acres in Elizabeth City, his determination laid the first stone of a family legacy that would endure centuries.

• His will, crafted in 1624, closes a chapter on a life that seeded a vast familial legacy.

• John represents the courage, faith, and vision that would grow into the foundation of a family woven into America’s fabric.

The Story of Captain Billy Bush—Your 5th Great Uncle

Captain William “Billy” Bush (1746–1815) was much more than a figure of frontier lore; he was a defining presence in the shaping of early Kentucky and the western American frontier. As the son of Philip Bush Sr. and brother of your 6th great-grandfather Francis Bush, Captain Billy inherited a legacy of courage and leadership which he magnified through his own life’s deeds.

His friendship with Daniel Boone, one of America’s most famous pioneers, was not just a coincidence but a testament to his own stature as a bold and capable woodsman and protector of settlers. Together, they blazed trails through dense forests, crossed perilous rivers, and faced the ever-present dangers of the wilderness—Indian raids, wild animals, and the harshness of untamed land. Captain Billy was revered as an Indian fighter and militia captain, his tactical skill and unyielding spirit helping secure the territory that would become Kentucky.

Captain Billy was a central figure in the founding of the Bush Settlement near Boonesborough, a community that embodied the pioneer spirit, resilience, and hope for a new life on the western edge of the young nation. Stories passed down speak of his fearless leadership in battles and negotiations, his deep familiarity with the land, and a heart fiercely loyal to friends and family.

To this day, his tombstone in Clark County, Kentucky, proudly commemorates him as the “friend and companion of Daniel Boone,” a rare honor that signifies both personal loyalty and historical import.

This remarkable tale of Captain Billy Bush is woven into your family’s rich tapestry, a symbol of the bravery, tenacity, and friendship that courses through your lineage—a reminder that your heritage is forged not only by blood but by valor and steadfastness on the frontier of American history.

Story of John “Neptune” Bush and the Early Jamestown Settlers

John “Neptune” Bush arrived in Virginia at a time when the Jamestown colony—established in 1607—was still struggling for survival. The early settlers faced harsh realities: food shortages, disease, hostile relations with indigenous peoples, and the challenge of taming a wild and unfamiliar environment.

Life in Jamestown was fraught with peril. The “Starving Time” of 1609-1610 nearly decimated the colony, and those who persevered did so through incredible resilience and community. John “Neptune” Bush was part of this early generation, arriving in 1618 aboard the ship Neptune under the auspices of the Virginia Company and Governor Lord Delaware. Shortly after, his wife Elizabeth Stokes and daughters joined him, symbolizing a commitment not just to colonization but to establishing a lasting family and community in the New World.

Despite political and social upheavals, including forced relocations in 1624 and family hardships, John patented significant land in Elizabeth City, anchoring his family’s stake in the colony. That year, the family lost their home and most possessions during the forced move from Kiccoughtan, and the trauma resulted in the loss of an unborn child—a heartache recounted in the old colonial records. His will of December 1624 reflects a man mindful of his legacy and responsibilities amid uncertain times.

The story of John “Neptune” Bush and the Jamestown settlers is a birth narrative of America itself—a testament to courage, endurance, and faith that through struggle, new beginnings emerge. This foundation echoes through all descendants, including you, carrying the flame of pioneering spirit and hope across centuries.

References

• Kentucky Kindred Genealogy, “Bush Family – Colonial Virginia to Clark County, Kentucky” (2022)

• RootsWeb, “Genealogical Memoranda of the Quisenberry Family” (Various)

• Find a Grave Memorials for Francis Bush, Captain William Bush, and others

• Ancestors Family Search Records for John Bush, Abraham Bush, and descendants

• Columbia University and Princeton Seminary Archives

• TMG Tips, “Descendants of John O’Rear” (1998)

• Missouri State Historical Society, Pioneer Family Histories

Chapter Nine: Indian Blood

The O’Rears have Indian blood!

John Basse is my 8th Great Grandfather.

John Basse was born in London, England on September 7, 1616, the third of a dozen children born to Nathaniel and Mary Jordan Basse. Little could anyone know that this well-born English child would be the sole survivor of an enormous massacre in a far-away land, that he would be raised as a member of an Indian tribe, that he would marry an Indian princess, have eight children with her, live to the age of 85, and have countless descendants, many of whom would still tell his story four hundred years later. But he was born in a time of change, and this great adventure was his destiny.

Three months before John’s birth, the exotic Indian princess, Pocahontas and her English husband, John Rolfe arrived in England amid great fanfare along with the very first shipment of tobacco from a far away colony in a little-known place called Virginia. Only nine years earlier, the first intrepid band of English adventurers had established a settlement there called Jamestowne. It was to become the first permanent settlement of English speaking peoples in the New World.

John’s grandfather, Humphrey Basse and his brothers, William and Thomas were French Huguenots who immigrated to London during the reign of Elizabeth I seeking religious freedom. Humphrey married Mary Bouchier, daughter of Dominick and Genevieve Bouchier, also French Huguenots. Humphrey was an entrepreneurial man, first as a merchant haberdasher, and then as an investor and stockholder in the Virginia Company which financed settlements in Jamestowne, Virginia. Humphrey invested in the Third Charter of the Virginia Company signing as a founder on March 12, 1612.

Arriving in Virginia

In 1619 when John was three years old, his father, thirty-year-old Nathaniel Basse made his first trip to the new colony. On April 27, 1619 Nathaniel arrived at Jamestown on Captain Christopher Lawne’s ship. They brought workmen, supplies and one hundred settlers. Their camp was at the mouth of a creek near Jamestown, still named, Lawne’s Creek, from which they built the first settlement in Isle of Wight County, Virginia.

By mid-summer 1619, there were about a thousand English living in Virginia. In early August, the first legislative assembly in America met in the church at Jamestowne. This meeting established the principle of elected self-rule in America and became a foundation of our Republic. Five months later, the Virginia Company dissolved its subsidiary company which had been formed to exclusively supply the colony. Thereafter, free trade prevailed in the colony and laid the foundation for free enterprise as the form of the American economy.

Nathaniel made frequent trips between Virginia and London over the next few years. On November 21, 1621 he made his move to establish a home in the New World and patented 400 acres on the James River at Pagan Creek in Isle of Wight County. Here he founded Basse’s Choyce Plantation and built a home for himself and his young family.

John’s maternal grandfather, Silas Samuel Jordan was also an early Virginia Adventurer. In 1620 he received a grant of land on the James River at Bailey’s Creek near the present Hopewell, Virginia. Here, at what is still called Jordan’s Point, he and established a home for his family in the New World

Indians kept a close watch on the English settlers.

Throughout this period, relations with the Indians had been volatile. Early encounters had been hostile, and then the “Peace of Pocahontas” gave the settlers a sense that conditions would remain amenable.

Having established Basse’s Choyce Plantation, John’s father began to move his family to Virginia. In early 1622, six-year-old John Basse along with at least one of his brothers were at Basse’s Choyce when their parents made a return trip to England.

And then disaster struck. Emperor Powhatan (father of Pocahontas) had died four years earlier and had been succeeded by his brother, Opechancanough. He wanted no part of the white men and he patiently organized a surprise attack that was carried out by almost every tribe in the area. On the same day, at the same time, and anywhere there was a white man, he was to be killed.

Virginia Indians attack the colony, March 22, 1622

At midday on Good Friday, March 22, 1622, there were twelve hundred forty English inhabitants in the Colony of Virginia. Of these nearly four hundred were killed by Indians. At the house of Captain John Basse, only six-year-old John Basse survived. John’s oldest brother seven-year-old Humphrey and possibly other siblings were killed in the attack.

John’s parents, Nathaniel and Mary arrived back in Virginia on the ship Furtherance within the next couple of weeks only to find their oldest son (and possibly others) killed in the massacre, and six-year-old John was missing without a trace. They found the woods around the English settlements patrolled by hostile Indians.

Nathaniel and Mary had little time to mourn because Basse’s Choyce had to be immediately repaired for the birth of another child. On May 8, 1622 their sixth child, Edward, arrived. To make matters even more dire, in December an epidemic arrived with the ship Abigail, and killed twice as many people as the Indian attacks. The colony also had a poor harvest that year and experienced another “starving time” throughout the winter of 1622-23. Less than 500 survived to see the spring of 1623.

Amid the carnage that happened that fateful Good Friday, young John Basse managed to slip away from the attackers and into the forest. Fortune smiled on the boy as he was found and taken in by friendly Nansemond Indians who were fleeing from the hostilities. His rescuers managed to reach the Nansemond River with John before their enemies had organized patrols in the woods.

John’s rescuers took him into their tribe and gave him advantages and standing. He absorbed the Nansemond culture. In spite of the danger, missionaries continued to teach the Nansemonds – including young John Basse – and he matured to become literate and a Christian.

By the time he was twenty-two John had fallen in love with a Nansemond girl whom he knew as Keziah Elizabeth Tucker, daughter of Chief Robin the Elder, but to the English she was the Princess Keziah Elizabeth, daughter of the King of the Nansemond Kingdom. On August 14, 1638 John and Keziah Elizabeth, age 14, were married. She was born about 1624 at Kecoughton, an Indian village in Virginia (now part of the city of Newport News). “Keziah” is an old testament name that can mean faithful or female equality.

Writing on the cover of the “Book of John Basse”

At some point during his remarkable lifetime, John acquired an English prayer book which served as his family Bible. In this book he recorded many important facts and events. This book exists today and is in the possession of his Nansemond tribe descendants

John Bass’ prayer book is a manuscript religious book of about 100 pages. It measures 4 5/8″ by 7 1/4″. The author’s name not known. The earliest date of a sermon entry is March 4, 1660. In ink on the cover is written “Book of John Basse Norfolk Co., Vir. A. D. 1675.”

John recorded the following passage in his prayer book:

“John Basse was born ye 7 day of September in ye year of our Lord 1616 ye son of Nathll Basse and Mary his wife… he married Elizabeth dafter of Robin the Elder, King of ye Nansimuns kingdom, a Baptized xtian, in Holy Matrimonie accdg to ye Canons of ye Church of England, ye 14th day of August in the Year of our Blessed Lord 1638.”

At some point it is believed John reconnected with his birth family because his brother Edward (born immediately after the massacre of 1622) married Keziah Elizabeth Tucker’s cousin.

John and Keziah were living in Nansemond territory when it became Upper Norfolk and then Nansemond County, Virginia. John passed away in 1699 at the age of 82 in Norfolk, Virginia. Keziah Elizabeth passed away in 1676 at the age of 52.

John and Keziah Elizabeth had eight children and today have countless descendants.

My ancestry from John and Keziah Elizabeth Basse is as follows:

John Basse (1616-1699) + Keziah Elizabeth Tucker (1624-1676)
William Bass (1654-1741) + Catherine Lanier (1650-1692)
John Bass (1673-1732) + Love Harris (ca. 1677-1732)
John Bass (1715-1777) + Elizabeth Winborne
Jacob Bass (1740-1792) + Ann Fuller (1733-1791)
Theophilus Bass (1753-1826) + Rachel Vinson (1755-1824)
Etheldred Bass (1785-1875) + Nancy Brien (b. ca. 1790)
John B. Bass (b. 1813) + Susan Barbee (b. ca. 1819)
Sarah Jane Bass (1840-1876) + John Bond Henderson (1834-1898)

Chapter Ten: The Original Immigrant

The O’Rear Family History: A Legacy of Pioneers, Patriots, Educators, and Leaders

Dedication

This chapter is dedicated to the memory and legacy of my living O’Rear family and to our ancestors and descendants, whose courage, faith, and perseverance helped shape the American story from colonial times to the present.

Table of Contents

1. John O’Rear I (c. 1650–1710)

2. John O’Rear II (c. 1675–1724)

3. John O’Rear III (c. 1730–1810)

4. Jeremiah O’Rear (1744–1798)

5. Daniel O’Rear (c. 1777–1864)

6. John Bush O’Rear (1802–1883)

7. Miranda A. O’Rear (1869–1934)

8. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. (1896-1978)

9. Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. (1931–. 2019)

10. Mark Edward O’Rear (1957-)

1: John O’Rear, The Original Immigrant (c. 1650 – c. 1710)

Introduction

John O’Rear stands at the beginning of the O’Rear family saga in America. Born around 1650, his arrival in the American colonies marked the founding of a family lineage distinguished by frontier pioneering, military service, and community leadership.

Early Life and Origins

Although definitive early records are scarce, family researchers and genealogists agree John was part of the Protestant community—possibly Calvinist or French Huguenot—who sought refuge from religious persecution amid the political turbulence in the mid-17th century. Some family traditions recount connections to France or Scotland, with the name originally appearing as O’Rea or Orré in continental records.

By the late 1600s, John emigrated to Virginia, probably between 1660 and 1688. His initial settlement was in Brent Town, Stafford County, an area known for its early Protestant settlements, including French Huguenots. This location played a pivotal role in establishing the O’Rear presence in colonial America.

Virginia Settlement and Land Grant

By 1711, John secured a significant land grant of 400 acres near Cloverfield, in what was then Stafford County and later became part of Prince William and Fauquier counties. This land, granted by Lady Catherine Fairfax, Proprietrix of the Northern Neck of Virginia, lay strategically along Dorrell’s Run of the Occaquan River, adjacent to lands owned by prominent colonial families.

There is documentary evidence that John and his family lived on this estate, building the homestead known as “Cloverfield,” which remained a family seat until its destruction about 1940. Records show John and Daniel Lawson O’Rear received the grant jointly, but later deeds clarified John held it, assigning part of the land in his son Daniel’s name.

Family and Marriage

John married Mary Peck around 1700 in Richmond County, Virginia. Mary was the daughter of Robert Peck and Margaret, tying the O’Rear family into established Virginian gentry. Their union produced several offspring, laying a familial foundation that would proliferate across the expanding colonies. They were active participants in colonial society, witnessed by land transactions and community records, evidencing their rise as respected members.

Military and Occupation

John served as a yeoman farmer and is noted in colonial militia rolls, indicating a role in local defense and order—common for settlers on the volatile Virginia frontier where Native American conflicts occasionally flared.

Historical Context

John’s lifetime spanned the transition from post-English civil war unrest and Cromwellian conflict in Ireland and Britain, to the foundation and rapid growth of colonial Virginia. The Northern Neck Proprietary administered by the Fairfax family governed vast tracts, influencing settlement patterns and land tenure on which John’s family depended.

Summary

John O’Rear’s story symbolizes the immigrant pioneer’s courage in forging a new life under challenging conditions. His establishment in Virginia laid a geographic and social foundation that his descendants would build upon, spreading through early America’s expanding frontiers.

References

• O’Rear Family Genealogy Records, Stafford County, VA Land Grants, 1711

• Dettingen Parish Marriage Records, Richmond County, VA

• Northern Neck Proprietary Archives

• Hoffman, Lee H., The Origin of the O’Rear Family, 20th Century Family Research

• Stafford County, VA Colonial Militia Rolls

• FamilySearch.org, O’Rear Ancestors Record (ID: I667)

2. John O’Rear II (c. 1675 – 1724) — Colonial Virginian Planter and Militiaman

Introduction

John O’Rear II was likely born around 1675 in Virginia, possibly one of the first in the family born on American soil. He continued the O’Rear family establishment in Stafford County, Virginia, broadening the family’s land holdings, social status, and community involvement during a formative period in colonial America.

Early Life and Family Position

John II grew up in a Virginia colony expanding rapidly. As the son of John O’Rear I and Mary Peck Lawson, he inherited both land and a position among the area’s Protestant yeoman farmers and planters. During John II’s time, Stafford County and its environs were shaped by land patents granted under the Northern Neck Proprietary managed by the Fairfax family. The O’Rear family lands near Brent Town were part of a patchwork of settlements that included English, Irish, and French Huguenot neighbors.

Land and Social Standing

Records indicate John owned substantial land, which he managed as a planter using both bonded and enslaved labor, reflecting regional practices. He and his brothers and cousins consolidated holdings around Cloverfield and Cedar Run. The family used “quit rents,” a holdover from feudal land rent systems, to secure their properties legally. He was recorded as having deeds in Richmond and Prince William counties and was involved in local civil and militia affairs, typical for men of property in frontier Virginia.

Marriage and Children

John II married Mary Peck Lawson, aligning the O’Rear family with another established Virginian family. This marriage strengthened social bonds and produced several children who would continue the family’s westward expansion.

Religious and Community Life

The O’Rear family during this period was aligned with Protestant dissenters, primarily Methodists, shaping their community and spiritual life. They participated actively in local church and militia duties, key to the colony’s social cohesion.

Historical Context

John II lived during the early 1700s when colonial Virginia was consolidating its plantation economy, expanding settlement, and facing intermittent frontier conflicts with Native Americans. The social divisions between the wealthier “Chotankers” and smaller “Tuckahoes” planters framed planter society, with the O’Rear family positioned among the more prosperous landowners.

Summary

John O’Rear II embodied the progressive consolidation of the O’Rear family’s social and economic standing in colonial Virginia. His life set the stage for the next generations’ critical roles in revolutionary and frontier America.

References

• Stafford County Land Records, Early 18th Century

• Northern Neck Proprietary Archives

• Local militia and county court records, 1700–1724

• Virginia Colonial Church and Property Records

• O’Rear Family Records (TMG Tips and RootsWeb compilations)

• FamilySearch database: John O’Rear II profile

3: John O’Rear III (c. 1730 – 1810) — Revolutionary War Patriot and Virginia Frontier Settle

Introduction

John O’Rear III was born around 1730 in Prince William County, Virginia. He was the grandson of the original immigrant John O’Rear and grandson of John O’Rear II, increasingly embedded in Virginian colonial society. John III came of age in a period poised on the brink of revolutionary change and played a vital role in America’s fight for independence and early expansion.

Early Life and Family Background

John III’s childhood and youth were spent in the Northern Neck and Prince William regions of Virginia, an area known for prosperous tobacco plantations and mixed ethnic backgrounds, including English, Irish, and French Huguenot settlers. The O’Rears were established planters with growing land interests, and the family’s social ties continued to strengthen.

Military Service and Revolutionary War Contributions

With the outbreak of the American Revolution, John O’Rear III enlisted in the Virginia militia. He served as a sergeant under Captain Leonard Helm and Colonel George Rogers Clark in the Illinois campaigns of 1778–1779. These campaigns were crucial to securing the western frontier against British and Native American forces. John participated in the daring capture of British forts at Kaskaskia and Vincennes, which helped establish American control over the Northwest Territory. His military service earned him land warrants and established his lasting reputation as a patriot and defender of the new nation.

Postwar Life and Community

Leadership

After the war, John settled in Prince William County, where he resumed farming and continued to play a role in local governance and militia organization. He married Tamar Calk, further expanding the family’s influential social connections.

John was involved in local affairs at a time when Virginia navigated postwar reconstruction, expanding settlements, and political change.

Family and Descendants

John and Tamar had several children who spread the O’Rear lineage into Kentucky and beyond. Their descendants would become pioneers on the westward frontier, embracing the spirit of American expansion.

Historical Context

John III’s life spanned colonial rebellion, nation-building, and frontier settlement. His military role dovetailed with Virginia’s leadership in the Revolution and westward migration. He embodied the transitional generation that forged a new American identity from colonial roots.

Summary

John O’Rear III is emblematic of the colonial Virginian planter who fought to create the United States and then helped pioneer its western frontier. His life and service embody the courage and determination that built early America.

References

• Revolutionary War militia rolls, Virginia and Illinois campaigns

• Land grant and pension records related to George Rogers Clark’s Illinois expeditions

• Prince William County court and land records

• O’Rear family genealogical compilations (RootsWeb, TMG Tips)

• FamilySearch.org: John O’Rear III profile

4: Jeremiah O’Rear (1744 – 1798) — Kentucky Frontier Pioneer

Introduction

Jeremiah O’Rear, born on May 16, 1744, in Prince William County, Virginia, was a quintessential American frontier pioneer. He was a son of the established Virginian O’Rear family and moved westward with many settlers to new frontier lands in Kentucky during the late 18th century.

Early Life and Family Background

Growing up in Virginia, Jeremiah was part of a large family rooted in farming and militia service. The O’Rears were part of the community shaping early colonial governance and defense. His formative years were amid growing colonial tensions that would erupt into the American Revolution.

Marriage and Family

Jeremiah married Nancy Catlett, part of a well-known local family with ties in Virginia and Kentucky. Together, they had a sizeable family. Their descendants spread widely in Kentucky and beyond.

Migration and Settling in Kentucky

Jeremiah was among the wave of settlers who moved through the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky, settling near Boonesborough, an area founded by Daniel Boone. Boonesborough was one of the first English-speaking settlements west of the Appalachian Mountains and a critical frontier fortification.

Kentucky was a dangerous land at the time, with ongoing tensions and conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes resisting encroachment. Jeremiah’s resilience and leadership helped his family and community survive and prosper amid these hazards.

Military Service and Civic Duty

Jeremiah participated in the local militia, defending settlers in Kentucky from Native American raids. His service was essential to securing and stabilizing frontier settlements. He held local offices such as sheriff and was a respected community leader.

Death and Legacy

Jeremiah died in December 1798 in Madison County, Kentucky, leaving behind a robust family network that played substantial roles in Kentucky’s continued development.

Historical Context

Kentucky was a focal point of 18th-century American expansionism. The territory was hotly contested, with settlers seeking land and opportunity amid Native American resistance and British influence. Jeremiah’s life epitomizes the pioneer spirit—courage against adversity, community building, and adaptability.

Summary

Jeremiah O’Rear is a key figure in the O’Rear family saga, symbolizing the early American frontier ethos. His move to Kentucky and efforts to establish and defend the Boonesborough settlement planted enduring roots for the family and western American development.

References

• Early Settler and Military Records, Madison County, KY

• Boonesborough Historical Marker and Frontier Defense Archives

• Marriage and Land Grant Records, Kentucky State Archives

• TMG Tips O’Rear Family Database

• FamilySearch: Jeremiah O’Rear Profile

5: Daniel O’Rear (c. 1777 – 1864) — Revolutionary War Soldier and Missouri Settler

Introduction

Daniel O’Rear was born around 1777 in Virginia, likely Fauquier County, into a family deeply involved in America’s fight for independence and westward expansion. He was the son of Jeremiah O’Rear and Nancy Catlett, representing a generation that bridged the colonial and frontier American eras.

Military Service in the Revolutionary War

Daniel volunteered from Fauquier County, Virginia, and served under Captain Leonard Helm as part of Colonel George Rogers Clark’s Illinois campaign in 1778. His service was part of a larger effort to secure the Northwest Territory from British control. Daniel’s military experience was marked by arduous marches and the strategic capture of British forts such as Kaskaskia and Vincennes without significant bloodshed.

In pension applications, Daniel described the hardships endured during the campaign and highlighted the brave efforts of his company, which was composed mostly of neighbors and acquaintances from Prince William County.

Family and Marriage

Daniel married Elizabeth Bush on January 10, 1799, in Clark County, Kentucky. The Bush family was also a prominent pioneer family in Kentucky and Missouri. They settled later in Boone County, Missouri, as part of the wave of migration heading westward.

Life as a Missouri Settler

By 1833, Daniel was residing in Boone County, Missouri, where he took up farming and participated in community activities. Missouri, a new state since 1821, represented the expanding frontier, and Daniel’s family was among the settlers establishing agriculture, trade, and governance in the region. Daniel lived through substantial historic changes, including Missouri’s statehood transition, increasing tensions leading to the Civil War, and the early development of western settlement society.

Legacy and Death

Daniel died in 1864, having left a large family and helped establish the O’Rear presence in Missouri. His descendants continued to spread across the Midwest, carrying with them the enduring legacy of military service and frontier perseverance.

Historical Context

Daniel’s life spanned the Revolutionary War, early American republic, westward expansion, and sectional crisis preceding the Civil War. His military and settler experiences provide a window into the challenges of the early American frontier and the birth of new states.

Summary

Daniel O’Rear transitioned from a young Revolutionary War soldier to a foundational Missouri settler. His life reflects the transformation of the American landscape during its formative years and carries forward the O’Rear family’s tradition of service and community building.

References

• Revolutionary War Pension Application No. S7376, Daniel O’Rear

• Clark County, KY Marriage Records, 1799

• Boone County, MO Land and Tax Records, 1830s

• Missouri Statehood Documents and Early County Histories

• FamilySearch and TMG Tips O’Rear Family Records

6: John Bush O’Rear (1802 – 1883) — Missouri Frontier Farmer and Community Leader

Introduction

John Bush O’Rear was born on April 3, 1802, in Clark County, Kentucky, into a family that had begun settling the western frontier. He represents a critical link as the O’Rear family moved from the eastern borderlands into Missouri during its early years of settlement and statehood.

Early Life and Family

John Bush was raised in Kentucky among pioneer families and migrated westward following land opportunities and frontier expansion. He was the son of Daniel O’Rear and Elizabeth Bush, continuing the tradition of settling new lands with a commitment to farming and community development.

Marriage and Children

John Bush married Elizabeth Talbott on May 22, 1834, in Boone County, Missouri, as his second wife. Elizabeth was born November 25, 1814, and died February 27, 1895. Their marriage solidified connections with other prominent frontier families, strengthening social ties essential for survival and prosperity. John and Elizabeth had several children. The family farm was well established in Rocky Fork near Columbia, Missouri, where they raised their family in the growing agricultural economy of the state.

Farming and Community Engagement

John Bush was primarily a farmer, tending to lands that contributed to Missouri’s agricultural output. He was part of the community fabric of Boone County, participating in local governance and church activities. His role reflected the values of self-reliance, stewardship, and civic responsibility characteristic of 19th-century Midwestern settlers.

Later Years and Death

John Bush lived to see significant changes across America, including the Civil War and Reconstruction. He passed away on February 7, 1883, in Boone County, Missouri, leaving a family well-rooted in Missouri soil with expanding influence throughout the region.

Historical Context

John Bush’s life encompasses Missouri’s transition from frontier territory to a state embroiled in sectional conflict. Boone County grew as a hub of farming and commerce, and families like the O’Rears were instrumental in laying down economic and social infrastructure.

Summary

John Bush O’Rear exemplified the 19th-century Missouri pioneer farmer who balanced family life, land stewardship, and community service. His legacy entrenched the O’Rear name firmly in Missouri’s agrarian history.

References

• Boone County Land and Census Records, 1830–1880

• Marriage records, Boone County, Missouri

• FamilySearch and TMG Tips genealogical databases

• Local Missouri historical society archives

• Talbott family records and regional genealogies

7: Miranda Allen O’Rear (1869 – 1934) — Educator and Innovator in Teacher Training

Introduction

Miranda Allen O’Rear was born on April 3, 1869, in Missouri. He emerged as one of the most influential educators in the family, dedicating his life to advancing teacher education and professionalizing public instruction in Missouri during the Progressive Era.

Early Life and Education

Miranda grew up in Boone County, Missouri, in a family descended from pioneering settlers. He pursued higher education at the University of Chicago, where he earned a Master’s degree in Education. Miranda spent an additional year of post graduate work at Columbia University. His studies equipped him with modern pedagogical theories and a vision for teacher training reform.

Career in Education

Miranda became head of the education department at Southwest Missouri State Teachers College. He was instrumental in transforming the institution from a normal school focused on basic teacher preparation into a college providing more advanced and professional teacher education. Through curriculum development, faculty leadership, and advocacy, Miranda promoted innovations such as standardized teacher certification, student-centered instruction, and the integration of social sciences and psychology into teacher training.

Leadership and Influence

His work had a lasting impact on education across Missouri, helping raise teaching standards and improve public school quality. He was recognized by peers as a reformer and visionary, dedicated to elevating the profession. Miranda also contributed scholarly articles and participated in state educational associations, extending his influence beyond his campus.

Family Life

Miranda was married to Cora Freeman. Together, they raised a family grounded in values of scholarship, service, and faith.

Historical Context

Miranda’s career coincided with the Progressive Era (1890s–1920s), a time when education reform was central to social change in America. The expansion of compulsory schooling, pedagogical innovation, and increased state responsibility for schools marked this period.

Summary

Miranda Allen O’Rear’s contributions to education epitomize the family’s enduring commitment to leadership and public service. His reforms in teacher training helped shape Missouri’s educational landscape into the modern era.

References

• Southwest Missouri State Teachers College historical archives

• University of Chicago graduate records

• Missouri Department of Education publications, early 1900s

• Family genealogical records (TMG Tips, FamilySearch)

8: Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. (1896 – 1978) and Grace Alice Sherrow (1916 – 2004) — Lifelong Partners in Faith and Family

Introduction

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. and Grace Alice Sherrow represent the 20th-century continuation of the O’Rear family tradition, blending rural values with modern urban life. Their marriage was a partnership centered on faith, family nurture, and community involvement.

Early Life and Marriage

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. was born in 1896 in Missouri to a family with deep pioneer roots. He grew up in an era marked by the challenges of the Great Depression and the societal transformations following both World Wars. Floyd was involved early in his career as an educator, and was a Professor at Columbia University as well as a Registrar at Southwest Missouri State Teachers College. Later in life he was called into the ministry and became a Methodist Minister of a church in Morristown New Jersey.

FB O'Rear is a former registrar for Southwest Missouri State Teachers College, which is now Missouri State University. In 1925, O'Rear authored a book titled The Duties of the Registrar for the college.

The college

Southwest Missouri State Teachers College existed from 1919 to 1945.
It is now known as Missouri State University, a name adopted in 2005.
The campus is located in Springfield, Missouri.

FB O'Rear Sr. publications

The publication The Duties of the Registrar, written by O'Rear, was referenced in a 1933 article in Sage Journals.
The article, from the Review of Educational Research, was focused on "Recording and Reporting".

Grace Alice Sherrow was born March 19, 1916, in Garrard County, Kentucky. She was raised in a close-knit rural community that emphasized education and religious faith. She graduated from Centre College and was actively involved in her church choir in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.

Floyd Sr. and Grace married in 1925, uniting Missouri pioneer and Kentucky Bluegrass traditions.

Family and Children

Together, they had multiple children, continuing the O’Rear lineage. Their son, Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr., continued the family legacy in ministry and education. They raised their family in an environment deeply influenced by Methodist faith and a commitment to education and service.

Community and Faith

Grace worked in community-centered roles, including school cafeteria supervisor and sales clerk, while remaining active in church and social organizations like the Order of the Eastern Star. Floyd Sr. was a pillar in his local community, balancing family obligations with civic and faith-based leadership.

Historical Context

Their lives and marriage spanned significant 20th-century changes—from rural America’s transformation into urban and suburban society, through war, economic upheaval, and social progress. They embodied a bridge between pioneer self-reliance and modern community participation.

References

• FamilySearch genealogical databases for Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. and Grace Alice Sherrow

• Centre College alumni archives

• Harrodsburg Christian Church historical records

• Local census and employment records from Missouri and Kentucky

• TMG Tips and RootsWeb O’Rear family genealogies

9: Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. (1931 – 2019) — Methodist Minister and Spiritual Leader

Introduction

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. went by Barry and was born in 1931, the son of Floyd Barrett O’Rear Sr. and Grace Alice Sherrow. He continued the family legacy with a life devoted to ministry, education, and community service.

Early Life and Education

Raised in a household grounded in Methodist faith and southern values, Barry attended Horace Mann H.S. Following graduation Barry pursued theological education at respected institutions, including Oberlin College and seminaries affiliated with Princeton, Union, and Drew Universities. His comprehensive education prepared him for lifelong ministry.

Ministry Career

Barry served as a Methodist minister in multiple congregations in the mid to late 20th century, starting in Blairstown, Staten Island, Congers, Hanckensack and eventually Waldwick, NJ. He was known for compassionate ministry, community building, and leadership in church organizations. His ministry coincided with critical social changes in America, and he adapted his pastoral work to meet the evolving needs of his congregants. He was deeply involved in church administration and ecumenical activities, embodying the Methodist commitment to social outreach and spiritual growth.

Family

Floyd Jr. and his wife Virginia Beckman had a family that carried forward the O’Rear values of faith and service. They supported religious causes and local community events throughout their lives. Their family included three sons and a daughter: Mark, Stephen, Paul and daughter Judith.

Legacy and Death

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. passed away in 2019, leaving behind a strong legacy as a spiritual leader and mentor. His work influenced not only his family but also the communities he served. Barry as he was known, had an amazing connection with God that his family saw exhibited in many occasions.

Historical Context

His life intersected with the Civil Rights Movement (he saw Dr. Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech) the postwar boom, and changes within the American Protestant church. As a Methodist minister, Floyd Jr. was part of a religious tradition seeking to balance tradition with progress in a rapidly changing world.

Summary

Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr.’s life exemplifies dedicated religious service, educational achievement, and spiritual leadership continuing the O’Rear family’s longstanding commitment to faith and community.

References

• FamilySearch: Floyd Barrett O’Rear Jr. profile

• Records of Methodist seminaries: Oberlin, Princeton, Union, Drew

• Church archives and bulletins from congregations served

• Obituaries and memorial service programs

• Oral histories and family records

10: Mark Edward O’Rear — Corporate Leader, Ministry Leader and Amateur Geniologist

Introduction

Mark Edward O’Rear represents the contemporary extension of the O’Rear family legacy with a successful corporate career combined with active participation in community and church life.

Early Life and Education

Mark was born in 1957 and pursued higher education vigorously. He earned an undergraduate degree with honors at Syracuse University where he was President of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, followed by an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. These credentials laid the foundation for his expertise in finance and corporate management.

Corporate Career

Mark developed a prominent career in executive compensation and corporate compensation strategy. Over several decades, he worked for major U.S, and international corporations including IBM, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Praxair, Capital One, Union Bank, and the Richmond Federal Reserve. His roles often centered on designing complex incentive plans, stock option programs, and pay-for-performance strategies that aligned executive rewards with company goals. He managed global compensation teams and played key roles in merger and acquisition transitions, benefit plan reorganizations, and executive recruitment programs. His leadership was marked by analytical rigor, strategic insight, and adaptability to rapidly evolving corporate environments. Now retired, Mark works parttime at the University of Virginia Medical Center with his Janette helping to train medical students.

Community and Church Life

Mark has been an active member of the First Baptist Church of Brewster, New York, where he sang for many years in a four part Christian harmony group called Cornerstone. Mark sang tenor and his good friend Bob Stanhope wrote and arranged songs and led the group, playing twelve sting guitar. Mark contributed to his churches worship by performing in the choir and singing solo. Mark and his wife Janette taught Sunday School and ran home bible studies and Mark served as an elder in the church for many years. Mark also became the worship leader for the 8:00 service at Walnut Hill Community

Church and participated in several church plays.

Family Life

Mark met his wife Janette at the Rye Country Club in NY in 1979 when they were both working for IBM; they married a few years later and raised their son, Matthew Ryan O’Rear (born in 1987). Mark loved to coach is son Matt in baseball, basketball and most avidly in golf. Mark and Matt continue to love to play golf together.

Retirement

Besides golfing in retirement, Mark is active with Janette in their church, serving on the church missions board and running the monthly food bank.

In addition, Mark is an avid geneologist. Mark documented the family’s direct lineage to:

Mayflower passenger William Brewster and also with Pastor John Robinson. This direct lineage is from Mark’s mother Virginia’s lineage.
Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. This direct lineage is through his father Barry’s lineage
English royalty, including King Edward I Longshanks, who battled Robert the Bruce for control of Scotland. This lineage is direct and includes Charlemagne and goes all the way back to Alfred the Great and further.
Through work on Familysearch.org Mark has discovered cousin relationships with an incredible number of U.S. Presidents including Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Lincoln, Kennedy and many others.
Through this same site we are related to many famous authors, adventures and celebrities including Audrey Hepburn, John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Bob Marley and many many more.

The O’Rear family continues to emphasize faith, education, service, and community involvement.

References

• LinkedIn profile and corporate bios of Mark Edward O’Rear

• Company annual reports and executive compensation disclosures

• First Baptist Church of Brewster event programs

• Family genealogical records (TMG Tips, FamilySearch)

Chapter 11: Huguenot Origins - the O’Rears and Reno’s.

The Reno family in Stafford County, Virginia, were Huguenot immigrants who settled there in the late 1600s and early 1700s. Lewis Reno (originally Louis Reynaud) and his sons arrived by 1688 with Letters of Denization permitting land ownership. Lewis Reno acquired multiple large land grants, including a notable grant of 968 acres in Overwharton Parish in 1711 and other grants around 400-500 acres near Cedar Run and Broad Run. They were established tobacco farmers and one of the prominent Huguenot families in the area.

The Reno family intermarried with other local families, including the O’Rears (Hester Reno married John O’Rear), strengthening their regional presence. Over generations, the Reno descendants spread out to other parts of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and beyond, but their early influence and significant land holdings in Stafford County mark them as a key Huguenot family with substantial acreage, including multiple grants around or exceeding 400 acres.

Other notable Huguenot families in Stafford and nearby areas with significant land grants included the Brent, Foote, Hayward, and Bristow families, who were linked to the establishment of Brent Town. The Brent family was prominent in owning large tracts of land, including the original Brenton tract of about 30,000 acres. Richard Foote and Nicholas Hayward were among Brent’s partners and settlers, with the Foote family establishing a lasting presence in Brent Town. These families played significant roles in the political and social development of the region.

Most of these land grants and settlements occurred in the late 1600s and early 1700s. They received their grants through royal patents granted initially by King Charles II in 1649, which became effective in 1660 after his restoration to the throne. The land was part of the Northern Neck Proprietary, a vast land grant of over 5 million acres between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers in Virginia. The Proprietary was originally granted to seven supporters of the exiled King Charles II, including John Culpeper, 1st Baron Culpeper of Thoresway

Ownership eventually consolidated under Thomas Colepeper, 2nd Baron Culpeper, and after his death in 1689, his daughter Catherine Culpeper inherited the interest. Catherine married Thomas, 5th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, thus transferring the Proprietary into the Fairfax family. The Fairfax family maintained control of the Proprietary for nearly a century, with Thomas, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, being the last proprietor. The land was administered and granted by agents on behalf of the Northern Neck Proprietary, including George Brent and William Fitzhugh.

George Brent lived near Aquia Creek in Stafford County at his Woodstock plantation, where he established a successful tobacco farm, operated a sawmill, and ran a ferry. He was an influential colonial Virginia planter, lawyer, and politician, serving as a major in the local militia and holding various legal offices. Brent played a key role in defending the region from Native American attacks and represented Stafford County in the House of Burgesses in 1688, uniquely being allowed to take office without the anti-Catholic oath of supremacy due to his Catholic faith. Brent and William Fitzhugh acted as agents for the Northern Neck proprietors, acquiring extensive landholdings exceeding 15,000 acres by the time of his death around 1700.

William Fitzhugh, born around 1650, was one of Virginia’s largest landowners and a prominent planter and politician. He owned large estates including the Ravensworth manor in Northern Virginia. Fitzhugh served in the House of Burgesses and was a key figure in colonial governance and economy. Fitzhugh and Brent were connected through their roles as agents of the Northern Neck Proprietary, collaborating in land administration, settlement promotion, and militia leadership. Their partnership helped organize and encourage settlement among Huguenot and other immigrant groups, facilitate land grants, and defend the frontier.

Lord Fairfax’s intention in encouraging Huguenot immigration was driven by multiple factors. Primarily, he sought to promote settlement and development of the vast proprietary lands to increase economic productivity and tax revenues. By attracting the industrious and skilled Huguenots—who were fleeing religious persecution in Catholic France and experienced in trades like farming, silk production, and craftsmanship—Fairfax aimed to cultivate prosperous, loyal communities that would strengthen colonial Virginia. Additionally, Fairfax, a Catholic nobleman, was sympathetic to religious minorities and saw settlement as a refuge for Catholics and Protestants alike, offering them religious freedom and privileges such as exemptions from certain taxes and rights to their own ministers.

The Huguenots who settled in Virginia arrived primarily from France’s western and northern provinces and port cities. Before moving to Virginia, many lived in places like La Rochelle, Saintonge, Aunis, Poitou, Normandy, and Brittany. They were often merchants, artisans, farmers, and craftsmen facing increasing persecution after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. Many had fled France via Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Dieppe, Rouen, and other ports, sometimes spending time in refugee communities in England, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and other Protestant countries before crossing to the American colonies. The journey was perilous, involving secretive travel, smuggling, and surmounting border patrols while evading capture. Once in the New World, Huguenots sought to establish new, secure homes with religious freedom.

Regarding the family name O’Rear (also spelled Orea, Orear, Orrear, Oreare), its origins are subject to different hypotheses. One tradition is that the name derives from Irish origins, possibly from the Gaelic O’Ríordáin (O’Riordan) or related names, with earlier spellings such as O’Rea or O’Rior used. Some evidence suggests links to Irish families, possibly those that moved to France in the 1600s due to political or religious conflicts. The name also shows variations like Orré in French or Orre in Swedish, with the family believed to have been of foreign lineage in France, potentially spending a generation there before migrating to America with the Huguenots. The spelling evolved over time in America, from Orea to Orrear to Orear, reflecting phonetic interpretations by clerks and record keepers.

Some family traditions suggest the O’Rear family has roots blending Irish and Huguenot (French Protestant) heritage, possibly through intermarriage with Huguenot settlers in Virginia near Brent Town in the early 1700s. Records also hint the family may have connections to Catholic Irish soldiers who fled to France and later came to America. While definitive proof on French origins is limited, the closeness to Huguenot neighbors and shared customs supports a connection to French Protestant immigration, even if the surname itself may have older Irish roots.

These families, alongside the O’Rears and Renos, were among the prominent Huguenot landowners holding large grants of land approximately around 400 acres or more in Northern Virginia colonial settlements around the same late 17th to early 18th century timeframe

Here is comprehensive detail about known Huguenot sailings to Virginia from the late 1600s through early 1700s, including ship names, passenger lists where available, departure and arrival details, and contextual information:

Early Known Huguenot Ships and Voyage Details

1. Mary and Ann (July 1700)

• Port of Origin: London, England

• Arrival: July 31, 1700, Jamestown, Virginia

• Passengers: About 205 persons, including men, women, and children

• Notable Passenger Names: Pierre Delome, Marguerite Sene, Pierre Chastain, Jean Oger, Philippe Duvivier, Abraham Nicod, Jean Vidau, Jean Roger, Jean Saye, Estienne Chastain, Adam Vignes, Pierre Morriset

• Context: Passengers disembarked and traveled to the area later named Manakintown, settling on land vacated by the Monacan Indian tribe.

• Significance: One of the major organized Huguenot migrations to colonial Virginia aimed at building a refuge community.

2. Peter and Anthony (September 1700)

• Arrival: September 1700, Jamestown, Virginia

• Passengers: About 169 French Huguenot refugees

• Notable Passenger Names: Monsieur de Joux (minister), Jean Bossard, David Blevet, Jacob Fleurnoir, François de Launay, Samuel Mountier, Pierre Cavalier, Gaspart family, Theodore de Rousseau

• Context: The group settled in Manakintown alongside the Mary and Ann passengers.

3. Nassau (January 18, 1701 departure)

• Departure: January 18, 1701, Kensington, England

• Arrival: March 5, 1701, York River, Virginia

• Passengers: French, Swiss, Genevese, German, and Flemish Protestants including ministers, families, and servants

• Notable Passengers: Mr. Latane (minister), Daniel Braban and family, Jean Pierre Gargean and family, Paul Papin, Jacques Lacaze, Leon Auguste Charietie, Francois Ribot

• Context: Part of a continued effort to bring Protestant refugees to strengthen the English colonial population.

4. Richmond (1679, to Carolina)

• While not a Virginia ship, the Richmond carried French Protestant settlers to Carolina in 1679, providing context on early refugee migration patterns.

• Included about 67 refugees with family groups, ministers, and craftsmen.

• Shows earlier migration wave from France through England to North America.

Earlier Huguenot Migrations (1680s to 1690s)

• Comprehensive passenger lists from the 1680s-1690s to Virginia are sparse or non-existent, but small groups of Huguenots arrived throughout this period.

• Passenger records from this era often exist only in partial lists, church records in England, and colonial land grants.

• Some families settled initially in other colonies or in England before moving to Virginia.

• The better documented and larger organized immigration waves commenced around 1700.

Importance of These Arrivals

• These refugees fled persecution after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685.

• Many were skilled tradespeople, farmers, and religious leaders who contributed to the colonial economy and community structure.

• They were sponsored by English authorities, colonial proprietors like Lord Fairfax, and private funds with the goal of settling under-used proprietary lands.

• These sailings contributed to the establishment of Manakintown, Brent Town, and other early Huguenot settlements in Virginia.

Conclusion

The ships Mary and Ann, Peter and Anthony, and Nassau are the best-documented vessels bringing large Huguenot groups to Virginia. Passenger lists include names of families and community leaders, evidencing the size and organization of the migration. Earlier sailings in the 1680s and 1690s are less documented but hint at more scattered refugee arrivals.

It is this author's hunch that we are of French Huguenot descent. The fact that we arrived around the same time as ships full of French Huguenots AND married into their families, AND that fact that there is narry a Catholic O'Rear in the U.S. (that I know of!) tells me that we are not likely of Irish descent. It is my believe that in France (it has been passed down in my family that we lived in Alcase area of France) we had a surname of Orrear or something like that, and during the Edict of Nantes took refuge in Ireland for a short time before heading to the states.