This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Brashear(s)/Dowell Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/AST.2ACEB/429 Message Board Post: Just ran across your entry ref. the above. Iam a direct descendant of them, via son Nathan (sr). John os the son of Benjamin, son of Robert, son of Benjamin, son of Robert. Benjamin's father Robert is the 1st known in this country, 1637, Nansemond Co. Virginia. Benjamin migrated into Maryland, 1658. with family. Lord Calvert "anglized" the name from French, Brasseur, to English, Brashear. Ther are 3 Roberts in the early group. Benjamin' father, Robert, Benjamin's brother, Robert, and Benjamin's son, Robert. Benjamin's brother, John stayed in Virginia and his name, probably, remained French. I would like to hear about my G----Grandparents. Thanks, Wm.D. Brashares