Gene, If the name is originally RHEA, it is in all probability related to our family. Matthew Campbell, from Scotland, after the 1685 rebellion, escaped to Ireland where, because his nickname in Scotland was ruadh(red-haired) changed his name to Reah, pronounced Ray, but very rarely spelled that way. He married in 1687, and by 1698 he had changed his name. He is well chronicled in county Donegal. By1800 the name was spelled RHEA in the colonies. There were three sons of Matthew, that we are aware of. Matthew, b. 1688, who was the grandfather of Rev. Joseph Rhea of Maryland and Tenn.(I looked up your names in the book of his life. The Descendants of Rev. Joseph RHEA of Ireland by Edward F. Foley, and did not find them. It is published by Heritage Books, Inc.) His family is credited with the towns of Rheastown, Pa. He died in Maryland, but he had purchased a number of acres of land in Sullivan Co. Tenn, before his death, so afterwards the family moved there. John Rhea the statesman, was his son. and also made the first map of Tennessee. Archibald b. 1690/92 is my direct. He is the only son of Matthew, we know of that came to the colonies. He first was found in 1730 in Cumerland Co. Pa. He then located in Augusta Co. Va. by 1740. He was married in Ireland to a Ann ?, and had sons William, Robert and Archibald, William is also my direct. Through our discussion list, and help from many others we have been able to pinpoint the children and most spouses of all three including children and so forth. William the first son, b. 1687, is the most elusive. We know nothing of him or his children., but believe that he never came to the states. There were a few Rea's, that when they came from Ireland, changed their names to Rhea. One story is that, when they landed, they were asked how they spelled their name, and they said Rea, but the person who asked, said Oh, Well we have many here who spell their name Rhea, so this family changed their name to Rhea. I would be interested in hearing more about your family. We understand that there is another branch from Pa. and they may be from the William I told you about b. 1687. Have to look more into that. If you would be interested in subscribing to the discussion list let me know. If you are interested in the newsletter, also let me know. and I can tell you how to subscribe to both. Pat