All, My earliest known Reeves ancestor was Robert Ryves born about 1490 in England and died Feb 11, 1551 in Blandford, Dorsetshire, England. His wife was Joan (Unknown) and they were married about 1512. Robert was thought to be the second generation of his line to be in England. Prior to the mid to late 1400's, his family is thought to have migrated from France. My current research project is trying to make a connection between the Ryves of Dorset, England and the Rives family in France. A few months ago, I came across a book titled "The Yellow Cross - The Story of the Last Cathars' Rebellion against the Inquisition (1290 - 1329)" by Rene Weis. In this book are many references to the Rives family who were prominent players thoughout the book. It mentions a Bernard Rives and his wife Alazais who lived in the town of Montaillou, France. Next door to them was Bernard's brother Raymond Rives. Bernard and Alazais Rives were married adults with children during the 1290 to 1300 time frame. The interesting thing mentioned in the book is that Bernard and his brother Raymond Rives make their living in the textile trade. Coincidentally, this is the same business in which the Ryves of Dorset, England made their living. I haven't made a direct connection yet, but it seems possible the Ryves of Dorset could be descendants of this Rives family in Monaillou, France. Regards, Barry Reeves

Hi All, I'm new to genealogy, but am getting places fast! I was born in the UK, but I'm now in NYC, and have been doing research on the Net/GRO. I've managed to go as far back as Thomas Reeves, whom I have found in the 1851 UK Census onwards. He was born 1806/7 in Arle/Swindon, Gloucestershire, and lived in Arle for all of his life as an agricultural labourer. Beyond that, I'm going to have to go back to England and sort through parish registers I think, unless someone here knows any better ;) As a molecular biologist, I'm fascinated by the DNA project too - I might have to try that sometime! Best wishes, David Christopher Reeves (b. 1976, Birmingham, UK)

David, Welcome to the list. As a molecular biologist, you may be able to bring a new perspective to the results of our DNA project. I would also encourage you to take part in the test. We have been trying to find someone in the UK or who has recent ancestors in the UK to take part in the testing. If we could get a match with someone from the UK that would provide a lot of encouragement for those of us who believe our roots are there. Have you taken a look at our DNA project site? Here is the link. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~reevesdna/ Thanks, Barry Reeves Reeves DNA Project Coordinator -----Original Message----- From: David Reeves [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2005 12:43 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [REEVES] Earliest Known Reeves Ancestor Hi All, I'm new to genealogy, but am getting places fast! I was born in the UK, but I'm now in NYC, and have been doing research on the Net/GRO. I've managed to go as far back as Thomas Reeves, whom I have found in the 1851 UK Census onwards. He was born 1806/7 in Arle/Swindon, Gloucestershire, and lived in Arle for all of his life as an agricultural labourer. Beyond that, I'm going to have to go back to England and sort through parish registers I think, unless someone here knows any better ;) As a molecular biologist, I'm fascinated by the DNA project too - I might have to try that sometime! Best wishes, David Christopher Reeves (b. 1976, Birmingham, UK) ==== REEVES Mailing List ==== To POST: email <[email protected]> Please fill in the subject line with the name of the person you are researching and where the person lived ........