In a message dated 6/25/04 4:01:02 AM, [email protected] writes: << Date: 24 Jun 2004 12:56:53 -0600 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Clare / Kessler Research I just ran across a 2002 post about the Clare family of Botetourt, VA. I am researching the Jacob Clare line. He was the son of George Clare and Susannah Kessler. Can you share information with me? >> Hello I don't know have much but I will share what I have on this line. George Clear was born ca 1738 d. Apr 1790. Family tradition says he came to America in 1750, laid out the town of Fincastle, VA and was one of its first trustees however no record on early history of Fincastle has ever been found so we doubt that it is correct. This name is spelled Clear and Clare in records. He was married first to a Miss Cox and had 7 known children; 1 M: Thomas CLEAR 2 M: John F CLEAR 3 F: Margaret CLEAR Birth: 14 Aug 1776 Botetourt Co., VA Death: Apr 1857 Botetourt Co., VA Spouse: Benjamin KESSLER 4 F: Mary CLEAR Spouse: Christian KESSLER Marriage: 26 Oct 1793 Botetourt Co., VA 5 M: Allen CLEAR Birth: 1783 Death: 1845 6 M: George CLEAR Jr Birth: ca 1784 7 M: Francis CLEAR Birth: 1785 Death: 1813 On 10 Jul 1787 Botetourt Co., VA George Clear/Clare married Susannah Kessler. She was the daughter of Johannes Kessler 1728-1823 and Eva Dorothea Lehman 1734-1798. Susannah Kessler was b. 9 Sep 1758 Montgomery Co., PA. Baptized 22 Oct 1758 at Augustus Evangelical Lutheran Church, Trappe, New Providence Twp., PA. On 21 Feb 1797, Daniel Kessler (Susannah's brother) was appointed guardian of her two sons, Jacob Clare and Daniel Clare and her two step sons George Clare Jr and Allen Clare (from minutes of Botetourt County Court 1769-1800.) Eight years after the death of George Clear/Clare Susannah Kessler Clare married 21 Apr 1798 Botetourt Co., VA Jacob Howry. There were no issue from this marriage. All I have on your Jacob Clear/Clare is he was b. 1799 Botetourt Co., VA married 28 Dec 1815 Botetourt Co., VA Mary Simpkins daughter of James Simpkins and Sarah Lawrence. Children of Jacob and Mary Clare were; Thomas Clare John Clare Susanna Clare Calvin Clare Francis (Frank) Clare Sarah Clare Harriet Clare Henry Clare Hope some of this helps. I have more on Kessler and a little about Jacob's brother Daniel and half siblings line if you need it. Karen Kessler Cottrill WV Kessler/Kesler/Keslar Family Historian I am making no claims that the above information is correct and should not be posted as so. This is being given as personal information to be used for further research and not all has been documented.