First Generation *

Second Generation *

Third Generation *

Sources: *
 

1. John O'neale ¹ was born about 1665 in Calvert County, Maryland and died in 1747, about age 82.

Note: We find out about John in the will of his Father-in-Law, Peter Lemare. It reads as follows. Will of Peter LEMARE (LAMAR) of Virginia and Maryland
The Will of Peter Lemare, Transcribed from a Photocopy of the original will By Bev Crowe, John W. O'Neal, II 1/29/2002 On record at The Annapolis Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland (Address)
Willbook 2, -- folios 301-302
Page 1 In the name of God Amen. That whereas I peter Lemare of this County Calvert and province of Maryland planter- being very Sick and weak of body but in good and Sound- perfect Sence and Memory Do here make my Last will and Testament renounceing all other wills before this present Item I give and bequeath my Soul into the hand of almighty God who gave it me trusting in and through the Merits of Jesus Christ to have free pardon of all my Sins and to have a Joyful Resurrection at the Last Day and what worldly Estate (which) it pleased God to bestow upon me I give and be- Queath (in manner) and form as followeths That after my fu- neral (expenses) and Debts paid that my moveable Estate Shall be (administered ) and that it Shall be Equally divided amongst my loving wife frances Lemare frances and my three Daughters as namely Ann Lemare and Mary Lemare and Margaret Lemare and that they Shall have their Equall pro- portion at the age of Sixteen years or on the day of their marriage and also I give and bequeath to my Loving wife the plantation whereon I now Live with all writs and privileges thereunto belong during her Naturall Life and after her decease to be Equally divided amongst my three Daughters before named My Daughter Margaret to have the first Choice I also give and bequeath unto my Grand Child Peter Oweill that plant- ation with all the Land on the Western Side of that branch
Page 2 whereon now Joseph Edwards Lives with all rights and priviledges thereunto belonging to him and to his heirs for Ever and that he Shall pofsefs And Enjoy the Same when he shall attain to the age of one and Twenty years and also my will and pleasure is that my Son in Law Jo Ownoill shall pofsefs (possess. Double s's were written as fs.) the said plantation as Soon as the Said Joseph Edwards Lease is Expired and that he Shall enjoy the Same till the Said peter Owniell shall come to the age af'd and further I do appoint and ordain my good and Lovening friends Jo Davis and Joseph Edwards to be my Trustees and to Execute according to this my Last will and Testament and So - Committing all to the almighty God I have hereunto Sett my hand and affixed my Seal this 9th Day of October 1693
Peter Lemare mark & Seal (Looks like a tipped over capitol H) Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presence of us Tho Person (His) Mark (Looks like a capitol T) Francis Dias (His) Mark (Looks like a capitol O with a cross in the center of the O) Wm Dalres (or Dabres) March the 31 th 1694
Then was the within named will proved by the within named wittnefses Coram me Jo B-er Dep Court Ca Co (Jo B--er or P--er) (Dep Court Ca Co = Deputy of The Court of Calvert County, Maryland)
Johnson, Isabell Spencer, Eliz. Florey, Geo. Benson

Research Notes: NOTE: For many years I and many others believed John's given name was Joseph, based on a previous version of Peter Lamar's will, which mentioned him as Jos O'Neill. This original scanned copy of the will shows him as Jo O'Neill which was an abbreviation for John. Note that John Davis is also referred to as Jo Davis, while Joseph Edwards is referred to as Joseph.

Note: 1693: Peter Lemar and John Oneal were listed as owing the estate of Henry Brent, CA. Admin.: Richard Marsham. Note: 5/28/1703: Admin. accts. of Henry Brent, CA. List of bad debts: Peter Lamar (dead). John Oneal (runaway).
From the will we already know that John was granted the right to live on the land willed to Peter until Peter became of age and then the land would revert to the son. From the notes found by Linda Reno we know that in 1693 Peter Lamar and John O'Neale both owed money to the estate of Henry Brent. When the will was administered in 1703 Peter Lamar was dead and John O'Neal was nowhere to be found. He had run away from the debt, while his son Peter was living on the land willed him by Peter Lamar. Where did John go?
Could John have fled to Virginia to escape his debt? I have found the following record: John O'Neal died at house of John Preston and his estate so inconsiderable--none will admr., and sheriff ordered to sell. This seems consistent with someone fleeing from debt. Source: Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, Volume I AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT RECORDS. ORDER BOOK No. I. MAY 22, 1747. Page 204

Additional note on John: The following is an excerpt from an article by William Feland Meacham, Jr.:
The 17th Century Abbreviation 'Jo.' [March 5, 1999]
"It is very difficult to imagine an abbreviation being used in official documents unless it was crystal clear to everyone what the intended word was. The abbreviation "Jo." meant John (Johannes) in the 17th century. It was such a common abbreviation for such a common name that it would never be taken for anything else. Reading it as Joshua or Joel or Joseph would be like taking our "Jr." for a title like JP or JD. There are junior partners, and junior barristers are actually called juniors, but EVERYBODY knows what Jr. after a name stands for. That is how abbreviations work. And they are used for something which occurs frequently; we have LA for Los Angeles and no one would ever think of using it for Los Alamos or lower Andover. Staying with this example, there could be confusion to an outsider over "Monroe, LA" and "Anaheim in LA" but to an American of the 1990s there is no question whatever about the meaning of each.
To counter the notion that taking Jo. for John might have been an early Americanism of some sort, I found in Everyman's Dictionary of Abbreviations the following: Jo.Bapt. = John the Baptist, Jo. Div. = John the Divine, Jo. Evang. = John the Evangelist.
Finally, to put the matter beyond the slightest doubt, I managed to find an English publication of a 17th century work: Athenae Oxonienses -- An exact history of all writers and bishops who have had their education in the University of Oxford authored by Anthony Wood, written in 1672, published in 1813, reprinted in 1967 by Johnson of NY and London. In the Introduction "The Life of Anthony A. Wood" taken directly from his hand-written manuscript, one finds within the first five pages:
page iii, para. "1639" : " His younger brother John Wood died ..."
page v 3rd para line 7: "... Jo. Wood, his son, whome I have mention'd under the yeare 1639."
And on page xliv: " ... Dr. Jo. Fell, deanne of Ch.Church, and Dr. Jo. Dolbin, treasurer." A footnote directs the reader to vol. iv, year 1686, wherein is described the lives of John Fell and John Dolbin.
There are dozens of similar examples in this work, along with another abbreviation for John that I had not seen previously -- Joh. Both are of course short for the Latin Johannes, and Latin was still quite commonly used in 17th century documents and learned discourse. These abbreviations sometimes occur in close proximity with each other and/or with John in full, as in: "... and Joh. Lock, afterwards a noted writer. This Jo. Lock was a turbulent spirit..." (page lii), or "Sir Jo. Cotton ... Sr. Joh. Cotton ... Sr. John Cotton..." (third para., page lviii).
Finally, how to explain an entry of "John _____" directly above a "Jo. _____" on a passenger list? Obviously it could be nothing more than a random use of the abbreviated form, as in the manuscript cited above. It is also possible that each passenger list was a compendium made from other documents, viz. the sworn statements of conformity to the Church of England. The compiler of the passenger list would have used the name as it appeared on the oath document. The same is to be found in Early Virginia Immigrants and the 1704 Rent Rolls -- Jno. occurs right above or below John, or sometimes Jon."

Additional Notes and Speculations as to the Ancestry of John/Joseph O'Neill/O'Neale:
1) I have been searching ship's lists and have found a Johnathan Neale, who left England on July 4th, 1635, in the Ship "Transport," He was 12 years old. This information came from "Hotten's List." 2) Debby O'Neal has found a document stating that Smith's Island, Maryland, was first granted to J. O'Neale in 1636. Could this be the same person referenced in Item 1 above? 3) I've found a Hugh O'Neale, b: ABT. 1625 in Oldsbury, Gloucestershire, Eng d: in Patuxent, Prince Georges, MD. 4) On a List of Servants Transported by Samuell Gibbons of Bristoll in the Ship Batchelor of Bristoll 1674 We find the following: 1674 MM - Know all men by these presents that I Robert Ridgely of St. Mary's County do Assign, Sell (608) and make over unto Thomas Jones of Somerset County all my right, Title and Interest of, in and to Tenn Rights to Land to me due by assignment from Samuell Gibbons due the said Gibbons for Transporting numerous persons, including Hugh Oneale. 5) In a package I received from Betti Moore of Maryland there is a hand written note by an O'Neal researcher, M.M.A; stating, "Have not found anything more on Joseph O'Neal. Have a hunch he comes from Hugh O'Neale, but have no proof."
So, in looking for John's ancestors we have the following scenarios available for research: Johnathan Neale/O'Neale born 1622, arrived in Virginia in 1635. A possible grandfather..... J. O'Neale, purchased Smith's Island, Maryland in 1636. He could also be a possible grandfather...... Note: Rule this John out. Further research shows he only had one child, a daughter named Margaret.. Hugh O'Neale seems like the best candidate. He was 40 yrs old when John was born........ John was our original immigrant ancestor........
Sources: 1) http://www.primenet.com/~langford/spls/635va061.htm#Transport 2) http://www.onealtown.com/ 3) http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi 4) List of Servants Transported by Samuell Gibbons of Bristoll in the Ship Batchelor of Bristoll 1674 5) Betti Moore information, 11/25/2001

Abstacts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants Volume Two: 1666 - 1695 by Nell Marion Nugent 1977 WM. YOUNG 1000acs. Staff Co., in the freshes of Potomack Riv., 6 Oct. 1669. p.244. At the mouth of the Island Cr. being the N.br. of Poehick. Cr., &c. Trans. of 20 pers: Eliz. Crouch (or Crench), Hen. Bayly, Nevet Howlet, Jno. Savage, Joseph Thomas, Geo. Ambrose, Ja. Reynolds,Tho. Reynolds, Danl. browne, Tho Sheere, Ana. Burson, Saml. Sadler, Jno. Oneale, Rich. Owen, Jno.

John married Unknown Lemare,³ daughter of Peter Lemare and Francis Unknown, in 1689 in Calvert County, Maryland.²
Children from this marriage were:

2. Peter O'neale (John ¹) was born after 1690 in Calvert County, Maryland and died about 1747 in St. Mary's Co. Maryland.⁴

Note: Note: At a vestry held at the home of Wm. Scot, June 24, 1724--Ordered that Will. Elliot, Michl. Yoe & Peter Oneale have the fourth pew from the pulpit in the new addition of All Faiths Church to them and their heirs forever. ( All faiths Church Parish Records, St. Mary's Co. Maryland 1692-1820, LDS Film #14449 (index) and # 13207, p. 275.
The will of Peter O'Neale: PETER O'NEALE In the name of God, Amen, the seventh day of Aprill in the year of our Lord God seventeen Hundred & forty five, I Peter ONeale of St. Mary's County in the province of Maryland being of sound memory... Imprimus I will that all my lawfull debts of what nature soever be firstly and truly paid by my executor hereafter to be named. Item. I give, devise and bequeath to my loving wife, Ann ONeale that land and plantationwheron I now dwell, being part of Tract of land called CRACKBONE, during the time of her widowhood with all the improvements, rights profits & priveliges therunto belonging, and after her deceasor at the day of her marriage if she should marry again, I give and bequeath the said land & improvements to my son John ONeale and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten and for want of such heirs to my son Peter Lamar Oneale and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten, and for want of such heirs to my son James Oneale and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten, and for want of such heirs to be equally divided amongst all my daughters and all my personal estate of what nature or kind soever it be I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Ann Oneale during her natural life (provided she remains a widow) but if she should marry than my will is my daughter Elizabeth Oneale shal receive one fether bed & furniture, two pewter dishes, two pewter basons & two pewter plates and likewise my daughter Sarah Oneale...my daughter Mary Oneale...my son Peter Lamar Oneale...my son James Oneale... and if there should not be bed & pewter as above mentioned to pay them all off-, then my will is that they receive to the value and all the residue of the estate that shall remain either at the day of my loving wife Ann Oneales Marriage if that should happen or at the day of her death be equally divided amongst all my children, paying off the legacies as above mentioned. And lastly I do hereby ordain, constitute and appoint my dear and loving wife Ann Oneale, whole and sole executor of this my last will and testament. In testimony wherof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year first written above. Peter Oneale his marking St. Mary's county September ye 16th 1747. Melville Locke, James Wood John Suite, witnesses. Thomas Aisquith, Deputy Commissioner, St. Mary's County

Note: The will of Peter O'Neal was written April 17, 1745. and probated in St. Mary's Co., MD. Sept. 16, 1747 The Will of Peter Oneale is found in the Calendar of Wills for St. Mary's Co. MD, Vol. 9, 1744-1749 page 122. From Betti Moore, 11/25/2001, Will is in the Will Book 25, Liber d d, No. 4, folio 155, Annapolis, Maryland

Research Notes: From the will below we learn that Peter was living in St. Mary's County, in 1717.
Davis, Jno.,St. Mary's Co.,23rd Dec., 1716; 29th Mar., 1717. To youngest son George and dau. Mary, each 1/3 personal estate. To two child., Jno. and Briscoe, and their hrs., all land equally divided between them, excepting 1/3 of dwelling plantation. To wife Ann, extx., 1/3 of dwelling plantation during life and 1/3 personal estate, absolutely. Test: Peter O'Neale (O'Neall), Alexd. Scott, Peter Harris. 14. 235.
There were two parcels of land named "almost" the same thing. "Cragborn's Purchase" was in Newtown Hundred (where the Fords, Wathens, etc. lived) "Crackborn's Purchase" was in Resurrection Hundred. Spellings are intertwined, but they were two different pieces of land in two different parts of the county. Peter Oneal was affilated with the parcel in Resurrection Hundred. 3/30/1747: "Hard Fortune", 62 ac., surveyed for Peter Oneall on the north side of the main northernmost branch of Trent Creek adjoining a parcel of land belonging to Ann Greenfield. Patented 3/30/1747. Is part of "Crackbourne's Purchase" and paid for by that name. (SMC Rent Rolls, 1639-1771). By Linda Reno, 1/4/2002
Here's what I know about Crackbone…… The land originally belonged to a Richard Crackbone. (Or Creekbone) (Md Archives Volume 49, page 10) Somehow the land came into the hands of Andrew Woodbury, who sold it to Willm Tanehill.. (Md Archives Volume 49, page 126)
Peter Lamare, along with his brother Thomas and John Geroe/Jeroe (?) bought the land from Willm Tanehill, (Md Archives Volume 49, page 338) Then Peter Lamare left the land to his grandson, Peter O'Neale. (Wills 2 -- folios 301-302-State of Maryland -- Hall of Records Annapolis) Peter O'Neale left the land to his heirs in his will. (Will Book 25, Liber d d, No. 4, folio 155, Annapolis, Maryland)

I've included additional info below.
(Md Archives Volume 49, page 126) This Indenture made the Eleauenth day of ffeb. in the yeare of our Lord God one Thowsd six hundd sixty & Three, Betweene Andrew Woodbery of Salem in New England mariner of the one parte, & Willm Tanehill of Poplar Hill in the County of St Maries Plantr on the other parte, Wittnesseth tht the sd Andrew Woodbery for & in ConsideraOn of ffowre Thowsd ffowre hundd pownds of Tob & Cask to him in hand payd, whereof & wherewith hee doth acknowl edge himselfe fully satisfyed contented & payd, Hath gyuen, graunted, remised, released, bargayned, sold, assigned, & for euer sett ouer, & by these prnts doth giue, graunt, remise release, bargaine, sell, assigne, & for euer sett ouer unto the sd Willm Tenehill his heyres or assignes all tht Three hundd & ififty Acres of Land, Lying on the Sowth side of Patuxt Riuer, & the North side of a Creeke of the sd Riuer called St Stephens Creeke, Bownding as on the Pattent of the sd Land graunted to Richard Crackbone the Three & Twentith day of Nouembr in the Seauen & Twentith yeare of his Lps Dominion ouer this Prouince Aflocp Dfli 1658, To haue & to hold the sd Three hundd and ffifty Acres of Land to him the sd Willm Tenehill his heyres & assignes foreuer, Wth warranty from the Just Claymes of any prson or prsons whatsoeur. In wittnes whereof hee the sd Andrew Woodbery to this prflt Indenture hath putt his hand & Seale the day [p. 172] & yeare aboue written. Andrew Woodbery. Signed Sealed & deliuered
Scale(Seal) in the prnce of us L Barbier Tho: Dent.

(Md Archives Volume 49, page 338) Provincial Court Proceedings, 1664.
Liber B B side and binding upon st Steuens Creeke & as by pattent appeare to be three hundred and fifty acres formerly belonging to Richard Crackbone but now sold by mee to Thomas Lamore Peter Lamore and John Jero, and wt my said Attorney shall doe in the law full Con ueyance of the land from me my heires Executors Admins and Assignes to them theire heires Executors Adminis or Assignes doe [p. 414] hereby Ratifye and Confirme in as full ample sort & manner as if I were prsonally prsent in wittness hereof I haue sett my hand this 8th of Nouember 1664 the marke of Wittnes John Lawson William Tenahills
Henry Hyde Command William Tennehill plantr that Justly &c hee keep wth Peter Lamore Thomas Lamore & John Geroe of St Marys County plantrs the Couenant &c of three hundred and fifty acres of land lying on the south side of Petuxent riuer and the north side of a Creeke of the sd riuer Called St Stephens Creeke in Caluert County Charles Caluert And the agreemt is such that the sd Wm Tannihill haue acknowl edged the foresaid three hundred & fifty acres to be the right of the Aforesaid Peter Lamore Thomas Lamore and John Geroe, as those wch the said Peter Lamore Thomas Lemore and John Geroe hath of the Guift of the said Will: Tunnihill and the same hee hath remised and quitt Claimed from him and his heires to the said Peter Lamore Thomas Lemore and John Jeroe and theire heires for euer and further the said Willm Tunnihill haue granted for him and the heires of the said Wm Tunnihill that he will warrant to the said Peter Lamore Thomas Lamore and John Jeroe and theire heires the afore said three hundred and fifty acres of land wth the appurtenances, agst him the said William Tunnihill and the heires of the said Willm Tunnihill for euer and for this remise release and quitt Claime the aforesaid Peter Lemore Thomas Lemore and John Jeroe hath giuen to the aforesaid William Tunnihill the sume of ffiue thowsand three hundred pounds of tobacco
the marke of Acknowledged in Open Cort
Robt M Mackling by Robt MackIn the Attorney of Wm Tunnihill and past ouer to Peter and Thomas Lemore and Jno Geroe & theire heires Daniel Jenifer Clke

Peter married Ann Unknown⁴ about 1718 in St. Mary's Co. Maryland.
Children from this marriage were:

Note: Will abstract of William O'Neale, husband of Eleanor Ball
William ONail, of Frederick County, planter, infirm. Will dtd. 2 Dec. 1759. To sons William (Jr.) John, Henry and David: 410 acres of land called The Wheel of fortune and Cemety (?) Chance equally, to be chosen in order named. To son Lawrence: horse. To wife Elinor: 50a, for which a warrant is to be taken out, and the rest of my real estate, real and personal, for life; then to daus. Joanna, Ann, Elinor, and Elizabeth equally. Also to wife: crops of corn and tobacco to pay for the patent for the 50a; she also exec. /x/ Wit: M. G. Cornish, william Fee, Elizabeth Allison. Proved 17 Dec. 1759 by Fee and Allison. On that date Elinor Onail renounced her rights to the above will and chose her thirds. (Pp 135-7)
Source: Frederick County Wills, Page 32, Sween Library, Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland

William married Eleanor Ball, daughter of Thomas Ball and Unknown, about 1730 in Frederick Co. Maryland.
Children from this marriage were:

4. Peter Lamar O'neale ⁴ (Peter ², John ¹) was born about 1717.

Note: Elaine C. Neal wrote: nealec@erols.com Dear John, Our Neals were originally oneals, and my husband's family descends from the same Joseph (John) Owneill that you do, so I guess you and my husband are distant cousins! I would love to prove the connection into the line. I can prove that Basil Oneal, our revolutionary war soldier, was born in Prince George's Co. Md. in 1758 and that he had a brother Richard who had a son Peter Lamar Oneal. This line continues to use Peter Lamar Oneal in the family. Our line from Basil uses the name Richard for the descending males. Our family tradition says that Basil, Richard, and others are children of Peter Oneal.

Note: A Peter O'Niel shows up in 1758 tax lists for Trinity Parish Upper Hundred, Charles County, Maryland. He was evidently passing through because he does not show on tax list prior, or after 1758. Briscoes also appear in this tax list and may have migrated with Peter. If indeed Peter had a son Basil, who married Milly Briscoe, this would reinforce the theory that they migrated together.

Research Notes: According to Elaine Neal: "Our neals were originally oneals, and my husband's family descends from the same Jo Owneill that you do, so I guess you and my husband are distant cousins! I can prove that Basil Oneal, our revolutionary war soldier, was born in Prince George's Co. Md. in 1758 and that he had a brother Richard who had a son Peter Lamar Oneal. This line continues to use Peter Lamar Oneal in the family. Our line from Basil uses the name Richard for the descending males. Our family tradition says that Basil, Richard, and others are children of Peter Oneal. Basil is described as an orphan in the family traditon, meaning his father died shortly after his birth."
If this is correct our line to Basil would look like this....... Jo Owneill + Unknown Lamare

i. Peter O'Neale
+ Ann Unknown
i: Peter Lamare O'Neale
+ Unknown Spouse
i. Basil O'Neale
+ Eleanor Millie Briscoe
ii. Richard O'Neale
+ Unknown Spouse
i. Peter Lamar O'Neale

On Rootsweb I found the following:
Dr. John Briscoe (abt 1724-1791) married 1746 Ann Wood was the son of probably Edward Briscoe & Susannah Gerard (SLYE).
Dr. John Briscoe & Ann Wood had: Dr. Ralph 1747-1831; Maybe George; Dr. Truman 1758-1801; Nancy 1760-?; MaybeBenjamin; Maybe William; Eleanor "Milly" (Briscoe) O'Neal;

Now here are some interesting observations:
John Briscoe, Ann Wood, Edward Briscoe, Susannah Gerard (Slye) and our Peter O'Neale all lived in Saint Marry's County, Maryland in the early 1720's.
In the mid 1700's John Briscoe moved to Prince George's County, Virginia. He had his daughter Eleanor Milly there. Peter Lamare O'Neale also moved to Prince George's County Virginia, and had a son Basil there. Eleanor Milly Briscoe and Basil O'Neale were married in Henry County, Virginia.on 1/17/1783.
Eleanor Milly Briscoe O'Neale died in Georgia.(1825) We have not located a death record for Basil.

Peter married Unknown Spouse.
Children from this marriage were:

6. John O'neale ⁴ (Peter ², John ¹) was born in 1719 in St. Mary's Co. Maryland^{6, 7} and died on April 1, 1785 in Montgomery County, Maryland, at age 66.⁸

Note: The Will of John O'Neal, Montgomery County, Maryland, Liber B, Folio 201, 247, Liber D, Folio 324, 325. Will dated April 1, 1785, probated April 3, 1785.
In the name of God Amen, I John Oneale of Montgomery County in the Providence of Maryland being of perfect mind and memory, thanks be to God for this same and calling to mind the uncertianty of this transitory life that all flesh must yield unto death when it shall please God to call, doe make this my last will and testament in matter and form following... Impremise, I give and bequeath unto my son Joseph my lease during the turns of years that the lease is drawn for. And it is my will and pleasure that my wife shall not be disturbed of the house and plantation during the terms of the lease. It is also my will and pleasure that my son Barton shall live on the plantation as long as he and his brother Joseph can agree. After my just debts are paid I give and bequeath the rest of my effects and estate to my wife during her life and after her death to be equally devided between my four children, namely Barton, Jannet, Joseph and Mary, but if my wife upon my child or children marrying should give anything then that child is not to have so much by value of such a thing as so given at her death. Lastly, I constitute, ordain and appoint my loving wife Executrix of this, my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 5th day of April, 1785. Signed, Sealed Published and Pronounced by the sd John O'Neale as his last will and testament in presence of us who in presence of each other have hereunto signed our names... Thos Higdon Frank Tucker John O'neale

Research Notes: Note! The connection between these first two generations of O'Neals, and our John O'Neale HAS been proven as of November, 2001. In a letter from Bennet O'Neal to his nephew, written in Edmunton, Barren County, Kentucky on May 9, 1859, Bennet wrote the following. "You wanted to know some things about our family. I will give you the best information I can. My Father's name was John. He was born in St. Marys County Maryland the 9th day of Oct. 1749. His father's name was John and I think from Ireland." I believe Bennet was wrong about his Grandfathers birthplace. Bennet also said, my father... had three brothers Barton, Peter & Joseph.
The will of John O'Neal, shown below shows that this John had sons, Barton & Joseph.. This agrees with the letter from Bennet. I believe that Peter was not mentioned in the will, because Peter was not around at the time. Peter joined the Revolutionary Army in 1776. Shortly after being mustered out Peter moved to Pennsylvania. Why would a father leave land in Montgomery County Maryland to a son living in Bedford County, Pennsylvania?

In addition, we have the Census of Sugar Land Hundred, Frederick County, Maryland, taken September 2, 1776. The Census shows:
Name Age Calculated Birthdate
John O'Neal 57 1719
Peter 22 1754
Barton 16 1758
Joseph 10 1766
Margaret 49 1727
Margaret 18 1758
Phebe 16 1760
Janet 14 1762
Mary 10 1766

In addition we have the Montgomery County, Maryland census for 1790.
Census_Year 1790 Microfilm # M637-3 State MD County Montgomery

---------------------Begin Actual Transcription-------------------------------
Nm of Head of Family Free White Males Free All other inc. head White Free of family Females Persons Slaves
                                         16 & under inc. head Pg# Ln# Last Name First Nm upwards 16 of family
85 47 O Neill Bernard 3 0 4 0 18 86 237
O Neill William 2 0 2 0 18 86 238
O Neale Wm, Junr 1 0 1 0 0 87 79
O Neale David 2 1 5 0 0 90 268
O Neall Lawrence 1 2 6 0 20 90 274
O Neale Henry 1 0 0 0 5 89 201
Neill Barton 2 0 6 0 0

Looking at the names above we can see that Peter's descendants were living in the same county as William's Descendants. (Peter & William were brothers.) David, Henry and Barton were sons of John O'Neale, while Bernard, William, Jr and Lawrence were the children of William O'Neale. (Actually William is Will Jr and Will Jr is Will, III.) So, in conclusion, while we still have no CONCRETE evidence that John O'Neale, born in 1719 is indeed the son of Peter, we have VERY compelling evidence that he was. If you look at the Bennet letter, John's will, and the census evidence provided above, I feel that we have proven that our John O'Neale was indeed the same John O'Neale that was the son of Peter O'Neale.

Bev Crowe sent the following information on 9/9/2002:
"Maryland Records Colonial, Revolutionary, County and Church from Original Sources: Number of Souls in Sugar Land Hundred by Samuel Blackmore; Sept. 2, 1776. Has: John O'Neal age 57, Peter O'Neal age 22, Barton O'Neal age 16, Joseph O'Neal age 10, Margaret O'Neal age 49, Margaret O'Neal age 18, Phebe O'Neal age 16, Janet O'Neal age 14, Mary O'Neal age 10.
Noted events in his life were: Will: April 5, 1785, Montgomery County, Maryland.

John married Margaret Barton about 1748 in Frederick Co. Maryland.
Children from this marriage were:

8. Sarah O'neale ⁴ (Peter ², John ¹) was born about 1723.

9. Mary O'neale ⁴ (Peter ², John ¹) was born about 1725.

10. Jr. William O'neale Jr. (William ³, John ¹) was born about 1730 in Frederick Co. Maryland⁹ and died on February 13, 1812, about age 82.

Note: William O'Neale, called Jr. In Thomas Ball's Will, was a petit juror in 1774 in Frederick Co., in the case of Proprietary vs. Willliam Vermilion and in an early case in Montgomery Co., and was one of the first two persons appointed to a guardianship in that county. He served in the Montgomery Co. militia during the Revolution and subscribed the oath of fidelity and allegiance in that county. He was married twice, first about 1766 to Sarah Young (1742-1806), daughter of William and Eleanor Young, of Prince George Co. She was the mother of his three children. His second wife and he were married in 1806, she being Sarah (Beall) Adams (1743-1814), daughter of Robert Beall who died about 1788 in Montgomery Co., and widow of Benjamin Adams, to whom she had been married about 1768. The 1790 Montgomery County Maryland Census shows 2 free white males over 16, 2 free white females over 16 and 18 slaves living in The William O'Neill household. (O'Neill spelling from census.) William O'Neale paid for pew 31 in Prince Georges Parish Church, Rock Creek. He died 13 February 1812. His widow, Sarah (Beall) O'Neale, made her Will two weeks later. It was probated 5 November 1814.

William married Sarah Young, daughter of William Young and Eleanor Unknown, about 1766.
Children from this marriage were:

11. Henry O'neale (William ³, John ¹) was born about 1730 in Frederick Co. Maryland and died on January 23, 1752 in Frederick County, Maryland, about age 22.
Henry married Margaret Unknown.
Children from this marriage were:

Note: 1) Laurence was Sheriff of Frederick Co. in 1774. He was also a member of the House of Delegates from Montgomery Co.,and a Judge of the Orphans Court in Montgomery Co. from 1790 to 1792. 2) Laurence inherited 197 acres of land called Token of Love from his maternal grandfather Thomas Ball in 1749. This land was located below Rockville in Montgomery Co., Maryland. The 1790 Montgomery County Maryland Census shows 1 free white males over 16, 6 free white females and 20 slaves living in The Lawrence O'Neall household. 3) The following reprinted with permission: Biography of Lawrence O'Neal from "Twigg Family Research Pertaining to the Life and Times of Robert and Hannah Twigg" by Jerry B. Twigg, copyright 1996. File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Sharon Banzhoff. shabanz@intrepid.net with permission from Jerry B. Twigg

Lawrence O'Neal:
"The story of Lawrence is of particular interest and shows how a turn of fate put him in the path of the Twigg family. When Lawrence was a boy his father, William, sent him along with his younger brother to Thomas Ball, a tailor, for apprenticeship in the trade. Mr. Ball, without family of his own took such a liking to Lawrence that at a time in 1748 when he became seriously ill, made his will in which he left 197 acres call John (Should beToken) of Love to Lawrence. Mr. Ball died before the year was out and by that one act of generosity and affection, dissuaded Lawrence from a future as a tailor to one of a gentleman land owner and marketeer of real estate. When his father died in 1759, seeing that his son was successful in his chosen career, he left his land holdings to Lawrence's brothers and to him, a horse. For a short time Lawrence served as a clerk of the court for Montgomery County and as sheriff of Frederick County, but his success would be in the land. By 1793 he owned nearly 3000 acres in Allegany County alone.
Five years following the Twigg family move to Sink Hole Bottom, Robert's son John purchased land just to the north and with his wife Rebecca, started their home on Three Springs Head. Finding that there was a tract of unsettled land between the two, John contacted Lawrence from whom he purchased Twigg's Adventure in 1777. The following year Jeremiah Cheney, husband of Naomy Twigg, purchased 45 acres on Flintstone Creek called Fat Bacon from Lawrence, which was only six miles or so northeast of Sink Hole Bottom and Discovery. Following the death of Robert Jr., in 1805, his son John acting with his mother as executor of his father's estate, found that his father had failed to record the deeds of 1788. In effect the land still belonged to Lawrence. John went to him in 1811 and for the sum of five shillings purchased final rights to the land in his own name.
Undoubtedly there were other land purchases that involved Lawrence O'Neal. Those are yet to be found, but certainly he was an important factor in their lives (Twiggs). With his wife Henrietta and their seven children, he lived out a comfortable life in Montgomery County. The size of his estate can only be measured by the 28 slaves he owned in 1800. Lawrence died sometime between 1810 and 1820."
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The Allegany County Court Recorded in Judgments Sitting as Chancery Court Liber K (reversed) Case #67 page 248+; in custody of filed 28 April 1823 Clerk of the Court,
Allegany County, Maryland

Eleanor Jamison against The Lands off Laurence O'Neale
On or about 28 November 1811, Laurence O'Neale of Montgomery County, Maryland, , departed this life, intestate, leaving four children: Henry ) John )--all above 21 years old Mary Ann ) Eleanor Jamison,) widow and relict of Francis Jamison, late of Montgomery County
John O'Neale departed this life on or about 23 April 1817, leaving five children:
Susannah Henrietta ) Eleanor Elizabeth ) Rosatta Maria ) --- all under 21 years old Mary Ann ) John Eli )
Henry O'Neale departed this life on 19 October 1817, without issue, leaving his sister, Mary A. ONeale , and Eleanor Jamison, widow of Francis Jamison, and the above named neices and nephews as his heirs.
Eleanor Jamison and Mary Ann O'Neale petitioned the court for a commission to divide their fathers lands and ascertain their value in current money.
The lands of Laurence O'Neale in Allegany County, at his death consisted of the following parts of tracts: "Tuesdays Work", 789 acres; "Sugar Tree Flats", 190 acres; "Resurvey on Meadow", 258 acres; "Spaw", 49 ¾ acres; "Irons Mistake Amended", 144 ½ acres; "Small Island", 56 acres; "Surprise", 183 1/3 acres; "The Gleamings", 247 Acres; "Prospect", 166 Acres; "Conclusion", 740 acres; "Adventure", 12 acres, "Great Sugar Camp", 15 ¾ acres; "Yankee Hall", 111 ¼ acres; "Maryland Right", 39 acres; "Little Expected", 49 acres; "Fertile Meadow", 149 acres; "Big Spring", 266 acres; "Sugar Bottom", 108 acres; "White Oak Plains", 78 acres; "Sparking Camp Improved", 113 acres: "Wednesdays Work", 74 acres; "Rich Hollow", 104 acres: "Yankey", 51 acres; "Timber Ridge", 56 ¾ acres; "Addition to Small Island", 25 acres; "The Brothers", 376 acres; and sundry other tracts and pieces.
The lands were eventually sold and divided into four shares for the heirs, of $8,101.75 each.
Source: Donnie Nazelrod donnie@hereintown.net sent the above info, with the explanation. "While doing work in the Judgment Records of Allegany County, I found a couple of cases where the person I was researching had been sued, and then countersued, the heirs of Laurence O'Neale. He had bought a piece of property from O'Neale, who had died before the purchase price was completely paid. When he died, the heirs sued for the balance due. He then sued the heirs for clear title to the land. While working with these cases, I found the above case, involving the heirs of Laurence O'Neale. I made this abstract. Thought it might be of some interest to you. Many of my ancestors bought land from Laurence O'Neale - he appears to have been a large speculator in the lands of eastern Allegany County.

The following was provided by Sharon Banzhoff:
O'Neal(e) - O'Neils of Maryland: Montgomery Co. Fines 1779-1781: Amercements for 1778 levied at November Court: William Parker vs. Lawrence O'Neal-Samuel Hobbs vs. Lawrence O'Neale Amercements for 1779 levied at the March Court: Anthony Ricketts vs. Lawrance O'Neale-John O'Neale vs. William Wilcoxon Fines Due the State 1779 - August Court: Lawrence O'Neal, breach of peace-John O'Neal, breach of peace From the Becraft Family History of Maryland - At the Montgomery Co. March Court 1782 Benjamin Becraft complained against Benjamin Harrison for assault and battery. At the August Court, he made the same complaint against John O'Neal. In both cases he was represented by his attorney Archibald Boyd, and the juries found the defendants not guilty. In 1789 Benjamin Becraft, jr. witnessed Bernard O'Neill's bond. Note: The Becraft Family were in the Georgetown area. Washington Co. 1783 Tax Assessment - Fort Frederick Hundred: Laurence O'Neal, tract name unknown, 144 acres of woods 1793 Allegany Co. Tax List - 5th District, Skipton (Oldtown) & Fifteen Mile Creek - Laurence Oniel: Prospect, 166 acres; Adventure, 12 acres; Spruce Spring, 124 acres; Wednesday's Work, 74 acres; Big Spring, 216 acres; Little Expected, 49 acres; Crooked Run, 59 acres; Fertile Meadow, 149 acres; Timber Ridge, 56 acres; Prospect, 52 acres; The Surprise, 1837 acres; Rich Holler, 104 acres; Patomack (Potomac) Bottom, 14 acres 1798 Frederick County Assessments: Lots in New Town (Jefferson, Maryland), all ground rents to Laurence O'Neal

Below are some transcribed documents from the house of delegates.....
TUESDAY, November 15, 1796. THE house met. Present the same members as on yesterday. The proceedings of yesterday were read. Mr. Lawrence Oneale, a delegate returned for Montgomery county, Mr. William Corbin, a delegate returned for Worcester county, Mr. David McMechen, a delegate returned for Baltimore-town, and Mr. James Carroll, a delegate returned for Baltimore county, appeared, and after qualifying in the mode prescribed by the constitution and form of government, and taking the oath to support the constitution of the United States, took their seats in the house.
( LAURENCE ONEALE ) Caveat in the land office; THOMAS GASSAWAY May 4, 1790. ON full deliberation of the circumstances in this cause; the exhibits, the arguments of counsel, the rules and practice of the land office and the acts of assembly relative thereto, the chancellor is of opinion, That it cannot be considered, that the late chancellor determined the main point in controversy by granting leave to correct an erroneous certificate; that, by granting such leave, he did not intend to enlarge the time limited by law for compounding,and to determine that, until the certificate should be corrected, the vacant land therein comprized should not be liable to proclamation: That although there is manifest hardship in the present case; although the chancellor is disposed, as much as he can with propriety, to discountenance all attempts to preclude a man from the fruits of his honest industry and attention, and although he is impowered to decide all disputes in the land office on the principles established in the court of chancery, he is obliged by the positive law of the land, to decide that vacant land, comprehended in any certificate whatever, must be compounded for within one year from the date of the warrant; that as, in the present case, the caveator did not compound within one year from the date of his warrant, the vacant land comprehended in his certificate was liable to be taken by the first person who applied for a warrant to affect the same, notwithstanding the leave given by the late chancellor to correct the certificate; and that the defendant Thomas Gassaway, being the person who so applied, was entitled to the warrant which issued in his favour. It is therefore adjudged, ordered and decreed, this fourth day of May 1790, that the caveat of Lawrence Oneale be dismissed. A. C. HANSON, Chancellor.
WEDNESDAY, November 6, 1799. THE house met. Present the same members as on yesterday. The proceedings of yesterday were read.
A memorial from Lawrence Oneale, of Montgomery county, stating, that the election for said county was not held agreeably to the cnstitution and form of government, was preferred, read, and referred to the committee of elections and privileges to consider and report thereto.
Further your committee report, that the sheriff of Montgomery county has returned Robert P. Magruder, George Riley, Thomas Turner and Elimeleck Swearingen, Esquires, duly elected delegates for said county, but that it is stated by the memorial of Lawrence Oneale, referred to your committee, that the sheriff of Montgomery county aforesaid did close the polls of the election for said county between the hours of seven and eight o'clock if the evening on the fourth day of said election, contrary to the advice and request of the said memorialist, and that there were several voters in the town where the election was held ho intended and would actually have voted for the memorialist had the polls not been closed as aforesaid.
Your committee, unable to ascertain the truth of the several statements contained in the foregoing representations, are of opinion that a day shall be fixed by the house to inquire into the facts therein respectively set forth, and that summonses should issue for witnesses to appear, on the application of the respective parties petitioning against the returns, or any of the sitting members.
On further progression in reading the said report, RESOLVED, That this house will proceed to the examination of the conduct of the sheriff of Montgomery county, and the facts stated in the petition of Lawrence Oneale, touching and concerning the said election, on Friday next. ORDERED, That the clerk of this house, at the request of any of the parties concerned, issue subpœnas for witnesses, commanding their attendance at the bar of this house on the morning of Friday next, and that a copy of the above order be served on the sheriff of Montgomery county.
On further progression in reading the said report, the question was put, That the house concur with that part of the said report which relates to the election of delegates for Frederick county?
The yeas and nays being required, appeared as follow:
AFFIRMATIVE. Messieurs Hall, McPherson, Digges, Lemmon, Brown, Love, Nabb, Denny, Duckett, Quynn, Wright, Frazier, Thompson, Lowrey, McComas, Orrell, Boon, Buchanan, Johonnot, Geoghegan, McClain, Cellar, Riley, Swearingen, Perry, Tomlinson, Beall, Haynes. 28.
NEGATIVE. Messieurs Leigh, Neale, Wroth, Dunn, Bogden, Worthington, Carcaud, Taney, Brome, Carroll, Rose, Hyland, Frazier, Pattison, Goldsborough, Wallace, Addison, Marbury, Calvert, Key, Purnell, Gunby, Franklin, Street, Ayres, Bond, Mason, Magruder, Turner, Rice. 30.
So it was determined in the negative.
RESOLVED, That the return of the sheriff of Frederick county is a valid constitutional return, and the persons returned by him as delegates are entitled to their seats in this house. On motion, the question was put, That the report of the committee, so far as relates to Washington county, be postponed till Friday next, the delegates wishing to be heard by counsel at the bar of the house in support of the return of the sheriff?
The yeas and nays being required, appeared as follow:
AFFIRMATIVE. Messieurs Hall, Digges, Lemmon, Brown, Love, Rose, Nabb, Denny, Haynes, Duckett, Quynn, Wright, Frazier, Thompson, Lowrey, Street, McComas, Ayres, Bond, Mason, Orrell, Boon, Buchanan, Johonnot, Riley, Swearingen, Tomlinson, Beall, Rice. 29.
NEGATIVE. Messieurs Leigh, Neale, Wroth, Dunn, Brogden, Worthington, Carcaud, Taney, Brome, McPherson, Carroll, Hyland, S. Frazier, Pattison, Goldsborough, Wallace, Addison, Marbury, Calvert, Key, Purnell, Gunby, Franklin, Sappington, Thomas, Shriver, Magruder, Perry. 28.
So it was resolved in the affirmative.
On motion, the question was put, That the house reconsider the last question?
The yeas and nays being required, appeared as follow:
AFFIRMATIVE. Messieurs Leigh, Neale, Wroth, Dunn, Bogden, Worthington, Carcaud, Taney, Brome, McPherson, Carroll, Hyland, Frazier, Pattison, Goldsborough, Haynes, Wallace, Addison, Marbury, Calvert, Key, Purnell, Gunby, Franklin, Sappington, Thomas, Shriver, Magruder, Turner, Perry. 30.
NEGATIVE. Messieurs Hall, Digges, Lemmon, Brown, Love, Rose, Nabb, Denny, Duckett, Quynn, Wright, C. Frazier, Thompson, Lowrey, Street, McComas, Ayres, Bond, Mason, Orrell, Boon, Buchanan, Johonnot, Geoghegan, McClain, Cellar, Riley, Swearingen, Tomlinson, Beall, Rice. 31.
So it was determined in the negative.
The house adjourns till Monday morning 9 o'clock.
The house took into consideration the order of the day, and after examining witnesses at the bar of the house, RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY, That the election for Montgomery has been fairly and constitutionally conducted, and that the delegates returned by the sheriff of that county as duly elected are entitled to hold their seats in this house. ORDERED, That Mr. Key, Mr. Hall, Mr. Duckett, Mr. McPherson and Mr. Wallace, be a committee to tax the costs which have accrued in consequence of the memorial of Lawrence Oneale against the constitutionality of the election for said county.
Mr. Key, from the committee, brings in and delivers to the speaker the following report: THE committee appointed to tax the fees and allowances on the memorial exhibited by Lawrence Oneale, of Montgomery county, against the constitutionality of the late election of said county, report, that in obedience to the order of the house they have proceeded to tax the said fees and allowances, to wit.
To the clerk of the house of delegates, for issuing twelve subpœnas for witnesses, at 3f. To the sergeant at arms, for serving eleven subpœnas, To Benjamin W. Jones, for one day attendance and four days itinerant charges, at 18f9, To John L. Summers, for same, To Josias H. McPherson, for same, To Thomas Cramphin, for same, To Daniel Reintzel, for same, To Thomas West, for same, To Joseph West, for same, To Lawrence Holt, for same,
1 16 0 1 13 0 4 13 9 4 13 9 4 13 9 4 13 9 4 13 9 4 13 9 4 13 9 4 13 9 -------- 40 19 6
Your committee are of opinion that the above costs and allowances ought to be paid by Lawrence Oneale, on demand, All of which is submitted to the house. By order, J. F. HARRIS, clk. By the SENATE, November 18, 1799.
On the second reading of the report of the committee appointed to tax the fees on the memorial of Lawrence Oneale against the constitutionality of the election of Montgomery county, the question was put, That the house concur with that part of the said report relative to the clerk of the house and the serjeant at arms? Resolved in the affirmative.
On progression in reading the said report, the question was put, That the house concur with that part of the said report respecting the witnesses allowances? Determined in the negative.
The following resolution was then propounded to the house, and read, viz. RESOLVED, That the different witnesses mentioned in the said report be each entitled to the sum of ------- for each day's attendance, and that five days be allowed to each witness for attendance and itinerant charges.
On the second reading of the said resolution, the question was put, That the blank be filled up with two dollars? The yeas and nays being required, appeared as follow:
AFFIRMATIVE. Messieurs Leigh, Dunn, Wroth, Carcaud, Parnham, McPherson, Stewart, Keene, Magruder, Riley, Haynes, Wallace, Quynn, Thompson, Corbin, Thomas, Mason, Potter, Orrell, Buchanan, Turner, Swearingen, Perry, Rice. 24.
NEGATIVE. Messieurs Neale, Barroll, Tilghman, Harwood, Hall, Brogden, Worthington, Taney, Digges, Edmondson, Cottman, Hyland, Wilkins, Frazier, Pattison, Goldsborough, Rumsey, Addison, Duckett, Marbury, Frazier, Lowrey, Gunby, Franklin, Sappington, Shriver, Street, McComas, Bond, Boon, Johonnot, Beall. 32.
So it was determined in the negative. The question was then put, That the said blank be filled up with eleven shillings and three-pence? Resolved in the affirmative.
The report being read throughout, the question was put, That the house concur with the last clause in said report?
The yeas and nays being required, appeared as follow:
AFFIRMATIVE. Messieurs Wroth, Dunn, Tilghman, orthington, Carcaud, Taney, Brome, McPherson, Cottman, Stewart, Wilkins, Pattison, Keene, Wallace, Rumsey, Quynn, C. Frazier, Thompson, Lowrey, Purnell, Gunby, Franklin, Sappington, J. Thomas, Shriver, McComas, Bond, Mason, Potter, Orrell, Boon, Riley, Swearingen, Perry, Tomlinson, Rice. 36.
NEGATIVE. Messieurs Neale, Harwood, Hall, Brogden, Edmondson, Hyland, S. Frazier, Goldsborough, Addison, Duckett, Marbury, Corbin, Street, Buchanan, Johonnot, Beall. 16.
So it was resolved in the affirmative.
Source: Above on line at the Archives of Maryland Web Site http://www.mdarchives.state.Maryland.us/
Laurence married Henrietta Neale,¹¹ daughter of Charles Neale and Mary Smith.
Children from this marriage were:

14. Mary O'neale (William ³, John ¹) was born about 1738, died about 1820 in Rock Creek Parish, Maryland, about age 82, and was buried in Rock Creek Parish, Maryland.
Mary married Evan Jones.
Children from this marriage were:

16. Joanna O'neale (William ³, John ¹) was born about 1741 in Frederick Co. Maryland and died in 1821, about age 80.
Joanna married William Lodge.
Children from this marriage were:

18. John O'neale (William ³, John ¹) was born about 1750 in Frederick Co. Maryland and died on October 8, 1814 in Prince George's Parish, Montgomery County, Maryland, about age 64.¹²
John married Mary Smith on December 23, 1777 in Montgomery County, Maryland.¹³
Children from this marriage were:

Sources: