Our Ancestors in America

"Because many of our early relatives were some of the first to settle in Virginia and took prominent roles in the development of the colony and the country's struggle for independence, the book became much more personal, took on a life of its own, and soon became a labor of love.  For succeeding generations that spanned over two centuries, these families developed dynasties that shaped the landscape of early America.  This book is dedicated to them and their descendants - our ancestors in America."    

The Octagon House

The Octagon House in Washington, DC, became the winter town home of one of the more wealthy and socially prominent families of that time (1799 - early 1800's), John Tayloe III and his wife, Ann Tasker Ogle Tayloe.  George Washington watched the construction of the Octagon House from his horse. 
On February 17, 1815, President Madison re-signed the Treaty of Ghent that ended the War of 1812.

Other Homes Mentioned
in this Book

Popes Creek
Chatterton
Montpellier
Stratford Hall

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Towns and Places Mentioned
in this Book:

Washington, DC
Williamsburg
Jamestown
Northern Neck
Pohick Church
Bruton Parish

Prominent Families Mentioned in this Book:

Tayloe
Washington
Madison
Warner
Lewis
Peyton
Page
Lee
Martiau
Nelson
Reade
Ball

What Others are Saying about this Book:

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth (via her "Lady in Waiting"):   "Dear Mr. McDonough, the book serves as a happy reminder of the visit to Jamestown which Her Majesty made with The Duke of Edinburgh in 2007."   

Sarah Palin, Former Governor of Alaska:   "Dear Sandy, Thank you so much for the wonderful copy of Our Founding Fathers' Homes and Churches in Virginia.

 Karl Rove:    "Dear Sandy, Thanks so much for the delightful book!   It was clearly a labor of enormous effort and love and a real joy to read."