Re: Fernow, John 1760-1825Holland, Va. Oh.
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In reply to:
Fernow, John 1760-1825Holland, Va. Oh.
12/06/99
I am a descendant of John Fernow.My father is Floyd Fearnow, the son of Arlie.Arlie and his wife, Mary had 10 children.My uncle Ted Flack, the husband of Kate Fearnow, a daughter of Arlie and Mary, wrote a summary of his research on Fearnow ancestry.Ted concluded John was born outside of Amsterdam in 1760 and sailed for America in 1776 at the start of the American Revolution as part of a Hessian contingent.This would, I suppose, make us sons and daughters of the Revolution, but on the losing side.It was reported that John was a drummer in the war and a musician of sorts, apparently directing what was described as a local orchestra in Virginia where he apparently settled after the war. Ted also reported John became a glove maker and that a pair of ceremonial gloves was handed down (no pun intended) through several generations.
I find this to be quite fascinating since it appears very few Hessian mercenaries remained in America after completing their service.Most of the five thousand or so Hessian troops died from disease or battle.
I am interested in any information anyone may have about the Fearnow family, particularly any evidentiary support for the Hessian connection which seems somewhat unique in American family histories.I am also curious about the family's history in Europe before 1760, specifically our national and religious heritage.