The Peach Tree Issue 164

Thomas Jefferson THE Roots of Religious Freedom

This is the final name for my latest biographical novel, now in the hands of PEACH the publisher. The book will be over 300 pages (larger than the last), and it will retail for a maximum of $29.95. Please let me know if you want to order a copy. Here’s a sampling of what the book is all TREE about.

Celebrating 29 years of bringing the “A new church started in Peach/Peachey heritage into homes Charlottesville, , and Thomas throughout the world. Jefferson decided to go for a visit. The John H. Peach, Editor people assembled there called themselves the Lewis Mountain Baptist Church. 221 Geronimo Rd., Knoxville, TN 37934 Andrew Tribble was their pastor. When Tom entered their make shift of a Ph: 865-675-5956 building, he was in shock. What a stark difference from the Church of England Email: [email protected] buildings of which he was accustomed. This church didn’t even look like the Taking out the architecture of a church, with not even a sign in front indicating it was a place of Telescope worship. As he entered, he saw no prayer books in the rustic pews, nothing showing I have been writing about Thomas an order of worship and no religious Jefferson, believe it or not, to find out symbols or stain glass windows. more connections to our Peach and What Tom saw seemed to be Peachey families. I was able to find completely spontaneous. There was no precious nuggets of our roots in England rhyme or reason what would happen next. by leaving no stones unturned. I found But he witnessed an excitement and the more I knew about the royal family, enthusiasm in the congregation that was the better I could understand its unique. He could tell the people were connections with the Peche noble filled with exuberant joy when they sang, ancestry. Likewise, to discover the reminding him more of those who would intricate history of colonial America gives sing and dance when he played for them me a clearer understanding of how the on his fiddle. early Peach and Peachey families were The preacher then got up with his related. I hope all my subscribers will join Bible in hand and had a fire in his voice as me on this exciting historical journey. he railed against sin and abomination. Tom hadn’t seen any emotion among the

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The Peach Tree Issue 164

ministry like that since his old revered At that point neither man knew how school teacher, Reverend . that little dinner meeting would possibly After their church service ended, they lead to the rights for religious liberty or held their monthly business meeting. for the Declaration of Independence. One Although Tom was not a member, he thing was for sure. All the services decided to find out what it was all about. attended at that little As a vestryman for his church, he knew Baptist church in Charlottesville made an the twelve members of the vestry made indelible impression upon what he was the decisions for his Anglican church. In destined to write. this little Baptist church, every member Since the Baptist church only met had a vote, as well as a voice. He didn’t once a month, Tom began attending hear any women speak because they Sunday meetings at the Albemarle County respected the leadership of their Courthouse. He called it “the common husbands. But no restrictions were held temple”, as there was a different regarding time or subject when it came to denomination represented each week. the men’s deliberations. This introduced Jefferson to many styles Jefferson was so impressed with what and methods of worship. He saw they all he saw that day that he returned again and believed in the same God and the same again. He arranged to meet personally Jesus as did the Church of England. with Pastor Tribble. He learned right During that time, he continued to pursue away the minister didn’t want to be called his struggle against the state church “reverend” or any titles normally concept that came from the British.” associated with the clergy. After a Sunday service, he gladly welcomed Thomas Jefferson to come to his home for dinner. N. Maryland Branch Tom entered a humble home and ate a simple meal with the preacher and his Tom Peach from Calhoun, Georgia, family. No slaves were there to serve found out about me and wrote: “I know them. The preacher’s wife did all the you published a book a few years ago (I cooking and serving, refusing even to sit think it was a follow-up to your original down until all were served. As soon as Peach book), and I would like to purchase something else was needed at the table, up a copy if it is available.” she jumped and quickly retrieved it. Tom told me that he was the son of After dinner and the children were Edmund C. Peach, Sr. of Granite, dismissed, the pastor was interested to Maryland. Therefore, I told him of his find out what Jefferson thought of the ancestry from Rutland, ENGLAND, services. By this time, he knew how which is found in detail in The significant a man was sitting before him. Peach/Peachey Migrations, 1066-1990, which What his guest said in response never he promptly ordered. Our hats our off to escaped the memory of the preacher. Tom. “I am currently retired from sales “Pastor Tribble, as I carefully and marketing,” he writes, “and have observed your business meeting, I believe returned to my first love - teaching. I it would be the best plan of government work at a local high school assisting for the American colonies.” teachers with special education kids.”

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The Peach Tree Issue 164

Peach/Peachey Migrations and The Peach New York Peaches Heroes. She’s now trying to build the bridge between the proven English Catherine Hopkins writes: “The Peach records and her branch from Minnesota. Migrations book is extremely interesting If anyone can help her with this, please let and enjoyable reading. As far as I know, us know. John H. Peach am not in the direct line of Robert English Peach. Here is what I know now. “Catherine Peach Willis was my great Overseas grandma. Her dad was Robert Peach who died in 1922 at age 84. Catherine Willis Peach/Peacheys signed the death certificate. From his documents John Peach was his father and A lady named “Ann” from Yorkshire, Bridget English was his mother. Matt ENGLAND, recently found out about Peach and another Michaeleen on our Peach Tree Project and ordered The Ancestry....we are trying to find the Peach/Peachey Migrations, 1066-1990. In her connection. What I see from the census first contact with me, she wrote: Catherine had two brothers, John and “I do hope you will not mind me George. Michaeleen on ancestry is in the writing to you, I have been researching my George Peach line. I have ordered family name and I believe that it probably Catherine Peach's birth certificate from started as Peche or something similar, I NY for two different years since there are think you have done a lot of work on this two different dates of birth in the census and would love to hear from you.” records. Also, one census has a Robert, Ann has ordered the book and is George and John and the next census has pursuing her new-found ancestry. Thanks Catherine but no Robert. This suggests to each of you who keep this Peach Tree Robert died at a young age. My brother Project alive for those like Ann. and I have come to the conclusion we Michael Peachey from Sydney, need to go and spend a day in the NY AUSTRALIA wrote to me lately saying, “I Schwartzman Record building and find am interested in your book and the the records. Peachey genealogy and if we are or have “We have a puzzle to solve. Thank descendants from England or America or you again for your project. The benefit is Canada. I am an Indigenous Australian of unending which my family is enjoying.” Aboriginal descent but I remember my Editor: If anyone can help Catherine father saying years ago we have Non- with her quest, please contact yours truly. Indigenous heritage also and he thought it was English. Is your book available in Australia it would be good to have a read. Minnesota Branch Didn’t know there was so many Peachey’s from so many different places as well.” Pat Carlson took a giant step forward Since then, Michael has ordered The when she ordered The Peach/Peachey Peach/Peachey Migrations. It’s great to see Bridges, Vol. I. She already had The his enthusiasm for his noble ancestry.

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The Peach Tree Issue 164

SC Branch News Sale on Books

Recently, my cousin Ronald Peach of The Peach Heroes that sells for Friendsville, TN accompanied me to the $59.95 is what I call my monster book. Trentham Reunion in Gatlinburg, TN. With 740 pages, it is the largest book I (The Trenthams are identical with the have written. For a limited time, I am Tranthams, with just a variant spelling). offering a $20 discount off this book While there, I acquired a framed picture simply because I overstocked it. This is of the Trentham Hall in Staffordshire, only for a LIMITED TIME. This is 740 England. (It looks more like a castle and pages hard bound, fully indexed. All was the seat of the Duke of Sutherland, known descendants of the Kansas, visited by the Prince and Princess of Kentucky, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wales). Not long ago, we found the Texas Branches are included. Also, South Carolina Peaches came from detailed updates of the Marblehead, South Staffordshire also. Carolina and the So. Maryland branches The significance of this is that the are included. Peaches and Tranthams were intertwined My most popular book and a standard in marriage shortly after their arrival from textbook for all Peach genealogy going England to America. The Tranthams back to 650 A.D. is The Peach/Peachey moved to middle Tennessee first, with the Migrations, 1066-1990. This book sells Peaches following soon thereafter. It’s for $39.95, but I have some embellished now a possibility they knew of each other copies that I will sell for a $10 discount. before they left England. th The only thing wrong with them is they Kathy Johnson of Oklahoma, my 4 have a few discolored marks on the edges cousin once removed, visited my wife and of the pages. Please include $7 for I with her husband, Larry, just last week. shipping. Although she was a major source person On the Banks of the for The Peach Heroes book, she and I never Rappahannock - $29.95 + $7 shipping. had met personally before. We had a This is my first historical novel. It’s a most enjoyable visit. captivating story of romance and mystery Joan Bryant contacted me for the first in colonial Virginia. This book is the first time in the past week. Her husband is one offered in my new Peach Lending part of the SC Branch who wound up in Library. Mississippi. She writes: “I am married to Adam Bryant. His Act! for America Grandmother is Rebecca Jane Peach. In the past year, yours truly has founded the Knoxville chapter of Act! for America. Born in Mississippi 1861. We have just This is a national organization that stands started looking for ancestors. Adam is 67. against the institution of Sharia law in His parents died when he was young. He America and the infiltration of radical doesn't have much to go on to find any Muslims. For more information, go to living family. Any information would be http://www.actforamerica.org/welcome/. If appreciated. Thanks in advance for any you are involved with this fine organization in help you can offer.” your area, please let me know. John H. Peach

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The Peach Tree Issue 164

come to get to know them.” New Book Sample responded. “That was quite thoughtful of you, Peter. Here’s a page taken from my new book, What a pleasure to see you brought your wife THOMAS JEFFERSON – Roots of Religious and son. I want all my family to meet them.” Freedom. This illustrates his personal Dr. Walker greeted each one of them involvement with the Peacheys. I had the individually before inviting them into his privilege of visiting present-day , home, where he introduced them to his where I saw the original house and majestic guests. rolling hills at the base of the Southeast Mtns. “Come here, Peacheys. I want you to meet the Jeffersons.” After they all had stood “In late summer of 1755, Peter Jefferson together as in a reception line, the doctor gave heard that his close neighbor and family the following announcement. physician, , had guests visiting “I hereby present to you Peter and Jane at his Castle Hill estate. They were the Randolph Jefferson and their twelve-year old Peacheys from Richmond County on the son, Thomas.” Northern Neck. Following breakfast, Peter “And to the Jeffersons, I introduce you to enticed his son away from one of his books William and Million Glascock Peachey, their long enough to visit their neighbors. young children, Samuel and Winifred; and “Thomas, come now, our carriage is ready Will’s three brothers, Samuel, Thomas Griffin, to roll.” and LeRoy.” “Pa, why don’t we ride our horses to the “I just call them Sam, Tom, and Roy,” Walkers?” William smiled and gave the Jeffersons a wink “No, I want us to go in style this of his eye. morning. Besides, your mother is going with After they politely greeted each other, Dr. us. We need to make a favorable impression Walker escorted Peter and Jane Jefferson to on the Peacheys.” the parlor, along with William and Million “Pa, are the Peacheys any kin to the Peachey and Walker’s wife, the former Walkers?” Mildred Thornton Meriwether. A Negro “Yes, Susanna Peachey was Dr. Walker’s house slave served them tea with plum mother. That is her nephew, William pudding and sweet bread rings. The doctor Peachey, and his family.” started asking how Peter’s health had been. “So that would make Jack Walker the That was when the Peacheys found that Peter grandson of Susanna Peachey.” Jefferson was not only one of Walker’s “That’s right, Tom. Now let’s get on our friends, neighbors and colleagues, but he was way before they leave Castle Hill.” also one of his regular patients. As the Jefferson coach arrived at the Thomas Jefferson chose to head outside, Walker’s spacious great house, it reminded where Sam, Tom and Roy Peachey joined Tom how much he missed Tuckahoe. The him. “How are you fellows related to Doctor Randolph mansion of his childhood was so Walker?” Young Jefferson asked as he strolled much larger and extravagant than his home at down a winding path leading away from the Shadwell. Dr. Walker and Jack came ot to house. greet the Jeffersons as they stepped down “He’s our first cousin,” Sam replied, as he from the carriage. and the others followed in stride. “Welcome to Castle Hill, Peter. To what “Thomas, you live out here in the woods. do we owe the honour of your visit?” What excitement do you have around here?” “You told me that you would have your They waited a moment for the tall red-head kinsfolk visiting you, and I thought we might youth to answer.

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The Peach Tree Issue 164

“You wouldn’t believe all the important He was ordered by Gov. Dinwiddie to go to people who come our way.” Tom stopped Fort Duquesne and take it by force. Later on for a moment in his tracks and assumed a that year, I heard the French got the better of teaching posture. “When I was just a lad of him, and he was forced to surrender.” six, that young man named George “That doesn’t sound good for us.” Sam Washington came to Shadwell. He spent the offered. night at our house. Lord Fairfax, who “I’m afraid your right, Sam. I predict it controlled all that Shenandoah area, sent won’t be long before we are at all-out war Washington to survey his property. My father with the French. You mark my words. That was one of those who led the expedition day is sure to come.” team. The other was , who was During the lengthy stroll around the both the professor of mathematics at William grounds of Castle Hill, Thomas Jefferson and Mary and the royal surveyor.” asked many questions about how the “You mean the who Peacheys and Glascocks got their start in is the son of Mary Ball?” Roy was stirred with Virginia. They told him about how their great emotion. grandfather, Samuel Peachey, came to “That’s right. I didn’t know that at the America about 1659 from Mildenhall, Suffolk, time, and at six years old, I didn’t much care. in England. He acquired a six-hundred acre However, when I got older I was aware of all plantation on the banks of the Rappahannock the adventures of that young officer. I heard River in what became known as Richmond he had a letter from the governor he was to County, Virginia. There, he built his great deliver to the French authorities at Fort Le house he called Milden Hall, named after his Boeuf on the Ohio River. I know you fellows place of birth. That has been the homestead have a lot more questions than that. So please for five generations of Peacheys….. just let me tell you the whole story, and “How is Doctor Walker related?” the hopefully your questions will be answered.” young Jefferson quizzed them. The Peachey brothers’ eyes glanced “We’ve been told his grandfather, John toward each other in apparent disbelief. That Walker, came from Staffordshire, England to Jefferson fellow was quite witty for a twelve- Virginia sometime before 1650,” Sam said year old. They could tell he was more mature with practical certainty. “His son, Thomas, than those they knew who were much older. married Susanna, daughter of William and They found he was an avid reader and spent a Phebe Peachey of Milden Hall. Their oldest lot of time with their uncle. He said Dr. daughter, Mary Peachey Walker, married Dr. Walker’s expeditions gave him the desire to George Gilmer, a noted physician in explore all the way to the Pacific. George Williamsburg, where he also served as mayor.” Washington, as well as his father, stirred his “Dr. Thomas Walker was one of his aspirations of being a surveyor and an sons,” added Roy, “and he was trained in explorer. He was anxious to find out how medicine by his brother-in-law, Dr. Gilmer, a much land was available between the Atlantic Scottish graduate of the renowned Edinburgh and the Pacific oceans. University,” “I was surprised to know that “Dr. Walker then married Mildred Washington would be trusted with such an Thornton, the widow of the wealthy Nicholas awesome responsibility in only his early Meriwether,” said Tom Peachey, “That is twenties.” Jefferson continued. how they acquired that large plantation.” “The letter was telling the French they “Your Uncle Walker has certainly made a were on English property and to leave name for himself,” responded Jefferson. “I’m immediately. Well, I didn’t hear any more so glad he’s doing all he can to fulfill the from Washington until the following spring. dream of capturing the West.”

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