~Much information contained on this website regarding the Rhea Family, generations one through six, is taken from details afforded me by Ed Foley and his book, "The Descendants of Rev. Joseph Rhea of Ireland," Dr. Robert E. Rhea, and Fred Preston's website on Preston Genealogy.  These websites are listed on my Home Page.  I have tried to focus somewhat on the 'Direct Lines' from which my immediate family has descended.  For excellent reading on other Rhea family members, I refer you to Ed's and Fred's websites~

1st Generation

Matthew Campbell "The Rebel" Raudh 
Born about 1665 in Argyll, Scotland
Died in County Donegal, Ireland

Married April 27, 1687 in Derry Cathedral, Templemore Parish, Ireland:

Janet Baxter
Born about 1660, probably in Ireland..........[daughter of William Baxter (b. about 1640)and Bridget (or Mary) O'Brillighan (born about 1640) m. May 16, 1654 in Ireland]

[According to a very interesting article on the Rhea Family Tree on the Preston's Website, 'Raudh' meaning 'red-haired,' was pronounced 'Rooah' in Gaelic, now 'Rhea,' (the Rebel).]

Matthew and Janet are the parents of:

(I)------William Reagh - (1687-1777)

(II)--**Matthew Campbell Reagh II  - (born 1689-died ??)

(III)----Archibald Reagh - (dates not known)

2nd Generation

Matthew Campbell Reagh II..........(Son of Matthew Campbell Raudh "The Rebel" and Janet Baxter)
Born about 1689 in Ireland

Matthew married twice:

(lst marriage, wife's name unknown.  These are their children:)

(I)----Samuel Rhea - Settled at Port Pin, near New Castle, Delaware

(II)---William Rhea - Settled in Chester County, Pennsylvania

(III)--Isaac Rhea - Settled in Pennsylvania

(IV)--Matthew Rhea III - c. 1725, remained on the farm at Kennecalley.  Married and had a son, William Rhea.  Matthew was wounded and died.  William married Elizabeth Lockhart.  He later emigrated to America with 7 children, landing in New Castle, Delaware;  then on to Lancaster, PA, where Joseph Lockhart lived.  They later moved to Washington Co., VA.   Of their 7 children:  Robert Rhea married twice:  (1) Elizabeth Rhea  and (2) Jane Scott. Elizabeth was the daughter of Rev. Joseph Rhea and Elizabeth McIlwaine, a cousin of Robert's.
 

(2nd marriage to:)

Elizabeth McClain
Born about 1690 in Ireland
 

Matthew Campbell and Elizabeth are the parents of:

(I)------Abraham Rhea - No records

(II)-----James Rhea - No records

(III)----Margaret Rhea - (1722- ??) m. Robert Looney Jr. (1721-??)

(IV)----Agnes Rhea - m. William Latta, settled near Brandywine, Pennsylvania

(V)--**Reverend Joseph Rhea - (1715-Sept. 20, 1777) m. Elizabeth McIlwaine