The Ware family is one of the prominent and historic African American families in the United States of America. They have a great legacy that dates back to the 19th century. The Ware family is known for their contribution to the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s.
However, their true origin story is not widely known. In this blog post, we will explore the ancestral background of the Ware family and trace their roots from their earliest known ancestor.
The Story of William Ware
William Ware was born in 1820 and was enslaved on the St. Thomas Manor plantation in Maryland. The plantation was owned by the Jesuits, an order of the Catholic Church. William was a skilled tradesman and worked as a carpenter, blacksmith, and shoemaker on the plantation.
The plantation was a bustling center of commerce with over 3,000 acres of fertile land and over 400 enslaved Africans, many of whom worked in the tobacco fields, tobacco houses, and the nearby port of Georgetown. Because of the plantation’s size and productivity, it became one of the wealthiest plantations in Maryland.
William Ware was married to Caroline Ware, and together they had nine children. Caroline was also enslaved on the plantation, and all of their children were born into slavery.
The Family’s Journey to Freedom
In 1838, the Jesuits, who owned the plantation, sold the Ware family to Henry Clay. Clay was a U.S. senator and a prominent figure in American politics. He was also a slave owner himself, but he had a different view on slavery than his peers.
Clay believed that slavery was a moral and political evil and that it should be abolished. In 1844, he helped pass the District of Columbia Emancipation Act, which freed all enslaved people in Washington D.C. on April 16, 1862.
The Ware family was among the enslaved people who were freed by this act. After their emancipation, the family remained in Maryland, where they continued to build their legacy.
The Ware Family Legacy
After their freedom, the Ware family continued to excel and make significant contributions to society despite the limitations imposed by a deeply segregated and racist society. The family’s legacy extended beyond the 19th century and into the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century.
One of the most notable members of the Ware family was Rev. Robert W. Ware Sr. He was an Episcopal priest who served as the rector of St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Annapolis, Maryland. Rev. Ware was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement and was a friend and colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Another notable member of the Ware family was William H. “Billy” Murphy Jr. He was an accomplished attorney and defending lawyer for Freddie Gray’s family in the high-profile case against six Baltimore police officers charged in Gray’s death.
Conclusion
The Ware family’s story is one of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Their journey from slavery to freedom is a testament to their strength and courage. The legacy of the Ware family carries on today through their descendants.
Their contribution to the Civil Rights Movement is just a small part of their rich history and contribution to American society. The Ware family’s story is an important reminder of the profound impact that African Americans have made and continue to make in shaping the United States of America.
FAQ
What nationality is the name Ware?
The Ware surname has an interesting origin and can have different nationalities depending on the specific ancestral roots of an individual. Firstly, it can be of Flemish descent, derived from the Middle Dutch word we(d)er meaning ‘wether’ or ‘ram’. It is a nickname that was given to someone who was associated with sheep in some way, maybe a shepherd or a wool merchant.
On the other hand, there are also records of the Ware surname in England, which can have different derivations. One source suggests that Ware might be a locational name, derived from a place called Ware in Hertfordshire, England. In this case, the name would indicate someone who came from that location or whose family had originated from there. Another theory is that it could be a version of the Old English word ‘waer’ meaning ‘watchman’. This would imply that the name referred to someone who was responsible for keeping watch over a particular area, such as a town or a castle.
In addition, there are also African American families with the surname Ware that may have different origins. Many enslaved people in America often did not have surnames and were given one either by their slaveholders or by themselves after they were freed. As a result, the origins of the Ware surname amongst African Americans might not necessarily be linked to the European or Flemish roots of the name.
The Ware surname can have different nationalities depending on the specific lineage of an individual. It could be of Flemish, English, or African American origin. Nonetheless, the Ware name remains an integral part of the personal history of its bearers, regardless of its different roots.
Is Ware a Viking name?
The origins of the name Ware can be traced back to the Viking invasion of England in the 9th century. During the 8th and 9th centuries, Vikings from what is now Norway and Denmark sailed across the North Sea to raid and settle in England. The Viking invasions were one of the most significant events in English history, and they left their mark on the country in many ways, including the names of many towns, cities, and villages.
The family name of Ware started out as “de la Warre” and is believed to be descended from the Norman race, more accurately of Viking origin. The name “de la Warre” means “of the fortress,” which suggests that the original bearer of the name was a Viking warrior who had settled in England.
The Vikings were not only fierce warriors but also skilled farmers, fishermen, and traders. When they settled in England, they established farms and fishing villages, and many of them became wealthy through trade. As they became more settled, they intermarried with the local population, and their names became anglicized over time.
The name Ware is still relatively common in England, and there are many places named Ware, including the town of Ware in Hertfordshire. The town of Ware is situated on the River Lea and has a long history dating back to the Saxon period. It is believed that the Vikings may have settled in the area, which could explain the origins of the name.
The name Ware has its roots in the Viking invasion of England, and it is likely that the original bearer of the name was a Viking warrior who had settled in England. Over time, the name became anglicized, and it is now a common family name in England.
How many people have the last name Ware?
The last name Ware is a relatively common surname that can be found in various parts of the world. According to the available data, there are approximately 308,000 census records available for people with the last name Ware. This figure takes into account individuals who currently bear the surname Ware or had it at some point in the past.
It’s worth noting that the number of people with this last name may be higher or lower than the figure cited above. This is because not all individuals with the last name Ware may be captured in census records or may choose to go by different names altogether. Additionally, variations of the name, such as Wares, may be included in the census counts as well.
Historically, the surname Ware can be traced back to England, where it was likely derived from an Old English word meaning “watchman” or “guardian.” Over time, the name has spread to other parts of the world such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as many other countries.
Today, the surname Ware is still relatively common and can be found in various professions and industries around the world. From business owners to artists, and from teachers to doctors, people with the last name Ware continue to make important contributions in different areas of life.
What is the name origin for?
The concept of name origin is closely related to the origin of a person or a family. The origin refers to the geographical location or region from where a person, his parents, or his ancestors come. This concept is important for several reasons; firstly, it helps to trace a person’s ancestry and heritage, which can give a sense of identity, cultural background, and belonging.
Determining one’s name origin involves researching and documenting the history and migration patterns of one’s family over time. This can be done by looking at various records, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, immigration records, and census data.
The name origin can provide insight into the cultural, linguistic, and historical background of a person or a family. For example, if someone’s name is of French origin, it can indicate that their ancestors came from France or a French-speaking region. This may suggest that their family has a connection to French culture, traditions, and language.
Furthermore, a person’s name origin can provide valuable information about their family history, including where they came from, how they settled, and what their economic, social, and political status was in the past. It can also uncover interesting details about the specific events and conditions that led to their family’s migration.
The concept of name origin is essential in understanding one’s identity and heritage. By uncovering the origin of a name and tracing the history of a family, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of a person’s cultural, historical, and social background.