The Sowder Family in Virginia goes back to a land grant from George II of Great Britain in Montgomery County, which at that time included Floyd County, Craig County, and many others.

Our patriot is Jacob Sowder who served at Valley Forge during the American Revolution. Other notable family members include Daniel Boone and Daniel Morgan.

The family also has direct ties to the Lawson Barony and Brough Hall in Yorkshire England pictured below. Though our family farm is much smaller and humble there are many similarities between Brough Hall and Highclere Hall. Following this family line leads to the Royal House of Plantagenet.

Adam’s shared DNA with his mother, Lorena Era Iona Bilyeu, also means they share an ancestral mother with Marie Antoinette and the Hapsburg Family. The French Bilyeu “Gentle Wolf” side of the family participated in the Oklahoma Land Rush and are still ranching in Oklahoma today.

Dr. Arvid Myklebust and Joan Ferrari gifted the farm to Sandy and Adam for future generations of the family. The 1855 house, first owned by a family of Scottish descent, was near abandoned in the 1980’s with stories of sheep and cows wondering it’s hall. After several owners Arvid and Joan took possession of the property and gave the farm new life by restoring it. This restoration, preservation, and development continues under the stewardship of our family today.