The McLean Family

The McLean House with family on the porch

Who was Wilmer McLean, whose parlor hosted Lee’s surrender? What happened to the descendants of Wilmer and Virginia’s family?

In the US Census of 1860 in Prince William County, VA, Wilmer (age 46) and Virginia Beverly Hooe Mason McLean (age 42) had four children residing with them at that time. Wilmer lists his occupation as "farmer," and much of his wealth came from sugar speculation. Two daughters, Maria Mason (age 19) and Osceola Mason (age 13) were from Mrs. McLean's first marriage. Wilmer and Virginia had 2 children from their marriage: John (age 6) and Lucretia (age 4). The 7 members of the family moved to Appomattox Court House in late 1863 or early 1864 so each member was 4 years older than the census. Daughter Nannie was born in 1862. Virginia was pregnant at the time of the surrender and Jennie was born in September 1865. Wilmer was forced to sell their home to pay his debts in 1867, and the family moved to Manassas.

In the US Census of 1870 in Manassas, Wilmer lists his occupation as "real estate agent" and lists his children as John (14), Lucretia (12), Nannie (8), and Jennie (5). The two older stepdaughters from Appomattox are not listed with the family.

In the US Census of 1880 in Alexandria, VA, the McLeans (listed as McCleans in the census) include Wilmer, Virginia, Nannie, and Jennie. The McLeans are included under the Head of the Household, James E. Blackwell (24) and his wife Lulu (23), aka Lucretia—the McLeans’ daughter. They had a son, Wilmer C. Blackwell (age 1) and another child, Grayson McLean Blackwell (Talbott).
In 1882, Wilmer McLean passed away and was buried in St. Paul's Cemetery in Alexandria.

Virginia McLean's obituary in 1893 states that she passed away in her son-in-law's home in Spilman, WV. H. E. Spilman was the husband of Nannie McLean. Virginia is also buried in St. Paul's Cemetery.

Osceola Mason Tibbs (according to her tombstone) passed away at age 34 in 1880 and is buried in the Washington Street UMC Cemetery in Alexandria). The story goes that she married Thomas Tibbs, whose family was prominent at Appomattox Court House although some doubt the marriage. Her tombstone provides strong evidence, since her last name is listed there as Tibbs. Presumably Osie had no children since she kept her Tibbs name and Thomas died early in the marriage in the Indian wars serving under Gen. George Custer.

John Wilmer McLean married Rosa Coon and they had a daughter, Ethyl B. Mclean Fox. John died in 1920 and was buried in St. John’s Episcopal Church Cemetery in Centreville, Fairfax County, VA.

Maria Beverly Mason married Phillip deCatesby Lee. The couple were well steeped in their ancestry as indicated by the names of some of their children: Harriett Lee, Seddon Mason Lee, Phillip Launcelot Lee, Wilmer McLean Lee, Virginia Beverly Lee, Bernard Hooe Lee, and Nannie Maury Lee Metz. Upon their deaths, Maria, Phillip, and their children were buried in Chantilly, Arlington, or Alexandria, VA.

Virginia Beverly McLean (listed as "Jennie" in earlier census documents) married Marion George Tyler. Jennie passed away in 1943 and her husband in 1933. Both are buried in Towson, MD.

Most of Wilmer and Virginia's descendants lived, died and were buried in the Northern Virginia area.

Many visitors ask if McLean, Va. was named for Wilmer McLean or his family. If there is any connection, it must be distant. The town’s namesake, John Roll McLean, came from a wealthy family in Cincinnati, Ohio. He and his father were publishers of the Cincinnati Enquirer newspaper. In 1905, John bought a controlling interest in the Washington Post. In 1904, he and Senator Stephen Benton Elkins built the Great Falls and Old Dominion Railroad. A small town sprang up along the railroad and was named in honor of John McLean. John's father was born and raised in Cincinnati.

Written by Larry Scott, Park Volunteer

Sources: US Census data and from the FindAGrave.com website.