LaRue family facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The LaRue Family
The Castleman and LaRue families in 1898, celebrating Sarah LaRue Castleman's 90th birthday. She is sitting in the center. The party was at the home Jacob LaRue built near Hodgenville, Kentucky, in 1800.
Current region	Virginia and Kentucky
Place of origin	United States
Connected families	Hodgen, Helm, Castleman
Estate(s)	Claremont, Bloomfield, Villa LaRue

The LaRue family was a group of American pioneers who were very important in the early history of Virginia and Kentucky. They lived there during the 18th and 19th centuries. Pioneers were brave people who moved into new, unsettled lands to build homes and communities. The LaRues helped shape these areas as the United States grew.

The LaRue Family: Early American Pioneers

The LaRue family played a big part in the settlement of new lands in America. They were among the first families to move into areas that were not yet fully developed. This often meant facing many challenges. Pioneers like the LaRues helped to expand the country westward.

Moving to New Lands: Virginia and Kentucky

The LaRue family first settled in Virginia. Later, many family members moved to Kentucky. Both states were important places for pioneers. Virginia was one of the original thirteen colonies. Kentucky was a frontier area that became a state in 1792. The LaRues helped build communities in both of these regions.

Life as a Pioneer

Life as a pioneer was hard work. Families had to clear land, build homes, and grow their own food. They often faced dangers from the wilderness. The LaRue family helped establish farms and towns. They contributed to the growth of these new settlements.

Notable LaRue Family Homes

The LaRue family built several important homes that are still standing today. These homes show what life was like for early American families.

• Bloomfield: Located in Clarke County, Virginia, Bloomfield is the oldest LaRue home that still exists. It gives us a glimpse into the family's early life.
• Villa LaRue: Also in Clarke County, Virginia, Villa LaRue was another significant family home. It was often photographed around 1920.
• Jacob LaRue's House: Built in 1800 near Hodgenville, Kentucky, this house was a gathering place. The family held a big reunion there in 1898.

Important Family Members

Over the years, several members of the LaRue family and related families became well-known.

• Sarah LaRue Castleman: She was a central figure in the family. Her 90th birthday celebration in 1898 brought many family members together.
• Hugh McElroy LaRue (1830-1906): He was a notable member of the family. He lived in Sacramento, California, in his later years.
• John LaRue Helm: A painting of him was made by his granddaughter, Katherine Helm, in 1907. He was part of the Helm family, connected to the LaRues.
• Brigadier General Benjamin Hardin Helm (1831-1863): He was a military leader during the Civil War. He was also connected to the LaRue family through marriage.
• Philip Oscar Hodgen (1846-1894): He was another important family member. He was photographed around 1891.
• Otis May Mather (1868-1950): He was also connected to the family. He was photographed in April 1921.

Images for kids

• 

  Bloomfield, seen here about 1920, is the oldest LaRue home still standing.

• 

  Villa LaRue around 1920. James LaRue Irvin Vanmetre is the man standing at the upper left.

• 

  Long Marsh Run, as seen from the back of Villa LaRue around 1920.

• 

  Hugh McElroy LaRue in Sacramento, California, in 1899.

• 

  A painting of John LaRue Helm made by his granddaughter Katherine Helm in 1907.

• 

  Brigadier General Benjamin Hardin Helm in uniform during the Civil War.

• 

  Philip Oscar Hodgen around 1891.

• 

  Otis May Mather in April 1921.