The Shepherd: Addison Driver

The Legacy of “The Shepherd”

For many Christians, the title Shepherd brings to mind the Good Shepherd—Jesus Christ. Addison “The Shepherd” Driver carried that same spirit of guidance and protection in his own community.

In my genealogical journey back to the 1700s, Addison stands as a pillar in my Driver roots. DNA and paper records confirm his place in my family tree. But his impact wasn’t just biological—it was spiritual. His faith and leadership influenced generations. My grandfather, Reverend Hobart Edwin Douglass Driver, became a minister, and others in the family have also walked the path of ministry.

I still remember childhood visits to Gloucester County, VA—church revivals, homecomings, and the strong presence of community. The church was not just a building; it was the heart of my ancestors’ lives. As a young adult, I was introduced to Shepherdsville Baptist Church on Route 606 in Gloucester County. A road where I would see the name Driver on mailbox after mailbox.

The Story Behind Shepherdsville Baptist Church

When the church was founded, members wanted to honor Addison by naming it “Shepherd’s Will.” However, the cornerstone engraver made an error, and the church became known as Shepherdsville. A mistake that turned into tradition!

On my road trips from Pennsylvania to Virginia, I would stop at Shepherdsville Baptist Church and its cemetery. Ironically, as a child, cemeteries frightened me. Yet here I was, collecting names from headstones, slowly piecing together my family story. These visits connected me to relatives I never knew, and their oral histories became invaluable to my research.

Family Stories: More Than Records

Researching family history is more than combing through courthouse records. It’s about listening, laughing, and cherishing the stories people share. My success came not from treating relatives like data points, but from building relationships. Those conversations are now among my fondest memories.

Generational Blessings

Addison’s faith and leadership planted seeds that would outlast his time. Whether you believe in generational blessings or generational challenges, families often carry patterns across time. When we study these patterns, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

I believe Addison wanted to leave his descendants not just land or a name, but a spiritual inheritance. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.

Do you see patterns in your family tree? Hold onto the good traits, learn from the struggles, and remember—you are here for a purpose.

A Written Legacy

Years ago, I published a book: THE ROAD BACK TO ROUTE 606 – THE HISTORY OF THE DRIVER FAMILY FROM GLOUCESTER COUNTY, VA. It relied on paper records, and one day it will be updated with the powerful truths revealed by DNA research.

📖 Available on Amazon: Click here to view

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Disclaimer: These posts were edited with AI assistance for clarity. All genealogy research and conclusions are my own.