I have O’Neal ancestors who came from Ireland. My second great grandmother, Lorena Ann Amanda “Lora” (is what they called her), was the mother of my great grandfather, Thomas Dewitt RIVERS, Sr., who was the father of my grandfather, Thomas Dewitt RIVERS, Jr., the father of my own father, James Calvin (“Jim”, “Jimbo”, “Jimmy”) RIVERS.

Lora’s grandfather and grandmother, Thomas Miles O’NEAL, immigrated from Ireland to the colonies in the 1700s.

Lorena Ann Amanda “Lora” O’NEAL – Obituary – Charleston Evening Post, 14 Jan 1926

MRS. D. O. RIVERS DEAD
Funeral Held at Rutledge Ave. Baptist Church

Mrs. D. O. Rivers of Bonneau, died Wednesday night at Baker Sanitorium. Mrs. Rivers was born in Pierson, Ga., April 21, 1875. She was a daughter of Rev. Thomas P. O’Neal. She was married to Rev. D. O. Rivers, of Lake City, Fla., Aug. 6, 1893. She was a devoted member of the Baptist church from her girlhood, her father and hus-band being ministers of the same faith. Her husband, Rev. D. O. Rivers, has recently been pastor of the Baptist church of Bonneau. Be-sides her husband she leaves two sons, T. D. Rivers of Esmont, Va. and F. W. Rivers, of Charleston. The funeral was conducted in the Rutledge Avenue Baptist church Thursday at 1.0 p. m. by Rev. J. E. Bailey. Interment was at the Magnolia cemetery.