Agnew Family Genealogy & History

Spiro Theodore Agnew served as the 39th Vice President of the United States from 1969 to 1973 under President Richard Nixon. Known for his centrist reputation and law-and-order stance, Agnew played a significant role in Nixon's electoral victories. However, his career was marred by scandal, leading to his resignation in 1973 following charges of tax evasion during his tenure as Baltimore County Executive and Governor of Maryland. This made him the second vice president in U.S. history to resign, after John C. Calhoun.

Agnew was born to a Greek immigrant father, Theophrastos Anagnostopoulos, who changed his name to Theodore Agnew upon settling in the U.S. His mother, Margaret Pollard, was an American from Virginia. The family settled in Baltimore, where Theodore Agnew ran a successful restaurant business and became a significant influence on his son's beliefs and upbringing.

Clan Agnew, a prominent Scottish clan from Galloway in the Lowlands, boasts a rich history with notable achievements. Sir Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw, 5th Baronet, is renowned for his military service, commanding the 21st Foot in the Battle of Dettingen in 1743 and playing a crucial role during the Jacobite rising of 1745 by defending Blair Castle. The clan has historically held influential positions, including the Sheriff of Wigtown, a title passed down to direct descendants since the 15th century, and representation in the British Parliament, contributing significantly to Scottish and British history.

The Agnew name likely originates from Norman roots, tracing back to the Agneaux family in the Barony d'Agneaux. The lineage suggests possible connections to Alastair, son of Domhnall, linked to the Clan Donald. The Agnews settled in Scotland in the 14th century, with historical ties to the Agnews of Lochnaw, Croach, Sheuchan, and Kilwaughter, among others. This storied heritage underscores the clan's longstanding influence and ties to both Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Jonathan Philip Agnew, widely known as "Aggers," is a distinguished English cricket broadcaster and former cricketer. Born on April 4, 1960, Agnew had an impressive first-class career as a fast bowler for Leicestershire from 1979 to 1990, taking 666 wickets at an average of 29.25. His international career included three Test caps and three One Day Internationals for England in the mid-1980s. Agnew transitioned to cricket journalism and commentary, becoming a leading voice on BBC Radio's Test Match Special and contributing to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Grandstand team. His notable "leg over" comment is celebrated as "the greatest sporting commentary ever" in a BBC poll.

Jonathan Agnew was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, to Margaret (née McConnell) and Philip Agnew. His paternal grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Norris M. Agnew of Dukenfield Hall, Mobberley, Cheshire, and his maternal grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. A.F.V. McConnell of Hampton Hall, Worthen, Shropshire. Agnew's family lived at Bainton near Stamford, Lincolnshire, with siblings Christopher and Felicity. His paternal grandmother, Lady Mona Agnew, lived to 110 years, making her one of the 100 longest-lived British individuals. Agnew's first cousin, Mary Duggan, was a women's Test cr

Elinor Isabel "Judy" Agnew, born April 23, 1921, in Baltimore, Maryland, was the Second Lady of the United States from 1969 to 1973, married to Spiro Agnew, the 39th vice president. Despite preferring a private life focused on family, her public remarks about the women's liberation movement and other social issues drew media attention. Judy Agnew was known for her Baltimore accent and distinctive entertaining style. Her husband's resignation in 1973 marked a significant turn in their public lives.

Judy Agnew was born to William Lee Judefind, a chemist, and Ruth Elinor Schafer, both of French-German descent. Her paternal grandfather was a Methodist minister. Her upbringing in Baltimore shaped her early life and professional experiences before marrying Spiro Agnew in 1942.