Learned Family Genealogy & History

Michael Learned, an acclaimed American actress, is best known for her iconic role as Olivia Walton in the CBS drama series "The Waltons" (1972–1981). Her career is highlighted by four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, three for "The Waltons" and one for "Nurse" (1982). Learned has also appeared in films such as "Touched by Love" (1980) and "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" (1993), along with numerous TV movies and series, including guest roles in "Scrubs" and "General Hospital." Her recent return to television includes a starring role in Netflix's "Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" (2022).

Born on April 9, 1939, in Washington, D.C., Michael Learned is the eldest daughter of Elizabeth Duane Hooper and Bruce Learned, a diplomat. Her maternal grandfather served in the U.S. Foreign Service as an attaché in Rome. Michael's family includes five younger sisters: Gretl, Susan, Sabra, Dorit, and Philippa. Raised on a Connecticut farm, she later moved to Austria at age 11, where her father was assigned by the U.S. Department of State, marking the beginning of her journey into acting.

Ebenezer Learned was a prominent brigadier general in the American Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, known for his leadership at the Battles of Saratoga and Valley Forge. Born in Oxford, Massachusetts, in 1728, he served as a colonel and later a brigadier general, significantly contributing to the American cause by leading charges against Hessian troops and safeguarding the Convention Army. His military career was marked by his command at Dorchester Heights and his pivotal role in the Northern Department. Despite health challenges, Learned's commitment to the Revolutionary cause was unwavering, earning him a respected place in American history.

Ebenezer Learned was the son of Ebenezer and Deborah Haynes Learned, and he was born in Oxford, Massachusetts. His family roots were deeply entrenched in the area, where he lived his entire life. In 1749, he married Jerusha Baker, with whom he had nine children. Inheriting 200 acres from his grandfather in 1750, he established his home at Prospect Hill, further grounding his family's legacy in Massachusetts.

Amasa Learned was a distinguished American preacher, lawyer, and politician from New London, Connecticut, recognized for his multifaceted career spanning religious, legal, and political realms. Born on November 15, 1750, Learned graduated from Yale College in 1772 and initially pursued a career in theology. He transitioned into law and politics, serving in the Connecticut House of Representatives and the U.S. House of Representatives from 1791 to 1795 as a Pro-Administration candidate. Notably, he participated in the convention to ratify the U.S. Constitution and served as a judge on the Connecticut Supreme Court of Errors. Learned's career also included land speculations during his congressional tenure.

Amasa Learned was born in Killingly in the Connecticut Colony to Deacon Ebenezer Learned and Keziah Leavens Learned. His educational journey began under the guidance of a private tutor, preparing him for his future studies at Yale College. In his personal life, Learned married Grace Hallam in 1773, and they had four children. His legacy extended through his grandson, John Law, who served as a U.S. Representative from Indiana.

Allan Munford Learned, born on November 1, 1906, in Port Townsend, Washington, was a notable figure in American college sports, particularly for his role as the interim head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies football team during the 1950 season. Despite a challenging season with a 0–10 record, his coaching career also included positions as the junior varsity coach and head freshman mentor at Virginia Tech, as well as the head wrestling coach. He later served as the grid mentor at John Muir College in Pasadena, California. Learned's contributions to college sports, especially at Virginia Tech, remain significant.