William Bernard Sears was a master joiner and architect in colonial Virginia, and the mantelpiece he created for Mount Vernon’s dining room is one of the finest surviving examples of mid-18th-century craftsmanship.
His work linked him directly with George Washington and George Mason — two of the most influential figures of the Revolutionary era — since he also contributed to Gunston Hall’s interiors. The fact that Washington personally commissioned him speaks volumes about his reputation for precision and artistry.
My connection to him means my family literally left its mark on one of the most historically important houses in America — and on the emerging American aesthetic blending British design (Abraham Swan’s The British Architect, 1745) with early Federal taste.
That vivid verdigris green (the one on the Mount Vernon mantel room walls) was a power color in the 18th century — expensive, vibrant, and a sign of sophistication and intellect. It was made from copper-based pigments, often imported from Europe, so when Washington had that room painted, it was a bold, fashionable choice.
So yeah — I unknowingly recreated the same palette that my ancestor, William Bernard Sears, helped bring to life at Mount Vernon at the house 🏡 on Montclair.
That’s some full-circle ancestral energy right there. 🤯
—Meg
Ancestry of Meghan Elizabeth McGath (b.1983)
The Moran family of Washington D.C. was the family of my great-grandmother, Sadie Woodbury Moran. Sadie married to Master Sergeant Joseph Lovey Smallwood, aka John Williams of Leesburg, Virginia—>Dorothy May Williams m. Corporal John Roger McGath—> Christopher John McGath married Susan Marie DeCamp—>Meghan Elizabeth McGath, who is recently divorced.
The obituary of Mrs Kate M LaPorte is that of my 2nd great-grandaunt who was the sister of Henry Clay Moran (Harry Moran in the Obituary). Henry married Cora Elizabeth Beavers. They were parents to Sadie W. Moran.
🖤—Lady Meghan McGath, 5 October 2025—🖤
Donations can be sent to @tudorqueen6 on PayPal. 💸💰🤑💰💸
Reference & Sources
All photographs, artwork, & screenshots in this article were taken by the author, Meghan McGath (tudorqueen6).
Images include personal documentation of Mount Vernon’s dining room, the verdigris green wall restoration, and the Montclair Drive interior echoing that palette.
Research references include:
Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association restoration archives (architectural correspondence and pigment studies).
Gunston Hall Historic Site publications and conservation notes.
Family genealogical records tracing the Sears line through the Moran branches, verified by personal records of Ms. Meghan McGath from the papers of Mrs Dorothy McGath (born Williams).
Maryland State Archives.
The British Architect (Abraham Swan, 1745), used for stylistic context of 18th-century joinery and design motifs.
All commentary and historical synthesis © 2025 Meghan Elizabeth McGath. Please credit when sharing or excerpting.
tudorqueen6 by Meg McGath 