Robert Ryves left 16th century France because of religious persecution and established a family seat in Dorset, England. Years later, descendants of Robert Ryves traveled to the American colony of Virginia to escape the political and religious climate in 17th century England. In the 18th century, some members traveled south from Virginia, looking for opportunities opening in North Carolina.
Robert RyvesÕ seventh great grandson Edmond Reaves continued the family's southern migration by moving into Georgia in the early 19th century and settling in Alabama by the middle of that century. Much of the family remained in Alabama as pioneers.
Many of Robert RyvesÕ descendants settled in modern day Etowah and Calhoun Counties in Alabama. The area of Hokes Bluff, Alabama was where EdmondÕs son, Nathan Reaves, NathanÕs son, John S. Reeves, and grandson, William Clemens Reeves, lived in the 19th and 20th centuries and where, in the 21st century, many of William Clemens ReevesÕ descendants still remain.