forefather forefather /ˈfɔrˌfɑːðɝ/

noun

1. () The founder of a family  ( sire , forefather , father )
   the founder of a family
    Keep the faith of our forefathers
   keep the faith of our forefathers
   
   
2. Person from an earlier time who contributed to the tradition shared by some group  ( forefather )
   person from an earlier time who contributed to the tradition shared by some group
    Our forefathers brought forth a great nation
   our forefathers brought forth a great nation