Featured Photo Above: the family of William George James (1832-1908), elder man seated
in center, of Bedford County, Virginia and the great, great, great grandson of David
James (circa 1660-1739). From left to right, William’s son Braxton Leftrich James
(1864-1923) of Fannin County, Texas; daughter-in-law Flora Alice Johnson (1874-1960);
granddaughter Flora Agnes James (1900-1982); granddaughter Vera Blanche James (1892-1989);
grandson Manson Leon ”Cap” James (1902-1974); daughter Alice James (adult woman standing
in back); granddaughter Elizabeth Alice James (1904-1972); grandson William Jackson
“Bill” James (1894-1974); and, grandson Marvin Leftrich James (1895-1969) of Hunt
County, Texas. This photo was taken in 1906 in front of the James family home, a.ka.,
“the old rock house”, located near the town of Trent in Jones County, Texas between
the towns of Abilene and Sweetwater
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Welcome to the James Family Archives (“J.F.A.”) - a repository of historical, archeological
and genealogical information pertaining to the family of David James (circa 1660-1739)
and Margaret Mortimer of Llandegley and Glascwm parishes in Radnorshire, Wales. This
James family left Bristol, England in August of 1682 onboard the sailing ship Bristol
Factor captained by Roger Drew and arrived in Upland, present day Philadelphia on
October 28, 1682. In that same year the James family settled lands in the Pennsylvania
wilderness forging Sir William Penn’s vision of a Welsh barony known as the Welsh
Tract. Later the community would come to be known as Radnor Township during the mass
migration of Quakers between 1682 and 1684 under the inspiration and leadership of
Penn and his associate Richard Davies.
This web site is dedicated to the families and their descendants identified in the
Genealogical Section that make up this James family clan. The James Family Archives
is a not-for-profit endeavor with the intention that all material contained on this
web site may be freely exchanged as long as it is used for family history purposes
only.
Spotlight on an Historical James Family Member...
Bushrod Washington James, A.M., M.D. (1836-1903) the great, great, great grandson
of David James (circa 1660-1739) of Radnorshire, Wales was an American surgeon, writer
and philanthropist who lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bushrod graduated from
medical school in 1857 and served as president of the Homeopathic Medical Society
of Pennsylvania. He bequeathed properties in Philadelphia to establish the Washington
James Eye and Ear Institute, a free hospital for the treatment of diseases of the
eyes, throat, and lungs. Bushrod was a volunteer surgeon at the battles of Antietam
and Gettysburg during the Civil War. He donated three houses, books, jewels and
relics to the establishment of a library for children and the elderly that eventually
became the Bushrod Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. Bushrod also donated
land to the city of Oakland, California for the establishment of Bushrod Park and
land in Coronado, California for the establishment of the Bushrod Washington James
Institute. See Bushrod’s life story in the Library Section under biographies.
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Contact the James Family Archives by E-mail at: JamesArchives@aol.com
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In James Family Archeology: The Search for the Origins of the James Family of Llandegley
and Glascwm ...
The James Family of Llandegley and Glascwm Parishes of Radnorshire, Wales (1582-1713)
by Larry P. James - An in depth analysis of the work of Archivist R. Morgan of Llandrindod
Wells, the Deeds from the Practice of Messieurs. Green and Nixson of Presteigne &
Knighton; the Parish Registers of Glascwm, Radnorshire; the last will and testament
of David ap Rees ap Jevan Athro; and the work of Joseph Besse’s “Sufferings.” In
this essay the James family is traced back five generations prior to the arrival
of the immigrant David James in Pennsylvania in 1682. Also explored are the direct
paternal ties between the families James, Davies, Rees, Griffith, Lewis and John.
Picture above is of the Welsh countryside in Radnorshire circa 1890 looking from
the castle at New Radnor toward
Whimble Mountain (Elevation 1800 feet).
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Scientific Advances in James Family Historical Research:
Read - “What We Have Learned From A Y-DNA Surname Project” by Lee Allyn James of
Olympia, Washington published in the July 2010 edition of the Olympia Genealogical
Society Quarterly. This is an outstanding essay, the culmination of many years research
and scientific analysis. Click on the link above or find Lee’s essay in the Library
Section. If you are interested in learning more from Lee about James family DNA
research please contact our resident geneticist at: lajames@cco.net.
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Visit the James Family Virtual Cemetery:
Take a quiet stroll through the well maintained grounds of our very own virtual
family cemetery maintained by Marty Rutledge of Loveland, Colorado and hosted by
Findagrave.com. To enter, simply click on the image to the right. For internment
of James family relatives please contact our sexton at: mottyrutt@hotmail.com and
please, mind you step.
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Retracing the Gozzaldi Expedition of 1890...
In 1890 Mary Isabella James de Gozzaldi (1852-1935) led the James family on its first
documented return to Wales since the family’s arrival in North America in 1682. An
experienced traveler and devout family historian, Mary led a team of family members
on an expedition back to the original homeland of the James family rooted deep within
the inner recesses of rural Radnorshire, Wales. The Gozzaldi Expedition took along
with it the most advanced and sophisticated technology of the day and captured amazing
images of pre-twentieth century rural Wales including some of the rarest photographs
ever taken of pre-1900 Radnorshire. Her priceless collection of photographic images
taken when the technology was in its infancy are now safely kept at the Brinkler
Library of the Cambridge Historical Society in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Now, for
the first time ever, these priceless photographs taken more than 100 years ago have
been assembled for review by the public and the James family at large with full historical
analysis and pinpoint geographic descriptions thanks to Google Earth. Prepare yourself
for a leap back in time as the James Family Archives proudly presents, the Gozzaldi
Expedition of 1890!
The James Family Archives is now on Facebook! Keep up to date with the latest correspondence
and interaction between James family researchers and genealogists. Follow the conversation
and be a part of the debate over some of the most intriguing issues in James family
history...
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James Family Archives News and Developments:
11/04/2016 “In Search Of: The Lost Line of Enoch” by Larry James added to the Library
Section under Essays, Correspondence, Reports and Analysis.
09/23/2016: 1870 Federal Census of Fannin County, Texas - Household of William George
James added to Library Section.
06/27/2016: Children of William Henry James (1869-1934) and Emma Idabel White (1877-1956)
added to Genealogy Section under Eighth Generation.
06/27/2016: Children of Isaac Dallas James (1845-1927) and Henrietta Emily Victoria
Meador (1850-1922) added to Genealogy Section under Seventh Generation.
06/12/2016: Children of Alfred Clark James (1870-1936) and Cammie Racheline George
(1877-1965) added to Genealogy Section under Eighth Generation.
06/11/2016: Children of Elias Walter James (1836-1917) and Cynthia McGary Richardson
(1847-1915) added to Genealogy Section under Seventh Generation.
06/11/2016: Children of Thomas Andrew James (circa 1803-circa 1850) and Mary Polly
Bonds (circa 1807-) added to Genealogy Section under Sixth Generation.
05/27/2016: Children of Elias James (circa 1775-circa 1840) added to Genealogy Section
under Fifth Generation.
05/27/2016: Children of Enoch James (circa 1739-) and Rachel Richards added to Genealogy
Section under Fourth Generation.
04/16/2016: Children of Thomas James (1812-1889) and Sarah Ann Cochran (1815-1888)
added to Genealogy Section under Sixth Generation.
04/16/2016: Children of Elias James, Jr. (1785-1860) and Nancy Fry (1785-1863) added
to Genealogy Section under Fifth Generation.
08/21/2015: Children of George Washington James, Jr. (1846-1919) and Alice Ann Burcham
(1866-1944) added to Genealogy Section under Seventh Generation.
08/06/2015: “Building America” The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739)
of Radnorshire, Wales added to Library Section under Essays, Correspondence, Reports
and Analysis.
05/04/2015: The Welsh Tract In Pennsylvania Especially in Regard to the Causal Inclusion
Therein of Easttown and Tredyffrin by Franklin Burns added to Library Section under
Essays, Correspondence, Reports and Analysis:
04/30/2015: Children of Clarence James (1886-1953) & Edith Mary Gustin (1899-1976)
added to Genealogy Section under Eighth Generation.
04/30/2015: Children of Jesse Kersey James (1849-1931) & Matilda Delila Cox (1858-1927)
added to Genealogy Section under Seventh Generation.
04/30/2015: Children of Joel Evan James (1826-1904) & Elizabeth Ann Rogers (1830-1865)
/ Mary Francis Leach (1844-1884) updated in Genealogy Section under Sixth Generation.
04/30/2015: Children of Evan James (1784-1844) Rebecca Pickering (1789-1848) updated
in Genealogy Section under Fifth Generation.
04/25/2015: Children of David Bushrod James, Sr. (1874-1933) and Mary Alice Evans
(1876-1950) updated in Genealogy Section under Eighth Generation.
04/25/2015: Children of William Henry James (1841-1893) and Eleanor Levake (1846-)
updated in Genealogy Section under Seventh Generation.
04/08/2015: Children of John McNeil James (1843-1931) and Mary Elizabeth Amos added
to Genealogy Section under Seventh Generation.
04/07/2015: Children of Maston James (1803-1858) and Deliliah Thrasher (1811-1889)
added to Genealogy Section under Sixth Generation.
04/07/2015: Children of Daniel James, Jr. (1773-1841) and Elizabeth Bandy updated
in Genealogy Section under Fifth Generation.
07/13/2014: Children of Otey James (1813-1907) and Maria Theresia Beroth (1808-1872)
added to Genealogy Section under Sixth Generation.
07/13/2014: Children of Jehu L. James (1829-1904) and Mary B. Hayes (1831-1902)
added to Genealogy Section under Sixth Generation.
07/12/2014: Children of Isaac Thomas James (1844-1888) and Dulcina Rogers (1849-1883)
added to Genealogy Section under Seventh Generation.
07/12/2014: Children of David James (1807-1889) and Hannah Dewitt/Mary Ann Howard
Grimes added to Genealogy Section under Sixth Generation.
07/07/2014: Children of Thomas James (1781-) and Barbary Britz (1782-1812) added
to Genealogy Section under Fifth Generation.
07/07/2014: Children of Daniel James, Jr. (1773-1841) and Elizabeth Bandy added
to Genealogy Section under Fifth Generation.
07/06/2014: Children of Mary Susan Elizabeth James (1810-1882) and Elijah Howell
(1805-1864) added to Genealogy Section under Sixth Generation.
07/06/2014: Children of Jonathan James (1751-?) and Mary Latch added to Genealogy
Section under Fifth Generation.
07/04/2014: Children of Jonathan James (1848-?) and Louisa Katherine Archer (1855-1928)
added to Genealogy Section under Seventh Generation.
07/04/2014: Indenture to 100 Acres of Land in Pennsylvania from Richard Davies of
Welshpool, Wales to David Meredith of Llanbister Parish, Radnorshire (June 21, 1682)
added to Library Section under Historical Documents.
06/21/2014: Children of Joseph Arthur James (1899-1945) and Maggie May Loomis (1904-1982)
added to Genealogy Section under Eighth Generation.
06/20/2014: Children of La Fayette James (1864-1942) and Mary Delia Claunch (1873-1939)
added to Genealogy Section under Seventh Generation.
06/12/2014: Indenture to 253 Acres of Land in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania from
David Meredith & Rees Prees to David James of Radnor Township (April 14, 1718) added
to Library Section under Historical Documents.
For more news and developments, visit the J.F.A. Blog...
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Joel L. James of Bedford County, Virginia and the Generation that Headed “West”...
In 1849, Joel L. James (1811-1875), the son of the late Jonathan James (1785-1843)
and Polly Bandy of Bedford County, Virginia led three brothers and their families
by covered wagon out of the safety of rural Virginia for the vast and still largely
unexplored North American interior. By this time the James family had resided in
North America six generations, the last four of which in the State of Virginia. The
journey “West” during the great North American migrations of 1849 marked the family’s
first major exodus since leaving Wales in 1682. The great, great grandson of David
James (circa 1660-1739) of Radnorshire, Wales - Joel and the James brothers shared
that same pioneering spirit that thrust their ancestors into the wilderness of Pennsylvania
167 years earlier. Joel was accompanied by his younger brothers George Washington
James (1812-1864) and John James (1814-1863) leaving the youngest brother Jonathan
James to carry on the family’s interests in Bedford County and to look after their
widowed mother. For the next four years the James family wandered through the North
American interior before planting their new roots in Texas. Follow along as we explore
the last great pioneering generation of the James family and its journey half way
across a continent. Joel L. James of Bedford County, Virginia and the Generation
that Headed West...
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“A Measure of Grace - Quakers in Radnorshire” by Trevor Macpherson
An insightful look into the culture and history of the Quaker community of Radnorshire,
Wales prior to and following the James family’s immigration to Pennsylvania in 1682.
Written in 1999 for Radnorshire Society Transactions, Trevor Mr. Macpherson’s essay
identifies three separate James family ancestors including: David James of Llandegley
- the Quaker uncle, founding member of the Radnor Meeting at Pales and likely focus
of much of the James family’s religious persecution. Also mentioned is David James
of Glascwm, the “mariner” and nephew of David James of Llandegley, who crossed the
Atlantic to Pennsylvania in August 1682. Margaret James - the Quaker sister of David
James the immigrant is also clearly identified. Mr. Macpherson’s unbiased and exemplary
description of the rise and subsequent decline of the Quaker movement in Radnorshire
from the 17th century through the 19th century provides further insight into the
circumstances and early history of the James family of Glascwm and Llandegley. The
James Family Archives is proud to present: A Measure of Grace - Quakers in Radnorshire
by Trevor Macpherson.
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James Family Founding Documents:
In May of 2012 the James Family Archives made direct contact with Barbara James of
Wilmington North Carolina, the wife of David Bushrod James, III - a direct lineal
descendant of Evan James (1715-1794) of Radnor Township, Pennsylvania and David James
(c1660-1739) of Radnorshire, Wales. As a result of this connection it was revealed
that the original James family founding documents, dating back more than 300 years,
as spoken of by Isabella Batchelder James in her 1874 work, “Memorial of Thomas Potts,
Junior” were, in fact... still in existence! And, amazingly, still in the possession
of the James family - handed down nine generations from David James (c1660-1739)
to Evan James (1715-1794) to Griffith James (?-1812) to Isaac James (1777-1874) to
David James (1805-1873) to William Henry James (1841-1893) to David Bushrod James,
Sr. (1874-1933) to David Bushrod James, Jr. (1905-1960) to David Bushrod James, III.
These three historic documents consist of William Penn’s 1682 Grant of Land to Welsh
Settlers including David James signed in July of 1682 in Welshpoole, Wales; the 1704
Confirmation of Land in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania to David Meredith by William
Penn’s Land Commissioners in Philadelphia; and, the 1718 Indenture for Land in Radnor
Township by David Meredith and Rees Prees to David James. All three of these priceless
historic documents predate the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of
the United States of America and formally memorialize the acquisition by David James
(c1660-1739) of 100 acres of land in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania in 1682 and then
an additional adjoining 153 acres of land in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania in 1718.
After two years of formal transcription and analysis and nearly 300 years of total
obscurity, the James Family Archives is proud to present the James Family Founding
Documents.
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JAMES FAMILY ARCHIVES
1682-2016
CELEBRATING 334 YEARS
IN NORTH AMERICA!
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When examining the early history of David James (ca 1660-1739) and the James family
of Pennsylvania between the years 1682 and 1718 one quickly encounters several questions
concerning the family’s early years in the Welsh Tract. For example, if David James
acquired rights in 1682 to the 100 acres of land he would settle in Radnor Township,
Pennsylvania through the purchase of an “indenture” from Richard Davies in Welshpool,
Wales, why then was he compelled to re-purchase this same land in 1718 from David
Meredith at the time he expanded his holdings to 253 acres? Another interesting
question is whether or not David James ever occupied the lands in Radnor Township
his daughter Mary James, as his executrix, disposed of between 1695 and 1702. And
perhaps the most perplexing question of all is why William Penn’s land commissioners
would report David James as dead in 1702?
Although these questions are not specifically answered in the following
essay written by Franklin L. Burns in 1982 for the benefit of the Tredyffrin Easttown
Historical Society, his analysis of the management and distribution of the lands
within the Welsh Tract by William Penn’s land commissioners goes far to help us understand
exactly what was going on in the early days of settlement within the Pennsylvania
wilderness that came to be known as the Welsh Tract. Mr. Burns analysis of the first
three decades within this region clearly demonstrate that many of the first settlers
within the colony, especially the Welsh Quakers, quickly found themselves at odds
with Penn’s surveyors, land commissioners and the speculators who sought to use their
influence to turn a quick profit. Many early settlers found themselves intentionally
and deliberately disenfranchised from their lands as well as the communities they
sought to establish.
David James and his family were, undoubtedly, Welsh Quakers upon their
arrival in Penn’s colony. They were among the very first to settle the wilderness
that would be known as the Welsh Tract and that portion later laid out and identified
as Radnor Township. As such they were required to contend with the evolving religious,
political and financial aspirations of their fellow immigrants as they arrived. The
aspirations of David James and his fellow Welsh Quakers were not always the same
as the land commissioners William Penn left behind to manage his colony after his
departure in 1684. As Mr. Burns’ article vividly describes, many of the prejudices
and politics of the old world quickly crept into the life of the colonists in Penn’s
grand experiment. The James Family Archives is pleased to present: The Welsh Tract
In Pennsylvania Especially in Regard to the Causal Inclusion Therein of Easttown
and Tredyffrin by Franklin Burns.
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The Welsh Tract in Pennsylvania Considered Especially in Regard to
The Causal Inclusion Therein of Easttown and Tredyffrin
By Franklin L. Burns
“Building America”
The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739) of Radnorshire, Wales
By Larry P. James
For the first time ever... the “story” of David James (c. 1660-1739) of Radnorshire,
Wales is told all the way through, beginning with his arrival in Pennsylvania in
1682, and ending with his passing in 1739. The Colonial History of David James represents
more than thirty years of continuous research and the culmination of the combined
research efforts of multiple James family historians. Never before have all the
obscure and archaic details of the life and times of David James been assembled in
one place setting forth the mosaic of the James family’s first generation in North
America. The James Family Archives is proud to present “Building America” The Colonial
History of David James of Radnorshire Wales.
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<-- Possible but
Unproven link link
<-- Possible but
Unproven link link
Glenn P. James
Matches with:
Lee 108/111
Timothy 108/111
Warren 109/111
Latest Developments in James Family DNA Research:
In March of 2016 James Family Researcher Lee Allyn James of Olympia, Washington submitted
the latest results of the ongoing James Family Y-DNA Surname Project. According
to Lee, recent DNA tests indicate that Christina Cartwright, the niece of Glenn P.
James, is a newly discovered James family cousin. Lee further reports that Glenn
P. James’ DNA matches those other members of the James family who have already participated
in the 111-marker DNA test. Christina Cartwright has not yet been able to extend
her paternal James family line beyond George James, but it is clear that Glenn P.
James’s DNA proves he is a member of our James family. The line of Christina Cartwrights’s
ancestor George James hails from Ohio. Lee has requested that James family researchers
help Christina by looking through their family records to help us find her line’s
connection. Below is a chart prepared by Lee demonstrating the most up to date
results of ongoing James family DNA research.
Coming soon!
The James-Alspaugh Expedition of 2001:
In the Spring of 2001 a team of James family researchers met in San Antonio, Texas
for the purpose of retracing the line of Joel L. James (1811-1875) who departed Bedford
County, Virginia in 1849 along with his brothers George Washington James (1812-1864)
and John James (1814-1863). Two of those brothers, Joel and John would settle in
north eastern Texas in 1852 while George Washington James would migrate further north
to La Fayette County, Missouri. This intrepid team of James family researchers consisted
of Dwayne James of San Antonio, Texas; Larry James of Sacramento, California; George
Alspaugh of Columbia, Tennessee; Ruth Alspaugh of Columbia, Tennessee; and, Eldon
James of Madera, California. The team crisscrossed the state of Texas working backwards
in time tracing the migrations of the descendents of Joel L. James from their arrival
in the 1850’s, their migration to Fannin County during the 1860’s, the turn south
to Hunt County in the 1870’s and the family’s movement westward to Jones County at
the turn of the century. During the expedition, the team documented many important
points of historical interest including homes and property occupied by the James
family in Texas as well as the tombstones and final resting places of many James
family ancestors. Please join us now as the James Family Archives proudly presents:
The James-Alspaugh Expedition of 2001.
Photo Above: the Lost Line of Enoch, the family of Elias Walter James (1836-1917)
of Pogo, Franklin County, Alabama - Back Row left to right: Daniel Johnson James
(1868-1998) holding rifle, Joe Guyton James (1878-1902), Nancy Catherine “Kate” James
Grissom (1875-1938), Naomi Samantha “Dobe” James George (1880-1933), Marthie Melisey
“Mattie” James Culligan, “Lula” James Thomas, Jennie Burton James (Enoch James’s
daughter), Lula James (nee Grissom).
Front Row left to right: Modena Alice “Dena” James (1883-1969), Elias holding unidentified
grandson, Cynthia Richardson, Cynthia (behind), Nannie, Amos James holding Elmer,
Letha James (back), Mollie James (front), Elias “Shug” James, Thomas Enoch “Tom” James
holding Floy James, Edna James, John James holding Myrtle James, Lillie James and
Bertha James. People in the photograph were identified by Joe Clark James (1896-1985),
son of “Ab” Alfred Clark James; son of Elias and Cynthia but not pictured in the
photo.
Elias James fought as part of the valiant Company “E” of the 4th Alabama “Roddey’s”
Calvary, CSA in the War of Northern Aggression. Elias James married Cynthia McGary
Richardson, (b. 4 Mar 1847, d. 18 May 1915). They settled at Pogo, just West of Pleasant
Site, where they resided in a log cabin that had a “beautiful cold water spring”
and a “milk house where milk was kept cool in the running water”. This is at the
base of the Freedom Hills, overlooking the beautiful valley. The buildings are now
gone but the James cemetery is still there, hidden in the woods above where the cabin
once stood. The cabin is the backdrop for the family photograph.
Coming soon!
The James Family in...
“Burning Kansas!”
When the James brothers left Bedford County, Virginia in 1849 the family of George
Washington James (1812-1864) including his son James W. James (1837-1897), to the
left, headed west to the Missouri-Kansas border lands. Little did they know that
there arrival in 1852 would place them directly in the heart of the most brutal and
bloody pre-Civil War conflict in American history. Confronted with the Missouri-Kansas
Border War of 1854, the James family was forced to contend with renegade Indians,
Jayhawkers, Secessionists and Bushwhackers in a brutal fight for survival. Dark
legends swirl around this tumultuous period that became a precursor to the Civil
War. Tales of daring raids, betrayal and revenge abound. Much of this dark history
in the James family has been locked away for over 100 years, but dark takes refuse
to die. After many careful years of research, the historians at the James Family
Archives have carefully sifted through the facts and the fiction to bring you this
account. Caution! You may find what your are about to read very disturbing. So
be careful where you tread and whom you cross as you join the James Family in...
“Burning Kansas!”
IN SEARCH OF - THE LOST LINE OF ENOCH
There is a legend in the James family of an orphaned son, a rebel, a misfit who was
among the first of his family to depart the Colony of Pennsylvania following the
family’s arrival in 1682. Where he went has remained a mystery for over 200 years.
This orphaned boy, the first son of the first son, has remained something of an
enigma in the annals of James family history. Not until the recent advent of genetic
research has anyone been able to trace the path of this elusive James family ancestor
or his progeny. For more than two centuries our family has been searching for….
The Lost Line of “Enoch.”
