James Family Archives

 

•  Researching the Past

•  Education for the Present

•  Preservation for the Future

 

James Family Archives News and Developments

For January 2021

Jean Powers, Senior Research Historian - Sunday, January 31, 2021

Dear RUMGC members, It looks like our best source of written information is Phillip Manley and probably a trip to Pennsylvania if we can actually see the records. While I thought I’d have lots of computer time, it looks like it may be March before I can accomplish much. We lost another James descendant this past week. Dorothy Davidson, the niece of Rear Admiral James Dudley, passed away at age 97.  Due to covid restrictions, there was just a graveside burial service at a small rural Baptist church cemetery here in Marion County. In this day and age when families are so scattered, it was touching to see she was buried within feet of her parents, grandparents and great grandparents, Asa and Susan Virginia (Clayton) James. P.S. Your newsletter was impressive. You accomplished a tremendous amount this past year.

Philip Manley, Trustee, Radnor United Methodist Church - Friday, January 29, 2021:

That information exists in three forms: a map, a book, and an index card file.

Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Friday, January 29, 2021:

Thank you Lynn for inquiring with Pastor Jack whether he is aware of a written record at Radnor UMC of those buried in the graveyard surrounding the Church that corresponds to the numbered plots on the graveyard map you previously provided us.  It was very kind of Pastor Jack to respond so quickly.  From Pastor Jack's reply, it appears that Philip Manley is in charge of managing the graveyard.  If such a record exists, Philip may know where it is located.  I will reach out to Philip. Perhaps he may be of assistance.

Lynn Ellis, Vice President, Radnor Historical Society - Thursday, January 28, 2021:

Hello, James Family!  I think former Pastor Jack Ross would be of great help [locating records of the graveyard at Radnor UMC] since he was there when there was an active congregation.  Let me know how you make out, Lynn.

Randi Randolph, Senior Research Historian - Thursday, January 28, 2021:

The Gift Shop is well done and the links work perfectly!  Thank you for promoting our James family's creativity. I also would like to promote our family's talents.  I send out email campaigns of up to 200 people, two or three times a month which has increased my business. I was thinking of doing one email blast each month, just to promote a James family member and their creations.  Every cousin could ask to be promoted at anytime. I hope the musicians can promote their talents as well, perhaps with CDs. The interested buyer could be referred to our Gift Shop and to my website where they can order and pay online.  I know from years of experience, there are many talented people who have no way to market their great creations.  This idea began when our dear cousin, Kathleen Dooley Wolfe, promoted Connie's pies and others. Wishing you well, dear Cousin. Randi.

Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Thursday, January 28, 2021:

Thank you Natalie for your positive feedback concerning Page 210, recently added to the Genealogical Section, entitled, "Children of Mary Ann “Polly Ann” James (1843-1907) of Bedford County, Virginia & Jasper Newton Terry (1834-1908) of Illinois." The evidence appears to be mounting that the most likely cause of death of Mary Ann James and her daughter Marion Louise Terry, like her brother Robert James Terry, was Typhoid Fever.  This was very common during the early 1900’s. Thank you for providing Marion's death certificate. This record confirms her mother was Mary Ann James.

Natalie Belotti - Madera, California - Thursday, January 28, 2021:

Oh my goodness! You have been busy! I read through all the updates in your latest email. I really appreciate the updated page which includes my great-grandmother, Marion. It's so fulfilling to see her name and her children's names. My travel plans just keep getting longer and longer. I also must travel to Radnor Township, Pennsylvania. This is going to be one amazing road trip! Thank you for all you've done. Your cousin, Natalie.

Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Wednesday, January 27, 2021:

Last Spring a collection of photos of the Children of Jesse K. James (1814-1896) were sent to us beginning on April 20, 2020 by David P. Curtis of Dousman, Wisconsin, the great, great grandson of Evan James (1842-1938) of Washington County, Pennsylvania and Rebecca Pickering (1789-1848).  He inherited a great collection of photographs, correspondence and documentation through his mother Anne E. (Landis) Curtis who passed away on March 11, 2020.  This material originates from the old Jesse K. James farm near Lincolnville, Indiana.  David has invited anyone in the family who would like to obtain copies of these old photos or to ask him questions to contact him.  Simply email us and we well forward his address to you.

Randi Randolph, Senior Research Historian - Wednesday, January 27, 2021:

I was so interested in your last update.  So informative and I was excited to see the photo of the family of Jesse K. James.  From David and Margaret James, can you tell me this family's direct lineage?  I believe they are fairly close cousins. Thank you for all that you do. Cousin Randi.

Lynn Ellis, Vice President, Radnor Historical Society - Tuesday, January 26, 2021:

Larry - It's always great to hear from you!  I'm so happy with your family's response. Lynn.

Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Tuesday, January 26, 2021:

Thank you for your positive feedback Steve. That means a lot coming from you. Yesterday we mailed out our Winter Newsletter & Report including a review of our work over the past year with some of our goals for 2021.  Our James Family Archives newsletters are free.  Anyone who would like to request a copy, simply drop us a line at info@jamesfamilyarchives.net.  In the subject box write “I would like a copy.”  It’s that simple.

Steve Brannon, Senior Research Historian @ Carson Archives - Tuesday, January 26, 2021:

Larry: Thanks once again for your love for our family history and keeping us informed.

Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Monday, January 25, 2021:

We have just added the historic James Family Proposal for Radnor United Methodist Church Property In Conjunction with the GAR Museum and Library of Philadelphia dated October 28, 2020 to the Library Section of our website. This historic proposal for the preservation of Radnor United Methodist Church in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania was voted upon and signed by 63 members of the James family and submitted to the Board of Trustees of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church for their consideration. In response the James family was informed by District Superintendent for the Southern District, the Reverend Evelyn Kent-Clark that the historical landmark would not be put up for sale, rather the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference would seek a way to preserve the historic nature of the Church and the land upon which it rests that marks the location of the original James family homestead following the arrival of David and Margaret James with William Penn on October 28, 1682.

Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Saturday, January 23, 2021:

That sounds absolutely wonderful Barbie!  Kathleen can be reached by email at Kathleendwolfe@gmail.com.  She will provide you with instructions on how and where to mail in your check.  We will be announcing all contributors for the the month of January at the end of the month.  Thank you so much for your contribution.  I would also like to announce that with the help of Natalie Belotti of Madera, California whom we have been working with since this past summer, we have uncovered and added the genealogical information concerning the Children of Mary Ann “Polly Ann” James (1843-1907) of Bedford County, Virginia & Jasper Newton Terry (1834-1908) of Illinois. Natalie first made contact with us on July 25, 2020 and has provided the Archives with precious information and priceless photographs concerning the children of her great, great grandmother Mary Ann “Polly Ann” James.  During this past summer, the following pages were also added to the Genealogical Section of our family history website:

Children of Rebecca James & John Smith added to Genealogy Section, 4th Generation.

Children of Mary Susan James (1836-1905) & John J. Claunch (1836-1877) added to Genealogy Section, 7th Generation.

Children of Leroy Campbell “Leonard” James (1858-1937) & Minnie Lee Draper (1875-1953) added to Genealogy Section,

8th Generation.

Children of Melinda Alice James (1861-1934) & R.T. Lewis (1862-1946) added to Genealogy Section, 8th Generation.

Children of Richard M. James (1871-1899) & Dora May Allen (1879-1947) added to Genealogy Section, 8th Generation.

Children of Carey Cordelia James (1875-1972) & Benjamin Daniel (1871-1936) added to Genealogy Section, 8th Generation

Barbie James, Senior Research Historian / Archival Custodian - Saturday, January 23, 2021:

Hi Larry, I am trying to find an email for Kathleen who is collecting money for the Radnor church fundraiser. Hope you and you family are well. Best regards.

Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Friday, January 22, 2021:

That is terrific news Kathleen!  We raised $225 during the month of December towards our Friends of Radnor United Methodist Church Fundraiser. This Church marks the location where our family settled in 1682. It’s preservation as an historic landmark is absolutely essential to the family.  It looks like this month is off to a great start. Thank you so much cousin Jean Powers for your generous contribution.  We are still waiting on the appraisal of the cost to replace the wood shingle roof of the old historic Church building.  Please remember folks, we have two ways to contribute to the fundraiser.  You can either make an online donation to the fundraiser hosted by PayPal by clicking the link above, or by sending your check in to Kathleen, our Treasurer who will make sure in gets added to the pool of money we are assembling.

Kathleen Dooley-Wolfe, Senior Research Historian / Treasurer - Friday, January 22, 2021:

Wanted to let you know I received a $100 check from Jean Ellis Powers for our Radnor UMC Fundraiser.

Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Tuesday, January 19, 2021:

So pleased to announce the Winter 2021 update to the James Family Archives website!  This is the largest update to the website since it’s inception in 2009. We have reformatted each page to improve readability and ease of access to supporting documents and resources.  Links have been coded in blue font for ease of location.  We have also expanded our partnership with the Find A Grave website with more links to memorials of James family ancestors in the Genealogical Section.  If you wish to have a message posted to our blog, simply e-mail your post to info@jamesfamilyarchives.net.  In the subject box write, “Post for J.F.A. Chat.”  You are also welcome to attach a photo of yourself and we will set up an icon next to your name.

Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Sunday, January 17, 2021:

We are kicking off this year with the addition of three new generations of James family ancestors from the line of Phillip James of John Day, Oregon.  I had the chance to visit Phillip this past October and spent a few wonderful days with his family.  Philip is a descendant of David James (c1660-1739) through his grandson Enoch James (born 1739) and belongs to the Alabama Line in our particular James family.  The first additions made were children of Phillip’s grandfather, the Children of Robert James (1906-1968).  From there we worked up to the generation of Philip’s great grandfather with the Children of Elias Golden James (1885-1937) and the generation of his great, great grandfather, the Children of Robert David James (born 1862).  Below you will find links to these three new generational levels added to our genealogical database:

Children of Robert David James (born 1862) and Annie McMichens (1862-1913) added to Genealogy Section under Eighth Generation.

Children of Elias Golden “Goldzie” James (1885-1937) & Elizabeth “Libbie” Tanner (1877-1910) added to Genealogy Section under Ninth Generation.

Children of Robert Jacob James (1906- 1968) & Eva Lee Colley (1905-1994) added to the Genealogy Section under Tenth Generation.