James Family Archives
• Researching the Past
• Education for the Present
• Preservation for the Future
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Welcome to the James Family Archives -
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The James Family of Radnorshire, Wales -
See News and Updates at the Bottom of the Page!
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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-
Picture above is of the Welsh countryside in Radnorshire circa 1890 looking from the castle at New Radnor toward Whimble Mountain (Elevation 1800 feet).
Scientific Advances in James Family Genetic Historical Research
In the Summer of 2010, Lee Allyn James of Olympia, Washington published his findings
of the ongoing genetic research of the male descendants of David James (c1660-
The James Family Virtual Cemetery by Find-
Take a quiet stroll through the well maintained grounds of our very own virtual cemetery maintained by our family sexton, Marty Rutledge of Loveland, Colorado, hosted by Findagrave.com. Here you will find memorials to over 300 confirmed members of the James family, many containing images of their tombstones and precise biographical information. As with all cemeteries we ask that you be respectful, leave a few virtual flowers and please, mind you step. The James Family Virtual Cemetery.
James Family Archives News and Updates for 2025
Larry James, Senior Research Historian -
Greetings James family members, loyal friends, renowned historians and fellow genealogists across he fruited plains of North America and around the world! October is National Family History Month, a time designated by the U.S. Congress to encourage people to explore and celebrate their family's heritage and roots. It's an annual observance that provides opportunities to learn new genealogy skills, discover new resources, and connect with family members to preserve memories and stories for future generations. In honor of National Family History Month, the James Family Archives announces the update and release of the following pages from our Library Section: I hope these documents continue to inspire numerous conversations about our family’s past, why our family came to North America and the treasured heritage we share as a family. These documents include:
Page 34 -
Page 38 -
Page 39 -
Page 40 -
Page 41 -
We are so pleased to have the updates to the these documents ready for your review during National Family History Month. As always, a very special “Thank You” to all the family members and historians who have contributed to this effort with their research, data and time ensuring that our historic documents in the Library Section are as accurate as possible. Remember, If there is any particular information you seek, wish to share or correct, please contact us at info@jamesfamilyarchives.net.
Larry James, Senior Research Historian -
Greetings James family members, loyal friends, renowned historians and fellow genealogists
across he fruited plains of North America and around the world! Happy National Ancestor
Appreciation Day! -
Page 8 -
Page 9 -
Page 11 -
Page 12 -
Page 13 -
Page 14 -
Page 15 -
Page 16 -
Page 17 -
Page 18 -
Page 19 -
Page 20 -
Page 22 -
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Page 24 -
Page 25 -
Page 26 -
Page 27 -
Page 28 -
Page 29 -
Page 32 -
Page 33 -
Page 114 -
I am so pleased to have the updates to the these pages ready for review by this auspicious holiday celebrating our family’s ancestors. As usual, a very special “Thank You” to all the family members and historians who have contributed to this effort with their research, data and time ensuring that our historic documents in the Library Section are as accurate as possible. For those seeking a deep dive into our James family ancestry, please feel free to peruse our Library of historic documents! If there is any particular information you seek, wish to share or correct, please contact us at info@jamesfamilyarchives.net.
Larry James, Senior Research Historian -
Greetings James family members, loyal friends, renowned historians and fellow genealogists
across he fruited plains of North America and around the world! Happy Labor Day!
In honor of this most prestigious federal holiday, the James Family Archives announces
the completion of its 2-
Page 50, Children of William George James (1832-
Page 61, Children of George James (1786-
Page 65, Children of Braxton Leftrich James (1864-
Page 185, Children of John Chalkley James (1856-
Page 188, Children of William “Bill” Jackson James (1894-
Page 189, Children of Manson “Cap” Leon James (1902-
Page 192, Children of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Alice James (1904-
Page 193, Children of Florence “Lillie” Rachel James (1912-
Page 194, Children of Thomas M. James (1861-
Page 195, Children of Jesse James, Sr. (1892-
Page 196, Children of Dr. David James (1816-
Page 197, Children of Evan James (1842-
Page 202, Children of Leroy Campbell “Leonard” James (1858-
Page 203, Children of Richard M. James (1871-
Page 204, Children of Carey Cordelia James (1875-
Page 205, Children of Melinda Alice James (1861-
Completing the update to all the pages within the Genealogical Section has been a “labor of love” and we are pleased to celebrate the completion of this comprehensive task on the federal holiday celebrating the fruits of our labor. A very special “Thank You” to all the family members and historians who have contributed to this effort with their research, data and time ensuring that our genealogical information is as accurate as possible. For those in search of their James family ancestry, please feel free to peruse our Genealogical Section! If there is any particular information you seek, wish to share or correct, please contact us at info@jamesfamilyarchives.net.
Larry James, Senior Research Historian -
Greetings Kathy James Clark! And welcome to the James Family Archives. Thank you
so much for the positive feedback and your hard work in helping us document your
side of our James family. Your grandfather, John Paul James (1908-
Kelly James Clark, RE: Updates to Memorial of John Paul James (1908-
Good Morning! Thank you so much for contacting me. I am so happy to see that my father is recognized and officially included in the James Family Archives. Today is my birthday and this is the best present I could have received. My father grew up without a father and sadly never met his biological father (John Paul James). I wish that my father was still alive so I could share all of the information that I have learned about our ancestors. He would be proud.
Larry James, Senior Research Historian -
Greetings James family members, loyal friends, renowned historians and fellow genealogists across he fruited plains of North America and around the world! Happy Independence Day! This day marks the 249th Anniversary our our nations declared independence from the King of England. This day also marks the anniversary of the day our James family declared it’s sovereign independence from the English monarchy following 492 years of subjugation. In honor of this prestigious holiday, I am pleased to report updates to the following pages in the Genealogical Section of our archival database:
Page 36, Children of Daniel James, Sr. (circa 1750-
Page 129, Children of Daniel James, Jr. (circa 1773-
Page 134, Children of Otey James (1813-
Page 137, Children of John McNeil James (1843-
Page 150, Children of William Henry James (1869-
Page 162,Children of Ira Raymond James (1872-
Page 164, Children of Alice Mary James (1902-
Page 165, Children of John Vada James (1864-
Page 166, Children of Claude Hurlburt James (1885-
Page 168, Children of Charles Rogers James (1844-
Page 169, Children of David Sylvester James (1850-
We are now down to 12 pages in the Genealogical Section remaining to be updated. These pages are not accessible until the updates are complete. It is a labor of love and we strive to ensure that the genealogical information contained on our family history web site remains as accurate and complete as possible. A very special “Thank You” to all the family members who contribute their research, data and time ensuring that our genealogical data is accurate. For those of you in search of your James family ancestry... please feel free to reach out! If there is any particular information you seek, wish to share or correct, please contact us at info@jamesfamilyarchives.net. Happy 4th of July!
Larry James, Senior Research Historian -
Greetings James family members, loyal friends, renowned historians and fellow genealogists across he fruited plains of North America and around the world! Did you know that “June” is officially “National Immigrant Heritage Month”? In honor of this prestigious month, I am happy to report the update of the following pages in the Genealogical Section of our archival database:
Page 56, Children of George Washington James (1812-
Page 155, Children of Isaac Richard James, Sr. (1797-
Page 156, Children of Thomas Enoch James (1866-
Page 157, Children of Dora Lucille James (1893-
Page 158, Children of James W. James (1837-
Page 161, Children of Israel B. James (1850-
Page 163, Children of Eugene Edgar James, Jr. (1892-
We are now down to 18 pages in the Genealogical Section remaining to be updated. These pages are not accessible until the updates are complete. It is a labor of love and we strive to ensure the genealogical information contained on our family history website remains as accurate and complete as possible. So for those of you in search of your James family ancestry... Happy Hunting & Happy National Immigrant Heritage Month! Oh, and as always, if there is any particular information you wish to obtain, share or correct, please contact me at info@jamesfamilyarchives.net.
Larry James, Senior Research Historian -
Happy Easter to all James family members, loyal friends, renowned historians and fellow genealogists across he fruited plains of North America and around the world! On the occasion of this most joyous holiday, I am pleased to report updates to the following pages in the Genealogical Section of our database:
Page 36, Children of Daniel James, Sr. (circa 1750-
Page 129, Children of Daniel James, Jr. (circa 1773-
Page 150, Children of William Henry James (1869-
We are now down to 24 pages in the Genealogical Section remaining to be updated and may not be accessible until the updates are complete. Happy Easter everyone and thank you for your patience. If there is any particular information you wish to obtain share or correct, please contact me at info@jamesfamilyarchives.net. Thank you and have a great Easter!
Larry James, Senior Research Historian -
Greetings James family members, loyal friends, renowned historians and fellow genealogists across he fruited plains of North America and around the world! And a special greeting to our beloved family and friends in Great Britain, Australia and South Africa! I am pleased to report updates to the following pages in the Genealogical Section of our database:
Page 48 Children of James James (1777-
Page 68, Children of Jesse Kirzey James (1814-
Page 148, Children of Alfred “Ab” Clark James (1870-
Page 149, Children of Isaac Dallas James (1845-
Page 186, Children of David Ridgeway James (1847-
Page 198, Children of Walter Pavy James, Sr. (1890-
Please keep in mind we have 25 pages in the Genealogical Section that are still in the process of being updated and may not be accessible until the updates are complete. As always, thank you for your patience. During this time if there is any particular information you wish to obtain, please feel free to contact me at info@jamesfamilyarchives.net. Thank you and have a great Spring!
Larry James, Senior Research Historian -
Greetings Ms. Converse, Thank you for your kind letter. Yes, we are familiar with
your James family ancestor Sitha James (1811-
Carole Converse, crconverse@yahoo.com -
Hello to the keeper of the James Family Archives, Yesterday, I was looking at Find a Grave entries and decided to see how far back my 2nd Gt grandmother’s family of ‘James’ could be traced. My, I was joyfully surprised to find out that her 2nd Gt grandfather, David James, was born in Wales of a distinguished family background, and came with William Penn to Philadelphia in 1682! Thank you for all the genealogical research that the James family has done. My second gt grandmother was Cynthia ‘Sitha’ James Snyder. I am descended through her daughter, Minerva Snyder Rice, my Gt grandmother. I like genealogy because it connects us to a time and a place in history. I will look forward to reading more and continuing research on the James family. Thank you.
Larry James, Senior Research Historian -
On this day in James Family History, 255 years ago! Jacob Baelert, the father of
Susanna (nee “Bealert”) James (1745-
Page 24, The Last Will and Testament of Jacob Baelert, dated March 3, 1770.
Larry James, Senior Research Historian -
Merry Christmas! And, Happy New Year to all James family members, loyal friends, renowned historians and fellow genealogists across he fruited plains of North America and around the world! And a special greeting to our beloved family and friends in Australia and South Africa! I am so excited as we head into the new year! I also want to send a special shout out to James family members and family historians Marty Rutledge in Arizona and Alice Louise Denson in Texas for their recent contributions posted on the Find a Grave website! To kick off the new year I want to report updates to the following pages in the Genealogical Section of our database:
Page 50, Children of William George James (1832-
Page 68, Children of Jesse K. James (1814-
Page 139, Children of Clarence James (1886-
Page 141, Children of George Washington James, Jr. (1846-
Page 142, Children of Elias James, Jr. (1785-
Page 143, Children of Thomas James (1812-
Please be aware that many of our pages are still in the process of being updated and may not be accessible until the updates are complete. I greatly appreciate your patience. During this time if there is any particular information you wish to obtain, please feel free to contact me at info@jamesfamilyarchives.net. Thank you and have a great year!
Archived Posts from 2010-
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Contact us by E-
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“A Measure of Grace -
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
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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 patrilineal
descendant of Evan James (1715-
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-
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.
William Penn’s 1682 Grant of Land in Pennsylvania to Welsh Settlers
including David James signed in July of 1682 in Welshpoole, Wales
When examining the early history of David James (ca 1660-
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.
The Welsh Tract in Pennsylvania Considered Especially in Regard to
The Causal Inclusion Therein of
Easttown and Tredyffrin
By Franklin L. Burns
For the first time ever... the “story” of David James (c. 1660-
The James-
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-
Photo Above: the descendants of Enoch James -
Front Row left to right: Modena Alice “Dena” James (1883-
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.
In Search of... The Lost Line of Enoch James
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 their arrival in 1682. Where he went 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.”
R1B/R-
Ancient James Family Bible Uncovered
On September 27, 2017 Family Historian Steve James of Fort Worth, Texas made contact
with Jeffrey Negus of Blue Springs, Missouri. Mr. Negus, provided Steve with information
concerning our family’s ancestry that had been handed down to him by his mother Violet
Nadine (Julian) Negus (1929-
· The father of David James was Thomas;
· David James married Margaret Jane Mortimer on November 27, 1680 at Radnorshire, Wales;
· Margaret Mortimer was the daughter of Edward Mortimer (1631-
· Edward Mortimer was born in Fyfield, Wiltshire, England near Marlborough;
· Edward Mortimer married Catherine Houston in 1658 in Yatesbury, Wiltshire, England.
· Edward Mortimer died on November 2, 1704 at Wiltshire;
· Catherine (Houston) Mortimer died in 1702 in Philadelphia at age 62;
· Sarah Henderson, the second wife of Thomas James (1690-
Henderson died on November 9, 1800 in Pennsylvania;
· Alexander Henderson was born in 1696 in Scotland and died in 1771 in Pennsylvania at age 75;
· Jane Henderson died November 25, 1775 at age 78;
· The parents of Alexander Henderson were John Henderson, born April 12, 1660 at Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland;
· John Henderson married Janet Bairdie in 1682.
· John Henderson died April 25, 1746 in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland;
· The father of John Henderson was John Henderson born October 17, 1626 at Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland.
· John Henderson, Sr. married Margaret Hamilton in 1653;
· Margaret Hamilton was born in 1635 in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland and died there on March 28, 1671;
· John Henderson, Sr. died January 26, 1683 at Fife, Scotland.
Here at the Archives we are tremendously excited about this treasure-
Uncovering The Ohio James Family Line!
The photograph below was presented to the James Family Archives during the Summer
of 2020 by David P. Curtis of Dousman, Wisconsin. It is believed to have been taken
circa 1910 on the occasion of a reunion of the descendants of Jesse K. James (1814-
?
David
James
(unkown)
Radnor Methodist Church
Click here for a very special video presentation commemorating the 150th Anniversary of
Radnor Methodist Church celebrated in 1931. Video by Janita Mahoney.
The James Family Archives is dedicated to the continued historic preservation of Radnor Methodist Church in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania. The Methodist Church in Radnor was originally founded in 1781 by the James family. Their home in Radnor Township served as the original meeting place of Radnor’s Methodist congregation. In October of 1783, Evan and Margaret James donated the land upon which their parents David and Margaret James of Radnorshire, Wales settled in October of 1682 for the construction of a permanent Methodist Church. The location was known as “James Hill” but following the donation of land upon which the permanent Church was constructed, the location came to be known as “Methodist Hill.” The current Church standing on the site was constructed in 1833. It is the second oldest Methodist Church in the United States. In 1931 the congregation of Radnor United Methodist Church celebrated its 150th Anniversary as a continuing congregation. In 2005, the Church celebrated its 225th Anniversary. In 2031 the Church will be celebrating its 250th Anniversary. Radnor Methodist Church represents the oldest and longest legacy (“238 years”) of the James family in North America. With everyone pitching in we can save this historic landmark for its 250th Anniversary and for generations to come.
James Family Y-
In February 2008 James family historian Lee Allyn James of Olympia, Washington began
tracking the results of the James Family Y-
Isaac Daniel James, Sr., of Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania and The Last of the Colonial Generations
Born October 15, 1770 to Elias James (1744-
Bushrod Washington James, Spotlight on an Historical James Family Member
Born August 25, 1836 in Byberry, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania to David James
(1805-
Retracing the James de Gozzaldi Expedition To Wales of 1890
Mary Isabella James de Gozzaldi was born September 19, 1852 in Burlington County,
New Jersey to Thomas Potts James (1803-
The James Family in “Settling Texas”
In 1852, the first of the James family led by Joel L. James (1811-
James Family’s Certificate of Removal from the Radnorshire Men’s (Quaker) Monthly Meeting dated July 20, 1683
Following the arrival of David James (circa 1660-
Because of their haste at the time of their departure, the James family was unable to secure their “certificate of removal” before their departure from Wales in the Fall of 1682. After their arrival in Pennsylvania a request was made to the Men's Monthly Meeting of Quakers in Radnorshire, Wales to have a “Certificate of Removal” prepared and sent to them in the Colony of Pennsylvania. It took eleven months for the request to reach Wales and for the certificate to be prepared and returned to David James in Pennsylvania.
The Certificate of Removal contained vital statistical information pinpointing where the James family came from, the date of their arrival in Pennsylvania and their membership in Religious Society of Friends. An actual image of this record as recorded in the Records of the Haverford Monthly Meeting has finally been uncovered and can be found here: James Family Certificate of Removal dated July 20, 1683.
(1690-
(unknown)
(1715-
George
W. James
(1807-
John
W. James
(1843-
William
E. James
(1878-
Edward
L. James
#750520
Brian
R. James
#919098
Wilbur
G. James
#37879
Glenn
P. James
(1919-
Lee
A. James
#39245
Warren
K. James
#35874
James
O. James
#80909
Timothy
D. James
#294214
Larry
P. James
#74812
Steven
B. James
#914135
Glenn
P. James
#419418
Joe
M. James
#40303
John
James
#656536
Jonathan
C. James
#108350
D. James
“Building America”
The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-
By Larry P. James
Mary Dagworthy James
(August 7, 1810 -
Mary Dagworthy (nee "Yard") James was born on August 7, 1810 in Trenton, New Jersey
to Benjamin Yard (1769-
Joel L. James of Bedford County, Virginia and the Generation
that Headed “West”
In 1849, Joel L. James (1811-
James W. James and the James Family in “Bleeding Kansas!”
When the James brothers left Bedford County, Virginia in 1849, the family of George
Washington James (1812-
