James Family Archives
• Researching the Past
• Education for the Present
• Preservation for the Future
Welcome to the James Family Archives - a repository of historical, archaeological
and genealogical information pertaining to the family of David James (circa 1660-1739)
and Margaret Jane Mortimer of Llandegley and Glascwm parishes in Radnorshire, Wales.
This James family fled Wales in the Fall of 1682 due to religious persecution because
of their membership in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). David and family
left Bristol, England in August of that same year on board the sailing ship Bristol
Factor captained by Roger Drew. Following a two-month voyage at sea across the Atlantic
Ocean they arrived in Upland, present day Philadelphia, on October 28, 1682 with
Sir William Penn. In that same year David and Margaret settled lands in the Pennsylvania
wilderness outside of Philadelphia forging William Penn’s vision of a Welsh barony
known as the Welsh Tract. During America’s colonial period following the mass migration
of Quakers between 1682 and 1684, the community settled by this James family would
come to be known as Radnor Township. Under the inspiration and leadership of William
Penn and his associate Richard Davies a Welsh colony was built. The James Family
Archives is dedicated to the preservation of this James family’s history and the
history of their descendants in North America identified in the Genealogy Section
noted above.
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The James Family of Radnorshire, Wales - 344 Years in North America! October 28,
1682 - October 28, 2026.
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 (1582-1713)
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).
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 (c1660-1739)
of Radnorshire, Wales who immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1682, through the James Y-DNA
Surname Project hosted by Family Tree Labs. Lee’s essay was published in the July
2010 edition of the Olympia Genealogical Society Quarterly and analyzed the Y-DNA
test results of over a dozen different known and suspected male descendants of David
James. Lee’s work confirmed many of the known genealogical lines and identified previously
lost lines of the family. It also refuted errors in the family’s history that had
developed since the late 1970’s. “What We Have Learned From A Y-DNA Surname Project”
The James Family Virtual Cemetery by Find-A-Grave
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.
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James Family Archives News and Updates for 2026
Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Wednesday, January 28, 2026:
Greetings! James family, friends, genealogists and distinguished historians across
the fruited plain and around the world! Today, marks the 97th Anniversary of the
birth of James family relative and legendary historian - Preston Nyal Malone (1929-2014)!
Preston was born January 27, 1929 in Dennis, Tishomingo County, Mississippi to Dora
Lucille James (1893-1965) of Franklin County, Alabama and Curgus Earnie Malone (1891-1954)
of Colbert County, Alabama. During his lifetime, Preston was a member of the Second
Street Church of Christ and a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean
War. He was employed at Blue Bell Manufacturing of Tishomingo County for 25 years
and retired from Schnadig Furniture Manufacturing Corp after 15 years of employment.
However, what Preston is best known to us for is his work as a James Family Historian.
Preston was a pioneer publisher on the Find-a-Grave website and is responsible for
reporting and recording hundreds of James family ancestors and the locations of their
graves. Without Preston’s years of hard work, these James Family Ancestors would
have remained unknown to us. Happy Heavenly Birthday cousin Preston. Thank you for
your service to our nation and your amazing dedication to the preservation of our
family’s history!
In honor of Preston’s Birthday, the James Family Archives is pleased to announce
the release of updates to the following archival records for your review and continued
enjoyment. These documents include:
Page 23 - Last Will and Testament of Andrew Gideon Crawford, December 22, 1788;
Page 40 - Marriage Bond for Jonathan James & Polly Bandy, April 23, 1810;
Page 41 - Marriage Bond for Joel L. James and Angelina Ryan, August 22, 1831;
Page 99 - Excerpts From: R/D/GNX the Practice of Messrs. Green and Nixson of Presteigne
and Knighton (1662-1778);
Page 126 - David James’ Indenture to 100 Acres of Land in Pennsylvania from Richard
Davies of Wales 1682;
Page 179 - George Washington James Family Reunion and Picnic Flier dated June 29,
1996;
Page 199 - Historical Records of Eldon Larry James (1940-2014);
Page 235 - Biography of Mary Dagworthy (nee "Yard") James, (1810-1883), An American
Hymn Writer;
Page 237 - Mat James and Children, by Dr. Jesse Clopton James (1924-2019), 1982’;
Page 238 - Building America, The Colonial History of David James (1660-1739), of
Radnorshire, Wales, Chpt. 1, Page 1;
Page 239 - Building America, The Colonial History of David James (1660-1739), of
Radnorshire, Wales, Chpt. 1, Page 2;
Page 240 - Building America, The Colonial History of David James (1660-1739), of
Radnorshire, Wales, Chpt. 1, Page 3;
Page 241 - Building America, The Colonial History of David James (1660-1739), of
Radnorshire, Wales, Chpt. 1, Page 4;
Page 242 - Building America, The Colonial History of David James (1660-1739), of
Radnorshire, Wales, Chpt. 1, Page 5;
Page 243 - Building America, The Colonial History of David James (1660-1739), of
Radnorshire, Wales, Chpt. 1, Page 6;
Page 244 - Building America, The Colonial History of David James (1660-1739), of
Radnorshire, Wales, Chpt. 1, Page 7;
Page 245 - Building America, The Colonial History of David James (1660-1739), of
Radnorshire, Wales, Chpt. 1, Page 8;
Page 246 - Building America, The Colonial History of David James (1660-1739), of
Radnorshire, Wales, Chpt. 1, Page 9;
Page 247 - Building America, The Colonial History of David James (1660-1739), of
Radnorshire, Wales, Chpt. 1, Page 10;
Page 248 - Building America, The Colonial History of David James (1660-1739), of
Radnorshire, Wales, Chpt. 1, Page 11;
Page 249 - Building America, The Colonial History of David James (1660-1739), of
Radnorshire, Wales, Chpt. 1, Page 12.
As always, if there is any particular information you seek, wish to share or correct,
please feel free to contact us at info@jamesfamilyarchives.net. Happy Heavenly Birthday
to James Cousin Preston Malone and in his honor we wish all patrons to the James
Family Archives a continued enthusiastic exploration of our family’s rich and amazing
history!
Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Monday, January 19, 2026:
Happy National Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! On this day in 1983, President Ronald
Reagan signed into law a proclamation (bill) that January 16 should be recognized
as a national holiday in honor of the late Civil Rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Dr. King was assassinated in 1968, and the first national observance of
a holiday in his honor did not take place until 1986, with all 50 states recognizing
it by 2000. Dr. King is most notably recognized for his “I have a Dream” speech delivered
during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, where he
passionately called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism, becoming
an iconic moment in American history. In honor of this historic day, the James Family
Archives is pleased to announce the release of updates to the following archival
records for your review and continued genealogical enjoyment. These documents include:
Page 47 - Children of Hannah James (1772-1852) and Jesse Howell (1775-1855) of Loudoun
County, Virginia;
Page 48 - Children of James James (1777-1866) and Sarah Hanks (1781-1854) of Loudoun
County, Virginia;
Page 49 - Children of Joel L. James (1811-1875) and Angelina Ryan (1812-1906) of
Bedford County, Virginia;
Page 51 - Children of Mary Elizabeth James (1835-1873) of Bedford County, Virginia
and Isaac Phillip Ray (1840-1903);
Page 111 - The Radnor Quarterly, Vol. 1, No. 3, December 1995;
Page 114 - Patent for 33 Acres of Land In Radnor Township, PA With Confirmation of
253 Acres To David James, 1704;
Page 151 - 1870 (9th) US Census for the State of Texas, Inhabitants of Ladonia, County
of Fannin, November 22, 1870;
Page 152 - In Search of the Lost Line of Enoch, by Larry P. James, November 3, 2016;
Page 167 - Maps of Radnorshire, Wales in the 17th Century; and,
Page 174 - Dr. William Hughes James (1852-1876): Medical Doctor and Naturalist, by
Graham R. Fulton, 2017.
As we move into 2026, if there is any particular information you seek, wish to share
or correct, please feel free to contact us at info@jamesfamilyarchives.net. Happy
Dr. King Day to all and to all the wish for a continued enthusiastic exploration
of our family’s amazing history!
Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Thursday, January 1, 2026:
Happy New Year! To all the James family, distinguished friends, noble historians
and enthusiastic genealogists across the vast fruited plain and around the world!
May 2026 bring you prosperity and peace. May you find joy, happiness and reward in
all that you do. We are so excited to be entering the 42nd year of the James Family
Archives! There are some very special projects we are pursuing this year to preserve
our family’s unique and special history. I want to thank all the family members and
friends who continue to not only follow our work, but contribute amazing information
to further enhance what we have already assembled. In celebration of the new year,
the James Family Archives is pleased to release updates to the following historical
documents for your continued review and genealogical enjoyment. These documents include:
Page 31 - Children of David James (circa 1660-1739) and Margaret Jane Mortimer of
Radnorshire, Wales;
Page 32 - Children of Thomas James (circa 1690-1753) and Sarah Henderson (1720-1800)
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Page 109 - Retracing the Gozzaldi Expedition to Wales in 1890, by Larry P. James,
April 18, 2012;
Page 110 - The Radnor Quarterly, Vol. 1, No. 2, August 1995;
Page 111 - The Radnor Quarterly, Vol. 1, No. 3, December 1995;
Page 177 - Children of Robert James (1816-1869) and Winifred Simpson (1814-1885)
of Loudoun County, Virginia;
Page 184 - Children of David Burtola James, Sr. (1879-1968) and Lessie Linn Vanzant
(1884–1976) of Iowa;
Page 229 - Art. XXXV, Necrological Report - David James, M.D. (1875)
We are so pleased to have updates to these documents just in time for the New year!
As always, we wish to extend our gratitude to all those family members who took the
time to record our family’s history and their efforts to document events from times
gone by. If there is any particular information you seek, wish to share or correct,
please contact us at info@jamesfamilyarchives.net. Happy New Year to all and to all
a very prosperous 2026. May you find continued joy in your own exploration of our
amazing James family history! God bless you all!
Archived Posts from 2010-February 2025 can be found in Blog Section.
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Contact us by E-mail at: info@jamesfamilyarchives.net
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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 Radnorshir
by Trevor Macpherson.
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 (1715-1794) of Radnor Township, Pennsylvania and David James
(c1660-1739) of Radnorshire, Wales. Barbara revealed that the original James family
founding documents, dating back more than 300 years and spoken of by Isabella Batchelder
James in her 1874 work, “Memorial of Thomas Potts, Junior” were, in fact... still
in existence! Amazingly, these documents are 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 the
acquisition of an adjoining 153 acres 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.
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 1660-1739) 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.
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. 1660-1739) 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.
The James-Alspaugh Expedition to Texas of 2001
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 presents: The
James-Alspaugh Expedition of 2001.
Photo Above: the descendants of Enoch James - the descendants of Enoch James - 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.
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-1M269 Y-DNA Halogroup
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 (1929-2013), who had received it from her mother Hazel Juanita
(Claunch) Julian (1894-1968), who had received it from her father George Washington
Claunch (1867-1929), who had received it from his mother Mary Susan James (1836-1905)
of Bedford County, Virginia who married John J. Claunch (1836-1877) in Johnson County,
Missouri. According to Mr. Negus, the information in his possession was originally
recorded in a “very old” James/Claunch family Bible. The following historic information
was extracted from the James/Claunch family Bible:
· 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 (1631-1704);
· 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 (1690-1753) and the daughter of
Alexander and Jane
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-trove of historical
information provided to us by Jeffrey Negus. Not only does the information expand
our knowledge of the family prior to its immigration to Pennsylvania, it also independently
confirms much of the research that has taken place over the past 30 years. With
these records we have confirmation that David James of Glascwm and Llandegley, Radnorshire,
Wales was the son of Thomas ap James ap David of Llandegley Parish as previously
identified in the Records of Mssrs. Green & Nixon. We are also able to now trace
the genealogy of David’s wife Margaret Mortimer back to Edward Mortimer (1631-1704)
of Wiltshire, England.
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 (1814-1896)
and Mary Elizabeth (Harvey) James (1813-1900) of Jefferson County, Ohio. David Curtis
is the great, great grandson of Evan James (1842-1938), the son of Jesse K. James.
Evan is the bearded elderly gentleman with his grandchild, Ruth E. Tweedy (1906-1970),
seated on his lap appearing fourth row down and in the fourth position from the right.
The elderly man seated directly to the right of Evan is his brother David Ridgeway
James (1847-1930). The couple in the third row down, second and third position from
the right appear to be Mary Pearl (James) Tweedy (1873-1961) and her husband Allen
Luther Tweedy (1870-1942). There are approximately 77 individuals in this photo.
Here at the Archives we are endeavoring to identify as many as possible. If there
is a family member in this photo you recognize, do not hesitate to contact us at
info@jamesfamilyarchives.net.
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-DNA Research
In February 2008 James family historian Lee Allyn James of Olympia, Washington began
tracking the results of the James Family Y-DNA Surname Project sponsored by Family
Tree DNA Labs. This research tracks the genetic patrilineal descendants of various
men with the surname “James” from David James (circa 1660-1739) of Llandegley and
Glascwm parishes of Radnorshire, Wales who migrated to Pennsylvania in 1682. In July
2010, Lee published his findings in the Olympia Genealogical Society Quarterly, Volume
XXXVI, No. 3 at pages 6-13 in an article entitled, “What We Have Learned From a Y-DNA
Surname Project.” The chart below represents the fruit of this scientific research
and those men, identified by their DNA Kit Number, who have been determined to be
male genetic descendants of “Ancestral” David James. These men are considered to
be part of the R1B/R-1M269 Y-DNA Haplogroup for purposes of tracking human migration
over the centuries. These men also share the same Y-DNA chromosome inherited from
their father with a difference of three or fewer “mutations” in their genetic markers.
The interactive chart below includes a link to the genealogical page where these
men can be found and represents the most up to date results of the ongoing James
family Y-DNA research begun by Lee and documented within the James Family Archives.
Isaac Daniel James, Sr., of Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania and The Last of the
Colonial Generations
Born October 15, 1770 to Elias James (1744-1789) and Anna Matson (1746-1827) of Upper
Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania - Isaac Daniel James, Sr. was among
the last of the James family to be born in Colonial Pennsylvania, a subject of the
British Crown under King George, III. Isaac was also the grandson of Thomas James
(c1690-1753), the first son born to David James (c1660-1739) and Margaret Jane Mortimer
who immigrated from Wales and arrived in North America with William Penn on October
28, 1682. At the age of four Isaac witnessed the outbreak of the Revolutionary War
and watched as his father Elias and uncle Daniel James (1750-1817) marched off to
serve under General George Washington in the Continental Army. Isaac’s entire childhood
was consumed with the war. As a child Isaac grew up between British occupied Philadelphia
and the entrenched Continental Army in Valley Forge. The Revolutionary war would
not conclude until one month before his 13th birthday. Following the war, Isaac
would accompany his uncles Daniel and Jonathan James (1751-1843) and migrate south
to Bedford County, Virginia. On March 24, 2021, the image of Isaac Daniel James
to the left was discovered by Kathleen Dooley Wolfe of Vinton, Virginia hiding behind
a very old oil painting handed down through the family many generations. The account
of how Kathleen discovered this amazing picture can be found on Page 37 of the Genealogy
Section, Children of Elias James (1744-1789) and Anna Matson (1746-1827) of Montgomery
County, Pennsylvania.
Bushrod Washington James, Spotlight on an Historical James Family Member
Born August 25, 1836 in Byberry, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania to David James
(1805-1873) of Radnor Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania and Amanda Worthington
(1809-1885) of Somerton, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, Bushrod was the great,
great, great grandson of David James (c1660-1739) of Llandegley & Glascwm parishes
who emigrated to Pennsylvania with William Penn in 1682. Bushrod was devoted to
medical research and was an accomplished surgeon, writer and philanthropist who lived
in Philadelphia. Never married, Bushrod graduated from medical school in 1857 and
served as president of the Homeopathic Medical Society of Pennsylvania. After the
United States fell into Civil War in 1861, Bushrod served as a volunteer surgeon
at the Battles of Antietam and Gettysburg. Prior to his death in 1903, Bushrod 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. He
also 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, “The Biography of Bushrod Washington
James” in the Library Section.
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 (1803-1882) of Radnor Township, Chester County,
Pennsylvania and, Isabella Batchelder (1810-1901) of New Ipswich, New Hampshire,
author of “Memorial to Thomas Potts, Jr.” (1874) containing the first documented
account of James family history. In 1890 Mary 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 James de 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 James de Gozzaldi
Expedition of 1890!
The James Family in “Settling Texas”
In 1852, the first of the James family led by Joel L. James (1811-1875) [pictured
above} arrived in Texas. First settling Grayson County, the family moved on to Fannin
County just prior to the beginning of the Civil War. Following the conclusion of
the war, the family migrated south to Hunt County where they remained until the turn
of the century at which point the family headed West to Jones County, near the town
of Abiline. Pictured below is the family of William George James (1832-1908) of
Bedford County, Virginia, son of Joel, the elderly man seated in the center. William
was also the great, great, great grandson of David James (c1660-1739). From left
to right are pictured 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 near Trent,
Texas, also known as “The Old Rock House.” The town of Trent is located between
the towns of Abilene and Sweetwater.
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 1660-1739) and Margaret Jane Mortimer
from Llandegley and Glascwm parishes of Radnorshire, Wales with Sir William Penn
on October 28, 1682, the James family was in need of a letter of reference, a record
of good standing from the community in Wales from where they had come. This document
was essential in order for the family to be officially accepted into the community
of Quakers who settled Radnor Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania originally known
as the “Welsh Tract.”
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.
Isaac
D. James
(1770-1853)
Joel
L. James
(1811-1875)
George
W. James
(1807-1880)
Joel
E. James
(1826-1904)
Isaac
T. James
(1844-1888)
John
W. James
(1843-1914)
Elias
W. James
(1836-1917)
John
C. James
(1856-1939)
David
B. James
(1879-1968)
William
E. James
(1878-1933)
James
O. James
(1911-2001)
Jonas
K. James
(1812-1905)
David
S. James
(1850-1909)
Jesse
James, Sr.
(18921978)
Ralph
E. James
(1859-1937)
David
B. James
(1908-2004)
Glenn
P. James
(1919-1993)
Jonathan
C. James
#108350
Eldon
L. James
(1940-2014)
“Building America”
The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739) of Radnorshire, Wales
By Larry P. James
Mary Dagworthy James
(August 7, 1810 - October 4, 1883) An American Hymn Writer
Mary Dagworthy (nee "Yard") James was born on August 7, 1810 in Trenton, New Jersey
to Benjamin Yard (1769-1832), a Quaker; and, Priscilla Keen (1771-1852), a Baptist.
Mary was converted at a Methodist revival meeting as a child and began teaching Sunday
school in the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of 13. In 1834, Mary Yard married
Henry Boehm James, son of David James (1773-1848) of Radnor Township, Chester County,
Pennsylvania and Elizabeth Boehm (1783-1820). The couple moved to Mount Holly, New
Jersey and then returned to Trenton in 1853, where Mary helped to found a home for
distressed and orphaned children. Mary also wrote articles for publications such
as Guide to Holiness, the New York Christian Advocate, The Contributor, The Christian
Witness, The Christian Woman, The Christian Standard, and the Ocean Grove Record.
She also wrote The Soul Winner in 1883. Mary became a prominent figure in the Wesleyan
Holiness Movement, assisting Phoebe Palmer who is today considered the “Mother” of
the Holiness Movement, and often led meetings at Ocean Grove, New Jersey, and elsewhere.
To learn more about her amazing life, go to page 235 of the Library Section to find
the Biography of Mary Dagworthy James!
Joel L. James of Bedford County, Virginia and the Generation
that Headed “West”
In 1849, Joel L. James (1811-1875), the son of 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.
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 (1812-1864) including his son James W. James (1837-1897), pictured
to the left, headed west to the Kansas-Missouri border lands. Little did they know
that their 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...
“Bleeding Kansas!”
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