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 during the height of the period in late 17th Century English history known as the Restoration due to severe religious persecution because of their membership in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). David and his family left Bristol, England in August of that same year on board the sailing ship Bristol Factor captained by Roger Drew at the invitation of Sir William Penn. Following a two-month voyage at sea across the Atlantic Ocean they arrived at the Swedish outpost of “Upland,” present day Philadelphia, on October 28, 1682 with Sir William Penn who quickly laid claim to the colony on behalf of the English monarchy. 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 forged. 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

Happy Anniversary!

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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 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

Chis Glascow at jhawker1277@gmail.com - Saturday, October 24, 2026

Dear Larry, Thank you so much for your thoughtful and informative response. I truly appreciate the time you took to review my family information, search your archives, and share your findings with me.

First and foremost, I was sorry to hear about your hospitalization and heart surgery. I sincerely hope your recovery is going well, and I am especially grateful that you took the time to respond under those circumstances.

I also appreciate your suggestion regarding Y-DNA testing. Unfortunately, I am the next-to-last living male descendant of my particular branch of the family, and I am not currently aware of any living James relatives who might qualify for the testing you described. However, I intend to look more closely into the descendants of Stephen James’s sons, as well as any other possible branches of the family, to see whether such a connection might still exist. Should I discover anything promising, I will certainly let you know.

Although we haven’t established a connection between our James families, I remain hopeful that additional research may eventually shed some light on the earlier generations of my Welsh ancestors.

I was particularly touched by your comments about preserving your family’s history for future generations. I understand that sentiment very well. Much of my own genealogical research has been motivated by a desire to preserve the names, stories, and photographs of those who came before us, so they won’t be forgotten.

Thank you again, Larry, for your kindness, your generosity in sharing your knowledge, and the remarkable work you’ve done preserving your family’s heritage for more than forty years. It is truly something to be proud of.

I wish you continued healing and good health, and I hope we can stay in touch as our research continues. Warmest regards,

Larry James, Senior Research Historian- Saturday, October 24, 2026:

Dear Chris Glasgow, Thank you for your very kind letter. Thank you also for sharing so much of your James family history. It is so often that I am asked to research a particular person with the surname "James" without any additional information. I must always begin by asking for as much information about that particular individual before I can even begin to research their family line. You have provided a great deal already which is very helpful.

I have been researching my particular James family since 1984. I hold three degrees in fields that have aided me considerably over the years. I am the author of the website you found but cannot take full credit for the volume of historical records contained on our James Family Archives (JFA) website. The work there represents countless hours of research and preservation carried out by members of our family for many generations. I have been blessed that I have been able to create a repository of much of that information. It has been a labor of love for more than forty years and I am currently in search of a member of our James family, preferably a younger man, who will be willing to act as the guardian of this website and the information contained thereon through the next generation as my daughter, LOL, does not possess the same passion and I for preserving our family's history.

Now, turning my attention to the information you provided... I was able to locate your ancestor Stephen James on the "Find a Grave" website at Memorial No. 63376054. His grave is located at the Bala Cemetery, Block 3 in the historical ghost community of Bala in Riley County, Kansas. Bala is actually a quite fascinating place. According to a marker placed by the Riley County Historical Society, "Bala was created by the Welsh Land and Immigration Society, who arrived in 1870 and purchased land from the Kansas Pacific Railroad. Their first settlement was Powys, named for a town in Wales... (I will stop here for a moment because "Powys" is today the name of the county which was formerly called "Radnorshire" in Wales where my James family is from) Due to water problems they moved two miles west and renamed their settlement Bala. (In Welsh , the word "bala" means the outflow or outlet of a lake, where a river flows out of a body of water. It is also used as a place name in Wales, most famously for the town of Bala in Gwynedd which sits at the outlet of the large natural lake Llyn Tegid, often called Bala Lake in English.) When Fort Riley expanded to the edge of town in the 1960s, the village died out, leaving the Presbyterian Church, built in 1890. Bala Heritage Park, southeast of town, features a stone arched railroad bridge, one of the largest in Kansas." There at Bala Cemetery lies both your ancestors Stephen James (reported year of birth 1847-1911) and Ruth James (1856-1944). There are also other members of the James family buried at or near Block 3. The information  you possess concerning Stephen's date of birth, "August 15, 1843", is in conflict with his tombstone which reads "1847." However, your information is much more detailed and thus may be more accurate. His tombstone appears to be of a more modern construction and was likely placed long after his death. You may want to consider posting the information you possess on his memorial. It may draw the attention of other descendants whom you have not met and who may possess additional information concerning your James family ancestors.

I have searched our JFA database and have found neither an "Evan Griffith James" or a "Mary (nee Zellie) James." While all the names you identified individually are quite common in our particular James family, the name "Zellie" is fairly unique so I focused my search on that surname but alas, none was located in our database. "Stephen" is also a somewhat uncommon first name in our particular James family and there is currently no member in our family database carrying that first name.

There is one sure way to determine whether or not your Welsh James ancestors are related to ours, that is, if you can find a male relative in your family who bears the surname "James", ask them to consider participating in the James Y-DNA Surname Project hosted by FamilyTreeDNA. You can find a link to their portal at the bottom of our JFA homepage. If there is a link, FamilyTreeDNA will notify me and we can then begin to explore the relationship and determine which of our James family ancestors you may descend from.

Thank you again for sharing your data and interest in our James Family Archives. Please accept my pardon in the delay responding to you as I was hospitalized in August and underwent open-heart surgery. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. You can also follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/larry.p.james

Larry James, Senior Research Historian- Saturday, October 17, 2026:

Dear Eric, Please pardon the delay in responding. I was recently hospitalized for six weeks following open-heart surgery, so I have been out of commission for a while. On top of that, our James Family Archives website was offline for a little while when I was unable to pay the automatic renewal fee which came due around the same time I was being discharged from the hospital. Thanks to the financial support of ten different members of our James family, I was able to get our website restored and have the domain provider, GoDaddy, agree to maintain the website for the next five years. So, to answer your question, the James Family Archives group is still very active.

I am very curious to learn whether the Isaac James you are referring to was the illusive Isaac James, son of David James (1660-1739) who migrated to Pennsylvania with William Penn in 1682, or, one of the many other descending ancestors named Isaac James in our family tree. That has been a very common name in our family over the centuries. I would really appreciate it if you could share a few more details about which Isaac James your uncle David James has been researching.

I see that you have had your Y DNA checked out through Ancestry. The James men who have participated in our genetic mapping all had their Y DNA examined through the labs at FamilyTreeDNA. FamilyTree has done an excellent job mapping the various families named James throughout the world and has proven instrumental in identifying the various genetic lines that descend from our common ancestor, David James (1660-1739) from Glascwm and LLandegley parishes in Radnorshire Wales who fled Wales due to his religious persecution and came to North America with William Penn in 1682.

I do not know whether Ancestry shares its data with FamilyTree. I have not yet seen that. However, it is fairly easy and not too expensive to have FamilyTree test your Y DNA. If they do that,t then they will handle the comparison and let me know whether we are a genetic match. They have been doing this now for many years through their James Y DNA Surname Project. You will find a link to their labs at the bottom of our James Family Archive's Home Page.

Thank you again for reaching out. I look forward to receiving more information about your James family ancestor, Isaac James. I hope we will be able to find a match. Sincerely, Larry James

Eric James at eaze.james@gmail.com - Saturday, August 29, 2026:

Hi, checking to see if the James Family Archives group is still active. My Uncle David James did extensive research on the Isaac James branch shown on your website. I have also done a DNA test with Ancestry and would be interested in determining if I am related to any of the other James ancestors through the Y-DNA Halogroup. Sincerely, Eric James.

Chis Glascow at jhawker1277@gmail.com - Saturday, August 1, 2026

Dear James Family Archives, My name is Chris Glascow, and I have been researching my maternal James family for several years. I recently discovered your website while looking into my Welsh ancestry and was excited to see the incredible amount of work your family has done documenting the James family from Radnorshire. I’m hoping you might be able to tell me whether my family has ever appeared in your research or whether you believe there may be a connection. My ancestor is Stephen James, born 15 August 1843 in Wales; died: 5 July 1911 in Bala, Riley County, Kansas; immigrated to the United States in 1875 and settled in the Welsh community of Bala, Kansas. According to a published Riley County history, Stephen’s parents were David James (1806–1891) of Blaendyfod, Carmarthenshire, Wales, and Hannah (1815–1878) of Pantygollen, Clydey, Pembrokeshire, Wales. The same history explains that Stephen first came to a Welsh settlement in Coshocton County, Ohio, before following the John Griffith family to Kansas, where he became one of the early settlers of Bala. Stephen married Ruth James (1856–1944), daughter of Evan Griffith James and Mary (Zellie) James, and they raised their family in Bala. After reading through your website, I noticed that your documented family begins with David James of Radnorshire, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1682. I also noticed there are a few branches in your charts that remain incomplete. My questions are: 1) have you ever encountered my ancestor Stephen James or his father David James in your research? 2) Does the David James family from Blaendyfod, Carmarthenshire appear to connect to the Radnorshire James family documented on your website? 3) If not, are you aware of another documented Welsh James family that may fit this line? 4) Can you recommend any Welsh parish records, publications, or resources that might help identify David James’s parents? I have included photographs of Stephen and Ruth James, as well as excerpts from the Riley County history that describe the family. Thank you for preserving so much Welsh family history. Whether or not our families are connected, I truly appreciate the work that has gone into your archives. Sincerely, Chris Glascow.

Larry James, Senior Research Historian - Monday, February 16, 2026:

Greetings and salutations to the James family, friends, genealogists and distinguished historians across the fruited plain and around the world! Happy President’s Day in the United States! This day we honor the 294th anniversary of the birth of General George Washington, whom our forefathers fought under to secure the blessings of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in this, the promised land! America’s first president was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia to Augustine Washington (1694-1743) and Mary Ball (1708–1789). George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army by the Continental Congress on June 15, 1775. Following a unanimous vote in Philadelphia, he formally accepted the commission on June 19, 1775, and took command of the troops in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 3, 1775. He successfully led America’s first Army to victory in the Revolutionary War with the surrender of the British forces under Lord Cornwallis on October 19, 1781, at Yorktown, Virginia. Mind you, this was the same Lord Cornwallis who ordered the raid on the James family’s homestead in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania during the winter of 1780! This decisive defeat of over 7,000 British soldiers effectively ended major land fighting in the American Revolution and led to final peace negotiations and the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783. These events forever changed the destiny of the James family in North America who fought so valiantly for the birth of the nation we live in today. Their significance cannot be understated.

In honor of President’s Day, the James Family Archives is pleased to announce the release of updates to the following archival records for the review and continued enjoyment of our beloved family historians. These documents include:

Page 23 - Last Will and Testament of Andrew Gideon Crawford, December 22, 1788;

Page 37 - Children of Elias James (1744-1789) and Anna Matson (1746-1827) of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania;

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 Deeds From the Practice of Messrs. Green and Nixson (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 200 - Historical Records of Marvin Leftrich James (1895-1969);

Page 201 - Historical Records of Braxton Leftrich James (1864-1923);

Page 202 - Children of Leroy Campbell “Leonard” James (1858-1937) and Minnie Lee Draper (1875-1953), Texas;

Page 206 - Family Bible of Thomas James (1768-1839) of PA and Mary Russell (1786-1861) of Loudoun Co., Virginia;

Page 207 - Historical Records of Simon Cleo James (1905-1954);

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 (c.1660-1739), of Radnor, Wales, Chapter 1, Page 1;

Page 239 - Building America - The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739), of Radnor, Wales, Chapter 1, Page 2;

Page 240 - Building America - The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739), of Radnor, Wales, Chapter 1, Page 3;

Page 241 - Building America - The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739), of Radnor, Wales, Chapter 1, Page 4;

Page 242 - Building America - The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739), of Radnor, Wales, Chapter 1, Page 5;

Page 243 - Building America - The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739), of Radnor, Wales, Chapter 1, Page 6;

Page 244 - Building America - The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739), of Radnor, Wales, Chapter 1, Page 7;

Page 245 - Building America - The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739), of Radnor, Wales, Chapter 1, Page 8;

Page 246 - Building America - The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739), of Radnor, Wales, Chapter 1, Page 9;

Page 247 - Building America - The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739), of Radnor, Wales, Chapter 1, Page 10;

Page 248 - Building America - The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739), of Radnor, Wales, Chapter 1, Page 11;

Page 249 - Building America - The Colonial History of David James (c.1660-1739), of Radnor, Wales, Chapter 1, Page 12;

Page 252 - James Family Archives News and Developments For 2025.

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 - 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.

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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 (1715-1794) 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 artifacts 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 demonstrates 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 come to 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 migrants 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 following 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. For a better understanding of these foundational three decades, 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

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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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 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, (March 4, 1847 - May 18, 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.

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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 in 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 Abilene. 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.

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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

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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.

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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.

?

David

James

(unkown)

Radnor Methodist Church

Click here for a very special video presentation commemorating the 150th Anniversary of

Radnor Methodist Church celebrated on October 25, 1931. Video by Janita Mahoney.

The James Family Archives is dedicated to the continued historic preservation of the original Radnor Methodist Episcopal Church (RMEC) in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania. The RMEC in Radnor was originally founded in 1781 by the James family in their home in Radnor Township which served as the original meeting place of Radnor’s Methodist congregation in the midst of the Revolutionary War. In October of 1783, one month following the Treaty of Paris which brought hostilities between England and the fledgling nation to an end, Evan James (1715-1793) and his wife Margaret (nee “Jones”) James (1720-1790) donated the land upon which Evan’s parents David and Margaret James of Radnorshire, Wales settled in October of 1682 for the construction of a permanent Methodist Church. This location was originally known as “James Hill” but following the donation of land upon which the permanent Church was to be 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 Pennsylvania. 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. Radnor Methodist Episcopal Church represents the oldest standing legacy of the James family in North America.

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The James Family Y-DNA Research Project

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 out of Houston, Texas. This research tracks the genetic patrilineal descendants of various men with the surname “James” including 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 report 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 our “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 by 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 war. As a child, Isaac grew up between British occupied Philadelphia and the entrenched Continental Army at 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, Sr., 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, 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!

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.

Thomas James

(1690-1753)

Isaac James

(unknown)

Evan James

(1715-1794)

David James (c1660-1739)

Of Radnorshire, Wales

Who Arrived in Pennsylvania October 28, 1682

Elias

James

(1744-1789)

Daniel

James

(1750-1817)

Samuel

James

(1754-1812)

Enoch

James

(1739-?)

Thomas

James

(1781-?)

Jonathan

James

(1785-1843)

Joshua

James

(1778-1823)

Evan

James

(1784-1844)

Isaac

D. James

(1770-1853)

Elias

James

(1775-1840)

David

James

(1807-1889)

Otey

James

(1813-1907)

Joel

L. James

(1811-1875)

George

W. James

(1812-1864)

George

W. James

(1807-1880)

Oliver

James

(1819-1880)

Elias

James

(1797-1870)

Thomas

James

(1803-1850)

Isaac

James

(1797-1880)

Joel

E. James

(1826-1904)

William

G. James

(1832-1908)

Isaac

T. James

(1844-1888)

La Fayette

James

(1864-1942)

Thomas

M. James

(1861-1936)

Andrew

J. James

(1844-1902)

John

W. James

(1843-1914)

William

W. James

(1866-1927)

Elias

W. James

(1836-1917)

William

E. James

(1823-1881)

Thomas

K. James

(1848-1926)

John

C. James

(1856-1939)

David

B. James

(1879-1968)

Braxton

L. James

(1864-1923)

Albert

L. James

(1871-1948)

Joseph

A. James

(1899-1945)

William

E. James

(1878-1933)

Howard

W. James

(1906-1950)

Lester

W. James

(1893-1969)

James

O. James

(1911-2001)

1704 Confirmation of Land in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania to David Meredith

by William Penn’s Land Commissioners in Philadelphia

1718 Indenture for Land in Radnor Township by David Meredith and Rees Prees to David James

Jonas

K. James

(1812-1905)

David

S. James

(1850-1909)

Jesse

James, Sr.

(18921978)

Edward

N. James

(1901-1982)

Alfred

C. James

(1870-1936)

William

A. James

(1860-1923)

Ralph

E. James

(1859-1937)

Edward

L. James

#750520

Brian

R. James

#919098

Wilbur

G. James

#37879

David

B. James

(1908-2004)

Marvin

L. James

(1895-1969)

Glenn

P. James

(1919-1993)

Robert

J. James

(1925-2016)

Lee

A. James

#39245

Warren

K. James

#35874

James

O. James

#80909

Harvey

M. James

(1884-1973)

William

T. James

(1908-1974)

Paul

James

(1927-2001)

Malcolm

W. James

(1928-2017)

Joe

C. James

(1896-1985)

Clarence

B. James

(1896-1955)

Timothy

D. James

#294214

Larry

P. James

#74812

Steven

B. James

#914135

Glenn

P. James

#419418

Joe

M. James

#40303

William

R. James

(1942-)

John

James

#656536

Jonathan

C. James

#108350

William

R. James

(1920-1982)

Truett

C. James

(1925-2011)

Richard

D. James

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 his two 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 movement 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 tales 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!”