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About 8-10 years, I started doing a Christmas workbook to help me on
research trips, so I would not have to carry so many individual files; it
seem like I could never find the right file. In looking over our List
membership, at least 12 members have received copies of past workbooks,
most of the remaining members are not familiar with it. The workbook is a
collection of work shared with me by other researchers and my work; many of
you will be referenced for your past help.
This will be the 5th and probably last update of the workbook. The web page
is a vehicle that allows you to update immediately, whereas the workbook is
outdated as soon as a new piece of information is found. The last workbook
update, July 2, 1997, was a little over 300 pages; this one will probably
be over 700 pages; the size of it is actually getting too big for me to
handle, especially when you type slowly with two fingers.
I do not sale the workbook, I have given them away. The standard "non
financial charged" has been that you share your Christmas family
information with me. On the last update, I had 50 copies originally printed
to give to family, a few fellow researchers, and to libraries, genealogy
groups & state archives; I will have at least 50 copies printed this time.
I try to share everything I find on our Christmas surname with other
researchers, and I would love to be able to give everyone a copy, but due
to size/cost and time, makes it prohibitive. If any of you want a copy sent
to your state archive or genealogy society, drop me a note, by private
email, giving name and address and I will send as many as possible.
One gentleman, that I had given a copy of the July 1997 update, ask if he
could get 20 additional copies for family members. The printer charged me 3
cent a page, $3.00 per copy for binding, NC State sales tax of 6 or 7
percent, plus postage. I told him & a few others my cost, so 25+ extra
copies were made that they paid the printer/postage cost. I have no idea
what the printer will charge me this time, but based on everything else, it
will not be less.
Basically, the web pages comes directly from the workbook, so basically,
except for living persons and copies of some original documents, you
already have a free copy. The other workbooks have, but this one will not
included dates, locations, etc. for living persons, just names. My overall
research goal, and I know some of you share that same goal, is to help
connected as many Christmas families as possible; our List members and web
page information has helped a number of people.
It is my hope to have the update ready for printing around the first of
November. Due to my typing deficiencies, I ask 15 List members to help on
their lines and to send it by the end of September; 14 were nice enough to
agree and many have already sent their update information. They added a lot
of dates, locations, sources, family members and corrected some of my
mistakes; I have thanked each one.
I would like to ask the List members to help me update their lines. I know
everyone is busy, but take a few minutes and visit the web page. Look at
the web information with a critical eye, try to think what new researchers
trying to connect their Christmas line might need; let me know of errors,
any changes you would like and share any new information. I will try to
make the changes and include the new information in the workbook and on the
web page, and reference you as the source. If you cannot find your
information on the web page, send me a message and I will try to help. I
will be compiling the new information during the month of October, so the
earlier you can send me the corrections, suggestions and new information,
the better it will be for me. After I get through typing /compiling the new
information into the computer, it will take me at least a week to get it
imported into MS Word and ready for the printers.
After the workbook update goes to the printers, around the first of
November, I will begin working on updating the web pages with the new
information; hope to have both done before Christmas.
Ginger Christmas-Beattie, a List member, recently offer for sale a book on
Thomas Christmas of Hanover Co., VA; it includes the first 8 generations of
his descendants. I have intentionally not looked at Ginger's book until
this update is ready; did not think it would be fair, as her book is for
sale and she has been very helpful, as most of you have, to me in the past.
Ginger has concentrated her research on Thomas Christmas of Hanover Co.,
VA, and I am looking forward to getting a copy. I think any researcher of
Thomas Christmas would enjoy having a copy of her book and find it
beneficial.
As mentioned earlier, I do not know what the update will cost, but most of
the workbook information will be on the web page and it is free. If anyone
wants a copy, send me a message by private email (WHT-ABT(a)worldnet.att.net)
or if you have any questions.
Also, any ideas, comments as to how to make the List and web page better
will be helpful. I might not agree with you, but I will respect your
opinions and thank you for suggestions.
The address for the Christmas Families Home Page is:
http://members.aol.com/herbnet/christmas/webintro.html
Herbert
Sarah, a fellow list member, sent me this recently; thought it was nice and
you might enjoy.
ABC's of Friendship
A Friend.....
(A)ccepts you as you are
(B)elieves in "you"
(C)alls you just to say "HI"
(D)oesn't give up on you
(E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts)
(F)orgives your mistakes
(G)ives unconditionally
(H)elps you
(I)nvites you over
(J)ust "be" with you
(K)eeps you close at heart
(L)oves you for who you are
(M)akes a difference in your life
(N)ever Judges
(O)ffers support
(P)icks you up
(Q)uiets your fears
(R)aises your spirits
(S)ays nice things about you
(T)ells you the truth when you need to hear it
(U)nderstands you
(V)alues you
(W)alks beside you
(X)-plain things you don't understand
(Y)ells when you won't listen and
(Z)aps you back to reality
Thank you for all the hard work you do and for so much information freely
shared. I appreciate all the time and effort you have devoted to this
project.
Fern Dick
Please welcome Nancy L. as a new member of our Christmas List. Joyce has
worked with Nancy and recommend our list to her. Below is a note Nancy sent
to me about her connection.
Thanks for adding my name to your Christmas family list.
My Christmas family connection is very remote. My husband is a descendant
of John "Jack" JENKINS, son of Jessie JENKINS and Martha. One of Jack's
sisters, Elizabeth Ford JENKINS, married William CHRISTMAS in Rowan Co., NC
They all went to Butler Co., KY and from there descendants settled in Warrick
Co., IN
Wouldn't it be great if we could connect all branches of the CHRISTMAS family?
Most of us have some Christmas families/individuals in our files that we
cannot connect; maybe that is the bit of information that will help someone
else. Have uploaded a new page, that might be helpful in connecting some of
these families, and also included a place for a Query. The new page
includes some information, previously given to the Christmas List and more
will be added.
If you have any unconnected families/people in your files, drop me a note
and I will add them to the page. Also, if you have any questions about a
particular line or research problem, I can add that to the page. Hopefully,
by identifying unconnected people and research problems on a separate page,
we will get some responses.
Following is the address/URL to the new page; it can also be connect from
the main page.
http://members.aol.com/herbnet20/christmas/connect.html
Below is a copy of the new page; unfortunately, the links and email
addresses did not copy to this email message, but each individual is link
to their page for more information, on the web page. Anyway, this will give
you a rough idea of how the page is set up. Please visit the page, and
comment/suggestions for improvement will be helpful and appreciated.
Herbert
Submit a Query.
Need help on these families, that we have not been able to connect to one
of our main Christmas branches:
A Christmas family from Texas: James Kelly Christmas #2373, born 1844 in
Walker, TX, died 1926 in Austin, TX, married Lou Wyatt, Aug. 1, 1865 in
Huntsville, Walker Co., TX. Might be related to the Thomas Christmas &
Rebecca Collier below.
A Christmas family from Tennessee: William Woodson Christmas #2439, born
1842, Grainger (?)Co., TN, died 1917 in Harriman, TN; married Susan A.
Russell or Scarbrough.
Another Christmas family from Texas or maybe TN: William Andrew Christmas
#3682, b. TX or TN, 1852, died 1928, married Sarah Ann Rigney, b. 1860 in
Frentress Co., TN, died 1935; both buried in Strickland Cem., Cordell, OK.
Another TN family; While looking through some files at the LDS site, I
found another James Kelly Christmas, born 1852 in Stewart, TN; father name
was James.
A Christmas family from LA: Thomas Christmas & Rebecca Colyer/Collier. [WHT
comments: I had originally thought this Thomas was a son of John
Christmas & Middleton Myrick, simply because I could not find any info on
their Thomas. However, the info was under my nose and I just did not see
it; see info under messages for Middleton Myrick. A Thomas Christmas & John
Allen receives share of estate of John Christmas; this Thomas Christmas
certainly appears to be the son of John, as John Allen is Middleton's
second husband. John Allen is the administrator for estate of Thomas
Christmas, deceased, Nov. 25, 1799; this appears to be the son of John &
Middleton. I started working on this line in 1990, with Mrs. Grace Hough,
who has since passed away, but frankly, I do not know where this Thomas
connects. I discussed this family with Ginger and she does not have this
family connected. Any help will be appreciated.]
A Christmas family from Canada: William Christmas was born February 03,
1843, and died October 11, 1891. He married Elizabeth McQuaid, daughter of
William McQuaid and Mary O'Neill.
If you have any information on these family, please email the Christmas
Home Page; we need help and will be happy to share information with you.
Return to the Home Page
Herbert,
Because I don't have time to fool around with my scanner (I only know how
to do pictures with it, not words), I'm going to send you some information by
US mail tomorrow relating to South Carolina Soldiers and Indian Traders,
1725-1730. There is a specific reference to:
John Crismas Pallachoucula Fort March 25, 1726 for 2 mos. 5 days
wages. Also, some background information on Pallachoucula Fort and the
Southern Frontier 1670-1732 that mentions some names and places that are
associated with our Christmas names.
I also have some opinion/theories/info on the references to Jonathan
Christmas being a witness to land sales in Chowan Dist., NC.
Perhaps you will "see the light" and these tiny bits will fall more
quickly into place. It hasn't for me, thus far, but here's hoping!
Personally, I think these Christmases are more complicated than what we've
laid out for them so far. I think the problem is more than our missing some
information. I think that somehow what we've already pieced together is not
quite right_I don't know what it is, but it's not quite right.
At any rate, we won't give up _it will be there,
right on the next page_
somewhere.......
Marlene
For a number of years, I have enjoyed doing family research and helping
people connect to their Christmas line; this is a fun hobby. Last year,
another list member and I were able to connect a lady to a half brother &
sister and other Christmas family members, she had never met. We both
agreed, if we never found another thing regarding our lines, connecting
those family members was worth all our efforts.
That does not mean, I have stop trying to find family connections for
others and myself. I need help on several "brick walls" regarding my
Christmas line.
The first is trying to determine where the SC Jonathan Christmas came from.
Secondly, the children of a Jonathan Christmas and Hester Morton, and their
descendants, which might connect my line. Below is a partial time line for
one or several Jonathans; need help in making the connections, if any.
In 1719-1720 a Jonathan Christmas is a witness to land transactions in the
Chowan Dist., N.C.
1725/26 Bath Co. N.C. Inventory of Thomas Boyd mentions Jonathan Christmas.
[I have not seen this document.]
In 1727, a Jonathan Christmas was involved in a court case in Albemarbe
Co., NC; he was referred to as a "cooper," maker of barrels.
In 1731, a Jonathan Christmas has a 150 acre land grant in Craven Co., SC;
this indicates 3 people; could be a wife and child, etc.
In 1733, a Jonathan Christmas of Craven County, is described as a "cooper"
regarding a mortgage bond.
1733-1738, a few mentions of a Jonathan Christmas regarding land grants;
witness or grants adjoining his property.
In 1741, a Jonathan Christmas marries Hester Morton; recorded in The
Register Book For The Parish Prince Frederick Winyaw.
In 1743 or 44, birth of their son John is recorded.
In 1751, Jonathan Christmas has a wife and 3 children and applies for a
land grant on the property he has settled on; he was so poor, he had to
borrow funds from Mr. Roger Gibson, so he could travel to apply for the
land grant. In his application, he states he has never received a land
grant. [The reords for land grants were very good, we could be talking
about another Jonathan.]
In Feb. 1753, the land grant for 250 acres is approved.
Abt. Oct. 1753, their daughter Margaret is born; recorded in The Register
Book For The Parish Prince Frederick Winyaw.
In 1755, Jonathan Christmas is a witness to a deed; this is the last
information I have found on Jonathan.
The above shows the names of two of Jonathan & Hester's children, John and
Margaret; have no other information on Margaret.
In 1767, John Christmas receives a 100 acre land grant, indicating a
possible wife. In 1772, John receives another 100 land grant, indicating
two children - later information shows family.
On Aug. 11, 1774, a William Christmas and a Samuel Christmas receive 100
acre land grants; Samuel's grant adjoins John's grant. I assume these are
the other two children mention in Jonathan's 1751 land grant application.
I have tried to summarize the time line; for more information, please
visit: http://members.aol.com/herbnet/christmas/timechart.html
John Christmas left a 1810 will in the Sumter Dist. mentioning 5 sons and a
wife; a lot of the SC Christmas families descend from John. The second
"big" problem I have is, lack of information on the other 3 children:
William, Samuel & Margaret. William & Samuel are listed in the 1790 SC,
Camden Dist., Claremont Co. Census.
The only reference to a possible descendant of William & Samuel, is 1793
deed from Robert & Rosa Laws to Samuel Christmas, minor; this was witness
by John Christmas & his son, Arron.
My line is out of Marion Dist./Co., SC. It starts with a George W.
Christmas; based on census date, it appears he was born around 1775 in SC;
the earliest reference I have found for George is 1821 in Marion; both he
and son, Nathan are listed in the 1830 & 1840 census. George is in the age
bracket to be a son of William or Samuel. I think George descends from one
of these men, but have found nothing on them after their 1774 land grants
and 1790 census.
Since I have not found any connection, I have been working on all Christmas
lines, with hope that somewhere, there will be a small bit of proof. Any
information will be appreciate and it might be very helpful. Thanks.
Herbert
Sorry cousins! I meant to reply to Gayle Kent's e-mail about Martha
Christmas Richardson to her only. I didn't realize it was going to the
list. I will pay better attention next time!
Teresa McMillan
tmcmillanb(a)worldnet.att.net
Teresa McMillan,
I can't speak for everyone but I enjoy those little notes occationally. It
helps me keep focused on the fact that we are all cousins and the joy of
new found information is so exciting.
For those of you who have been following my new finds I have located a
cousin that I haven't heard from in 20 years we are meeting this Saturday.
This has been such a family-finding summer for me and I need to keeep you
informed as well. I have found an Aunt Florence that my sind of the family
did not know, an Aunt Georgia May that I haven"t seen since I was 4, 5 new
cousins and the widow of an Uncle John Robert, My cousins Terry and Lou
that I haven't seen since the 70's. I located a brother in Washington and
we still haven't taken vacation. We will be in California in October and a
new cousin from Louisaiana will be here in November. As a researcher for
over 25 years this is a great YEAR.
I hope the summer has been fun for all.
Ginger
Teresa & Brian McMillan wrote:
> Sorry cousins! I meant to reply to Gayle Kent's e-mail about Martha
> Christmas Richardson to her only. I didn't realize it was going to the
> list. I will pay better attention next time!
>
> Teresa McMillan
> tmcmillanb(a)worldnet.att.net
Oh my gosh! Gayle! What a find!!!!
My stepson is here visiting this week so I've been busy & having fun with
him. About 2 hours after his flight departs Atlanta (about 3 hours to the
east of us), we pick up Brian's best pal from his childhood in Scotland &
his wife. On Monday we leave on a 3-week, 8 state vacation with them in our
RV. Highlights will be Orlando area (Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center & Kennedy
Space Center), a day in Destin Florida at the white sand Gulf beach, a few
days in New Orleans, accompanying Brian on a business trip which will take
us to the San Francisco California area and Minneapolis, and ending our trip
with a few days of rest & relaxation in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
I'm SO excited & extremely busy at the moment.
Once again, WAY TO GO!!!!
Teresa McMillan
tmcmillanb(a)worldnet.att.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Gayle E. Kent <forstar(a)primenet.com>
To: CHRISTMAS-L(a)rootsweb.com <CHRISTMAS-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Date: Thursday, September 09, 1999 8:04 PM
Subject: [CHRISTMAS] Voile'
>Eureka! Whatever. Way to go Teresa! Received reply in today's mail from
>KS dept of Vital Stats to request for death cert for Martha Christmas
>Richardson. Received the following death certificate:
>
> Martha Richardson, widow, deceased Sept 15, 1914, in Medicine
>Lodge, Barber Co, KS from arteriosclerosis/"appoplexy".
> DOB: April 16, 1836 Age: 78 yrs, 4 mos, 30 days
> Birthplace: KY Informant: A. Richardson
> Father: Harrison G. Christmas Birthplace: KY
> Mother: "Don't Know" "Don't Know"
> Place of Burial or Removal: Medicine Lodge
>
>One more piece of the puzzle locked in place because Teresa kept digging
>& found Martha living in KS in 1910 with Amos. This makes it pretty
>definite that it wasn't "Mrs." Marion Richardson (at least our Martha
>Christmas Richardson) named in Teresa's newspaper clippings for March 5,
>1907. It looks like Teresa is right & the two different newspapers had
>the gender wrong in their obits. (Or could it be wife of our Wm. Marion
>Richardson's cousin who is also floating around in the area in the same
>time period??)
>
>Sorry to have been so inactive on the list lately but...lot going on.
>Extremely preemie grandson went home last night after 3 mos plus abt a
>week in neo-natal intensive care unit. Started at 1 lb, 5 1/2 ozs. Went
>home at right at 5 lbs. Hopefully, will start having a little more time
>for my genealogy next month. Good Hunting! Gayle Kent (Think I noticed
>in scanning my Christmas list emails there is another Gayle on the list
>now & the name is even spelled the same!)
>
>
Does anyone have a copy of the obituary for Carlie Christmas b June 15, 1889 d Oct 12, 1968, buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery--Logan Co KY Funeral Home records list John Christmas as his father and Mary Christmas as his mother. (My question is--which John and Mary Christmas were his parents?) Carlie m Maggie Harrison and they had a son, Carl Thomas Christmas b Oct 5, 1929 d Jan 4, 1988. Carlie Christmas' obituary (d Oct 12, 1968) might list siblings, which would help determine which John/Mary Christmas were his parents. Does anyone have any clues as to who Carlie's parents were?
Donna Christmas Sutton
Greenfield, IN
Eureka! Whatever. Way to go Teresa! Received reply in today's mail from
KS dept of Vital Stats to request for death cert for Martha Christmas
Richardson. Received the following death certificate:
Martha Richardson, widow, deceased Sept 15, 1914, in Medicine
Lodge, Barber Co, KS from arteriosclerosis/"appoplexy".
DOB: April 16, 1836 Age: 78 yrs, 4 mos, 30 days
Birthplace: KY Informant: A. Richardson
Father: Harrison G. Christmas Birthplace: KY
Mother: "Don't Know" "Don't Know"
Place of Burial or Removal: Medicine Lodge
One more piece of the puzzle locked in place because Teresa kept digging
& found Martha living in KS in 1910 with Amos. This makes it pretty
definite that it wasn't "Mrs." Marion Richardson (at least our Martha
Christmas Richardson) named in Teresa's newspaper clippings for March 5,
1907. It looks like Teresa is right & the two different newspapers had
the gender wrong in their obits. (Or could it be wife of our Wm. Marion
Richardson's cousin who is also floating around in the area in the same
time period??)
Sorry to have been so inactive on the list lately but...lot going on.
Extremely preemie grandson went home last night after 3 mos plus abt a
week in neo-natal intensive care unit. Started at 1 lb, 5 1/2 ozs. Went
home at right at 5 lbs. Hopefully, will start having a little more time
for my genealogy next month. Good Hunting! Gayle Kent (Think I noticed
in scanning my Christmas list emails there is another Gayle on the list
now & the name is even spelled the same!)
Please welcome Donald as a new list member; part of Donald's line is as
follows: Issac Thomas Christmas & Mary Jane Foster - Thomas Christmas &
Sarah Miller - William Christmas & Elizabeth Ford Jenkins (Jinkins).
Web address for this line is:
http://members.aol.com/herbnet20/christmas/tc452.html
Herbert
I had to get a new computer. My E-mail address will change. If you
don't hear from me in a few days, its probably because we're "having
problems!!"
Donna Christmas Sutton
Greenfield, IN
<Prodigy Distribution List>
TO: PMFM79C
TO: DYYM05B
TO: GQDU38A
I received information back today about the registration cards from NARA.
They are $10.00 when you order them by mail. On large cities you also have
to have a street address for the individual.(since I ordered six of these was
a shock)
It says the correct price started going out on August 26. It does state also
that if a record is not found there is no charge.
It says for info regarding their holdings and service their home page
is:http//www.nara.gov/regional/atlanta.html
Sherry