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Supreme Service

June 5, 2013 1 Comment

Sandra Day O’Connor is my hero.  After her long and distinguished career as TFWOTSS ( the first woman on the Supreme Court) she is now teaching and organizing civics lessons for the nation.  Her recognition of the need for this as well as her personal style of presentation make icivics the coolest thing ever.   She is now using all her skills to heal the ignorance of our youth.  She is one smart retired cowgirl.  If light overcomes darkness and wisdom overcomes deceit, Sandra Day is one of the greatest truly public of public servants our country has ever known.  I hope she will have the pleasure of knowing that her teaching has planted healthy seeds in some students’ minds.

James Taylor, England to Carolina

June 4, 2013 5 Comments

grave James and Mary Taylor

grave James and Mary Taylor

My 7th great grandfather sailed to America when he was 27 years old, to start a new life in the new world.  Two different James Taylors on the early Virginia scene make research a bit tricky:

The James Taylor known in history as James Taylor 1st, may be the son of immigrant John Taylor and nephew of the above Dr. James Taylor. He was b in England 1635 and was transported to America under the Headright System by John Rosier of Northumberland Co., Va., 7 Feb 1650. He was well educated, an able lawyer, surveyor, vestryman of the church, and a member of the ‘40’s,’ a group of trustworthy men chosen to defend the Colony against Indians. Each man was levied a tax in arms and provisions. The record of this assignment is in the Parish Register of Northumberland County, Virginia, 1676, listed by Melnor Ljungstead in early court records and notes.

“James Taylor I was a large landowner and he was a prominent citizen in the colony. He was a lawyer and public official and served as a member of the House of Burgesses. He was sheriff of New Kent County in 1690 and vestryman of Saint George’s Parish. He was married, first, about 1666 in Virginia to Frances Walker who died September 23, 1680. He moved to Orange County, Virginia, and belonged to Saint Stephen’s Parish in New Kent County and also in King and Queen County…

“James Taylor I was married, second, to Mary Gregory August 12, 1682. She was born about 1665 and died about 1747. She was a sister of John Gregory, Jr., and they were from Essex County, Virginia. Her father was John Gregory and her mother was Elizabeth Bishop of Sittenbourne Parish, Rappahannock County, Virginia…”

James Taylor of New Kent County 10/21/1687 744 acres Rappahanock County Virginia Land Patents Book 7 page 625 South side of the Rappahanock River, 480 acres granted to Mr. Henry Abery, who sold to Mr. Robert Bishopp, who bequeathed to John Gregory, who gave to his sister Mary, now wife of said James Taylor; said land in danger of being lost was petitioned for by said Taylor the 1st day of the last Genrll. Court -04/15/1687 & granted by the Gov’r; beg. by the Indian Path alias Mr. Abrey’s path, to fork of Gregory’s Creek, on Richard Gregory’s lyne, in sight of John Gatewood’s plantation, to the Rowleing Roade. 246 acres for the transport of 5 persons: James Taylor, Hanna Martin, Robert Jones, Ursula Collis, Hanna Collier.

Mr. James Taylor and John Neal of New Kent County 10/20/1689 209 acres New Kent County Virginia Land Patents Book 8 page 16 in St Stephen’s Parish, on North side of Mattapony (Mattaponi) River, beg. below James Taylor’s plantation, along John Neel’s line, to Col. Thomas Walker, on Robert Jones, To Thomas White’s. Importation of 5 persons: Tho. Grimstone, Hugh Jones, Tho. Allen, Tho. Davis, Anne Brooking.

The Virginia Heraldica Being a “Registry of Virginia Gentry Entitled To Coat Armor” edited by Wm Armstrong Crozier; 2nd addition; Southern Book Co., Baltimore 1953, List James Taylor in Vol 7 on pg 108.

Crest: A naked arm couped at the shoulder embowed, holding an arrow ppr. Motto: Consequitur quodcunque petit. “Strikes what he aims at or he gains what he seeks.”

James Taylor, ancestor of the Caroline County family of that name, is said to have come from the vicinity of Carlisle, England. He was in VA before 1650 and took out patents of land on the Mattaponi River.

An old ring handed down in the family is said to have once been his property, and it bears engraved upon it the above crest which is that of the Taylors of Pennington Castle.

Taylor Caroline county Crest: A naked arm couped at the shoulder embowed, holding an arrow ppr. Motto: Consequitur quodcunque petit. James Taylor, ancestor of the Caroline county family of that name, is said to have come from the vicinity of Carlisle, England. He was in Virginia before 1650 and took out patents of land on the Mattaponi River. By his first wife, Frances, he had Jane, born 27 Dec., 1668; James, born 1674; Sarah, born 1676. His first wife died in 1680, and in 1682 he married Mary, sister of John Gregory, by whom he had the following children: John and Anne, twins, born 1685, John died young; Mary, born 1688; Edmund, born 1690; John, born 1693, died young; Elizabeth, born 1694, died young; John, born 1696. James Taylor died about 1698 at an advanced age. An old ring handed down in the family is said to have once been his property, and it bears engraved upon it the above crest which is that of the Taylors of Pennington Castle. The descendants of James Taylor have been exceedingly prominent in the history of the State, one of them–Zachary, becoming President.

Frances Bell Evans, a Gr Gdau of James Taylor has in her possession a Seal Ring, which bears the Taylor Arms, which he wore, and with the ring the legend has been handed down which is said to have added the fourth Boars’ Head to the Arms. It relates that when the Chase was at it’s height, a wild boar, hard driven, turned upon the Royal Huntsman, whereat there sprang to his defence one of the attending Knights, who interposing, thrust the animal through with his lance. The King, in gratitude, told him to prefer any request whatsoever and that it should be granted. From this time the “Crest” and Distinguishing Mark of this Knight and his descendants was the uplifted Arm with Lance in Hand, accompanied by the Motto:

“Consequitor quadcumque Petit” (He Strikes what He Aims at or He Gains What He Seeks).

The descendants of James Taylor have been prominent in the history of the State, one of them — Zachary, becoming President. A common ancestor with Pres. Lincoln. “Old Taylor” liquor was created by a KY relative.

“There are two recorded dates of the death of James Taylor, one April 30, 1698, and another September 10, 1698. He died in King and Queen County, Virginia, Saint Stephen’s Parish. King and Queen County was formed from New Kent County in 1691.

“James Taylor held many land patents. In 1671 he owned 1,650 acres of land along the Mattaponi River. Between 1687 and 1695 he purchased more land along the Mattaponi so that his total acreage was 13,925. In 1693 he deeded to trustees of South Farnham Parish two acres and fifty perches of land on the south side of Hoskins Creek for a church. He held a patent for 950 acres of land in Kent County, Virginia, where he built his home and named it Hare Forest, named for the Earls of Pennington Castle in England where Taylor ancestors are buried. By division of county lines his home was in Orange County, Virginia, where his children were born. This home is now located in Caroline County, Virginia, about eight miles from Bowling Green, Virginia. He died 30 April 1698, and is buried in King William County, Virginia, which was a part of his estate. (Comment: Note that some of the above information seems to be referring to Dr. James Taylor, the uncle of our James. Researchers beware!- his uncle may have built Hare Forest).

“On 6 June 1933 a memorial tablet to James Taylor 1st was unveiled at King and Queen County courthouse in Virginia. Dr. Rupert Taylor, Senator Henry Taylor Wickham and Admiral Hugh Redman of the U.S. Navy addressed the gathering. Following is some information taken from excerpts of their speeches: New Kent County was formed in 1654. King and Queen was formed from New Kent 1691. Essex was formed in 1692, King William 1701 and Caroline in 1727.

“In 1690 as Sub-Sheriff of New Kent, County, Virginia, James Taylor served summons on those connected with Jacobite disturbances. He was Attorney of several cases in Essex County. He was also connected with trying to stop the lawless organization known as ‘Plant Cutters,’ who destroyed and burned tobacco plants and beds at night in an effort to control the price of tobacco.

In 1683 Gov. Henry Chicheley called out the militia, arrested and punished the offenders. However, Lord Culpepper who represented England’s interests, didn’t agree with the decision. Consequently many were indicted and ‘hanged by the neck until they were dead.’

The Tablet is inscribed as follows:

“James Taylor of England emigrant lawyer, public officer, lived in St. Stephen parish, King and Queen County, Virginia, died April 30, 1698, first wife, Frances Walker, born 1640, died April 22 or Sept 22, 1680, she was the daughter of Thomas Walker and niece of Edward Walker of Virginia. James’s second wife, Mary Gregory, daughter of John Gregory the son of Roger Gregory who first married Mildred Washington, aunt of General/President George Washington. Mary was from Essex County, married August 12, 1682, from him were descended , President James Madison, President Zachary Taylor, Colonel James Taylor (Knighe of the Horse Shoe), Judge Edmond Pendleton, John Penn signer of the Declaration of Independence, John Taylor of Carolina, General James Taylor of Kentucky, Admiral David Taylor, Admiral Hugh Rodman, Admiral Robert M. Berry, and other distinguished churchmen, soilders, sailors and officials, in each generation who assisted in the formation and perpetuation of the colonies and this nation”.

“This tablet given by Jaquelin P. Taylor, seventh in descent, June 1933.” A short biography of James Taylor, filled with the errors alluded to above, is contained in Carte’s The Forebearers and Descendants of William Taylor and Mahala Cromwell:

“The Forebearers & Desc of Wlm Taylor & Mahala Cromwell” by Carrie Carte 1980 LDS 929.273T219c “Americans of Gentle Birth & Their Ancestors” LDS 973D2pa “Historical Southern Families” by Boddie LDS 975D2B Vol 4 & 5 Note:James Taylor age 28 is listed as a px on the Truelove of London to Bermuda in 1635 (from “The Original Lists of Persons of Quality 1600-1700 by John Hotlen 1931) See the 1st listed doc above for info on the Taylor home & cemetery James Taylor was a lineal desc of the Earls of Pennington & emigrated in 1635.

[Comment: Note that some of the above information, especially the dates, seems to be referring to Dr. James Taylor, the uncle? of our James. Researchers beware!]

In Family Puzzlers, Feb 3, 1977, No. 485: The Taylors of Orange trace their ancestry back to James Taylor of Carlisle, ENG. The time of his emigration to VA is not actually known. He settled on Chesapeake between North and York Rivers, and died in 1698.

Jamestown VA – 1624 MARTINS HUNDRED VA T460 ? TAYLOR 1624 JAMES CITY CO. VA T460 TAYLOR, Fortune

Moss, Mary m. 19 Aug., 1724, John Taylor. St. Paul’s Parish Register.

Submitted by Sara Beth Swope, a descendant of Mary & Samuel J. Dunn. 8/97; EMail: sbswope@netten.net

In 1987 she found the old Lewis-Taylor Cemetery now Crowder Cemetery, near Whiteville, Hardeman Co. TN. She mailed me Bible records, wills, charts, other researchers notes; a great deal of data on the Joseph Taylor and Mary Ann Taylor families who migrated to Hardeman Co. TN. See list below.

History of Fayette Co. TN. 1986; Family Puzzler 2-3-77 No. 485; Mary Ann Blackwell Bible records; R. B. Shore Bible Records; 1985 Taylor Descent; Shore chart & Shore Descent; Crowder Cemetery Picture; Rev Thomas Taylor memoirs; Joseph Taylor’s will and 1985 letter; Ancestory of Elizabeth Willis Goode by Carol J. McCraw and Col. Joseph Taylor record.

Other sources where info on James Taylor can be found are listed below some with conflicting info. One Thousand Years of Hubbard History Genealogy of the Cloyd Basye and Tapp Families Beverly’s History of VA St. Mark’s p. 74; Genealogical and Historical Notes on Culpeper, VA Register of Maryland’s Heraldic Families Vol 1 The Lewis Family of the Seventeenth Century

“Of Carlisle, ENG; much of the descent and vital statistics from NGS Quarterly Vol XVIII, Jun 1930, No 2. Located in VA between the York and North Rivers. 1693 DEED: King and Queen Co, VA, DB 8-268. Capt. Joshua Story, James Taylor, and Jonathan Fisher 9,150 acres. 1694 DEED: King and Queen Co, VA, DB 8-317. James Taylor 134 acres. 1695 DEED: King and Queen Co, VA, DB 8-414. James taylor 500 acres.

According to this researcher: Name is James Cary Taylor Birth: 1615 in Earl Hare,Carlisle,England 1 Death: 12 Sep 1698 in King And Queen,Virginia Father: Thomas Taylor b. 15 Mar 1574 in Hadley,Middlesex,London,England Mother: Margaret Swinderby b. 1578 in Copenhagen,Denmark Burial: Bowling Green,Caroline County,Virginia Mary Bishop Gregory (Wife) b. 1665 in Essex,Caroline County,Virginia Marriage: 12 AUG 1682 Children: Elizabeth Taylor b. 1684 Ann Taylor b. 1684 Mary Taylor b. 1686 Mary Bishop Taylor b. 2 Jun 1688 in Caroline County,Virginia John Powell Taylor b. 18 Nov 1696 in Caroline County,Virginia

Frances Walker (Wife) b. 1640 in Accomoac. Accomack County,Virginia Marriage: 1666 in New Kent County,Virginia Children: James Taylor b. 1668 James Taylor b. 14 Mar 1675 in King And Queen,Virginia Jane Taylor b. 1674 Sarah Taylor b. 1676

James Taylor held many land patents. In 1671 he owned 1,650 acres of land along the Mattaponi River. Between 1687 and 1695 he purchased more land along the Mattaponi so that his total acreage was 13,925. In 1693 he deeded to trustees of South Farnham Parish two acres and fifty perches of land on the south side of Hoskins Creek for a church. He held a patent for 950 acres of land in Kent County, Virginia, where he built his home and named it Hare Forest, named for the Earls of Pennington Castle in England where Taylor ancestors are buried. By division of county lines his home was in Orange County, Virginia, where his children were born. This home is now located in Caroline County, Virginia, about eight miles from Bowling Green,Virginia. He died 30 April 1698, and is buried in King William County, Virginia, which was a part of his estate. (Comment: Note that some of the above information seems to be referring to Dr. James Taylor, the uncle of our James. Researchers beware!- his uncle may have built Hare Forest).

James Taylor (1608 – 1698)
is my 7th great grandfather
John Taylor (1685 – 1776)
son of James Taylor
John Taylor (1727 – 1787)
son of John Taylor
John Taylor (1747 – 1781)
son of John Taylor
John Nimrod Taylor (1770 – 1816)
son of John Taylor
John Samuel Taylor (1798 – 1873)
son of John Nimrod Taylor
William Ellison Taylor (1839 – 1918)
son of John Samuel Taylor
George Harvey Taylor (1884 – 1941)
son of William Ellison Taylor
Ruby Lee Taylor (1922 – 2008)
daughter of George Harvey Taylor
Pamela Morse
I am the daughter of Ruby Lee Taylor

Randall Holt, 10th Great-Grandfather

May 31, 2013 5 Comments

Seal of Jamestown

Seal of Jamestown

Randall Holt was born in Cheshire, England.  His son John killed himself in Virginia, which made a big fat mess.  Queen Anne stepped in to save his land for his family.
RANDALL HOLT (1607 – 1650)
is my 10th great grandfather
Randolph Holt (1638 – 1679)
son of RANDALL HOLT
John Holt (1664 – 1705)
son of Randolph Holt
David Holt (1685 – 1749)
son of John Holt
Sarah Holt (1740 – 1792)
daughter of David Holt
James Truly (1755 – 1816)
son of Sarah Holt
Elizabeth Betsy Truly Payne Darden (1782 – 1851)
daughter of James Truly
Minerva Truly Darden (1806 – )
daughter of Elizabeth Betsy Truly Payne Darden
Sarah E Hughes (1829 – 1911)
daughter of Minerva Truly Darden
Lucinda Jane Armer (1847 – 1939)
daughter of Sarah E Hughes
George Harvey Taylor (1884 – 1941)
son of Lucinda Jane Armer
Ruby Lee Taylor (1922 – 2008)
daughter of George Harvey Taylor
Pamela Morse
I am the daughter of Ruby Lee Taylor

Randall Holt probably came to the Jamestown Colony in 1621 onboard the ship George as a young teen as a servant to Dr. John Potts.

Randall Holt was born about 1607 in Prestbury, England, the son of Randall/Randolph and Elizabeth (Pott) Holt, who were wed in the Prestbury church. Randall was probably a nephew of Dr. Pott(s), the Virginia Colony physician who later became governor.

Several Holt family christenings, weddings and burials have taken place at St. Peter’s Church in Prestbury. It is about 700 years old. Nearby in the churchyard there is an even older Norman chapel.

The Randall Holt FamilyRandall Holt’s is the first mention of the Holt family found in the American colonies. The court ordered that upon release from his indenture he was to be given “one suit apparel from head to foot and three barrels of corn.”

Read more at Suite101: Line of Descent from Randall Holt of Virginia: Grandson’s Suicide Prompted the Queen’s Intervention http://www.suite101.com/content/line-of-descent-from-randall-holt-of-virginia-a181274#ixzz0xlAZ8icn

Randall was released from his indenture in 1625 and in 1628 he married Mary Bailey, who also may have been from Prestbury. It was a fortunate match. She was the sole heir of John Bailey of Hog Island, one of the richest men in the Virginia Colony.

The Bailey Family LegacyThe Council of Jamestown had appointed Robert Evers as Mary’s guardian at her father’s death and ordered that 490 Hog Island acres be deeded to her. Randall and Mary settled on this island in the James River. He added 400 acres to his wife’s property in 1636 and another 400 acres in 1639.

In 1650, Randall Holt Jr. obtained a grant for 1022 Hog Island acres as “son and lawful heir”. He received a major’s commission in the British Colonial forces and was a member of the governing House of Burgesses. In 1668, Randall Holt Jr. was appointed Justice for Surry County. In 1679, the year he died, he was granted a patent for 1,450 acres on Hog Island.

Queen Intervenes to Help Holt DescendantsJohn Holt inherited all the lands his father, Randall Jr., had owned, was listed in the 1687 Cavalry of Surry County, and was granted the right to operate the ferry between Hog Island and the mainland. By 1704, the Holt family owned 2,768 acres in Surry County. Of this, 1,450 acres were controlled by Elizabeth, the widow of Randall Holt Jr. The remainder was owned by the sons of Randall and Elizabeth.

Read on

  • Line of Descent from John Chew of Virginia
  • Line of Descent from John Fisher of Virginia
  • U. S. Lineage Societies for Men and Women

John Holt committed suicide in 1707. Because suicide was unlawful, his land reverted to the crown. Son David had received a substantial land grant from his grandfather, David Crafford. The other sons—John Jr., Charles, Benjamin and Joseph—attended a court hearing on the matter. The court deposition read that the coroner’s jury found that his estate was forfeited. However, Gov. Edward Nott, representing the Crown, made the finding that “his five surviving children are fit objects of our mercy and compassion” and said Queen Anne had commanded the restoration of their father’s estate to them.

Read more at Suite101: Line of Descent from Randall Holt of Virginia: Grandson’s Suicide Prompted the Queen’s Intervention http://www.suite101.com/content/line-of-descent-from-randall-holt-of-virginia-a181274#ixzz0xlAgYO00

Descendants of Randall Holt are eligible for membership in the Jamestowne Society.

Boundaries for the Victim

May 29, 2013


All of us have the victim archetype in our personalities. We may not see it, but we all have suffered and caused others to suffer. What the victim archetype teaches us in life is how to draw boundaries.  While we can’t go through life without any suffering, we can recognize the causes and address them.  Yoga is a complex system that offers a path to enlightenment and soulful living.  Physical practice of asanas and breathing is a powerful and effective way to begin to draw the appropriate borders and rules for yourself and others in your life who may take advantage of you.  The above explanation and remedy are simple to understand and practice.  Bend over backwards to find your own limits and expand on what you have now.

Christopher Lynn Foster, 13th Great Grandfather

May 25, 2013 6 Comments

Forster Coat of Arms

Forster Coat of Arms

My 13 Great Grandfather was born in England and died in Long Island. He came to America at the age of about 35.  He was a founder of the town of Lynn,MA before moving to New York.

Christopher Foster — He came from England in the “Abigail”, in 1635, age 32, with his wife Frances, age 25, and children Rebecca, Nathaniel, and John.  The “Abigail” embarked from London, June 4, 1635 and arrived in Boston about Oct. 8, 1635 with small pox aboard. He was made Freeman in Boston, April 17, 1637.  In the same year, he was a resident of Lynn, MA, where in 1638, sixty acres of land were alloted to him. He came to Southampton in 1651. He had a previous spouse name unknown who died in 1628.  Sally’ s Family Place-Wheeler  Christopher Foster was born in July 1603 (Ewell, Surrey, England);  He married there 24 Dec 1628 Frances Stevens, born 1 July 1610 daughter of Alice Stevens (will 1645) of Ewell in Surrey, England.  Chrostopher Foster styled himself a husbandman on his shipping, embarked in London, June 17, 1635 in the “Abigail.”  “In the Abigail from the minister of their conformitie and from the Justices, that they are no susidy men.  Christopher foster ae 32, Bxofr ffrancis ffoster ae 25, Rabecca ffoster ae 5, Nathaniel ffoster ae 2, Jo, ffoster ae1, Alice Steevens 11, Tho Steevens 12. New pp.  C. E. Banks in the book Planter of the Commonwealth, “which traces 2,646 emigrants to America for whom there is a clear record says that Christoper Fostrer was a “husbandman (farmer) of Ewell, County Surrey,” and that Alice Stevens was “probably sister of Mrs. Foster.”  He adds the following about the “Abigail” on which others of the passengers were John Winthrop Jr. age 27 and his wife Elizabeth and son Deane.  “Abigail of London, Richard Hackwell, Master.  She listed passengers fo New England from June 4 until July 24, and sailed from Plymouth as her last port of departure about Aug 1, with two hundred and twenty persons aboard, and many cattle.  She arrived in Boston about Oct. 8, 1635, infected with smallpox.  among those coming in this ship, but not listed, were Sir Henry Vane, son and heir to Sir Henry Vane, Comptroller of the King’s Household, traveling incognite, the Revernd Hugh Peter, pastor of the English Church at Rotterdam, and the Reverend John Wilson, who was returning to Boston, with his wife, hr first appearance in New England.  They were part of the Puritan migration and Hugh Peters, later Cromwell’s chaplain, was on the same ship and helped form the church congregation to which Christopher belonged.  Some of the passengers with Christopher Foster are also connected to Sir Thomas Foster.  Sir Henry Vane’s son who is the Comptroller of the King’s Household is connected to Sir Thomas Foster household because of the Comtroller for King Henry VIII is entombed next to Sir Thomas Foster.  This is amking a clear connection to the royal family especially with Governor Winthrop’s son aboard also and Christopher Foster with them.  Further Info on Christopher: He was made a freeman at Boston (or Lynn) April 17 1637.  In the same year he was a resident of Lynn where in 1638 sixty acres were allotted to him.  At one time, the Fosters lived in Nahant St., Lynn.  In 1647, he went to Hempstead, and then to Southampton in 1650, both in New York.  In October of 1650, we find him as a townsman or selectman to manage the affairs of the town, being one of the 41 propietors.  He mny have been part of the originlal Lynn group that setled Southampton LI; Christopher first appears in records of Southampton in 1651 and he was living there in 1670.   His son Nathaniel removed to Hungington LI and their resided.  Christopher Foster died 1687; he resided Lynn, MA. and Southamptoin LI (Long Island, NY).

Christopher Lynn Foster (1603 – 1687)
is my 13th great grandfather
John Christopher Foster (1634 – 1687)
son of Christopher Lynn Foster
Rachel Foster (1675 – 1751)
daughter of John Christopher Foster
Abraham Sr Reeves (1699 – 1761)
son of Rachel Foster
Hannah Reeves (1720 – 1769)
daughter of Abraham Sr Reeves
John McGilliard Jr (1759 – 1832)
son of Hannah Reeves
John McGilliard III (1788 – 1878)
son of John McGilliard Jr
Mary McGill (1804 – 1898)
daughter of John McGilliard III
John Wright (1800 – 1870)
son of Mary McGill
Mary Wright (1814 – 1873)
daughter of John Wright
Emiline P Nicholls (1837 – )
daughter of Mary Wright
Harriet Peterson (1856 – 1933)
daughter of Emiline P Nicholls
Sarah Helena Byrne (1878 – 1962)
daughter of Harriet Peterson
Olga Fern Scott (1897 – 1968)
daughter of Sarah Helena Byrne
Richard Arden Morse (1920 – 2004)
son of Olga Fern Scott
Pamela Morse
I am the daughter of Richard Arden Morse

He first came to Boston, where he was a Freemen on 17 April 1637. In 1638, he moved to Lynn, Massachusetts. In 1647, he went to Hempstead, and then to Southampton in 1650, both in New York. In October of 1650, we find him as a townsmen or selectmen to manage the affairs of the town, being one of the 41 proprietors.

HISTORY: Christopher Lynn Foster is the son of Sir Knight Thomas Foster (FORSTER). He (Thomas)changed his name because he married a close cousin named Susanna FORSTER. They had the same Great Great Great Grandfather. This family tree goes back to Sir Knight John Forster and Sir Knight Richard Foster. Sir John rode with King Richard I the Lion Heart to Palestine in the late 1100’s. This family was given the Bamburg Castle by Queen Elizabeth I. The family went bankrupt in the 1700 or 1800 hundreds and sold the castle the the Armstrong family of Adderstone, Northumberland, England which is where the castle is located. The FORSTER FAMILY came to England in the 1000 AD time frame to escape the Saxon invasion into Flanders. The Forster family changed from FORESTER (THE FAMILY were the Counts of Flanders) and evolved from the de FORRESTER of Belgium. The de FORRESTER FAMILY was by record the Prince of Dijon, Belgium in 740 AD. The Counts of Flanders (Anacher Great FORESTER, BALWIN I through the V, Arnulf Forester had marriages to Princess of England, Princess of France, Princess of Luxemboroug, etc. One of the Baldwin’s daughters married William the Conquer. Her name was Matilda. (Info received from Leroy Foster Nov 2002)

Jane Sotheron, 11th Great Grandmother

May 23, 2013 3 Comments

Yorkshire flag

Yorkshire flag

Jane Sotheron was born in England into a wealthy family.  She died in Rowley, Massachusetts. Her husband, Thomas Crosby, was a wealthy man as well:

Tradition says that Thomas CROSBY came over in company with the Rev. Ezekiel ROGERS in 1638. That he was a man of wealth for those days is shown by his advancing a considerable sum of money for the first printing press brought and set up in America.

He spent his last years in the home of his grandson Dr. Anthony CROSBY, of Rowley, and d. there 6th May, 1661.

Jane Sotheron (1581 – 1662)
is my 11th great grandmother
son of Jane Sotheron
son of Simon Crosby
daughter of Thomas Crosby
daughter of Sarah Crosby
daughter of Sarah Sears
daughter of Sarah Hamblin
daughter of Mercy Hazen
son of Martha Mead
son of Abner Morse
son of Daniel Rowland Morse
son of Jason A Morse
son of Ernest Abner Morse
I am the daughter of Richard Arden Morse

Jane Sotheron Born: 4 MAR 1581/82 in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, York County, England Death: 2 MAY 1662 in Rowley, Middlesex, Massachusetts Married: 19 OCT 1600 in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, York County, England

Their Children:Anthony b: 1602 in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor,York County,  England Thomas b: 1604 in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor,York County,  William b: 1606 in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor,York County,  England Simon b: 1608 in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, York Co. England

18 APR 1638 sailed to America on John Of London with a group of Reverend Ezekiel Rogers’ followers. They may have lived with the widow of their son Simon in Cambridge, Massachusetts until she remarried in 1645 — at about that time, Thomas purchased a house in Cambridge. After a few years, he sold his holdings in Cambridge and the couple relocated, for the last time, to Rowley, Massachusetts.Thomas lived to over 85 years of age and died in Rowley in 1661, buried on May 6.Jane died the following year and was buried in Rowley on May 2, 1662

1609 tax records indicate that William Sotheron (father of Jane) was the wealthiest resident of the parish.Thomas’ father died in 1599 and Thomas inherited a hundred-acre farm in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor.Tax records and other documents suggest that the family led a fairly well-to-do life.

Be Humble

May 22, 2013 6 Comments

Last at number ten, but not least, Zappos core value concerning humility is short and sweet. Be Humble.  Humility is tightrope on which to stay centered. This trick is easier said than done, like all the core values of this company.  There must be enough confidence to build self esteem and positive team spirit, and enough gravitas to accomplish intended goals.  Restraint of ego mania in favor of pride in the entire workforce is a major element in delivering happiness.  Hubris hoards potential joy in the corporate executive cafeteria.  Zappos spreads it lavishly all over the company and customer base.

I had the idea 12 years ago when I invented Floatli that my teaching was such an important element of life that I naturally needed to create a teaching dynasty by certifying Floatli professionals.  I was in a spa mentality and was influenced by my work experience.  I became sidetracked by the demands of real life on this journey, and had to clarify my reasons several times for continued expenditure of time and effort on this business.  Since I no longer live at spas I have a new perspective that is much more reasonable.  I have reached the conclusion that Floatli is as obvious as a hula hoop or roller skates.  No instruction is needed.  No certification, no dynasty of teaching will enhance the fun.   It is not a lifesaving device, but it is superior to other aquatic training equipment because it fits the anatomy of the user, no need to grip any thing with the hands to stay above water. It can be used in all bodies of water, but my experience says be super careful in surf or currents.

I want to work with Zappos as my marketing partner because their philosophy and values are dear to me, as is the quality of the merchandise they sell.  I humbly request that the Zappsters share the joy in delivering floating happiness to zillions of customers who will have fun creating their own ways to use Floatli for training and fun.  I sincerely believe we can deliver happiness in several different directions by empowering folks to find  new ways to float.

Rev.-Capt William Perkins, 9th Great Grandfather

May 19, 2013 4 Comments

Perkins coat of arms

Perkins coat of arms

William Perkins was born in England, educated at Cambridge, and moved to New England in 1632.  He served in the military and taught school after arrival. He was a very well educated man.

1. Rev.-Capt. William Perkins, son of William Perkins Merchant Taylor and Catharine Unknown, was
born on 25 Aug 1607, was christened in All Hallows, Bread Street, London, Eng., and died on 21 May 1682 in
Topsfield, MA at age 74.
General Notes: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins: immigrants to New England
1620-1633, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, 1995, Three volumes.
From George Walter Chamberlain, History of Weymouth, Boston, 1923.
“Capt. William Perkins, the first schoolmaster of which there is any record, was voted ?10 for six months
schoohng, 10 Mar. 1651 (Weymouth Town Records.) He entered Emmanuel College, Cambridge, as a
pensioner at Michaelmas Term, 1625; afterwards immigrated to Christ’s College from which he
graduated, A.B., at lent term, 1627-28.
“He was son of William Perkins, a merchant tailor, of London, and was born 25 Aug. 1607, and came
in the ship William and Francis, leaving London, 7 Mar. 1631-32. This ship arrived at Boston, 5 June,
1632. (Drake’s, The Foumders of New England, 11.) He was made a freeman of the Massachusetts Bay
Colony, 3 Sept. 1634. He married at Roxbury, 30 Aug. 1636, Elizabeth Wootton, and removed to
Weymouth in 1643, where he resided till 1652, when he removed to Gloucester, and in 1655 to
Topsfield. He became the first munister of the latter place. He was deputy from Weymout in 1644 and
Captain there in 1645. He died at Topsfield, 21 May, 1682, aged 75 years.
“The General Court entered the following record on 7 Oct. 1641: ‘Mr. Willi Perkins, for his fathers
50, is granted 400 acres of land.’ (Massachusetts Bay Colony Records, 1:338.) He was to ‘have power to
end small causes at Waymoth,’ 29 May, 1644, and again, 14 May, 1645. (Ibid. 2: 73, 97.) He was a
deputy at the General Court, 29 May, 1644, and was called ‘Lieut. Wm. Perkms’ (Ibid. 66) and ‘Capt.,’ 4
Nov. 1746 (Ibid. 184.).”
——————–
William Perkins, 1607-82, A Study, The Essex Genealogist, vol 3, pp 65-76, May 1983, iss.2

William Perkins (1607 – 1682)
is my 9th great grandfather
daughter of William Perkins
daughter of Sarah Perkins
son of Mercy Bradstreet
daughter of Caleb Hazen
daughter of Mercy Hazen
son of Martha Mead
son of Abner Morse
son of Daniel Rowland Morse
son of Jason A Morse
son of Ernest Abner Morse
I am the daughter of Richard Arden Morse

We know from the Cambridge Alumni association that he was a preacher and a teacher:

Adm. at EMMANUEL, 1624. S. of William, merchant tailor, of London. B. there, Aug. 25, 1607. Schools, London and Colchester (Mr Danes). Matric. Michs. 1625. Migrated to Christ’s, Nov. 15, 1626. B.A. 1627-8. Went to New England, 1632. Resided at Roxbury, Mass., adm. a freeman of the Massachusetts Colony, 1634. Moved to Weymouth, Mass., 1643. Sent as deputy to the General Court, 1644; lieutenant, 1644, and captain, 1645, of the local military company; served as schoolmaster and preached occasionally. Removed to Gloucester, Mass., and taught school there, 1651-5. Retired to Topsfield, Mass., 1655. Died there, May 21, 1682. (Peile, I. 378; J. G. Bartlett.)

Communication Loop

May 16, 2013 4 Comments

Butterfly convo

Butterfly convo

“The single biggest problem in communication

is the illusion that it has taken place.” GB Shaw

Are you in communities? Are you a leader? Do you create valuable content?  Does the internet make you compulsive and lonely?  I have read several posts lately about the brains of depressed people, and the effects of loneliness on health. It appears that insomnia, which seems to afflict most Americans now, can be a result of altered and damaged circadian rhythms.  Depression makes the day/night self timer malfunction. Isolation from live social contact proves to be as damaging to overall health as smoking or obesity.  It destroys the self monitoring abilities we learned in elementary school to survive in a social world.  Now that social order has been redefined, healthy relationships are less likely to evolve.  Human lovingkindness is essential for mental and physical health and well being.

Time spent with screens is not without merit, but if life is to be lived fully screen time has to be secondary to real human interaction.  Screen communication increases the chances of faulty assumptions on everyone’s part.  We normally present ourselves in the best light possible, keeping the shadow issues away from the public forums.  We know others must edit along the same favorable lines to give a spin on their life and times that makes them appealing.  How much noise is generated and how much valuable exchange?  The answer is never final.  It is a mix of magical electronic connections and spammy, even dangerous, invasions of privacy.  Caveat emptor, gentle reader.   The internet is what you make of it.