CHRISTMAS Family

St. Mary the Virgin Church, Lindsell, Essex


St. Mary the Virgin, Lindsell, Essex (Baptismal Font)

22. John Algor (b 1333 – d 1398)
b. Lindsell, Essex, England
d. Lindsell, Essex, England
21. William Algor (b 1367 – d 1418)
b. Lindsell, Essex, England
d. Lindsell, Essex, England

20. John William Algor II
Lord of Castle Brason Head, Lindsell, Essex, England (b 1400 – d 1468)

19. *Sir Robert Algere (b 1435 d 1493)
Margaret Cowley (b.1440 – 1505) Lindsell, Essex, England
m. 1470 Lindsell, Essex, England

18. *William Allgar III(b 1475 d 1575)
b. Shalford, Colchester, Essex, England
Mary Smith (b 1510 - ____) Kelvedon, Essex, England
m. Lindsell, Essex, England

St. Mary the Virgin Church, Kelvedon


17. *William Allgar IV (b 1536 – d 1575)
Christened 2 August 1540 Shalford, , Essex, England
Margaret (Ann) Parye (b. 1540 – 1612)
b. 1540, Shalford, Colchester, Essex, England
d. 25 Aug 1612, Shalford, Colchester, Essex, England
m. 1575 Shalford, Colchester, Essex, England

16. Robert White (b 1561 d 1617)
b. Shalford, Colchester, Essex, England
d. 1617, Messing, , Essex, England
m. 1575 *Bridget Allgar (b 1561 – d 1605) in
Shalford, Colchester, Essex, England

*NOTE: Robert was present at Sarah White'S christening on 8 March 1585/86 at Shalford, county Essex, England.1 He married Bridget Allgar on 24 June 1585 at Shalford, county Essex, England.2,3 Robert was present at Nathaniel White'S christening on 30 April 1587 at Shalford, county Essex, England. Robert was present at Mary White'S christening on 24 August 1590 at Shalford, county Essex, England.1 Robert was present at Elizabeth White's christening on 5 March 1591/92 at Shalford, county Essex, England.4,5 Robert was present at Bridget White'S christening on 18 August 1594 at Shalford, county Essex, England.1 Robert was present at Anna White'S christening on 13 July 1600 at Shalford, county Essex, England.1 His body was interred on 17 June 1617 at Messing, county Essex, England.

15. John Christmas (b 1556 –d 1592)
*Bridget White (b 1594 d ______) married 28 Sept 1618
Baptized on 18 August 1594 in Shalford, co. Essex, England. She was the daughter of Robert White and Bridget Allgar. She married, at age 24, John Christmas on 28 September 1618 in Shalford, co. Essex.

St. Andrews Church, Baptismal site


Present Day Wedding at St. Andrews Church


14. Richard Christmas (b _____ - d 1668)
NOTE: He was a London Merchant.

13. Goodman “Gad” Christmas (b 1616 – d 1708)
b. in 1616, Leicestershire Co., England;
d. Stafford Co., VA.

12. Charles Christmas (b 1674 – d 1700)
b. He lived in Stafford Co., VA in 1705.
d. He died 1700 in Stafford Co., VA.
m. Mary Cross were married.
b. Mary CROSS was born in 1655 in Prince George's County, MD

The History of Stafford County, Virginia
The English colonial government of Virginia imposed its own order on the land and peoples. In 1664 it established Stafford County from territory previously parts of the counties of Westmoreland, Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William, and the City of Alexandria. It is part of the area now considered Northern Virginia. The county was named after Staffordshire, England.

George Washington spent much of his childhood in the lower part of the county on his family's home, Ferry Farm, along the Rappahannock River across from Fredericksburg. Colonial Forge High School was built on a tract of land owned in colonial times by his father Augustine Washington.[5] George Mason, another Founding Father of the nation, also spent his formative years in Stafford.[6]

Aquia Church, built in 1757 near Garrisonville, Virginia, is unique for having been designed on the plan of a Greek cross. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark. The Episcopal church continues to be active today. [7].

Stafford County industry and resources were important to the colony and early nation. During the Revolutionary War, the Stafford iron works furnished arms for the colonial rebel soldiers.[8] Aquia Creek sandstone, quarried from Government Island in the county, was used to build the White House and the Capitol.[9]

11. Thomas Cross Christmas (b 1690 – d 1769)
Annie Duke
(daughter of William DUKE and Mary GREEN) was born about 1695 in VA. She died before 1768.

10. John Christmas, Captain (b 1717 – d 1789)
Mary Graves
b. Martins Parish, Hanover Co., Virginia.
m. Mary Graves, daughter of Henry Graves and Mary Williams, before 1743 in Hanover Co., VA..
He died in Hillsborough, Orange Co., NC.

St. Martins Parish, Hanover CO., Virginia



The present church building, with seating for about 200, was built in 1735 to replace a 1722 chapel on the same site and has been in continuous use since its construction. When it was separated from St. Paul’s Parish in 1726, the parish of St. Martin was a parish of the Church of England of the Diocese of London and Archdiocese of Canterbury. The Fork Church is the mother church of St. Martin’s Parish and its name comes from its location in the forks of the North and South Anna Rivers which join nearby.

The building is an outstanding example of Colonial architecture. The 22-inch brick walls are laid in Flemish bond pattern with water table below in English bond. Arches and jambs of the doors and windows are rubbed brick; frames, sills and window sashes are original as is much of the glass and doors. Heavy wrought-iron HL hinges are said to be a cipher for the prayer of their builder, “Holy Lord, Lord Help Us.” Today, the pulpit, lectern, and pews can all trace their origin to materials used in the original construction. When built, the church had window-sill height box pews similar to those in Bruton Parish Church of Williamsburg. The materials from these old pews, unpainted pine and gum rails, were used to build the present pews, accounting for the varying sizes of the panels. The two porches seen today were added in 1804. Over the years, several internal changes were made regarding the location of the pulpit and Holy Table. In 1913, the current internal arrangement was undertaken and is closer to the original design than the previous changes.

An important furnishing of The Fork Church is the marble Font which dates from the early 18th century. It is thought to have been made in London and brought over here for service in the Lower Church of St. Stephen’s Parish before being acquired by The Fork Church.

In 1996, the building underwent a significant renovation. In addition to the expected cosmetic efforts, the flooring was temporarily removed in order to gain access to the sub-floor where years of moisture and termite damage was repaired before relaying the original flooring and adding new carpeting. New mechanicals were repaired or replaced as needed. Windows were reset and sealed; approximately 75 broken or damaged panes were replaced with glass of at least a hundred years of age in order to maintain visual continuity with the original glass. The altar area was modified to allow the minister to
face the congregation from behind the altar table rather than standing in front of it.

The upstairs Gallery houses both the organ and choir. The staircase and flooring leading to it are original as well as most of the wrought-iron hardware. The organ is a rare tracker organ built in Baltimore in 1855 by Henry F. Berger – a German immigrant who was 30 years old when he came to this country in 1849. With no swell or pedal stops it is typical of the organs built in the 17th and 18th centuries and is one of only two Berger organs known to have survived. It was restored by the late Cleveland Fisher in 1963. But, by the end of the 90’s a decision had to be made whether to replace it with a new electric organ or have it undergo a major (and expensive) restoration. After much soul-searching, the decision was reached to go with the latter option and the Rappahannock Organ Company was selected to conduct the work. The organ was totally broken down into individual pieces and refurbished before reassembling. Even the case, which at some point in the past had been painted white, was stripped and refinished in order to bring it back to its former grand appearance. Now, all agree the final result is a magnificent instrument than can never be replaced.

The Rev. Sewell S. Hepburn, D.D., grandfather of actress Katherine Hepburn, was rector here from 1893 to 1903.

The parish register is complete from 1825 when it was begun by the Rev. John Cooke.

Today, The Fork Church is still as beautiful and elegant in its appearance and as graceful in its design as it was when built almost 275 years ago. And more importantly, during this entire time it has maintained its service to the surrounding community.

9. William Thomas Christmas (b 1744 – d 1810)
Sarah Duke

CAPTAIN THOMAS CHRISTMAS
1744/45-1810
Warren County, North Carolina

(This is Thomas Christmas (1744/45- 1820) who married Sarah Duke)
1764 - 26 November: Marriage to Sarah "Sally" DUKE daughter of William DUKE and Mary GREEN. Warren County, North Carolina bond #00160223 and record #100 01 042. Green DUKE , bondsman and Jonathan DAVIS, witness. This family very closely knit with the DUKE family through this line and Thomas' brother John CHRISTMAS Jr. line as both married a DUKE daughter.


In 1770, Thomas purchased land from MONTFORDT on the 24th of January in Bute County, North Carolina. This deed recorded that Thomas Christmas purchased one hundred and forty-three acres, for eighty-five pounds and sixteen shillings, on Fishing Creek. This deed shows him as Wm. Thomas CHRISTMAS and is witnessed by John CHRISTMAS, his brother the deed is recorded the 10th day of July in 1770. On the 20th of February the same year we find a deed where William DUKE , his father-in-law, deeds land to Thomas in Bute County, North Carolina this deed was witnessed by Thomas' brother John CHRISTMAS and registered on this the 17th day of May 1771. During 1771 the County of Bute the State of North Carolina put together a Lax list where it was written the name of Thomas CHRISTMAS.

Thomas CHRISTMAS was also involved in the Bute County Committee On Safety in North Carolina.

NOTE: Bute County is a former county located in the state of North Carolina. It was formed in 1764 from the eastern part of Granville County. It was named for John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1762 to 1763. In 1779 Bute County was divided into Franklin County and Warren County, and ceased to exist. "At a meeting of the freeholders of Bute County on Friday the 23rd of June 1775. There were Elected the following persons to act as a Committee for the said County ... Thomas CHRISTMAS. Meeting of July 8th 1775: "We the Subscribers adop't accede to and will religiously observe & keep the Association enter'd into by the general Congress of Philadelphia the 5th of September last ... signed by Thomas CHRISTMAS". "At a Lodge of Masters opened and held in Due form at the Buffalo at high 12 the 10th day of July 1776 ... Here follows the Apprentices Lodge ... Johnson-Caswell (Buffalo, Blandford) No. 10 Warrenton ... Thomas CHRISTMAS..."4 This same year on the 25th day of September Thomas purchased land from Charles BURK in Bute County, North Carolina running along Thomas' other property and along Wm. Thomas GREEN's line. The total of six hundred acres, more or less for two hundred thirty-eight pounds ten shillings. Witnessed by William GREEN and John CHRISTMAS Jr.5 In 1777 Thomas is seen in the deed transactions where he sold to John DAVIS two acres of land along Davis' line and TANNER's line for seventy-five pounds Virginia money, this deed witnessed by Joseph DUKE and registered the 28th day of October 1777. Deed shows John and Jonathan as same DAVIS. Then he purchased fifty acres from James JOHNSON for one hundred forty pounds current money. Land adjoining Thomas' other property and on Hawkins Road. The land said to have been purchased from John POWERS. Witnessed by William JOHNSON and John WILLIS, registered the 14th day of October 1777.7 The following year on the 29th day of February 1778 Thomas CHRISTMAS sold to Lewis KIMBLE one hundred acres for fifty pounds current money of Virginia. This land on a branch of Fishing Creek and along Thomas GREEN's line, deed registered this 5th day of April 1780.8 Thomas' father left his will dated the 11th of August 1783 in Orange County, North Carolina9. In this will we see that Thomas CHRISTMAS along with his brother, Richard, was to divide the estate according to his father's desire. His father left to him five shillings as his father states Thomas has "moved from me". Thomas was about forty years old at this time and a well-to-do man in his own right. A tax list was put together from 1784-1787 in Warren County, North Carolina in Captain WHITE's District, on this list we find Thomas CHRISTMAS with 1 white male [over 20 under 60], 3 white males [under 21 over 60] and 5 white females [all ages]. This tax list would show that Thomas had three sons and four daughters. There are two sons unaccounted for in the research. There are one or two records on a John CHRISTMAS and a Thomas CHRISTMAS that are not documented to be his sons but this researcher feels that they must be his sons. We know that the oldest child of Thomas and Sarah DUKE, William was born in 1766 and would have been 17 years old at this time.10

In 1786 Thomas CHRISTMAS purchased 100 acres from Benjamin LEAWELL in Franklin County, North Carolina. The deed appears to have registered that same day.11 In 1790 in the Halifax District, Warren County Thomas is listed having 1 white male [10-16]; 1 white male [18-26]; 1 white male [45 and over]; and 1 white female [45 and over].12 Here again we find record of two sons unaccounted for in any records commonly known. In 1800 the Warren County census shows Thomas CHRISTMAS as head of household.13 The 1810 census shows Thomas CHRISTMAS head of household and his son Thomas CHRISTMAS Jr. also a head of household14.

On August 1st 1788 Thomas is one of the Yeas votes on the Declaration of Rights at the North Carolina Convention. A "Declaration of Rights, asserting and securing from incroachment the great Principles of civil and religious Liberty, and the unalienable Rights of the People ..."

The death of Thomas CHRISTMAS was in the "Raleigh Register" Thursday the 6th of September 1810. "Captain Thomas CHRISTMAS, in the 67th year of his age ... wife and a train of descendants ..."15.

8. William Christmas (b 1766 – d 1804)
Jane Yancey
NOTE: The first son William CHRISTMAS [1766-1804] was born in 1766 in Bute [now Warren] County, North Carolina, in 1784 we see a deed where William purchased 420 acres from Joel PARISH in Franklin [was Bute] County. William married Jane YANCEY in 1790 and lived his life not far from his father's home. William and Jane had six children: Lewis Yancey CHRISTMAS, Thomas H. CHRISTMAS, William "Duke" D. CHRISTMAS, Mary L. CHRISTMAS, Sally "Sarah Duke" D. CHRISTMAS and Jane Yancey CHRISTMAS. William and his sister Martha CHRISTMAS-GREEN both died in 1804 and their widow and widower married 12 October 1805. William has many descendants that can be traced to the 1990's these descendants will follow in another chapter.

7. Thomas H. Christmas (b 1795 – d 1842)
b. 1795 in Orange Co., NC.
Margaret L. J. Williams
m. May 23 1815 in Warren Co., NC.
(second Wife) Elizabeth Chapman Davis

6. William L. Christmas (b 1815 – d _____)
Rebecca (?)

5. Lewis Christmas (b 1837 – d 1877) in NC.
Lucinda Simpson
m. Apr 04 1867 in Ashley Co., AR.
b. Lucinda was born in 1848 in MS. She died after 1880.

4. Thomas Henry Christmas (b 1869 – d 1928)
b. Ashley Co., AR.
d. Sep 08 1926 in Ashley Co., AR.. He was buried in Union Cemetery, Ashley Co., AR.
m. Annis Lee Noland Nov 14 1894 Ashley Co., AR.
b. Aug 1871 in LA.
d. Jan 16 1931 in Ashley Co., AR.

3. Louis Matthew Christmas (b 1903 – d 1952)
Emma Taylor Christmas (b. 1906 – d. 2005)

2. Bobby Jon Christmas (b 1935 – d 2009)
b. 1935 Montrose, Ashley Co., AR.
d. 2009 McGehee, AR
Nelda Pepper Christmas
m. 1960 Grace Community, Dermott, AR.
b. 1938 Thornberry, TX
d. 2009 Houston, TX

1. Bart Brock Christmas (b 1970)