Rebecca Christmas, widow of Benjamin Joy, applied to be administrator of his estate, in W. Baton Rough, LA on Dec. 9, 1843.An Feb. 8, 1845 court document shows she was approved, mentions their 3 children, Ester, David & Benjamin F.; also mentions she is now the wife of Jonathan Curtis.
1850 Census, Jasper Co., TX; Dwelling 162 list J. J. Curtis, age 38, farmer, born in LA; wife, Rebecca, 34 & 6 children: Easter Ann, 13; David, 11; Franklin, 9 [WHT: These three children are Rebecca's from 1st. marriage to Benjamin Joy.] Rheuben, 6; Eunice, 4 & Jane, 6 mo. Everyone born in LA, except Rheuben and Jane, who were born in TX.
1860 Census, Catahoula Co., LA; Pine Woods; Dwelling 757 list John Curtis, age 45, widow, planter, born in KY, and the following children: Rheuban, 13; Nicy, 10; Jane, 8; John, 5 & Elizabeth, 1.
[WHT: Some of the information on Rebecca's marriage to Jonathan Curtis, and children, comes from a book on Christmas, Curtis & other families by Jack Curtis.]
Rebecca Christmas, widow of Benjamin, applied to be administrator of his estate, in W. Baton Rough, LA on Dec. 9, 1843.
19. Mary Caroline Christmas-296
1860 Census, Livingston Parish, LA; Springfield PO; Dwelling 592 list J. W. Kelly, age 42, born in LA, farmer, owns $3500.00 real estate; wife, Caroline, 34 & 6 children: William, 14; Joseph, 8; Hester, 6; Isaac, 5; Benjamin, 4 & Alexander, 1.1870 Census, Livingston Parish, LA; Ward 1; Stoney Point PO; Dwelling 52, p. 8 list Caroline Kelly, age 40, farmer, born in LA & 7 children: Joseph, 18; Hester, 17; Isaac, 14; Benjamin, 12; Alexander, 11; James, 9 & Jane 5. In Dwelling 50 is her brother, Winfield and family.
[WHT: From Margie Kelly, Sept. 5, 2001:] 1860 Livingston LA. census J. W. Kelley & Caroline, She is listed age 34 with a 6 children,Williams 14, Joseph 8, Isaac 5, Benjamine 4, Alexander 1, Hester 6.
According to this census J.W. died between 1865 & 1870. We have not found any more information on J. W. Kelley. We are still looking for his Parents, Where he was Born and Where He is Buried. It seems that before he married Caroline and after he died, there are no records.
1870 Census, Livingston Parish, LA 004 Honey Point 1 W. Federal Population Schedule LA 1870 Federal Census Index LA010120619
Some of the other children information for Henry comes from a book on Christmas, Curtis & other families by Jack Curtis, who referenced the Bible of Mary Caroline Christmas Kelly for some of the names.
First name of James from Gerald Kelly.
21. Winfield Scott Christmas-293
Listed in 1850 Census, Livingston Parish, LA, p. 349 as a Christmast.1860 Census, Livingston Parish, LA; Springfield PO; Dwelling 593 list Winfield Christmas, age 30, laborer, owns $300.00 real estate; wife, Jane, 26 & 3 children: William, 7, Mary, 5 & Jane, 1 mo.
1870 Census, Livingston Parish, LA; Ward 1; Stoney Point PO; Dwelling 50, p. 8 list Winfield Christmas, age 40, born in LA, farmer; wife, Jane, 30 & 3 children: William, 17; Leon, 7 & Mary, 5. [WHT: Mary is listed as age 5 in both the 1860 & 1870 census.]
[WHT: From: Diane Dumas Date: Sun, 19 Sep 1999 01:] By the way, Winfield Scott Christmas had a son Lee Christmas. He was the black sheep of the family. There is a book about him " the Incredible Yanqui"
Elizabeth Jane Westmoreland-5372
1880 Census, Livingston Parrish, LA; Springfield - 6th Ward; Dwelling 93; ED: 137, p. 10 list
Jane E. Christmas, age 43, born LA & the following: son, William Y., age 26; d-i-l, Martha, 22; son, Leon, 17; son, Harry, 14; grandchildren: Licretia (sp) J., 5; William H., 2, infant, 3 mo. Census taken June 9, 1880.
[WHT: Harry is not listed in 1870 census, but referred to as son, age 14, in 1880.]
22. Richard Thomas Christmas-294
1860 Census, Livingston Parish, LA; Springfield PO; Dwelling 595 list Richard Christmas, age 26, owns $1000.00 real estate; Isaac Christmas, 18, born in LA, and Martha Curtis, 14. All born in LA.[WHT: Who is this Isaac Christmas?]Is this the same Thomas? 1870 CHRISTMAS THOMAS West Baton Rouge LA, p. 281 Baton Rouge Federal Population Schedule LA 1870 Federal Census Index, ID # LA01041319 .
1880 Census, Livingston Parish, LA; 1st Ward; Dwelling 17; ED: 136, p. 2 list R. T. Christmas, age 45, farmer, born in LA; father in GA, mother in LA and daughter, Cate, 17. Richard is a farmer and some others living in the household are Rosa Sprole, 19 & Jim Christmas, 16; both described as laborer, without connection to Richard.
1900 Census, living with daughter, Lucretia & family.
Year: 1880; Census Place: 8th Ward, East Feliciana, Louisiana; Roll: T9_453; Family History Film: 1254453; Page: 152C; Enumeration District: 116; Image: 0513.1900 Census, Dwelling # 347, 2 Beat, Amite Co., MS list Elizabeth Christmas, b. July 1844 in MS, widow, 1 child - 1 living. Living with her is daughter, Minnie or Minno Fugler, widow, b. May 1880 in LA; parents in MS, & Minnie's children: Wilbur R., b. Dec. 1896 & Ruby M., b. March 1899, both in MS.
According to Lingering Shadows, Vol II, by Jack Curtis, she and Thomas did not have children.
1920 Census, Dwelling 38; East Feliciana Co., LA; Police Jury Ward 8; ED: 53; p. 2B list Eliza, age 75 is living with her brother, Charles, 71 & his son, Ellis, 44.
1860 Census, Parrish of East Baton Rouge, LA; Baton Rouge; Dwelling 1000 list Joseph Dreher, age 29, farmer; wife, Frances, 20 and following children: James, 3; Joseph, 2 & William, 1. Also living in household, named Dreher are the following children: Franklin, 13, Rebecca, 11 & Thomas, 8. A John Kent, age 33 or 53 is also living in the household.[WHT: Some of the information on Frances' marriage and children comes from a book on Christmas, Curtis & other families by Jack Curtis.]
1870 Census, East Baton Rouge, LA; Subdivision 113; Dwelling 1, p. 100 list B. W. Christmas, age 31, farmer, owns real estate of $1200.00, and wife, Rebecca, 21; both born LA. Living with them is T. J. Dreher, 18.1880 Census, East Baton Rouge, LA; 5th Ward, Dwelling 75; ED: 108, p. 9 list Benjamin Christmas, age 40, born in LA, parents in SC; wife, Rebecca, 31, born in LA, father in SC, mother in LA & 3 children: Alice A., 9; Roxanna, 4 & Henry O., 9 mo.
[WHT: Assumption, this is the right Rebecca.]
1900 Census, East Baton Rouge Parish, LA; 5 Ward; Dwelling # 245 list Rebecca Christmas, widow, head of household, with following children: Ali A., b. April 1871 & Henry O., b. July 1879. She had 3 children and all are living. She was b. in LA, as was her mother, and father in GA.
[WHT: Not sure, but following is a possibility.]
Louisiana Deaths, 1850-1875; 1894-1954 for Roxie Anna Christmas
Name: Norman Black
Death Date: 14 Jan 1934
Death Place: Baton Rouge, , East Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Gender: Male
Race (original): White
Race (standardized): White
Age: 69
Estimated Birth Year: 1865
Birth Place: East Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Roxie Anna Christmas
Father's Name: Norman P Black
Mother's Name: Elizebeth Loudon
Film number: 2113570
Image Number: 01629
Certificate Number: 399
Digital Folder Number: 4215942
Henry Brannon and family are living with Martha's family in 1850 census.1860 Census, Van Zandt Co., TX; Clanton P.O., Dwelling # 139 list H. Brannon, age 38, farmer, born in MS; wife, Martha, 34 & 6 children: W. L., 16; J. M., 12; Jane, 8; Eliza, 6; Jay, 11 & B. J., 1. Eliza and B. J. were born in TX; other children in MS. [WHT: Jay was not listed in the 1850 census, and Elizabeth is not listed in 1860.]
1870 Census, Van Zandt Co., TX; Canton; Dwelling 181 list Henry Brannan, age 45, farmer, born MS & 3 children: James, 20; Francis, 18 & Eliza, 16. [WHT: assume Martha has died.]
1880 Census, Van Zandt Co., TX; Precinct # 1; Dwelling 464; ED: 119, p. 54 list Henry Brannan, age 58, farmer, and grandson (looks like Isaac Brannan) age 10.
1860 Census, Van Zandt Co., TX; Canton; Dwelling 96 list John H. Williams, age 29, farmer/wagoner, born in MS; wife, Frances, 29, born in LA & 4 children: Nancy, 6; Adlive, 6 or 4; Lexana, 2 & M. J. (female) 5 months. Also living in the household is Inmair Meadow, 27, wagoner, born in GA. In dwelling 97 is Frances' sister, Rebecca and family.1870 Census, Van Zandt Co., TX; Canton; Dwelling 738 list John Williams, age 38, farmer; wife, Francis, 39 & 7 children: Nancy, 15; Rebecca, 14; Matilda, 12; Francis, 6; Millie, 9; Sofrona, 4 & John, 9 mo. Census taken on Sept. 6.
1880 Census, Van Zandt Co., TX; Precinct # 1; Dwelling 469; ED: 119, p. 54 list John H. Williams, age 49, farmer; wife, Francis, 50 & 4 children: Texanis (Matilda?), 22; Millie, 18; Sofromia, 13 & John H., 11. Also living in the household is Lafayett Brannan, 35 and George Eastwood, 20 identified as laborers. [WHT: Lafayett is probably the William L. Brannan, listed as son of Martha Christmas & Henry Brannan. Martha is the sister of Francis. Another son, James, age 30 is living in dwelling 467, and identified as a laborer.]
1900 Census, Van Zandt Co., TX; 1 Justice Precinct; Dwelling 146 list Frances Williams, widow, born Oct. 1830 in MS, father in LA & mother in TN; had 8 children, 6 living. Living with her is son, Herschel, b. !870 in TX; father in MS.
[WHT: info only: Living next door is Frank Williams, b. Nov. 1868 in TX, but he shows father b. in WV & mother in MS. Married 2 years to Mary, b. 1877 and a new son born in May 1900.]
[WHT: The following information on Francis marriage and children is from Ray Anderson, a descendant.]
Comment: By Ray Anderson}Betty thought Francis was a male due to the spelling Francis vs Frances and also she found Francis markd as a male (I believe in error) on a census sheet. I'm sure this is the female "Francis " Christmas who married John Williams Van Zante, Texas. Francis name was also spelled Francis not Frances on the Canton P.O. census in 1870. She also spelled a daughter's name Francis.)
(Comment by Ray Anderson: I found Betty Oliver because her grandparent Mary Jane Anderson was a descendent from the same Anderson Lineage in Garrard Co. Ky as I am. I was telling my Anderson cousin, Carol Novotni who keeps the family records, that I had some new information on my Christmas family. Carol said to me in surprise "we have some Christmas family married into the Anderson line through Garland Anderson line." Garland was the brother to my 3G grandfather John Anderson who married Susan Naylor". Carol looked it up and came up with 2 names who were Christmas family and Garland Anderson descendents. 1. W. C. Christmas, and 2. Betty L. Oliver. What a touch of luck!!!!
From this point down added by Ray Anderson, 1207 10th St., Ballinger, Tx, 76821. (915) 365-2709. 36. Francis Christmas (Issac, Thomas) was born about 1830-1831 in La. died believed in Van Zante Co, Texas. She may have been alive after 1923. A great grandson, to Francis, Luther "Sonny" Loudmany claims to have seen Francis when he was a very young child. His son Gary, told me, Sonny said she was dark shinned and they called her "Fannie". The family lore by several cousins was that Fannie was of Indian Hertiage. Francis's Smith grandchildren from what I know didn't have a tendency to be darker. I may be wrong since most died while I was young. One Cousin Lonnie Anderson, older than me, said our grandmother, Mittie Smith, Francis's granddaughter, was darker than her siblings. The reason I documented this is because there seems to be allot of family lore in the research about the Christmas family and Indian heritage
[WHT: 10-15-2000 Received email from Ray: ]
Looks like a lot has happened in the past two days.
Francis Williams CSA pension application came in Friday as well. I talked with Betty Oliver over the phone last night and she thinks John and Richard were brothers as I still do.
One of the most interesting parts was that the Richard Williams who signed the Christmas CSA Application was the same one who signed as wittiness on John H. Williams widow's application. He has a very distinct signature. But it did not say anything about them being brothers.
It gave the marriage date for John and Francis 1 MAR 1854, Van Zandt Co. So far no marriage cert. has turned up for them. I have always thought they were married in Mississippi.
Providing "Francis" is a Christmas as I believe she is: If they were in fact married in Van Zandt CO. Texas then that would put Issac Christmas in Texas as early as 1854 or 1853. We do know he was in Miss for the census of 1850.
While the application is indexed as "Frances" Williams she did sign the documents as "Francis" by dotting the i.
She states, John H. Williams died 1896, served in Co. D 2nd Texas, was captured at Vick(s)burg, patrolled there, came home and detailed to government office/carrier/? job at Tyler till close of war.
Francis states she lived at Myrtle Springs for the past 45 years. No mention of LA or MS.
Three witnesses: Richard Williams - James Baird's ?g grandfather J. W. High who said he knew John in the service. John H. Williams Jr. (son) (born - 1869 according to 1870 VZ census)
I believe William and Francis are in unmarked graves in the High Cemetery. I hope I'm wrong and they turn up somewhere. Below is why I think this a possibility:
J.W. High is buried in the High Cemetery as well. I wonder if he is a Williams female's husband? All lived in Myrtle Springs, Van Zandt County, Texas.
[WHT: From Ray Anderson, via email March 16, 2001:]Perry County Mississippi, Census 1850 Page 378, House 120: Joel Williams m 55 born NC Asa Williams f 24 born Miss Elizabeth Williams f 29 born Tennesse Franklin Williams m 22 born Miss Jane Williams f 25 born Miss John (H.) Williams m 18 born Miss married Francis Christmas daughter of Issac. Richard Williams m 16 born Miss married Rebbecas Christmas. Thomas Williams m 14 born Miss Barney Cambell m 45 born Tenn William (W.B.) Yoes male 48 born dv - do not know what dv is.
Asa, John H., and Richard Williams were in Myrtle Springs Van Zndt Co. Texas (1860). I could not find Thomas, Franklin, Elizabeth and Jane or whom the women married. Yoes were also at Myrtle Springs. I believe these families are tied together.
Barney Cambell not found again.
W.B. Yoes is in Mississippi in 1860 in "HR" (Harrison??) County on page 41 of the 1860 census. God Bless unusual names.
John H. Williams married Francis Christmas in Van Zandt Co. Texas in 1854, John died before 1900 and Francis lived at Myrtle Springs Van Zandt CO.
Richard Williams married Rebecca Christmas in Van Zante Co. Texas. One Document indicated that Richard Williams knew Rebecca Christmas's brother Benjamin Christmas at age 3 years.
Asa is single in Van Zandt County. John H., Richard and Asa Williams lived in dwellings 96, 97 and 98 in Van Zandt Co. TX 1860 census.
Harrison County Mississippi: The Christmas family was in Mississippi in Harrison County in 1850. The father, Issac Christmas, daughter Martha Christmas married into the Brannan family in Harrison Co. Mississippi. Williams and Christmas family are tied together, 2 Williams brothers married 2 Christmas sisters.
Martha and Henry Brannan her husband and children ended up in Van Zandt Co. Texas by 1854 also. Martha is belived dead before 1880.
A Lafayett Brannan lived with John H. Williams and Francis in 1880.
Christmas sometimes shown as Christman.
30. Rebecca Mary Christmas-2394
1860 Census, Van Zandt Co., TX; Canton; Dwelling 97 list Richard J. Williams, age 26, farmer, born in MS; wife, Rebecca, 21, born in LA, and 1 child: Laura, 1, born in TX.1870 Census, Van Zandt Co., TX; Canton; Dwelling 174 list Richard Williams, age 36, farmer; wife, Rebecca, 32 & 4 children: Laura, 11; Alice, 6; Joel, 3 & Frank, 1.
1880 Census, Van Zandt Co., TX; Precinct # 1; Dwelling 488; ED: 119, p. 56 list Richard Williams, age 46, farmer; wife, Rebecca, 42 & 7 children: Lara A., 21; Alice, 16; Joel, 14; Frank, 12; Lee, 9; Eugenia, 6 & James R., 3.
[WHT: Information on Rebecca's child Nancy is from James A. Baird, a descendant.]
Info Only: A FTM file posted on the Internet shows his father to be Joel; born 1795 in NC.
31. Benjamin Sanford Christmas-1973
1870 Census, Van Zandt Co., TX, Dwelling 537 list Benjamin S. Christmas, 26, b. LA, Farmer, Real Estate $100.00; Wife, Mary, 26, b. AR & John, 2, b. TX.1880 census, Van Zandt Co., TX; Dwelling 404; ED: 119, p. 46 list Benj S. Christmas, age 36, laborer, born in LA, father in LA and mother in TN; wife, Mary, 35, born in AR & 4 children: John, 12; Harvey, 9; Nancy, 6 & Ellen, 1; all children born in TX.
A Benjamin S. Christmas also appeared on the Kaufman County TX, p. 064; Kaufman Federal Population Schedule TX 1870 Federal Census Index TXf00100192059.
[WHT: I have corresponded (sent info) with Dub, and he is to get back with me. Dub sent family info in Nov. 2001.]
TX Conf. Pensions: Bk 3 San Saba 18333. Claudia Alston. Confederate I, II TX Inf. Roberts Regt in 1870.1880 Census, San Saba Co., TX; Precinct 2; Family # 75; p. 449B, list William Christmas, age 33, eye doctor; married; born in MS, mother in SC; Living in household of Rayford Burk, brother-in-law. Wife, Zilphia, 31, born in TX, referred to as s-i-i, and son, Jerome, 2. [WHT: Could Ann Burk be Zilphia's sister?]
1900 Census, Eastland Co., TX; 2 Justice Precinct; Dwelling # 183 list W. Christmas, age 69, farmer, married 28 yrs, parents from TN. [WHT: this might not be the same William Christmas]
1910 Census, San Saba Co., TX; #177 #215 Soundex Vol, 116 rooming with Levi Jones.
[WHT: The following census info sent by Ray Anderson, April 15, 2001.]
1880 San Saba Co., TX Census, Family # 75: William Christmas & family was living with Radford Burk & family in this census:
CHRISTMAS, William - Eye Doctor, b. MS, father ?, mother SC, age 33; Zilphia age 31, b. TX, father b. AL, mother b. SC, Jerome, age 2 b. TX father b. MS, mother b. TX. William & Zilphia were listed as brother & sister-in-law of Radford Burk.
The listing is for: Family #75 BURK, Radford, age 65 blacksmith b. Ill parents b. Ireland wife Ann age 42 b. Tx Parents left blank for b. son Garrett age 20 working on farm b. TX son Radford age 16 working on farm b. TX son Jasper age 15 working on farm b. TX dau. Adaline age 9 b. TX
1900 Census, Stephens Co., TX; 5 Justice Precinct; Dwelling # 233, list Zilpha, widow, b. Aug. 1849 in TX. parents, F. in AL, M. in SC; with children, Benajmin A., 19 & Odie V., 14.
1900 Census, Erath Co., TX; 1 Precinct; Dwelling 139 list Augustia, b. Jan. 1876 in TX, parents in TX; working as farm laborer; living with Thomas Cox, and family - wife, Hattie & dau., Annie B., b. 1898.
The history & genealogy of our Christmas family continues to grow, with the addition of many new families and allied surnames. If you find errors in these pages or have additions, please write Herbert Turner at the Christmas Home Page; the corrections & additions will be made; thank you.
Many Christmas descendants have provided their research & photos for these web pages, refer to our Researcher's Page for some of their names, lines and addresses.
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Copyright © 1997-2012 by W. Herbert Turner