Refugees

This was taken from Jason Fry's blog post---to read it all: click here

 In the 1650s my ancestor Gregorius Frey and his family fled Switzerland for the Palatinate. The Freys were Anabaptists, targeted by radical Catholics and Protestants alike to be tortured and murdered for interpreting Christianity differently than they did. 

In the late 1680s King Louis XIV invaded the Palatinate. When an alliance of German princes counterattacked, Louis XIV ordered his troops to burn everything they could reach. The region remained a battlefield for generations, ravaged by troops from both sides in a succession of wars sparked by religious differences and political ambitions. 

In 1708 a terrible winter killed half a million people in the Palatinate and sent a tide of starving refugees to England, where they were settled in tent cities on the outskirts of London. English politicians argued that the German newcomers were too poor and unskilled to be anything but a burden, and warned that their religious loyalties made them a threat to the Church of England.

Freys are really stubborn. My ancestors finally left the Palatinate in 1733, emigrating to Pennsylvania as part of another wave of refugees. Pennsylvania had long prided itself on tolerance, but the arrival of Germans with different religious beliefs alarmed many whose English parents and grandparents had settled there. “Why should the Palatinate Boors be suffered into our Settlements, and by herding together establish their Language and Manners to the Exclusion of ours?” asked a politician of the time. “Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens?”

When Genealogy Worlds Collide

Sometime last winter someone sent me this story. Several interesting things about the story involved the people:  Henry Franklin alias Harry Long and Mary Curtis. Henry Franklin/Long has causes a lot of problems in that he was a Long who changed his name to Franklin, causing all sorts of problems when DNA found that his descendants only matched Longs. Click here for more information on him.

The other issue is Mary Curtis, my husband's ancestress who was 11 years old! (Dave's 6 g-grandmother on the Fry side)

The court case is on page 8.4 Spotsylvania Co. March 1737/38

Spotsylvania County Court March 1737/8In the action of Trespass between Mary Curtis, an infant by Rice Curtis, Jr., Gent., her next friend, against Henry Franklyn alias Harry Long Deft. for 10 pounds sterling damage, issue being joyned and a jury sworn by name Edward Herndon, Jr and who having heard the evidences and arguments on behalf of each party retired and after some time returned the following verdict.  We find the day and yr aforesaid at the parish and county aforesaid the sd deft did ride ye gelding aforesaid and that he then and there knew him to be the Plts (plantiffs) and borrowed him of one John King to ride as aforesaid.  And if the law be for the Plt. we find for him 15 shillings current money damage; other wise we find for the deft.(defendant) Edward Herndon, Jr. foreman, which verdict is admitted to record and the matter of law arising therefrom is referred to the next court for argument.
Rice Curtis, Jr, Gent. (House of Burgess) came into court and accepted of the commissions of the peach and took the oaths and signed the Test and as the law directs which oaths were administered to him by John Taliaferro and Henry Goodloe Gentlemen.

Spotsylvania County Court 6th of December 1737In the action of trespass between Mary Curtis, an infant by Rice Curtis, Jr, Gent, her next friend, Plt agst. (against) Henry Franklin Alias Harry Long, Deft for 10 pounds sterling damage at the motion of the deft an imparlance is granted him.

As far as we know Henry Franklin was the only Henry Franklin in Spotsylvania in 1737.  We have records which track him in Orange and Amherst and he uses Henry Franklin, Sr. in Amherst Co., VA on March 4, 1771 as a witness.  

So, my relative stole the horse of an 11 year old neighbor who is my husband's ancestor.  Who said genealogy is dry and boring?

Thanks to Sherry Cruise and Leigh Taylor for helping me with this story.

Fry-Alderson Photos

 Suzy brought a huge box of photos and documents to the family reunion which I was able to photograph.  This album had a lot of Alderson photos including one of Aletha Peters Jones who was my husband's great-great grandmother.  But the one below is of Alice Alderson and Isaac Henry Fry's oldest children: Irene, Alfreda, Alderson, Phil, Hale and Donald.

There were also photos of Alice and her family.  Below is her mother Mollie C. Jones Alderson (Mary)

Fig and Date Salads

Eloise's Fig Salad

 While at a Fry Family Reunion, Donna prepared one of Eloise's recipes:  grapefruit, bananas and dates. Tom said his dad frequently served this to him when he had breakfast at Grover's.  She developed this recipe by picking up dates on the golf course.  Her mother, Alice Alderson had a recipe for Fig Salad which we found in documents while at the family reunion.

Mix together 2 cups of shredded cabbace [sic], 2/3 c. shredded carrot, 2/3 cup diced celery, 1/3 cup diced green peppers, 1/3 cup finely cut fennel.  Moisten with the following dressing:  cut until crisp 2 T finely cut bacon.

Add and cook slowly 5 mins. 4 t finely cut onion, remove to heat 4 T vinegar, 1 t. salt, 2 t. sugar, 1/8 t pepper, 1/3 cup Pet milk. Whisk well, mix, pur over prepared veg.  Serve at once.  Do not chill Serves 4

Huh?  Where are the figs?  We think this must be a "Faux Fig Salad"!

Fry Photos

 While at the Fry Family Reunion, Suzy had some photos in an album.  The photo above is "the homeplace Enon, WV".

 George Henry Clay Alderson, pictured above was my husband's Great Grandfather.  The photos below are some of his children and one grandchild.

 This is Lena (Evalina) Alderson Hummel (b. 1875) for whom my mother-in-law, Lena Eloise Fry is named and my daughter Rebecca Leigh Morgan is also named for her.  Rebecca has one of Lena's rings which was left to Eloise in Lena's will.

 Ida Alderson Masters, pictured above died at 34 years old along with a baby.  She is mentioned in this letter.

 Alice Alderson Fry was my husband's grandmother, George Henry Clay Alderson's daughter. 

 Another daughter is Zela Irene Alderson who was married to Arch Wesley Grant.  We have some ice skates we inherited from her.

 This is Otis Hambra Alderson (b. 1874) whom I just discovered applied to belong to the Sons of the American Revolution.

Finally, this is Alfreda Fry Morris, my husband's aunt.  I just thought this was a very sweet photo of her.  I wish that I had photographed more of this album. . maybe next time.

Family Bible of Valentine Fry

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NOTES FROM THE FAMILY BIBLE OF VALENTINE FRY certified to be a true copy of the original document 9-27-1994 County of Wythe, State of VA.  Mary N. Cassell Notary Public. (Was commissioned Mary N. Brown (or Bison) Commission expired 7-31-95.

"This holy Bible is the property of Valentine Fry of Wythe County, Commonwealth of Virginia. United States of North America. Western Continent, thereof.  This Bible got 14 years before this date this Sat. the 22nd Dec. y 1839.  ?? A hint, and a dash, to the knave; and a rub to the careless. B. Knaves; I pray, do not, let any be mean enough to steal this holy book, or any other, or any thing else: for fear of Sin, Shame, and disgrace. Therefore, let the knave who know's himself, not truly honest. to take the hint, and the dash. for  a caution hereafter.  how, careless, do not keep this holy book, or any other loan to you; for fear of Shame, and censure, and no reliance hereafter, to be given to thee.  Moreover, If this book, or any other thing else should be stolen, or left gone by a loan, or otherwise, no matter how, if the honest hearted should find the same, or anything else, no matter how, he knows his duty is to make it known's, which show's the honest heart; with love to work divinely.  And in returning the same to the owner, let it be he, or she, they let the world be known's that they have found the same that the owner of the same may pay your demands, if it be within the bountys of reason; And is no charge, or demands the more; I should you augment with love, and gratitude for your kind honesty.    ____for your negligence.  This is the end of the hint, and the dash to the knave, and the rub to the careless. Therefore, let both look up, and see the  owner's name in full view, before your eyes. that you may make your escape from the above statements, as a prescription of your well wishes in a good cause.   Search the Scriptures for proof of the Same, in this 39th vse. of the 5th chap. St. John.  F.B. The time of life is the time to serve the Lord and therein, to commence the same devotion, is the vigour of thy youth, and there to continue untill death for your preservation, beyond the grave.    Proof in Ditts.?

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BIRTHS From the records of my father Holy Bible  Wherein a record of 7 sons and ___Daughter and 3 died of the  ____children

As? I? Valentine, was born on Friday, 17th March A.D. 1786. and wife Mary Kath. was born on Sunday the 19th. March, A.D. 1786.  Child. Jacob was born on Sunday the 6th. April A.D. 1804

Andrew was born on Friday 13th May A.D. 1808.  Hiram was born on Thurs. 8th March A.D. 1810. Absalom was born on Sat. 16th March A.D. 1811.  Matilda was born on Sunday the  8th Oct. A.D. 1812.  Isaac was born on Sat.  19th Sept, 1814. 7) Nehemiah was born on Thurs 7th Nov. A.D. 1816. 8) Mary was born on Sunday 27th. Sept. A.D.1818. 9) Elizabeth was born on Sat. 22nd, April A.D. 1820. 10)Susana was born on Thurs. 14th of Feb. A.D. 1822. 11) Deliah was born on Sunday 28th Dec. A.D. 1823. 12) Abram was born on Sunday the 21st Jan. A.D. 1827.  13) Jane was born on Sunday 4th of Jan. A.D. 1829.  14)Margaret was born on Thurs. the 28th July A.D. 1831. 

MARRIAGES (County of Wythe) 12) Abraham married Leida? Estwood on Sat. the 1st March A.D. 1845.  13) Jane married Joseph Porter a neighbour, on Tues. 6th April A.D. 1847 Both of the County of Wythe, VA. 14) Jane, late Jane Porter married D___  ___ippi, a widower, on Thur. 28th Dec. A.D. 1848. (Both of Wythe County S. Virginia.)

DEATHS  On Monday the 2nd Sept A.D. 1833, then my husband Val Fry who was the father of 13 children. departed this life. in his perfect senses in hope of being devout.   Sunday the 12th Oct. A.D. 1845, then my Daughter Margaret Fry departed this life. in her 15th year, and in perfect senses, and supposes to be dearest? who was buried on Tues. the 14th Oct A.D. 1845 at 11 o.clock. both days beautiful.  Tues. the  20th April 1847 then Joseph Porter son in law, departed this life in his perfect senses. who married Jane.    Sunday 27th June 1847. ____the funeral of the above Margaret was preached by the Rev. W.B. Wint--- in his 47 year (Supposes)

BIRTHS  John Mitchel Fry a grandchild was born on Thurs. the 2nd March A.D. 1837.  Andrew Jackson Rosinbum? was born on Thurs. the 16th May A.D. 1839

Thanks to Suzy Fry who transcribed this information which she got from Rosa Bosch.  This was all written by Mary Yonce Fry in 1830's.  Double-click on the documents to enlarge them.

Grover's Clocks

My father-in-law Grover, loved making clocks with photos and other memorabilia. I've given most of them to the girls, but here are some. The one above was to honor Eloise's golfing.
This one includes his driver's license and various cards.

This clock has photos of Eloise as a girl and teenager---it hung in his hall at the apartment.




This one he made for me---it hung in my kitchen for many years---made of family recipe cards.


Carrie Berry was one Ellice's nieces or cousins.
Here's a dump cake recipe from Ethel Morgan (Clifford Morgan's wife)
Ellice Smith Morgan's cookies.

The egg nog is probably from Alice Alderson Fry.

He made this from one of our records for Rebecca's birthday.

Fry Genealogy

Thanks to Suzy and Buddy Fry for bringing this information to the reunion last week. Double click on the pages below in order to enlarge them. This first page begins with William Fry b. 1528 in Corston, Wiltshire England and 12 generations later there's Isaac Henry Fry b. 1877 in Peterstown, WV.

Fry Family Reunion: 1969 Jamaica Queen

The Fry Family took a cruise to Jamaica in 1969. Again, the Morgans did not attend, but I do have a report of the cruise probably written by Mildred Fry. The section above tells about their meeting at the Howard Johnson Hotel before boarding the Jamaica Queen :
"after a l-o-n-g, h-o-t wait in line. At 4:45 P.M. we bade Miami good-bye among streamers, confetti and music. Hardly had we gotten our breath and cleared the harbor, when we were instructed in a ships drill as to what to do in case of trouble, abandon ship, etc. Everyone looked very fetching in their orange life jackets. Some clown was circulating trying to bribe women and children to let him go first in the lifeboat. Guess who?"

Double click on any of the photos of documents for more details---the section above is about the entertainment aboard the ship including a costume party which Alfreda and Alderson participated in.
This section tells about the Captain's Dinner: "At the close of the dinner, all the lights were turned out and thee waiters came in bearing the dessert, Baked Alaska, topped with sparklers. All very festive and fun. The Frys toasted the Vogts with champagne for being "such jolly good fellows" and for arranging the trip."

Then, there's a description of Kingston comparing it to West Virginia. Below, describes Port Antonio and the "Family Meeting".
Below are the minutes of the meeting including a statement of how Irene wanted to be "memorialized." She outlived most of her younger siblings dying at 100 years old.

Fry Reunion 1967: A Ranch Reunion

The Fry Family tried a ranch in Texas in 1967. The Morgan Family didn't attend so I don't have many details or photos. The newspaper article above lists the participants, describes some of the entertaiment and lists previous reunion locations. A copy of a brochure below describes the "points of interests".
Double click on the photos to make them easier to read. Below is a map showing where the ranch was.
Here are the letters from Hale to Alfreda giving the details of the reunion.

Fry Reunion 1961: Islamorada, Florida

In contrast to Phil's brief, business-like note, Eloise wrote three pages to introduce and inform the family about the Fry Reunion of 1961 at Islamorada, Florida "100 miles south from the southern exit of the Florida Sunshine Parkway. . . .80 miles north from Key West on U.S. I". She, first, discusses Hurricane Donna which hit there Sept. 1, 1960. Then, she describes the vicinity and the 9 efficiency apartments which she had requested.

She then describes each apartment and the amenities: shuffleboard, sunning beach ("remember you will be living on a reef of coral"), boat dock ("with a long enough rod you can fish from the bedroom window"). She, also, tells them that there are boats available for renting.

"We inquired about man's natural enemy, the mosquito, and Mr. Cucklew stated that a community spraying co-op plan practically makes the area clear of the winged pests. Let's hope so, anyway."
This section of the letter mentions the businesses down the road and tells a little about the Bucklews who own the resort. The price would be $3 per person per day. The big question, though, was whether to have the reunion in July or August.
Eloise would have preferred the reunion in August because so many of the "children" were college age and needed to work. She comments,"We have found that leaving a young person at home to 'batch' for himself is just as expensive as taking them along besides suffering the anxiety about their welfare while they are home alone."

Then, she invites everyone who wants to see some of Miami to stay with Grover's brothers Paul and Lowell who both have pools . She also discusses how sad she is at Hurricane Donna's destruction.
Finally, she re-assures everyone there are no bargains in South Florida during August despite "the fantastic tales". She discusses Aunt Zela's move and requests that the form at the bottom of the page be returned before Christmas.
The newspaper article below indicates the reunion was held July 2-9. Also, it does not mention Dave's name---he insists he was there, but Harry had to stay home because he had a job at Emerson.