Welcome to my family. The information on this page has been collected from personal stories of my relatives and a large amount of library and Internet-based research. Many thanks to my mother, Roberta Richardson, for her invaluable assistance in this family research project.
This project started out much like any good mystery. There were a lot of fascinating characters and a lot of stories with intriguing plots and subplots. The key to solving this mystery was to put all of the pieces together, much like a puzzle. When we started this project, we had no idea where it would take us. Certainly, we didn't expect what we found -- a fascinating journey that has taken us from the California gold rush, to colonial Virginia and the White House, all the way back to 16th Century England.
But also as in any good mystery, just when you think you've got it solved, new mysteries abound. We continue to dig and uncover new information, which only leads to new elusive ancestors. Here is a sampling of some of the mysteries that continue to puzzle us:
* Who were the parents of Evan Thomas Watson? Evan Thomas was born in Albemarle VA, in 1759 and died in 1834. Many years ago someone on my grandfather's side traced the Watson family roots and listed an unknown Watson as the father of Evan Thomas. This unknown Watson is described as a native of London, England, who immigrated to America in colonial days and served in the Revolutionary War on the side of the colonies. According to this source, unknown Watson eventually settled in Logan County, Kentucky, where he died. Watson family researcher Mark T. Watson has reported that Evan Thomas is likely the son of John Watson m. Margaret UNKNOWN. Likely siblings were John Watson of Hightop, Joseph Watson and Jesse Watson. See Mark's interesting theory that our WATSON line landed in Baltimore in the early 1700's in the Evan T. Genealogy Report. There's also a link to Mark's family web page, an invaluable source for a great deal of the Evan T. line.
* Who were the immigrant ancestors of Thomas Christian, generally believed to be the progenitor of the Virginia Christian family line? Genealogists have been debating this one for over a century. See the intriguing article below, "Elusive Connections: The Immigrant Ancestors," by Agnes Branch Pearlman, which recounts this debate and stirs up the pot a little more.
* Who were the ancestors of Sarah Tully, my 3rd great-grandmother? If you check out the photo documentation below, you'll see that Sarah was quite a spitfire. My mother has taken up the challenge to finish the story that Sarah started. According to death records of Sarah, she was born in Abingdon, Virginia, in 1835, and her father was James Tully, of Little Rock, Arkansas. Virginia census records show a James Tully in Washington County in 1820 and 1830. Is he the father of Sarah? Probably. But if so, who were his parents and where did they come from? And who was the mother of Sarah? Her death records show mother's maiden name as "not known." Toncray family researchers apparently believe that the James Tully of Washington County was married to a Dorcas Toncray, whose father is believed to be John Toncray. You see, answering one question only leads to many others.
I hope you enjoy this family story as much as I've enjoyed putting it together. This is very much a work in progress. I welcome any thoughts you might have about the site, or suggestions as to how the site can be improved. Also, there are bound to be errors. If you find any, please let me know. Also, we welcome any answers that other researchers out there might have to the many mysteries we've still yet to solve. Finally, be sure to scroll down all the way to the bottom of the page. There's a lot of content after the photos, including a link to "A Family History 1620 - 2000," by Roberta Richardson. The book is password-protected. Email me for the password.
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- Family Crest (29 KB)
The Isle of Man Christian family crest is a unicorn head with a collar around the neck.
- White House connection (38 KB)
Letitia Christian Tyler, first wife of John Tyler, 10th president of the U.S. According to my research, the First Lady is my fourth cousin six times removed, a distant relation but a relation nonethless. A little biographical information: Letitia Tyler had been confined to an invalid's chair for two years when her husband unexpectedly became President. She died in the White House in September 1842.
- Gold Rush pioneers (56 KB)
The burial grounds of my third great-grandparents, Thomas and Sarah (Tully) Wallace, at the Shingle Springs Cemetery in El Dorado County, California. This photo is courtesy of the El Dorado County Pioneer Cemetery Commission and the Cemetery Club of Rolling Hills Middle School in El Dorado Hills, who are fighting to preserve the county's historic graveyards and cemeteries.
- A star is born (69 KB)
Well almost, anyway. When Hollywood came to Arizona, my grandfather, Cliff Watson, jumped on board. He was an extra in the western "Arizona" (1940) starring Jean Arthur as a tough, swaggering pioneer woman. The movie was filmed in Old Tucson, Arizona. That's my grandpa in Jean Arthur's "Arizona" Mutt Show (standing second from left). On the bottom right is a signed photo from Jean Arthur "To Cliff." A User Comment on the Internet Movie Data Base (www.imdb.com) describes "Arizona" as a "Western lover's dream movie."
- Ruby Christian Watson Madison and grandchildren (133 KB)
Children are, standing, from left, Gary Reiman, Jeff Holbrook, Roberta Watson, Bud Watson, Janie Holbrook; seated, Kent Reiman, Johnnie Holbrook, Leslie Watson and Janet Holbrook. Photo was taken in Pheonix, Arizona, 1959.
- Eva Belle Miser (32 KB)
My great-grandmother, at about age 16.
- The Walker family, about 1905 (27 KB)
Charles Thomas "Tom" Walker; Frank X. Walker; Anges Walker; Maria Louisa "Lou" Wallace Walker; and Eugene "Gene" Walker
- Ring my bell (47 KB)
My grandmother, Marcella "Marc" Walker Watson is a collector. Her house, in Phoenix, Arizona, is like a museum, filled with all of her collections, including minerals, insects, Santa Clauses, Nativities, eggs, books, Native American artifacts, Southwestern artifacts, Arizona Highways magazine (back to 1941), horseshoes, bolo ties, and, especially, bells.
- Green Oak Farm (52 KB)
Dwelling house at the Christian family's Green Oak Farm. The property, located in Charles City, Virginia, on the Chickahominy River, has been in the Christian family since 1657.
- Grandpa and Grandma (54 KB)
Cliff and Marc Watson in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1941, and later in 1987, with their grandson, Wyatt Albin, on Cliff's 75th birthday.
- Cliff Watson and family (67 KB)
There was always a little bit of a kid in my grandfather. Here, you can see where it came from.
- Meat market (44 KB)
Charles Thomas "Tom" Walker, my great-grandfather, outside the family meat market in Tahoe City, California, about 1918 (left). Tom eventually became a rancher like his father, Frank Xavier "X" Walker. In a 1930's biography, Tom was described as having "a keen interest in public affairs, but in politics maintains an independent attitude, voting for the best men, regardless of party lines. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Native Sons of the Golden West." On the right, he's with his second child, John Franklin "Bud" Walker, in 1948.
- Eva Belle Miser and Charles Thomas "Tom" Walker (24 KB)
On their wedding day in 1917.
- The X Files (47 KB)
Frank Xaphier "X" Walker, my second great-grandfather, was born in Switzerland between 1860 and 1870. He owned one of the largest ranches in the El Dorado County-Lake Tahoe, California, area. The home ranch of 2,800 acres was in the Clarksville district of El Dorado County. Another ranch of 3,000 acres was in Blackwood Canyon near Lake Tahoe. Frank raised sheep and cattle, which he branded with a lone X for the "X" in his middle name. On the left he is with grandaughters Pat and Mazie, probably shortly before his death in about 1935. In the center photo, he's with his wife, Louisa "Lou" Marie Wallace, the first child of Thomas and Sarah Wallace.
- Go greased lightning... (33 KB)
Bud and Leslie Watson, Phoenix, Arizona, 1961.
- The Walkers (44 KB)
On the top left is the Walker family, about 1905: Charles Thomas "Tom" Walker; Frank Xaphier "X" Walker; Agnes Walker, Maria Louisa "Lou" Wallace Walker; and Eugene "Gene" Walker. On the bottom left is Gene as a member of the California state police. Also pictured individually are Tom (top right) and Agnes (bottom right).
- Rodeo Queen (75 KB)
My grandmother, Marcella "Marc" Walker, the cowgirl. The photo of her on the horse (top left) appeared in the May 1938 issue of Everyday Photography magazine.
- Still trying to make census of it all... (109 KB)
My mother has been persistent in her search for the ancestry of Sarah Tully Wallace, my third great-grandmother. First, she obtained Sarah's death certificate (see below), which listed a birthplace of Abingdon, Virginia, a date of birth of November 12, 1835, and the name of her father, James Tully (the maiden name of her mother was reported as "not known"). That document sent my mother to the census records of Washington County, Virginia, the county where Abingdon is located. Although it's difficult to read, there is a James Tully listed on this 1820 census record from Washington County, 15 years before the birth of Sarah. The document notes: occ. manufacturing, plus wife. His wife is believed to be Dorcas Toncray. No children were listed at that time. John Toncray, also listed on this 1820 census, is believed to be the father of Dorcas.
- The Walker family ranches (43 KB)
The Walker family winter ranch (left) in Clarksville, California, was about 3,500 acres.
The family's summer ranch in Blackwood Creek, California, near Lake Tahoe, was about 2,800 acres. In the 1930's, Tom Walker ran about 600 head of cattle between the ranches.
- Washington County, Virginia 1830 Census (152 KB)
Although it's quite difficult to read, James Tully, believed to be my 4th great-grandfather, is listed on this 1830 census document. See story of how this connection was made in the photo above with the title "Still trying to make census of it all..." The census also shows that James had a wife, 3 children under 3, and 2 children 3 to 10.
- 'R' you ready for the Richardsons? (73 KB)
Clockwise from top left: Randy, at 6 months, 1962; Robin & Randy, Christmas 1964; Robin, Roberta & Randy, 1984; Robin, 1967; Robin & Steve, 1991; Randy & Mitsuko, 1998; and Randy, NIU Law School, 1994.
- The Walker "Kids" (70 KB)
The children of Charles Thomas Walker and Eva Belle Miser, at a 1995 reunion.
- Coming of age (69 KB)
My grandfather, Cliff Watson, as a young man.
- Gene Walker 1950 (41 KB)
Cool shot of my Mom and her brother, Bud, in their Uncle Gene's MG.
- Pin-up queen (43 KB)
Pat Walker - 1948.
- 1850 Texas Census (395 KB)
This census page, from 1850, was signed by my 4th great-grandfather, Coleman Watson (line 23). Listed underneath are his wife, Lucy, and their 10 children. Coleman was a farmer and commissioner of Grayson County, Texas. He served in the early Indian wars and border conflicts. He also was a prominent Mason.
- 1825 Census from Washington County, VA (129 KB)
This document is signed by James Tully, believed to be my 4th great-grandfather, and it shows that he was literate and had good hand-writing. As noted earlier, James is believed to have married Dorcas Toncray. We know from census records that James Tully was in Washington County from at least 1820 to 1830 but we don't know much else. Death records of Sarah Tully, my 3rd great-grandmother, indicated that she was the daughter of James Tully, of Little Rock, Arkansas. My mother speculates that James Tully is the James that is related to the first Tully in Virginia, John Tully, who married Rebecca New's sister Sarah.
- Epitaphs from the Tombstones (119 KB)
From Cedar Grove Farm, New Kent County, Virginia. The first epitaph listed is that for Letitia Tyler Christian, first wife of John Tyler, 10th President of the United States. Letitia is my 4th cousin 6 times removed.
- The Watson "Kids" (37 KB)
Cliff Watson and sisters Mary Lou
and Effie, 1984
- The two wives of Joseph Miser Sr. (26 KB)
Julia Miser and Leontine "Lee" Miller Miser Wallace. Lee's second husband was Charles Wallace, the fourth child of Sarah and Thomas Wallace.
- Death Certificate for Sarah Tully Wallace (44 KB)
Sarah Tully Wallace, my third great-grandmother, lived an interesting 90 years. According to tales passed down through the generations, she was 16, pretty and smart when she crossed the plains to California in a covered wagon. By her accounts, the family moved on to California after Brigham Young, the founder of the Mormon Church, tried to buy her during a stop in Salt Lake City. She began a career as a teacher during the California Gold Rush, when she saw many young and illiterate miners being cheated out of their gold. To help them protect their claims, she began teaching them how to read, write and do simple math. She later taught school in Coloma, California. She always said she was a direct descendant of Pocahontas, a claim that never has been substantiated.
- Grave marker for Eva Belle (Miser) Walker (124 KB)
Located at Folsum Cemetery, CA.
- The Miser family (42 KB)
Joseph and Leontine Miser and children, in 1900. Children, from left, are Joseph Edward Jr., Eva Belle, Gertrude, Alta Mae, and Herbert.
- A Family Heirloom (125 KB)
Meerschaum pipe owned by Francis X. Walker (1860 - 1935), native of Switzerland.
- Just horsin' around (65 KB)
Walter Earl Watson, my great-grandfather, was an early Arizona pioneer, horse trader and cowboy. His horse and mule sales barn in Phoenix, Arizona (photo taken about 1925) is on the left. On the top right is Walter in 1966. On the bottom right is Walter with his son, Cliff, shortly before his death in 1968.
- Grave markers from the Miser Family Cemetery (272 KB)
Located in Cameron Park, CA.
- A gem of a lady (65 KB)
Ruby Christian Watson Madison, my great-grandmother, had a love for birds and for life. On the left she is with daughters Mary Lou, about age 4, and Effie Lou, about 8 months, in Phoenix, Arizona, 1920.
- More grave markers from the Miser Family Cemetery (178 KB)
Located in Cameron Park, CA.
- The Walker family (75 KB)
Top left: Marcella, Bud, Gertrude, Mazie and Pat Walker at the ranch in Clarksville in 1931. Bottom left: Bud, about 3, and Marcella, age 6, in about 1924. Bottom center: Frank X. Walker with granddaughters Pat and Mazie, probably shortly before his death in about 1935. Right: The Walker children in 1930, from left, Mazie, 2; Bud, 9; Gertrude, 6; and Marcella, 12. The photo was taken shortly before their mother's death.
- Miser Family Cemetery (181 KB)
Located in Cameron Park, CA.
- Grave marker for Gertrude Miser (144 KB)
Located at Miser Family Cemetery, CA.
- Dennis Watson Family (2016 KB)
Dennis Watson and Cora Gleaves and children. Dennis is the son of John Watson and Julia Whitaker. John is the son of Jessie Watson and Rebecca Denton. Photo contributed by Danny Hammack.
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