I've seen postings on the list from various Adrian families, with at least one being a distant relative to me. Attached below are some highlights that I've collected from Tom Adrian, who has done extensive research on our lineage (but who is not yet "online.") I apologize for this long post - but I know that some people can't receive files or that not everyone uses compatible word processors. If you would like this same document in a WordPerfect or Word file, just let me know. Anyway, here is the family tree from arrival in the U.S. to myself, with a few notes about some individuals where the information was available. My next goal is to find the connection to my Adrian relatives in Germany. If anyone thinks they can point me to a good lead, I will be thankful. David Adrian (see more below) Born in Germany c.1755 Immigrated to the US (South Carolina) c. 1769 Worked as a tailor, rumored that he ran away from home to come to the US. Married a Welsh woman, Rachael Flemming. Served in the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War, moved to GA on a land grant after the war. Died in 1822, Franklin City, GA ______________ Children: John German Adrian (John German never married and died a bachelor. In 1808 family living in Franklin City, GA, John shown as landowner of 100 acres near William Thomas, McDonald, father David and Hudson. 1810 shows John with 100 acres near King and Hudson River. In 1821 John is shown to own 200 acres and mother Rachel now owner of 100 acres, brother David Jr., 96 acres, brother William Harvey 202 acres. 1823 Captain Adrian's Military District, members are Rachel (mother); Hugh Davidson; Bush; McDonald; Prestridge. In 1827 John and mother Rachel are registrants in the 1827 Land Lottery. Jan. 1829, John is ordained as an Elder of the New Lebanon Presbyterian Church. Date and place of death unknown, but suspect at New Lebanon Cemetery in unmarked grave. Fleming Fowler Adrian (see below) William Harvey Adrian (William Harvey is in 1823 tax roles owning 202 acres in Henry City, GA. Census of 1840 shows William Harvey in Cass City, GA, head of household 40-50 yrs old, 1 son under 5 yrs, 2 free white females 20-30 yrs, 1 free white female 5-10 yrs, and 1 under 5. Census of 1850 shows William Harvey, 56 years old, in Cherokee City, AL, w/wife Clementine 38, daughters Rachael 17, Mary 13, Martha 11, Susan 9, Elizabeth 7, Eliza Scott 3, son Joseph 15, and 2 Mulatto's named Clark. 1870 Census shown William Harvey 72 yrs, Elisha 60, Susan 21, Elizabeth 19, Martha 17, Ann 15, and J. Adkinson - grandson 7.) Robert Dekalb Adrian (Left home at a young age to go to New Orleans. Was never heard from again. ) David Willber Adrian (David served in GA Militia in Capt. Epperson Company. 1819, David W. owns 90 acres on Beaer Creek. Census of 1830 shows David and another adult male (brother John?), wife and one elder woman, daughter, and 2 slaves. David received lands in the Cherokee Land Lottery and Gold Lottery. Elizabeth Adrian Arlexia Adrian Mary Adrian Rachael Adrian _______________ Son David Willber Adrian was born in 1794 and died in 1882. He married Mary McKie. Their children were: John German Adrian (killed at battle of Gettysburg - probably second day of battle) Robert Dekalb Adrian (Fought and was wounded and captured at Battle of Shilo. Sickened and died at Lancaster, KY) James Fowler Adrian (see below) David Willber Adrian (Served in the Confederate Army as a Third Lieutenant, Co. G, 5th Regiment, Mississippi Infantry. Moved to Texas after the war. Family purchased a farm, (177 acres), northeast of Longview. Farm stayed in family, - to grandson Eugene - and is located on what is now Adrian Rd. William Harvey Adrian (see below) Nancy Jane Adrian _______________ Son William Harvey Adrian (II) was born in 1840 in Cass City, GA and died in 1902 in Mineola, TX. He married Elizabeth Chastain. Their children were: James Coston Adrian Mary Chastain Adrian Russell D Adrian Joseph David Adrian __________________ Son Joseph David Adrian was born in 1876 in Cherokee County Alabama and died near 1965 in Golden, TX. His children were: German Cecil Adrian Jonas Coston Adrian Herman N. Adrian ___________ Son German Cecil Adrian was born in 1911 near Golden Texas and died there in 1991. His first wife, Estel Simon, gave him one son, German Cecil Adrian (II), later to go by the name Cecil. ______________ Son Cecil Adrian was born in 1934 in Lake Charles, LA. He married Ira Belle Cormier. Their children are: Cecil Mitchell Adrian (me) Maureen Faye Adrian. ___________ Son Mitchell Adrian was born in 1959 in Lake Charles, LA. Mitchell married Kathy Lynn Aguillard. Their children are: Katelynn Michelle Adrian _____________________________________ David Adrian: David Adrian was born in Germany, came to America as a Tailor, and was first found in 1768 as a witness to sale of land to Jas. Hanna from Wm. Black, of Mecklenburg, N.C., and later was found living in York Dist., S.C. Family legend has it he ran away from home, came to the colonies, at about 14 years old. There was an influx of German Immigrants about this time. The Revolutionary War was just beginning ... David tried to enlist but was rejected as being too young. Since he had training in Band Music, he was accepted as a "Drummer." He went through the War in this capacity and was given the title of "Major," which he bore for the rest of his life. Having made a recent purchase of property, he was subject to serve on the York Dist. jury in 1778. Also of future interest are friends, neighbors, and in-laws also on jury duty; Alex Fleming, Will Hannah Sr., Elijah Fleming, Morris's, Moor's, Ash's ... David married Rachael Fleming (formerly of Pennsylvania). The 1st U.S. census of 1790 shows John Adrian as a witness of a sale of 200 acres to John Black, from William Fleming in Franklin City, GA for 100 pounds, other witnesses: James Little July 1791, a York City jury was empaneled and sworn in, in the Wallace vs. Robert Smith trial, with David Gordon foreman, John Alison, William Davidson, David Adrian, and Allen Dowle ... Deed dated May, 1794, John Black of Franklin City, GA sells to William Fleming 275 acres of land on the Broad River for 100 pounds. Witnessed by John David Adrian. York City records of 10-20-1794 shows Estate of Joseph Lyons, a list of over 100 people owning notes to deceased: David Adrian as witness. By the turn of the century the family is complete - 5 boys and 4 girls: John German, Robert Dekalb, Fleming Fowler, David Willber, William Harvey, Elizabeth, Arlexia, Mary, and Rachael. The girls marred McDonald's, Davidson, and Gowder. York City jurors for 1800 & 1805 show David Adrian . . About 1806-07, the family moves west to Franklin City, GA. At that time the western edge of civilization. Georgia church records show David Adrian and son-in-law John Davidson in area of Hebron Presbyterian Church. 1808 tax records show David Adrian owning 200 acres, near William Thomas, McDonald, Hudson River, and another 100 acres for son John. In 1808 son Fleming Fowler marries neighbor girl, Mary McDonald. 1810 shows David and son John living in Captain Headens District. 1813 shows David paying taxes for himself and his son John. 1819 shows John paying taxes for himself and father David. 1820 a change of ownership occurs, son Fleming gets 100 acres, father David takes 100, son John 100, and David Jr., 90 acres. 1821 in Captain Duncan's District, son John now owns 200 acres, David Sr. 100, David Jr. 96. Records of 1822 show Rachael Adrian - Widow of Revolutionary War Soldier - owner of land..... Other records of 5-12-1827 show Rachael Adrian a charter member of New Lebanon Church at Homer, GA. Rachael - Widow RS1, registrant in 1827 and 1832 GA Land and Gold Lottery. Most of family stays in Franklin City till 1835, then moved to Cass City. Three of David and Rachael's children married McDonald's. Unable to locate David's grave, many are Rock Mound type without markers. ________________________________ Fleming Fowler Adrian Fleming received a good education..the family acheived more than the average at the time. The Adrian's moved to Georgia about 1806-07. Records of 1810 show Fleming applying for passport to enter Indian Territory. Volunteered and served in the War of 1812 as a Lieutenant in the company commanded by Captain G. L. Sandriges and Col. Groves and Gen. Floyd. He was honorably discharged on August 26, 1814 at Miledgeville, GA. Military records provide a description of: Light complexion, light hair, and blue eyes. Records also indicate that he fought in the Creek Indian Wars at Colibee Swamp and was stationed at Fort Armstrong, Fort Mitchell, and Fort Hull. Fleming was commissioned as Justice of the Peace - 264th Dist., in Franklin City, GA. Fleming served in the GA House of Representatives from 1817 to 1821. In 1819 Fleming was promoted from Major to Lt. Colonel in 46th Batt'n Militia. Fleming was a land investor for many years and was appointed Commissioner of Land Sales for 5 counties. He was again in the house of representatives in 1824 but was impeached in 1828. Census of 1830 shows F. F., age 43, head of household, living in Burgess section, of Carroll City, GA. Males in house; 1 5-10 yrs; 1 10-15 yrs; 1 15-20 yrs; and 5 girls. Wife Mary 39 yrs. Fleming received land in the 1832 Land Lottery near the GA-AL state lines. 1838 shows a US Mail route using the Adrian Ferry. Fleming owned a Plantation, abutting river. 1839 Fleming was elected Representative to Congress from Randolph City, AL (2 terms). In 1842 F. F. and son John were declared bankrupt. 1843 reelected to congress. Fleming was said to be a jolly man, according to family papers he often had much company over for feasts. 1850 Census shows Fleming 63 and wife Mary 60, with Napoleon Bonaparte Adrian 8, and grandson J. Robertson 21, living in household. At some time in his life, due to cancer, Fleming had one arm amputated. He did not take anesthetic when his arm was removed. 1865, Fleming was elected Treasurer of Randolf City, AL. In 1869, Fleming gives Daniel Ellis his property, in return for the care of him and his wife for the remainder of their lives. One acre was retained as burial ground and possibly a Church, hopefully to be called Christian-Union, free to all denominations. Pension records show wife Mary filing for widow's pension on March 28, 1871. _____________________________________ William Harvey Adrian William Harvey served in the Confederate Army as a Private in Company H, 19th Alabama Infantry. William later raised the sons (2 retarded) of his brother, John German, who was killed in the war. William Harvey moved to Texas after the war, first to Gregg then to Wood City at about 1877. The US Census of 1880 shows William Harvey in Wood, TX, as head of household (40), wife Elizabeth 33, James C 12, Mary C 10, Russell D 7, Joseph D 4. All kids born in Alabama. William Harvey died of pneumonia in 1902 at 61 _______________________________ James Fowler Adrian Fought with Gen. Kilpatrick's Cavalry in King George County, VA. Co. H, 48th Alabama Infantry. Wounded but survived gunshot wound. Letter written by James, April 6, 1914 Short History of the Adrian Family Grandfather and Grandmother were of German and Welsh decent. Grandfather came to this country from Germany as a tailor, settled in York District, S.C., and raised a family of five boys and two daughters. Names of boys: John German, Robert Dekalb, Fleming Fowler, David Willber, and William Harvey. The daughters married a McDonald and a Davidson and raised families. John G. died a bachelor, Robert D. left home whilst young to go to New Orleans and was never heard from again. Fleming F. came to Alabama from Georgia, raised a family. His oldest son came through with Cherokee Indians, where they settled in the Territory, now Oklahoma, as an interpreter for the tribe. His descendants are now in Van Zandt county and other parts of Texas. David W., the writers father, married in Georgia, a McDonald, and raised a family of five sons and one daughter. Names: John German, Robert DeKalb, James Fowler, David Willber and William Harvey. Daughter Nancy Jane. Sons all in Confederate War. John G. was killed at Battle of Gettysburg, Robert D. sickened and died at Lancaster, KY, after Shilo Battle. James F. came through with gunshot wound from Gen. Kilpatrick's Calvary in King George County, VA. William H. came through safe, but died of pneumonia in Wood county fifteen years ago. Nancy Jane died in Gregg county thirty years ago. D.W. and James F. still alive, D.W. eighty years, and J.F. eighty two. All have raised families. Their generations are increasing to the fourth generation and the writer being the eldest living member of the family, would ask a favor, that succeeding generations still retain the name "German" in memory of the nationality of their great-great grand kin. I dedicate this short memorandum to the succeeding generations of the Adrian family. J. F. Adrian ______________________ Mitchell Adrian Assistant Professor of Management Longwood College 201 High St. Farmville, VA 23901 (804) 395-2832 (804) 395-2203 - Fax http://web.lwc.edu/staff/madrian/adrhome.htm Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.