Page 1: Publisher's Update/Life Members

Page 2: Dues/BookRe-print & Carswell Home Page
Page 3 & 4: Family Group Work Sheet
Page 5: Passing of Kin
Page 6: Judge John W. Carswell
Page 7: "Death Becomes The Ghost"
OTHER NOTES   Contacts with the Editior
                               Poem
                               corrections
                               SEPTEMBER 96 ISSUE 

Publisher's Update We are making progress in our goal of re-printing Alexander Carswell and Isabella Brown -Their Ancestors and Descendants by Mildred and Dr. George Bond. At present we are on track with our time-frame. Orders are coming in for our required pre-sale and we are receiving updates from our various family branches. However, our message is not getting out as it would be hoped. If we are to be successful in this endeavor... all of those who have previously been on our mailing list must submit your membership dues, if you wish to remain on our mailing list. If you have not, please do so as soon as possible. The re-print of our book will depend on the numbers of pre-sold copies. The book will be re-printed, but the amount of copies printed will be dependant on family members who have ordered their copy in advance. We will not guarantee you a copy unless you have reserved a copy. As this is a NON-PROFIT printing, there will be few extra copies left over except for those copies that will be donated to various libraries. Please do not delay in reserving your copy. It will become necessary to establish a cut-off date for including your Family Group Work Sheets, updates and corrections. That date has not yet been established. Please get your submission to us as soon as possible if you wish to be included in our updated re-print. If you have any questions please contact either William H. Carswell of Valdosta, Georgia, or Robert M. Carswell of Greeneville, Tennessee. William Hamilton Carswell is the Director of Book Publishing and Distribution for The Carswell Family Association. Mr. W. H. Carswell will oversee all aspects of the new volume. This book will be "SOLD AT COST ONLY". To reserve your copy of this updated work, forward a check for $50to the Director. This amount will be applied towards the total cost of the book. This is a one-time limited edition AND OFFER. Life Membership As reported in our last issue, during the last five years, a few dedicated family members have given of themselves, their time and financial support to keep The Carswell Family Association and The Carswell Chronicle alive. Although many have supported us with encouragement, funds and contributions of material to publish - and I suppose many more had planned to do so - only a few have been consistent. They have been the "backbone" of this effort. We have honored these family members with the honorary title of "Life Member". Because the semembers have contributed much more than their fair share - some more than they would over a life-time - dues for these members are waved for life. Mildred Martin Bond - The Woodlands, Texas; Lisa Christine Carswell Bourgeois - Mobile, Alabama; Vic Campbell - Sparta, New Jersey; Mr. & Mrs. W. H. Carswell - Valdosta, Georgia; Dr.& Mrs. Bowdre L. Carswell - Montecito, California; Mr. & Mrs. F. W. Carswell - Ste. Anne DeBellevue, Quebec; Helen Carswell Marple - Charlotte, North Carolina; James Warren Carswell -Woodstock, Georgia; Judge & Mrs. E. W. Carswell - Chipley, Florida; Linda S. Carswell -Graceville, Florida; Mr. & Mrs. Marvin T. Carswell - Palm Bay, Florida; Dr. Catherine Melody Carswell, Lexington, Kentucky; Stephen Ford Carswell - Saint Augustine, Florida; Mr. & Mrs. R.M. Carswell - Camp Creek, Tennessee; Teresa A. Carswell - Jackson, Mississippi; Robert H.DeJarnette - Vidalia, Georgia; Dr. Robert H. DeJarnette Jr. - Vidalia, Georgia; Mr. & Mrs. Ray Gallimore - Christianburg, Virginia; Harriet Fay Hayes - Hephzibah, Georgia; Wynona Carswell Maske - Magnolia Springs, Alabama; Jacob Carswell Odom - Quinton, Alabama; Larry S. Thomas -Valdosta, Georgia; Deryl Carswell Weaver - Franklin, Tennessee; Mr. & Mrs. Danny P. Carswell -Roopville, Georgia; Hilda M. Cleckley - Sugarland, Texas. We will no longer publish a list of "sponsors" as our membership dues requirement will provide the financial support we need to continue publishing. Should there be a donation to either our book publishing effort, the family association, or this publication; it is requested that those donations be forwarded directly to the "Director of Book Publishing - William Hamilton Carswell". It is requested that no more donations of financial support be forwarded to the Guardian-Editor. All donations received by the Guardian-Editor will be forwarded to the Director of Book Publishing. This family association and publication must survive on its own or become just another footnote in history. We can not do that without your active participation.

Membership Dues and Book Reservations Please remit your membership dues of $10 to William H. Carswell as soon as possible. All dues should be mailed to: 
William H. CarswellDirector of Book Publishing Carswell Family Association2520 Jerry Jones Drive Valdosta, Georgia 31602If y ou wish to reserve a copy of the updated re-print of Alexander Carswell and Isabella Brown - Their Ancestors and Descendants; please forward a check for $50 to William.   

Book Re-print News All Family Group Work Sheets, corrections and additions to our re-print of Alexander Carswell and Isabella Brown - Their Ancestors and Descendants; should be mailed to the Director of Book Publishing in Georgia or the Guardian-Editor in Tennessee. A "Family Group Work Sheet" is included in this issue for your submission for this up dated   re-print. We can not update your family line without your input. Yours is a most important task.   

Carswell Home Page

 Kinsman Vic Campbell of GRADE-A PRODUCTIONS in Sparta, New Jersey, has created a Carswell Family 
Association Home Page on the Internet World Wide Web. You can view the latest up dates for our family association via your home's computer: http://www.grade-a.com/carswell  While this home page is still under construction we would like to share with you some interesting sites for those who use the internet for genealogy research: 

GENEALOGY RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~cgaunt/gen-intl.html ANCESTRY SEARCH: http://www.ancestry.com/

FAMILY TREE - A Bi-Monthly International Genealogical Publication forwarded for postage contributions. This publication can be ordered from: The Family Tree, The Odom Library, P.O. Box 1110, Moultrie, GA 31776-1110. Family Tree ezine address: http://www.teleport.com/~binder/famtree.shtml

CAMPBELL COUNTRY - CLAN CAMPBELL SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA: http://www.ccsna.org/jsep33b.htm

HISTORY OF CARNASSARIE CASTLEhttp:www.ccsna.org/jsep39b.html#A7

CASTLES IN SCOTLANDhttp://www.ibmpcug.co.uk/%7Ecastles/index.html

GENE STARK'S GENDEX - SEARCH OVER 1 MILLION SURNAMES ON-LINE: http://www.gendex.com/

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE: Robert Ragan produces a top-notch/first-rate genealogy newsletter called "TREASURE MAPS". It is e-mailed directly to your home computer and it is FREE. [Remember...nothing in this life is obtained without someone else paying the price for you.] I am sure Robert would appreciate a donation towards his efforts ever once-in-awhile. Visit his "TREASURE MAPS How-to Genealogy Site" at:http://www.firstct.com/fv/tmapmenu.html

Let others know of your discovery. E-Mail your favorite internet site to bc1@greene.xtn.net 

PASSING OF KIN

A number of kin, have contacted us to report the passing of Miss Fay Turner. We deeply regret having to inform you that Fay died Tuesday, November 19, 1996. 

THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE HEPHZIBAH, GA. - Miss Fay Turner, 75, of Traylor Street, died Tuesday, November 19, 1996, at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, GA. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, November 22, 1996, at Hephzibah Baptist Church with the Rev. John Beck officiating. Burial will be in the Hephzibah Vance Memorial Cemetery. Miss Turner, a native and life long resident of Richmond County, was a graduate of Barrett School of Nursing, University Hospital. She served as a registered nurse at the University Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital and retired from the Gracewood Infirmary. She was a member of the Hephzibah Baptist Church and the T.E.L. Sunday School Class. Survivors include: two sisters; Mabel T. Hall, Hephzibah, GA; Betty A. Carswell, Sardis, GA;t wo nieces: Fay A. Hayes, Blythe, GA; Linda T. Goins, Hephzibah, GA, three nephews; Thomas A. Alley, Hephzibah, GA; Gene Turner, Jackson, SC; Andy Turner, Hephzibah, GA; and several great-nieces and nephews Active pallbearers will be Thomas A. Alley, Ricky Hayes, Gene Turner, Andy Turner, Gordon Alley, J. R. Alley, Joseph Hayes. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the T. E. L. Sunday School Class of the Hephzibah Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hephzibah Baptist Church, 2527 Hwy. 88, Hephzibah, GA30815.The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday evening a the funeral home, 2546 Ga. Hwy. 88, Hephzibah, GA.   TURNER/CARSWELL FAMILY REUNION

If you are interested in attending an up-coming Turner/Carswell Family Reunion to be held in Hephzibah, Georgia, on 5 July 1997; please contact William Hamilton Carswell, our Director of Book Publishing, as soon as possible. Time is growing short on this one folks, so if we are going to have any Carswells attend we need to know ASAP.

CHRONICLE STANDS CORRECTED 

Our March 1995 issue stated that Walter A. Clark's book A Lost Arcadia contained no likeness of the author. We were in error. Our copy was incomplete, in that it had a missing key page. We are indebted to Cousin Helen Carswell Marple (page 391) for correcting our error and forwarding a page that was missing from our copy that contained the photograph of Walter A. Clark. Thank you, Cousin Helen - ed.  Charlotte, NC - In the March 1995 issue of "The Carswell Chronicle," beginning on page 9, you give quite a book review on Walter A. Clark's A Lost Arcadia. You state in this article that, currently, you know of only two existing copies of A Lost Arcadia and would like to know of any others. I have an autographed copy that was given to my father by the author. In addition to signing the book Walter Clark wrote a little poem beneath his autograph. My father also signed his name inside the front cover. I am enclosing a copy of the signatures and poem. (PHOTOGRAPH AND SIGNATURE NOT AVAILABLE ON ELECTRONIC VERSION.)  Within these pages you will see In part at lest your pedigree. The radiant list of your forbears, That glimmers thru' the vanished years." "Trace back the line, ere you were born Back through the centuries a gone, And if these lines with truth accord, They'll crown you with an Irish Lord."                                 -Walter A.  Clark 

 JUDGE JOHN W. CARSWELL 

I have written it "Judge" for the reason that his long and honorable association with Joseph A.
Shewmake, William W. Hughes, Jerry Inman and others as members of the old Inferior Court Bench
in Burke County conferred upon him the title that he wore gracefully, ably and justly until his
death. He was one of my father's nearest neighbors and probably his most intimate friend in the
community. They were bound together by ties of blood, constant association as official members
of the same church and by an abiding friendship that I cannot believe was ended even by death
for I feel assured that it has found a happy renewal in the unknown land. His genial
temperament, broad information and full equipment of common or possibly uncommon sense made his
frequent visits to my father's home always enjoyed. Over the gulf of nearly fifty vanished
years I can recall today some of his terse, sententious sayings. Talking to my father one day
on the matter of their accumulating years he said "old age is always ten years ahead of us."
Discussing he marriage of a mutual lady acquaintance he expressed he hope that she had done
well and when my father, who had paid a recent professional visit to her home, gave him some
information as to her new environment he replied, "Well Doctor, that isn't living much."
Referring one day to the prospective marriage of one of his wards to a minister of some
distinction he said, "He is an educated, Christian gentleman," and then turning to my brother
and myself he continued, "Boys that is as high as you can go." During a visit of the writer to
his home in the heated term he said, "I don't like to admit that I'm lazy, but I must confess
to an indisposition to doing anything this hot weather." Standing six feet three or four inches
in height, weighing two hundred and twenty five pounds or more, and markedly erect bearing he
was a fine specimen of physical manhood.

He was the son of John, and the grandson of Alexander and Isabella Carswell, who came to
America from Ireland about 1765 or 1770. My good friend and relative Mrs. Ella Salter who is a
granddaughter of Judge Carswell's sister Nancy, wife of Rev. Nicholas Murphy, has raced this
line back to Lord Ruthven, first Earl of Gonrie and the head of the "House of Cassilis" in the
following direct course of descent. Isabella, wife of Alexander Carswell, was the daughter of
William Browne, who was the son of Lady Jane (Gordon) Brown who was the daughter of Lady
Isabella (Ruthven) Gordon, who was the daughter of Lord Ruthven, First Earl of Gonrie, etc. She
has informed me further that the isabella aforesaid was a lineal descendant of Robert Bruce,
William Wallace, Sir James Douglas, hero of Bannockburn, and probably other Scottish Chiefs.
The connecting links between Isabella and these old-time worthies have not as yet been
"diskivered," but my friend is satisfied that they exist and that if she were in Scotland she
could "sholy" trace them out. A year ago while my time was largely occupied in gathering
genealogical data for these sketches, my brother Samuel R., on meeting Alma, my youngest born,
asked her if I would be in my office on the following day. "No sir, he is going to Wrens, Ga."
"What for?" he asked, and she replied, "I think he is going there to find out what kin I am to
Adam." And so as I belong to the Carswell line through my grandmother, Eleanor Carswell,
daughter of Edward and granddaughter of the aforesaid Isabella, it may be that if life lasts
with my friend Ella and her genealogical energies do not suffer an eclipse she may succeed in
carrying our mutual line back to Adam, or at least to Noah.

My friend has also given me the gratifying information that we are justly entitled through our
Carswell, Brown, Murray, Cassilis, Ruthven, Gordon connection to a whole lot of "Scotch Plaids"
too numerous to be scheduled here.

My friend tells me further that the name "Carswell" is derived from the old Scotch word "carse"
which means alluvial land bordering a stream. Walls built to protect these lands form overflow
were known as "carse-walls" and their owners James or John of the "carse-wall" were finally
designated as James of John Carswell. Bishop Carswell was a prominent and distinguished member
of the tribe in the 16th century and made the first translation into the Gaelic version being
known as "Carswell's Prayer Book."

Judge John W. Carswell married Sarah Ann Devine and to them were born two children, a son and a
daughter. The latter, Anna Eliza Moselle was married to Major Wm. A. Wilkins and their
children, Inez (Jones), Lily (Neely) and Wm. A. Jr. live in Waynesboro, Ga., and Nina (Scutter)
in Athens, Ga. The son John Devine married Linda Royal who bore him two sons, John D. Jr., of
Savannah, and Porter who married Arabella Walker and who died some years ago.

Judge Carswell's Brothersville home was built in the '40s of the last century, was sold after
the war to Cyrus Hudson, was burned a few years later and was never rebuilt. The following
incident of his service on the bench of the Inferior Court was given me years ago by his
associate Judge Joseph A. Shewmake. Major William Bennett, sixty years ago was one of the
"characters" of the Waynesboro bar. He and Dr. Edward Carter shared distinction of being the
most brilliant and entertaining talkers of Burke and for this reason they probably avoided
coming into colloquial contact with each other. When Judge Carswell entered upon his judicial
duties he found that Major Bennett has been occupying professionally an office in the Court
House for a long, long time and no charge had been made against him for rent. The suggestion
was made that he be requested to ante up for all of the back rations and a bill was accordingly
presented. The Major had represented the county in a little case involving a small amount and
when the court convened for the transaction of county business he rendered as an offset to the
rent account a bill for professional services equaling exactly the charge against him, not a
cent more and not a cent less. After reading the bill Jude Carswell said, "Major, this seems to
be a rather exorbitant charge for the service rendered," and the Major with a twinkle in his
bright, brown eyes replied, "Judge, my conscience is always equal to any demand made upon it
and to every emergency that confronts it." What the final outcome was I do not recall, Judge
Carswell's late years were spent in Waynesboro where his remains now rest. His son John Devine
died in comparatively early manhood and his wife and daughter, Mrs. Wilkins, have been dead
many years.

GEORGIA - Jeff and Carrie Johnson have also contacted us regarding Carrie's Carswell roots.
Jeff is the GENWEB coordinator for Wilkinson County.

FLORIDA - Jeannette Carswell Ford has recently gotten online (Page 368) and hopes to have her
daddy, Cousin "Sea-Dog" Marvin T. Carswell, online very soon.

NEW JERSEY - Old Cousin Vic Campbell sends 'em faster than I can read 'em.

GEORGIA - Our semi-official Carswell Family Association Recruiter is none other than Larry S.
Thomas. Larry really gets around on the net.

TEXAS - Charlene Hancock of Plano found our web site home page.

FLORIDA - Cousin Steven F. Carswell of St. Augustine sent e-mail letting us know he is
up-dating his family data.

MISSISSIPPI - Cousin Teresa Carswell (our official counselor) stays on top of all that legal
stuff.

SCOTLAND - The Right Reverend William D. Brown is not a member yet, but I'm thinking about
adopting him!

From the Internet News Bureau by Adam Sherk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - SPARTA, NEW JERSEY: GRADE-A Productions has launched a web site to
promote its new two-part video series on The Death Of The USS Houston (1942). Details and order
information are available online at http://www.grade-a.com/houston

Pearl Harbor was only the beginning of a string of catastrophic setbacks in the Pacific War of
1941 and '42. The remaining ships of the American Asiatic Fleet were quickly banded together
with Dutch, Australian and British fleets to form a less than imposing resistance to a
masterful advance of a modern, well equipped Japanese Navy and Army. Within three months of the
Pearl Harbor debacle, an entire Allied fleet would be lost to the Japanese war machine in the
climactic Battle of the Java Sea. Actually, two Allied ships, the heavy cruiser USS Houston
(The Galloping Ghost of The Java Coast) and the Australian light cruiser HMAS Perth came
through that battle relatively intact, but out of fuel and ammunition.

Two days later, February 28, 1942, the two cruisers ran afoul of a fresh Japanese fleet. The
courageous ships gave all in a suicidal charge into the midst of the enemy fleet. Both ships
went to the bottom, blasted apart by close-range shellfire and torpedoes. When the Houston went
down, the US Asiatic Fleet ceased to exist.

A few of the crews survived the battle. What happened next was a chapter of shame in the annals
of the Japanese Military. These men and thousands upon thousands of other Prisoners of War,
became slave labor for the Japanese War Machine. They were cruelly treated, tortured and
murdered on a whim. The famous "Death Railway" of Burma (Bridge Over The River Kwai) consumed
many of them as well as countless natives who were pressed into slavery.

And yet, some survived. Now, after three years of interviews and research, Grade-A Productions,
an independent producer in Sparta, New Jersey, has put the courageous story of the USS Houston
on tape. The Film "Death Becomes The Ghost" is in two volumes. Part one (The Glory)
concentrates on the December through February battles and ends with the loss of HMAS Perth and
USS Houston in the Sunda Strait. Part two (The Shame) concentrates on the hellish existence of
the captured sailors and their eventual repatriation three and a half years later.

Students of World War II and Naval History have long awaited an accounting of these events. The
two volume set is priced at $39.95. For information contact Grade-A Production (201)729-5369.
E-mail houston@grade-a.com. Additional information on this subject is available at
www.grade-a.com/houston.

The is the official family newsletter of THE CARSWELL FAMILY ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL - the descendants of Alexander and Isabella Carswell. This group exists as a cooperative NON-PROFIT family association dedicated to gathering, preserving and disseminating GENEALOGICAL and HISTORICAL data on all branches of the Carswell Family.

THE CARSWELL CHRONICLE serves as the means by which members of THE CARSWELL FAMILY ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL stay in contact with each other and disseminates genealogical, historical and present-day information. This family magazine is published twice a year, in March and September. The information and opinions of the various writers reflect the personal research and views of the individuals contributing the material.

Effective immediately, a $10 YEARLY MEMBERSHIP FEE will be charged to belong to THE CARSWELL FAMILY ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL: $5 of this fee will go towards support of the association; $5 of this fee will go towards publishing and distributing two copies of THE CARSWELL CHRONICLE each year. Make your $10 check payable to:
 

"The Carswell Family Association International"
Mail to:
William H. Carswell
Director, Book Publishing and Distribution
The Carswell Family Association International
2520 Jerry Jones Drive
Valdosta, Georgia 31602

To be considered for publication, articles must reach the Publisher prior to a lay-out and printing date. Address delivery problems, change of address, and articles for publication to the Guardian-Editor. The Guardian-Editor makes no claim to being a qualified editor or publisher. He is simply trying to "hold-it together" until someone more qualified volunteers to assume these duties. THE CARSWELL FAMILY ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL invites lienal and collateral family members to join our association only IF you are willing to freely share genealogical and historical data and support our family goals.

The Carswell Chronicle is indebted to the following for making this issue possible. Without their financial support we would cease publication:

Our Executive Leadership Council letter mailed out earlier this year has not produced the desired results we were hoping to report to you. Only a few ELC members have responded as requested. As I understand, the problem is one of health, age, and geographic location. A report back to the ELC from the office of The Carswell Chronicle will not be attempted, due to so few responding. Consequently, a meeting was held at Boone, North Carolina, on 14 July 1996 - during the Scottish Games at Grandfather Mountain - in an attempt to keep our family association from a lingering death. A full-report of this meeting was forwarded to all ELC members and Mrs. Bond. A synopsis is found on page 3. Look for many changes within The Carswell Chronicle and The Carswell Family Association.

Following a day-long meeting and after some reorganizing, I am pleased to report that The Carswell Family Association, while not in be best of health, is still alive and will continue to function as an organized association. The goals of the Carswell Family Association essentially remain the same, but many changes have been effected. Also, The Carswell Chronicle (the association's official newsletter) has undergone revision in format, operation and management.

The Carswell Family Association established as "...the Western Florida Branch of the Carswell Family" will expand its horizons and become an "international" association. Our association will continue to be a "cooperative non-profit family association dedicated to gathering, preserving and disseminating genealogical and historical data on all branches of The Carswell Family."

As Judge Elba Wilson Carswell's health prohibits him from continued activity within the association, we are without a senior spokesperson. An outline of present problems and proposed solutions was reported to Mrs. Bond and can be found in the synopsis. All this comes on the eve when, after four long years, we can proudly announce the answer to that long awaited question, "When will we reprint the Bond's book?" The answer, "Our goal is to distribute the updated & revised book in TWO YEARS!" (See next page) All questions and comments regarding publishing, subscription, change-of-address and distribution of The Carswell Chronicle should be directed to the Guardian-Editor. All comments and suggestions are welcome.

Some say, "Knowledge is learned theory." I say, "Wisdom is applied common sense." - Thomas Fitzhugh Carswell - 1937 "Country Philosopher"
 

BOND'S BOOK TO BE REPRINTED !!!

PUBLISHING AGREEMENT REACHED...

After four long years, a dedicated kinsman has stepped forward with the challenge to "either lead or get out of the way!" Devoted family kinsmen, William Hamilton Carswell and his wife Ann M. Morris Carswell of Valdosta, Georgia, have agreed to advance $5,000 to reprint Alexander Carswell and Isabella Brown - Their Ancestors and Descendants by Mildred and Dr. George Bond. Cousins Bill and Ann are found on page 393 of our book. Their daughter Teresa Carswell, in Mississippi, is "Counselor" to the Guardian-Editor, The Carswell Chronicle.

Mrs. Mildred M. Bond has agreed to our publishing efforts and has given The Carswell Family Association a full release to her book. THE BOOK WILL BE UPDATED AND REPRINTED!!! Mrs. Bond and the Guardian-Editor of The Carswell Chronicle have appointed Mr. William Hamilton Carswell the Director of Book Publishing and Distribution for The Carswell Family Association. Mr. Carswell will oversee all aspects of the new volume. This book will be "pre-sold at cost only". To reserve your copy of this updated work forward a check for $50 to the Director. This amount will be applied towards the total cost of the book. This is a one-time limited edition. (See estimate below.)

A copy of this release is on file and available upon special request from either the Director, Book Publishing or The Carswell Chronicle. All questions regarding the reprint of the Bond's book, its cost and expected distribution date should be directed to the Director at the address on the masthead. "Bill" Carswell is retired, having spent a career in the printing and publishing business. His knowledge regarding today's printing and publishing business techniques and practices will see that the job is done right. Our self-imposed deadline to publish this book is two years from July 1996. Within the next two years we will update all family branches to current levels, make all necessary corrections/changes and collect new family data and photographs for this publication.

In order to save a $4,000 type-setting fee; William H. Carswell and Robert M. Carswell III will divide the workload equally. Upon completion of data collection and type-setting, the two halves will be combined and a "master proof" will be made and forwarded to the printer and binder.

A "Family Group Work Sheet" is included in this issue for your submission for this new volume. We can not update your family line without your input. Yours is a most important task. Correct data is a must! Proof-reading will be accomplished by Ann M. Carswell and Susie M. Carswell. Just proof reading this work will require many months. For that reason please, PLEASE use care in preparation of your "Family Group Work Sheet". If additional work sheets are needed, make copies prior to writing on it. If other assistance is required contact either the Guardian-Editor or Director of Book Publishing.

The "Family Group Work Sheet" can be returned to either office to update your family. We will submit your submission to the proper type-setter. If you are not already listed in our book, full branch identification is required. If you are unsure, contact us and we will try to help you. Those genealogists who have already committed their work to a computer may submit 3.5 floppy disc in IBM format. It would also be helpful if a "print-out" could be submitted along with the floppy disc. Previous work, not copyrighted, may be submitted to the Director for determination. Copyrighted work must include a full-release with permission to edit. Space may be limited. (Please remember, long-hand or difficult-to-read manuscripts require much time and effort and may lead to mistakes.) The Director reserves the right of final determination. All work submitted becomes the property of, and will remain on file in The Carswell Family Association Archives, except by previous agreement.

DO NOT SUBMIT IRREPLACEABLE DOCUMENTS OR PHOTOGRAPHS VIA POSTAL SERVICE. If you have unusual documents, photographs, letters or items of significance that you would like included in this new volume, contact the Director for determination. At present, a deadline for submission has not been established, but will be included in future issues of The Carswell Chronicle.

It is anticipated that this new work MAY exceed 1,000 pages and have to be printed in two volumes. Narrative and photographs will have to be limited UNLESS we publish in two volumes. It is also anticipated that this publishing effort will probably exceed $25,000 and may even reach $35,000 - if we go to two volumes. Final determination will be made by the Director. This will be a limited edition of approximately 600 copies. The book will be "pre-sold" with some copies reserved for libraries that contain Carswell archives. REMEMBER, THIS IS A LIMITED EDITION. The Director has a monumental task before him with this project and we do not wish to burden him with correspondence that can be handled by the Chronicle. Please submit your general questions to The Carswell Chronicle, - if I don't know the answer, I'll try to find the answer for you. It is requested that "e-mail" be used as much as possible in order to save postage. We will keep you updated via this newsletter.

Some time ago, Mrs. Mildred Martin Bond agreed to donate her book to The Carswell Family Association when it was feasible to re-print. She recently made that "gift" official by signing a full release to Alexander Carswell and Isabella Brown - Their Ancestors and Descendants. Should an unplanned profit be generated, that profit will belong to the membership of the Carswell Family Association and those funds will be used for future family efforts, such as a family reunion.

Additional funds are needed to continue this effort. We need help! Cousins Bill and Ann Carswell have set the example. Supplies and computer maintenance will be required. Postage is a big expense. While we will attempt to answer questions via e-mail, costs for this and long-distance telephone bills add up. Will you help us? If you are able to assist in this Carswell Family Association effort, contact our Director of Book Publishing. All donations for this book publishing effort should be forwarded to William Hamilton Carswell at the address on our new masthead.

PASSING OF KIN 

Word has reached us that Dr. James Preston Carswell of 811 Carswell Avenue, Waycross, Georgia, passed away on 6 June 1996.

He was a life-long resident of Waycross and his medical practice was a landmark within the city. As we have not yet received a copy of his obituary, there is very little that we can report at this time. This information was relayed to us by his son, Dr. Ronald Bruce Carswell of Waycross. We in The Carswell Family Association and The Carswell Chronicle offer our most sincere condolences to Dr. Ronald Bruce Carswell and his family. We also offer our prayers for the Carswell family and Dr. Carswell's staff.

Dr. Carswell was the son of William Kilpatrick Carswell and Nina Peters Carswell. It is not known how many family members survive Dr. James Preston Carswell, but he and his family are found on page 377 of our Book.

You will remember that Dr. J. P. Carswell was one of the original members of the old Carswell Family Foundation. He long supported Judge E.W. Carswell and the current Guardian-Editor in their efforts. He served as a member of the Executive Leadership Counsel until his death. We are grateful that his son Ronald Bruce has agreed to take his father's seat on our family Executive Leadership Council. Dr. Carswell will be missed by all of us.

We have been notified of the passing of Edward Francis Carswell of Alpharetta, Georgia, on 2 June 1996 at age 56 from complications of pneumonia. (Edward Francis Carswell is found on page 390 of our book.)

We were first alerted of his passing by James Warren Carswell of Woodstock, Georgia. The Reverend Harry Meldrim Carswell Jr., a brother of Edward Francis Carswell was kind enough to contact us with details. Reverend Carswell will write a "Tribute to Edward Francis Carswell" from his family for our next issue.

Edward Francis Carswell is survived by his wife; Rachel; and three sons; David Edward, Michael and Alan Christopher. Four grandchildren will carry on their grandfather's line. Edward Francis was the son of the late Harry Meldrim Carswell Sr. and Harriet Rebecca Edwards Carswell of Atlanta, Georgia.

Edward Francis Carswell was a graduate of Henry Grady High School, Draughon Business College and Georgia State University. Mr. Carswell served our nation in the United States Navy and the United States Air Force. He was employed by Dunn and Bradstreet, having served as the Chief Financial Officer in the Atlanta Office. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Roswell, Georgia, where he sang in the choir - and is remembered as having a good bass voice. The Carswell Family Association and The Carswell Chronicle offer our deepest sympathy to the entire family of Edward Francis Carswell.
 

On 21 September we were notified of the passing of Jim Fay of Saltney, Chester, England on 17 September 1996. We were notified by family friend Colonel Arthur Carter, AUS (Ret.) of Mobile, Alabama.

The Guardian-Editor hopes that our members will forgive me for using this space to report Jim's passing. You see, Jim was not a member of our family, not in a genealogical fashion. He was simply my Brother in Christ!

Jim was one of my biggest fans. You might be interested to know that Jim provided not only historical research for our British Carswell family, but also promoted our efforts to become an international publication. Copies of The Carswell Chronicle could be found on a regular basis at his favorite Navy Club at the British Royal Naval Academy.

Our September 1993 issue reported to you that, "Commodore Jim Fay, a WWII Veteran of the Battle of Britain, is our Great Britain Bureau Chief for "Signals from the Admiral", our monthly publication of the Military Order of the Stars & Bars. Commodore Fay has done an "Yeoman" job in providing The Carswell Chronicle with historical research for our family publication." Jim held the honorary title of "Commodore" at Signals... bestowed upon him by the senior U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer of that organization. In another life, Jim would have been an ideal Confederate Naval Officer. In real life he served his King as a ship's captain as well as a jungle fighter during WWII.

Colonel Carter reports that he was notified of Jim's last transfer by Jim's daughter-in-law, Mrs. Leslie Howard. Jim was in fair health; however, he suffered from an old leg wound incurred during WWII. Colonel Carter tells us that Jim "...was at his favorite haunt, the Navy Club, when he had a seizure and died suddenly." Like many of our WWII veterans, Jim had out-lived most of his family and military compatriots. Jim had planed on attending the "Burma Star Reunion" in Vancouver, Canada, next summer - only a small gathering now. Jim was well traveled... from the jungles of Burma to the stormy North Sea.

Jim Fay was Acting Family Bureau Chief to the Carswell Family Association in England. He once said, "I never met a Carswell I did not feel kinship to..., even tho you blokes are a fiercely independent lot... Scots are like that, you know." Early on, Jim had agreed to assist, in anyway that he could, when we were planning our family association tour of Ireland, Scotland and England. We all had a standing invitation to visit him at his club at the RNA. Likewise, Jim had a standing invitation to visit Susie and I here in Camp Creek, with the promise that I would drive anywhere in the U.S. to pick him up at any airport.

Jim was a gentle and kind soul who would have done anything for anyone if they had a need and he the means. We may not have been related to Jim Fay, but he was family to anyone who would have him. I only had the opportunity to meet Jim once - three years ago - although I've known him for years. I look forward to meeting him again ...someday. Jim Fay was my friend and I'm going to miss him. This old world is just not the same anymore. Our Carswell Family worldwide lost a good friend. Our sincere prayers go out to Jim's family. May you be comforted in knowing that our Commodore has safely navigated life's rocky shoals and is now docked at THE HOME PORT.

We are always sadden to learn of the passing of family and friends. While we can never know the personal loss of another's loved ones, we do offer our prayers for those left behind... We may shed tears of sadness in our loss, but let us also share tears of joy for that Grand Reunion that is taking place in Heaven between Father... Son... and loved ones who have gone before us.

Turner/Carswell Reunion
by
William H. Carswell

Again, it was July 4th and time for another Turner/Carswell family reunion in Hephzibah, Georgia.

The Turner/Carswell connection comes by the marriage of Harriet Margery "Hattie" Carswell to Joseph Edward Turner, Sr. Their children were: Harriet Mable; Joseph E. "Jack", Jr.; Fay; Louis D. Newton "Louie"; and Elizabeth Carolyn "Bet".

Each year the surviving children of Hattie and Joe Turner make an effort to gather together the members of their own immediate family, their Carswell kin, and some of their close friends to a July 4th barbecue and fellowship.

This 4th of July get-together, according to the recollection of Fay Turner, was started in 1977 or 78. For many years Louie Turner was the prime mover for the arrangements until his untimely death in 1992. After that his brother, Jack, took the lead in keeping things organized and going. Unfortunately, as of last February, Jack is no longer with us. This year, the credit is due Jack's widow, Margaret, and his sisters, Mable, Fay and Bet. Mable's husband, Doug Hall, sees that ice cream and slaw are made. There are also Harriet Fay (Bet's daughter) and Linda (Louie's daughter) who chip in and get things done.

Those attending this year (1996) were those mentioned above, their spouses, children and grandchildren. Also attending were first cousins Tom J. Carswell and W.D. Carswell, and their wives; Celeste, the widow of Gus Carswell; Eugene Carswell and his wife Gayle; and William H. Carswell. There was also family friend and former neighbor Jim Davis and his family.

The air conditioned meeting place for these happy occasions is the handiwork of the late Louie Turner. Its use is now provided by Linda Goins, to whom the family is ever grateful.

EXCHANGE BULLETIN BOARD

The EXCHANGE BULLETIN BOARD, suggested by Mrs. Mildred M. Bond introduces new families - lienal and collateral - to our association. Member are encouraged to write and share family data that might be helpful to those requesting information.

Preston Family Connection

Peggy Mayville, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, recently contacted us by phone seeking information regarding the Preston/Carswell family connection. Specifically, she is trying to obtain information on Jane Preston (ca. 1836) wife of Robert Knight Carswell and information on Jane Preston Carswell's parents James and Elizabeth Preston of Crawford County, Georgia (page 360 of our book).

She could use any information on Jane's sister Nancy Preston who migrated with Robert Knight Carswell and Jane Preston Carswell to the small community called "Echo" in Dale County near Ozark, Alabama. This was before the War Between the States. Peggy Mayville informs us that there is an annual Preston family reunion held in Echo, Alabama, and that there is a strong Carswell family connection in that area.

As Robert Knight Carswell is the Guardian-Editor's own great-great-grandfather, I have a personal desire to assist Peggy Mayville in her genealogical search. Also, this Preston family reunion was welcome news to me. Seven years ago, I made an extensive search in the Echo area and determined no specific Preston/Carswell connection except that which was known thru Robert and Jane - guess I was wrong! I followed the trek Robert Knight and his family followed from Echo, Alabama, to Noma, Florida. I am unsure if Jane's sister, Nancy, relocated with Robert and Jane; it appears she did not.

Judge Elba Wilson Carswell is unable to assist us with this research. A request now goes out to our extended family for any information. Preston/Carswell family records are confused in that there may have been more that one "Jane" and one "Nancy", as Peggy Mayville's records indicate that a "Jane" was living in Georgia with her mother and father at about the same time our "Jane" was married to Robert Knight Carswell.

Peggy Mayville's records indicate that her "Nancy" had a brother named "David". Also, according to our records, "Nancy" married a gentleman named "Mathews" who was killed during the WBTS and that "Nancy" never married again. Peggy Mayville requests any information on David, Nancy, James or Elizabeth Preston that you might care to share. If you can assist please contact: Peggy Mayville, 517 Tassy S.E., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123

"God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever." - THOMAS JEFFERSON 1781
 
 

Who Was My Grandpa or Did
He Change His Name?
by
William Hamilton Carswell

My father's name was James Hamilton Carswell. He often signed his name as J.H. Carswell, Jr. in his early life; that is, during the time his father was living. I do not recall ever seeing his signature like this after the time of his father's death. For instance: In a copy of A Lost Arcadia by Walter A. Clark, my father identified it as his by signing his name inside the front cover, J. H. Carswell, Jr. and dating it 1918. His father died on April 7, 1918. I also have another of his books which he signed as J. H. Carswell and is dated April 25, 1921, so he must have stopped signing his name with a Jr. after his father's death.

Sometime after his death in 1940, I became aware that my father signed his name this way and knowing that I had always heard his father referred to as John Hamilton Carswell, this set up a great quandary in my mind. What was my grandfather's real name?

This question that has lain dormant in my mind for a so long has recently surfaced again. While I was reviewing some old issues of The Carswell Chronicle, I noticed in Volume V, Number 1, on page 14, there are excerpts taken from a book called Biographical Sketches of Prominent Baptists and one of the sketches is about one James Hamilton Carswell. In the sketch are listed his parents and his birth date, his education, his upbringing and his religious and ministerial experiences. Also are listed the name of his wife, her parents and the date of their marriage, and ends by saying, "is residing in his native county, at the former home of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather." It also shows a picture of him as a young man probably not over the age of 30.

Reviewing The Carswell Chronicle further, in Volume VI, Number 1, on page 18, there is an excerpt from Baptist Biography, Volume 2, Graham, in the form of a biographical sketch about one John Hamilton Carswell. In this sketch there are identical data as listed above except there is more detail, a list of all children, a summary of his pastorals and philosophies, a description of his passing and his death date, April 7, 1918. There is also a small picture of him as an old man, the same as an original photograph I have that is obviously at an age over 65. I have quizzed most of my living Carswell first cousins hoping that they might have a clue about my quandary but they all expressed surprise that I have discovered this and they have been unable to offer any help. I have not yet had an opportunity to search any U.S. Census records or other public records. Perhaps there is an answer. I sure hope so. Meanwhile, if there is someone reading this who might have the answer or any suggestion for solving my quandary I would certainly appreciate their contacting me with any information that they might have. I really would love to know just what to call my grandfather. Was he John or was he James?

While in Hephzibah, Georgia recently, I went by the Carswell lot in Hephzibah Cemetery thinking that surely the gravestone would take care of the matter. It did: J. H. Carswell.

Deryl's Corner

by

Deryl Carswell Weaver

I am still collecting "Bishopania". I've searched every avenue I can think of and have quite a few sources for Bishop John Carswell (fl. 1560-1572), Bishop of the Isles. In his earlier years the Bishop was chaplain to the Earl of Argyll and rector of Kilmartin.

In March I received pictures taken by a Mr. Hamish Ralston of Wycliffe Bible Translators in Edinburgh (photographs of Bishop John Carswell's grave).

The Sparta, Georgia, publication "The Ishmalite" dated 1 February 1996 had an interesting article regarding Alexander Stephens Historic Park and the Alexander Stephens' Jubilee. February 10 was the 184th anniversary of the birth of the Confederate Vice-President. One of my ancestors, one Absalom Janes ran against Alexander Stephens in the early 1800s.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP

As in any organization 10% of the members do the work for the other 90%. The survival of our association demands reorganization and changes in the way we operate.

During the last five years a few dedicated family members have given of themselves, their time and financial support to keep The Carswell Family Association AND The Carswell Chronicle alive. Although many have supported us with encouragement and contributions of material to publish, and I suppose many more had planned to do so, only a few have been consistent. They have been the "backbone" of this effort.

You have seen their names appear again and again - issue after issue - as "Sponsors" on the inside cover of our publication. They have done more than their fair share, with many giving more than they would have over a period of a lifetime. Financial donations are not the only consideration in the designation of "Life Member". A few have diligently worked behind the scenes in support of the goals as established by Judge E.W Carswell., Mrs. Mildred Martin Bond, the Guardian-Editor and the Executive Leadership Council.

"Life Members" will not be required to pay dues and will receive free issues of our family publication for life. Those so honored will be recognized at all future family reunions.

It is only fitting that these honored family members be recognized for their loyal support. The designation of "Life Member" is the least we can do to recognize their love of family, heritage, genealogy and history. It is they... that have gone the extra mile for the rest of us.

For those who might in some way disagree with this decision; do not think that just because these "Life Members" have been given a 'title' that they will just sit by and let others do the work. These family members have already proven themselves. I fully expect that they will continue to support our book publishing effort, planned reunion and cemetery project with their financial support, time and effort. My major reason for this decision is to both honor them, and to return the FOCUS on the "association" not the "publication". This publication exists for the association. Without the association there is no need for a publication.

The only way the current Guardian-Editor agrees to continue in this position is with the universal acceptance and recognition of those members so honored. Those family members should already know who they are; however, to avoid possible errors, a letter of recognition will be forwarded to each one, and to all members of The Executive Leadership Council, within the coming months as time permits. A full list will be published in our March 1997 issue.

We will no longer publish a list of "Sponsors" as our "membership dues requirement" will provide the financial support we need to continue publishing. Should there be a donation to either our book publishing effort, the family association or this publication, it is requested that those donations be forwarded directly to the "Director of Book Publishing - William Hamilton Carswell".

All donations received by the Guardian-Editor will be forwarded to the Director of Book Publishing. All donations will be published in future issues - on an individual basis, depending on your wishes. If you do not wish to have your donation published in our family newsletter, you must tell us so.

It is requested that no more donations of financial support be forwarded to the Guardian-Editor. This family association and publication must survive on its own or become just another footnote in history. We can not do that without your active participation.

Robert M. Carswell III
Guardian-Editor

MORE CARSWELL ARCHIVES...

For those studious family genealogists, we have Carswell family archives located thru-out this nation - for your individual research. Just a few to consider are; Louisiana Tech University - Special Collections, Manuscripts and Archives located within the Prescott Memorial Library. There are many documents, papers, photographs, letters and books placed there by distinguished alumni and recipient of the "Tower Medallion" - Judge Elba Wilson Carswell. For further information you can contact:

Also we have family archives located at:

1. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
2. Library of the New England Historic and Genealogical Society in Boston, Massachusetts
3. State Library of Florida in Tallahassee, Florida
4. P.K. Younge Library at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida
5. Northwest Florida Regional Library in Panama City, Florida
6. John C. Pace Library at he University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida
7. Morganton-Burke County Library in Morganton, North Carolina
More locations will be published in next issue....

"I pray that our merciful Father in heaven may protect and direct us. In that case I fear no odds and no numbers."

ROBERT EDWARD LEE 1863