Letter from Benjamin Franklin Christlieb to Ervin G. Chrislip–24 Dec 1894

Long Lake, Minn. Dec. 24, 1894

Ervin G. Christlip:

Dear Cousin: I have so far recovered as to be able to take up the family history and work a little at it every day. I cannot do much as I am still \weak and it tires me, but I have it pretty well along and will soon send it to the printer. As to the Virginia branch I have received information of all the family of the sons of the old German ancestor Jacob excepting William’s family. I wrote to Turner Christlip and directed it to P.O. you designated but my letter came back unclaimed, so I wish you would send me the names of all of the children of William and residences and business of the males. Peregrine G., as I recollect was merchandising at Salt Lick, W. Va., give the names especially of the males as far as you know them. I want to call you attention to another matter, being information about the old ancestor fist settling in Virginia. I obtained it from James A. Conner about eight years ago. I will give it as I have prepared for the printer,

“Jacob Christlieb born in Germany 1747; married Nancy Singer in Cumberland Co., Pa. -- settled near Phillippi, W. Va. About 1785, on a tract of wild land of about 800 acres, known in those days as a “tomahawk claim, and held peaceable possession upwards of forty years when an adverse claimant appeared. The length of the period of uninterrupted possession vested the title in Jacob Christlieb where he and wife lived the rest of their lives and raised their family.”

The part pertaining to locating on the land is the information Conner furnished me, also whether you know the exact date of settling, From the family story I fix it 1785. But in regard to settling on the claim if the circumstances were different or if you would prefer to have it told differently I can vary it thus: “Jacob Christlieb settled on a tract of 800 acres of wild land and after some years perfected his title to the land.”

I also will say as to the religion of W. Va. Branch that about the beginning of the present century when the doctrines of Wesley were making great progress the W. Va branch became Methodists” I may vary it some in expression but this embodies the idea. So please answer immediately as to these thoughts. I would like to write more but have not time. I need much time for resting tell your son Col A. G. that I will answer his letter.

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