Carroll

December 1984

Seasons Greetings:

In this lineage chart you will discover, perhaps to your astonishment, that you are lineally descended from Emperor Charlemagne, King William I of England (William the Conqueror), Plantagenet Kings of England, two Plantagenet Princesses of England, sixteen Magna Charta Sureties of 1215, Noblemen "friends of the king" (King John), named in the preamble of the Magna Charta as advisors to the king - as well as to King John, himself.  Also three Knights of the Garter, a considerable number of English earls, countesses, barons and knights, as well as a few English and European dukes, marquis, counts, viscounts, signeura, and countesses. 

At first look this will seem like "heady stuff".  However, to keep things in perspective, literally millions of people now living in this world today could claim descent from such personages as Charlemagne, and other English kings - so that fact in itself is no big deal.

On the other hand, it is a distinct achievement to have actually traced that descent and been able to prove and document every step of that lineage.  In your case, such tracing, authenticating, and recording for posterity, have been done for you. 

To those of you who may be interested, documented and authenticated descent opens doors to acquiring membership, for you and your legatees, in a number of prestigious Hereditary Societies, such as the Order of the Crown of Charlemagne in the United States, The Most Noble Order of the Garter, The Plantagenet Society, the Sovereign Colonial Society of Americans of Royal Descent, The Order of Crusades, The Order of Americans of Armorial Ancestry, The National Society of Magna Charta Dames, the Baronial Order of Magna Charta, The Huguenot Society, and the First Families of Virginia. 

This particular lineage chart is not a "snob sheet" in any sense of the word.  It is not intended to place you a cut above your fellow man, nor is it intended to send you on some sort of an "ego trip".  Its true purpose is (a) to show you in some detail where you came from, (b) to show you the large number of distinguished personages, leaders (both good and bad), and achievers among your many ancestors, (c) to instill in you a sense of personal and family pride in these lineages which are uniquely, personally, and intimately yours, and (d) to point to you your deep responsibility for so shaping your own life and future that those who come after you - like shingles on a roof, so to speak - can take similar pride in your achievements and contributions in life. 

It must be remembered that genealogists, like archaeologists, never cease probing into our past.  Consequently, these Emperor Charlemagne - King Edward I of England, and other lineages should never be looked upon as being "set in concrete".  Continuing research may require changes and adjustments in particular generations or even lineages, in the light of new findings. Nevertheless, as of December 1984 and to the best of my knowledge and belief, these several lineages from Charlemagne through our American ancestors have all be accurately and carefully documented and authenticated.  Moreover, all sources of such authentication, by competent genealogists who are recognized as being leaders in the field, are enumerated herein. 

It is my hope that you will all enjoy this chart, that you will acquaint your children and grand children, etc., with this portion at least of your distinguished heritage, and that you will treasure it and keep it in a safe place - out of harm's way - recognizing it for what it actually is, a most valuable family document. 

Most importantly  we are all most fortunate to have descended from such a long long line of gentlemen and gentlewomen - from people of gentle birth and refinement.  It is our responsibility to keep this particular inheritance constantly in mind and to endeavor to bring up our children accordingly. 

This is my Christmas 1984 present to all of you and yours.  Please feel free to Xerox as many copies as you wish to pass down.

Love and best wishes to all. 

Velma Reaves

Connecting Our Kin: A Family History Collection, copyright 1998-2010, is a not-for-profit, personal, on-line genealogy project, formatted and presented by James H. Carroll, Goodlettsville, TN.  Excerpts and contributions from other sources have been used sparingly and with appropriate credit given. You are welcome to copy information found at this site for personal use and share information with other researchers or genealogical organizations, but this information may not be sold or used in a commercial project without expressed permission.