Our Christians left the island in 1655. They were two brothers, William and Jonathan and their families from the parish of Maughold, and a family named Cottier from the parish of Lezayre. William received a grant of land from the Crown in Virginia.

     We are descended through his son, Thomas Christian I who was born in 1635 in the Isle of Man. Thomas settled in Virginia and bought land on the north side of the James River in Charles City County. Thomas' sons and other family members obtained additional land in the area. At one period twelve connecting plantations were held by members of the Christian family. Our Christian line continues through his son Thomas and his grandson Thomas, all settling in Virginia.

     By the time of the American Revolution, the Charles City County Christians had been in America 125 years, and many served in the Continental Army and Virginia Militia.

     Lewis Christian, great-grandson of the immigrant Thomas, moved into Hawkins County, Tennessee. His first grant of land was 250 acres in 1790, before Ten