The CHRISTLEYS are of German origin and were among the early residents of Lancaster County, Penn. Soon after the close of the Revolutionary war, George CHRISTLEY (the grandfather of James P.) removed from Lancaster to Westmoreland County, Penn. His children were William, John, Michael, George, Samuel, Curtis, Polly, Peggy, Catherine and Betsey. Of these children, Mrs. Polly COOPER, of Mercer County, Penn., is the only one now living. John (the second son of George CHRISTLEY) who was born in Westmoreland County in 1797, became an early settler in Mercer County, Penn., but in 1822 he located in the vicinity of Centerville, Butler County, Penn., where he remained until his death, in 1872. His children were James P., born in Mercer County, 1821, and now living in Clay Township; William G., deceased; John H., living; Sarah J. KOCKENBERRY, living; Sarah E. MOORE, living at Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Samuel J.* who was a member of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserves, was killed at the second battle of Bull Run, Va.; Catherine F. BRUCE, living; Curtis I., living, who also served in the army; Margaret C. FOSTER, living; and Caroline FOSTER, living. James P. CHRISTLEY was married to Miss Mahala KEISTER in 1846, and has resided where he is now to be found since the spring of 1866. His children are Jacob S., Melvin H., Milton, Emma V., Thompson, Elmer E., Margaret A., Mabel, Mary H. and Horace G.
*Samuel J. CHRISTLEY was the first volunteer from Slippery Rock Township, and William MOORE was the first to enlist from Worth Township. They were, as citizens and soldiers, devoted, unswerving friends. MOORE was killed at the Battle of Gaines’ Hill, Va., June 27, 1862, and at the Second battle of Bull Run, Va. Samuel J. CHRISTLEY, Sergeant of Company D., Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, fell in the forefront of battle. Prior to that, however, he had written a most appropriate obituary article on the death of his comrade, which, after his death, was found in his (CHRISTLEY’s) knapsack. See Butler American of April 1, 1863.
Currently a resident of Burke, Virginia - I'm originally from the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have been a student of the Pennsylvania Reserves since 1997 and thoroughly enjoy telling their story. By trade I'm a former IT Professional but presently working as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service.
