Momma named me "Jimmy" because her father's (William Ryborn "Will" Alderson's) favorite brother was his younger brother James Culbertson Alderson, whom he called "Jim". Of course, I never met greatuncle Jim, but I've carried his name for over 70 years now.

Grandpa's older brother, Ed Alderson, isn't mentioned much in family stories but Brother Jim and a covey of Alderson sisters was the topic of many conversations. Aunt Birtie told me that Grandpa Will was the "head man" in running the farm after his dad, Andrew Patterson Alderson, began his declining years. Once when Grandpa Will had to go to town, brother Jim decided he was going to run things in Will's absence. The girls put up with his demands for just a little while, then tackled him, held him and put hot sand on his face. She told that story with a bit of glee. I don't think Brother Jim was so quick to "take over" after that experience.

Somehow, Birtie and Emma and maybe other sisters got out to California and attended the Four Square Pentecostal Church there and returned to New Mexico as Pentacostals. Grandpa Will's two oldest daughters, Eva Faye and Bessie Irene were close to Aunt Birtie and attended some Pentacostal meetings with them. My aunt(Eva)Faye took me to a meeting in Dallas when I was about four years old. I don't remember much about the sermon but I sure do remember the music. To this very day, I love Southern Gospel music and have a pretty nice collection of Bill Gaither DVD's.

Some day I'll work up the courage to tell the only "off color" joke Aunt Birtie ever told.

Best regards,
James Alderson "Jim" Temple
jamesatemple@texascellnet.com
Canton, TX