"To desire something is to wish for it. To wish for it , to hope, Hope inspires faith. Faith influences family. Family fosters love. And love is our greatest desire.” By Mina P. Barry Imagine finding a story circa 1938, written by your deceased Mother when she was just 18 years old. Imagine reading it and discovering a novel so compelling, you forget who the author was and become immersed in a revelation of a family’s settlement years in the burgeoning West of the late 1800’s to the 1930’s. The charm of “The Jordans’ Journey”, a work of approximately 41,000 words, comes from its authenticity. The author, Mina Pruitt Barry, our mother, was a second-generation settler who was privy to the memories of her grandmother, Melissa Jordan Knight, who lived in Nebraska during our nation’s Westward Expansion. Mina was a talented writer when she penned this original piece, working at the same time as a journalist at a newspaper in Iowa, “The Daily Chief.” Upon reading her work, we, as educators, saw its merit and potential. We heard her “voice” and took the fledgling story to its present state. Synopsis Short Synopsis of “The Jordans’ Journey” by Susan Barry Burton and Patricia Barry Haggerty based on the work of Mina Pruitt Barry. In the beginning, the protagonists, Bruce and Vi Jordan, leave Illinois to pursue a new life in the Nebraska Territory. Can they successfully establish a viable life on the prairie? Can they overcome problems from their pasts?

Jordan Grace Harper had a wonderful life, or so she believed. She had a loving family, a great career, a nice apartment, and supportive friends. It was the picture-perfect American dream until one flippant comment about her past changed everything. Her dream swiftly became a nightmare. In the blink of an eye, a dark and suppressed past surrounding her father's murder comes full speed back into her life and her castle of comfort crumbles to the ground. This is the story of a young woman and her journey to not only finding her father, but also herself. This is Jordan's Journey.

Jordan's Point, a nearly triangular promontory in the James River, is situated in Prince George County, just east of the confluence of the James and Appomattox Rivers. A broad terrace overlooking the James, Jordan's Point is bounded by small streams, tidal marshes, and protective uplands that rise to a height of 100 feet or more. In 1607, when the first European colonists saw Jordan's Point, it was graced by the homes and cleared fields of natives they would call the Weyanoke. Virginia colonist Samuel Jordan established a community called Jordan's Journey around 1621, giving his name to what became known as Jordan's Point. In time, the settlement became a hub of social and political life. By 1660, Jordan's Point had come into the possession of the Blands, one of England's most important mercantile families. They leased their property to one or more of their agents, usually merchants and mariners involved in inter-colonial trade. Richard Bland I and his descendants developed Jordan's Point into a family seat and working plantation they retained until after the Civil War. At Jordan's Point enslaved men, women, and children toiled in the fields, enabling the Blands to prosper. Richard Bland IV went on to become a distinguished American patriot, and one of his sons became a physician. Featuring more than one hundred photos and illustrations, most in color, and intended for a general reader, Jordan's Point, Virginia: Archaeology in Perspective, Prehistoric to Modern Times tells the story of Jordan's Point, which spans thousands of years, through the cultural features that archaeologists have unearthed there. This is a book that will attract readers interested in Native American studies, Virginia and colonial history, and archaeology. Distributed for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources

Reminiscent of Phil Jackson’s SACRED HOOPS, Tamir Goodman’s Triple Threat explores physical, mental, and spiritual lessons, on and off the court. Tamir Goodman was dubbed “The Jewish Jordan” by SPORTS ILLUSTRATED for the unorthodox combination of basketball prowess and devout faith that he brought with him onto the court as a top-ranked high school recruit, D-I and professional basketball player. Goodman’s book features practical basketball training tips, strategies to contend with the mental side of the game, and game-like scenarios to demonstrate how this advice will pay off on the court. The book also takes readers on a fascinating journey through Goodman’s career, a highlight of which includes Goodman making history as the first Jewish player to play D-I and professional basketball while wearing a yarmulke and refraining from playing on the Jewish Sabbath. By weaving the hands-on advice with the intriguing personal stories, Goodman examines the basketball fundamentals of shooting, ball-handling and passing from the physical, mental and spiritual perspectives and assigns each of these moves a deeper meaning. Goodman uses examples from his career to make the point that adding an individualized spiritual element to physical and mental training can help athletes take their game to the next level, while also helping them to identify and achieve meaningful success on the court and in life. "The nickname 'Jewish Jordan' might roll off the tongue, but Tamir Goodman's journey to realize his basketball dreams was no breeze. I thoroughly enjoyed reliving all the twists and turns through HIS eyes—one of the finest sportsmen and ambassadors that our people have ever known – in this captivating book." —Marc Stein, ESPN NBA Reporter "… an inspiring book with expert basketball advice that is great for players of all levels." —Omri Casspi, Small Forward for the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers “… a fascinating look at one man's talents on the court, in his soul, and with an ultimate higher purpose. This book is for anyone interested in the skills of serious sportsmanship and the nuances of living an integrated and rich religious life. Tamir takes the concept of athleticism as a meaningful pursuit to the highest and most profound level. What a wonderful, joyful and superbly elegant exploration into the worlds of sports, religion, and life's purpose.” —Mayim Bialik, Ph.D., CLEC, Actress—The Big Bang Theory "As a DC area native, I have crystal clear memories of the Jewish Jordan phenomena and the national attention his story created. While he was obviously an exceptional basketball player, it was his unparalleled commitment to his faith that made him so impressive. This book is a refreshing look at what it takes to be successful on and off the court. It is a must read for all players and coaches. I couldn't put it down." —Alan Stein, Professional Basketball Strength & Conditioning Coach "I have had the honor and privilege of watching Tamir Goodman conduct a basketball camp for children, so I have seen him put these words into action. For all the wonderful advice included in Triple Threat, it is his combined love affair with basketball and Judaism, and his spiritual devotion to both that stands out for me. His playing career was far too short, but his passion for his game—and his God—endures.'' —Mary Schmitt Boyer, sportswriter and President of the Professional Basketball Writers Association

A host of stars crowds the desert sky, arching from the east, with its thriving towns, to the western mountains and an unknown future. Bound for the Oregon frontier, Jordan Bryce and her new husband, Colin, face danger from both man and nature.

Thomas Jordan served with the Hillsborough, North Carolina Militia, during the Revolutionary War. He married Prudence Harguis (Hargis), daughter of Samuel and Ester Whiteside Hargis, at Hillsborough, North Carolina, in 1783. They had at least three sons. He died ca. 1816. His grandson, Samuel Hargis Jordan (1824-1891) married Martha Ann Nichols in 1845. They had five children who reached adulthood. Descendants listed lived in North Carolina and elsewhere.