Family Name

     From the family genealogy extends two surnames: Radcliff and Maumenee.
Radcliff is an English name originating in Lancashire, England near Manchester.
Radcliff is derived from the old English raed(red, ruddy), Clif, "The Red Rock," and
clif: interpreted, "steep decent, rought one." This surname is originated back to the 1300's and first recorded by William the Conqueror in 1066. Maumenee, a French name could ot be found in current records. However, as I continue my research this name will be updated in the currents records.


     France, the country of my ancestors plays a vital role of explaining the history and background of the Maumenee family, and also gives a glimpse of what the Maumenee's were leaving as they came to America in 1861. France is a country of six sides and 1800 miles of coastline. The people of France are descendants of invaders and settlers originating from the ethnic groups of the Celtics (1,000 b.c.), the Romans (58b.c.), and the Scandinavians (400 years later).

     Four characteristics of the French people distinguish them from a multi cultural world that present generations life in today. First, the French like to be the first at everything; they are unique to other nations. Secondly, they like order but hate personal discipline. Thirdly, they are expressive with their feelings, and lastly, they have quick wit and like being clever. The ironic tie of these descriptions can be found in the Maumenee's of today.

     For example, "they like to be first at everything," Alfred Edward Maumenee, JR> excelled in his medicine of ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University and his brother James Radcliff Maumenee, served as President of the Alabama Dry Docks for 25 years. the Fourth description, "they are expressive with their feelings" is evident in Cammie Maumenee, a former professional ballet dancer, who now runs Cammie Maumenee dance studios in Gulf Shores and Foley, Alabama.

     Even current generations, possess this gift and quality such as Lulie Maumenee who danced with Tulsa Ballet from 1992- 1998 and Lydia Maumenee who has participated in acting and ballet. Evangeline Maumenee, Daughter of James Radcliff Maumenee, JR displays an artistic expression of drawing and painting evident in her course studies at University of Oklahoma. The final description, "quick wit and being clever," seems to be a contrasting quality evident in James Radcliff Maumenee as he tells stories, to his granddaughter Lulie Maumenee who has found herself in one to many troubles, with her wit.

     Paris, known as the "city of lights," and "satellite towers,"(Westin, 6) is the largest urban town outside of Russia. Not only known as the world's most beautiful city, but also is the capitol of France, with 2 million citizens living within its borders. From within this beautiful city, was born the arts found evidenced in the cathedrals of Reims and Chartes, the palaces of Versailles (King Louis XIV), and the impressionist painters of Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) and Claude Monet (1840-1926).

     The important French years to take note of is 1848-1926, the period when Rose Maumenee made her original voyage to the deep south of America. Something important to note, are the situations occurring in France that gives insight of what was occurring in the world during this time. In 1848, Louis Philippe is overthrown, allowing the 2nd Republic to be established. The 2nd Republic was established by the assembly, run by Prince Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte). After declaring himself absolute ruler of the French people, the Franco-Prussian war began, leaving the nation of France in debt 5 billion Francs, forcing Louis to be exiled until his death.

     From 1853-1870 Baron George Hausman who rebuilt the programme; modernizing the transportation and sanitation of France as well as the construction of the Opera, lead a rebuilding stage. "The people of France have lived through many historic dramas, some ending in glory, some in tragedy. In case of centuries the people have changed and developed in many ways. At the same time they have never ceased to transform and improve the diverse, beautiful land they live in (Westin 12).

     The people of France have three distinct levels of society: the Bourgeoisie, holding the top salaried jobs, domination universities and elite schools. The middle class, and the workers are the last two realms of society breakdown in France. Roman Catholics mostly dominate religion at 80% and the Protestants making up the 20% gap.

     From this country came the descendants of the Maumenee family, with a former European influence they made there way into the deep south of Georgia, finally moving to Mobile, Alabama where their roots are vast and well secured.

maumenee 9,10,11,12