Frances Christine "Christian Reid" FISHER

HAIRSTON.org ID#9178, b. 5 July 1846, d. 24 March 1920
Father*Col. Charles Frederick FISHER II b. 26 Dec 1816, d. 21 Jul 1861
Mother*Elizabeth Ruth CALDWELL b. a 1824, d. 18 Mar 1850
Birth*Frances Christine "Christian Reid" FISHER was born on 5 July 1846 in Rowan, North Carolina. 
She was the daughter of Col. Charles Frederick FISHER II and Elizabeth Ruth CALDWELL
Death MotherHer mother, Elizabeth Ruth Caldwell Fisher, died on 18 March 1850. 
Death Father*Her father, Col. Charles F. Fisher II, died on 21 July 1861, Battle of Bull Run, Manassas, Virginia. 
Anecdote*In 1870, Frances C. Fisher, published her first novel Valerie Aylmer using the pseudonim CHRISTIAN REID. Over the years she published many novels including Morton House and The Land of the Sky
Newspaper*Christian Reid -- Washington correspondence of the Cincinnatti Commercial -- Let me sketch for you the pretty face of Christian Reid, whose pleasant books, "Valerie Aylmer," "Morton House," and her last novel, "After Many Days," are well known. I saw her at the races in Baltimore, and afterwards had the pleasure of dining with her. She is Miss Fisher, of North Carolina, and spends her winters in Baltimore with her aunt and uncle, Judge and Mrs. Hairston.........." - Greensboro Watchman, Greensboro, Alabama, June 13, 1877, page 4. Note: Christian Reid was Frances's pen name she used for writing her books. Her aunt was Fannie M. Caldwell Hairston, wife of Judge Peter W. Hairston. Fannie M. Caldwell was a sister Elizabeth Ruth Caldwell, Frances's mother. Somewhat confusing. 
Marriage*Frances Christine "Christian Reid" FISHER married James M. TIERNAN on 29 December 1887 in New Orleans, Louisiana. MARRIED - In the Jesuit's church, New Orleans, on Thursday, Dec. 29th, by Rev. Father Hubert, S. I., Miss Frances C. Fisher, daughter of the late Col. Charles F. Fisher of this place, to James M. Tiernan, Esq., of Asheville, N. C. - Carolina Watchman, Salisbury, N.C., 5 jan 1888, page 3. 
Death*Frances Christine "Christian Reid" FISHER died on 24 March 1920 in North Carolina at age 73.1 
Burial*She was buried in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Salisbury, Rowan, North Carolina.2 

Family

James M. TIERNAN b. a 1835, d. 26 Jan 1898

Sources (www.HAIRSTON.org)

  1. [S51] Death Certificate.
  2. [S48] Photo of Grave Marker - only photos of grave markers that are contemporary to the deceased individuals death are acceptable for genealogical proof. Find-a-Grave, personal photos and other sources.
Last Edited10 Apr 2025