In 2008, my cousin, Jack Slotka, sent the relatives in the family copies of the Speir family bible with this information:
"As you all may, or may not know, there does exist a "SPEIR" family bible. This Catholic bible was presented to Lottie (Charlotte) Crossey from James Speir as a Christmas present in 1878."


Jack originally thought the bible was a wedding present from James to Lottie. His sister, Suzanne, pointed out that, "Our Grandmother, Rose, was born to Lottie and James in 1875 and the date in the bible is December 25, 1878."  Lottie and James were actually married in 1871.  The bible was a Christmas present.

Correction 4-26-2010. Many of you know that Jack, Suzanne and Rosemary are brother and sisters. I received a note from Rosemary pointing out that Grandma Rose was not born to James and Lottie. Of course, we all know that! It was William who was born to James and Lottie in 1875. Rose is a Hebert, married to William. I'm still amused that no-one caught this mistake for so long and thoroughly enjoying the conversation with my cousins as you can probably imagine.

"The bible has passed from James and Lottie Speir (great grandparents) to William James and Rose Speir (grandparents) to Frank and Gerry Speir (aunt and uncle) to Joyce and Joe DeSchryver (cousin). Upon the death of Joyce Speir-DeSchryver, this extremely fragile bible is now in the care and possession of her eldest daughter, Layne in Harrison Twp, Michigan, USA."
Listed below are scans of the glossy photographs of the bible.  Additional images are available by selecting the Photo Album link above.

For additional information, please contact the Speir family by email at

webmaster@speirfamily.org