James McBride

photo by Prphotos.com

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: September 11, 1957

Ethnicity:
*African-American (father)
*Ashkenazi Jewish (mother)

James McBride is an American writer and musician. He wrote the book The Good Lord Bird.

His father, Andrew Dennis McBride, was an African-American reverend. His mother, Ruchel Dwajra Zylska, later changed to Rachel Deborah Shilsky and Ruth McBride Jordan, was born near Gdańsk, Poland, to a Jewish family. James’s mother converted to Christianity. He has three children with his former wife.

James’s paternal grandfather was named Nash McBride (the son of Andrew McBride and Rosa). Nash was born in North Carolina.

James’s paternal grandmother was Etta Townsend/Patterson (the daughter of Dennis Patterson and Jennie Townsend). Etta was born in North Carolina. Jennie was the daughter of Adam Townsend and Ellen McRae.

James’s maternal grandfather was named Fishel Shilsky. Fishel was born in Poland.

James’s maternal grandmother was named Hudis. Hudis was born in Russia.

Sources: http://www.ft.com

Genealogy of James McBride – https://www.geni.com

Death record of James’s paternal grandfather, Nash McBride – https://familysearch.org