Here, you will find a variety of resources designed to bring our history to life. The Stories Section features narratives drawn from original records, family documents, and oral traditions. Some are factual accounts, while others are lightly embellished to capture the spirit of the times and the personalities of our ancestors. Together, they weave a picture of who we were and how we came to be where we are today.
The Family Chatbot offers a unique way to explore our history interactively. Trained on historical documents, photos, and records, the chatbot can answer questions, guide you to specific family lines, or simply share an interesting anecdote. It’s like having a family historian available at any hour.
We also maintain extensive Military Records, honoring the many men and women in our family who served across different wars and conflicts. These entries include service details, honors, and photographs where available, ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered with dignity.
In the Photo and Gravestone Galleries, you can browse historic and modern pictures, all carefully indexed for easy search and discovery. Whether you are looking for portraits of early family members, images of homesteads, or cemetery markers tied to your lineage, these galleries provide visual connections to the people behind the names.
The Social Area is a space for announcements, reunion details, and general updates from family members. It helps keep us connected not only to our past but also to one another in the present.
In addition to these resources, we encourage you to visit the Family Shop. Here you can purchase items that help fund the continuation of this project while bringing a piece of our heritage into your home. The multi-volume Family History Book offers a detailed account of our genealogy and stories. The hardcover Family Photo Album showcases carefully curated full resolution images, perfect for sharing with future generations. You can also find family-branded items—from mugs to hats—that allow you to display your pride in our shared legacy.
This website exists to ensure that the Ariail story is not only preserved but also celebrated. We invite you to explore, contribute, and connect. Together, we carry forward the memory of those who came before us while building a lasting foundation for those who will follow.
First Lieutenant George H. Hendricks, Jr. of Easley, S.C., was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic leadership during the bloody battle of Peleliu. When his company commander was killed, Hendricks assumed command and maneuvered his unit to safety across treacherous terrain under enemy fire—saving countless lives
Thomas Muldrow Ariail fought in the African, Sicilian, and Italian campaigns. He received an extraordinary list of honors, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit, Combat Infantry Badge, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, among many others
First Lieutenant Edward Lester Forrest of Massachusetts served with the 712th Tank Battalion. He was killed in action on April 3, 1945, and now rests in the Netherlands American Cemetery at Margraten. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
The five Cely brothers—Charles, Raymond, Jim, Wallace, and Brooks—each answered the call during World War II. They served in Europe and the Pacific, enduring POW camps, near-death experiences, and fierce battles. Their mother, Mary Constance Carpenter Cely, was recognized as a Five-Star Mother for her family’s sacrifice. Their story embodies faith, discipline, and patriotism
Col. James R. Chambless served 33 years in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. His decorations include the Legion of Merit (2x), Distinguished Flying Cross (3x), Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star (3x), and Air Medal (34x). He later commanded artillery brigades in Europe and served in the Pentagon, retiring as a Master Army Aviator
During World War II, Capt. Robert R. Williams, Jr., commanded the submarine USS Finback. On September 2, 1944, he ordered his crew to rescue a young Navy pilot shot down over the Pacific—future U.S. President George H. W. Bush. This extraordinary act became a pivotal moment in both naval and American history
Photos and memories from our families journey
The Phantom of Climelia: The Forgotten Ariail Sibling In the small parish of Saint-Étienne, where history draped itself over the landscape like an ancient, comforting
The Lost Journal of Manna Rich Ariail: Threads of a Forgotten Tale In the dim glow of a New England attic, awash in the scent
The Feast of Enduring Bonds In a quaint town echoing with whispers of history, an annual event unfolded with the rhythm of tradition and the
Preserve the Ariail family legacy in a timeless format. The first four volumes are leather-bound and printed on archival-quality paper, chronicling centuries of genealogy, military service, obituaries, and heritage stories. Each page is designed in accordance with the family brand style, blending sepia-toned images with dignified layouts. The books are heirlooms meant to be handed down through generations, honoring the resilience and history of the Ariail line
A curated hardcover photo album showcasing portraits and moments from the Ariail family’s past, carefully indexed and captioned. Each image has been restored for clarity, paired with respectful descriptions, and presented in a clean, commemorative style. The album allows descendants to flip through more than a century of milestones, weddings, reunions, and daily life—bridging generations through imagery.
Wear the heritage proudly. The Ariail family swag line includes hats, mugs, and keepsakes featuring the official family logo and colors. Designed with the brand’s dignified palette of Deep Navy, Antique Gold, and Burgundy, these items are more than merchandise—they are symbols of belonging. Perfect for reunions, gifts, or daily reminders of the enduring Ariail legacy. Fully customizable shirts, hats, jackets, mugs, cups…
The complete legacy collection. This combination set includes the leather-bound family history volumes, the hardcover photo album, a family-branded hat, and a commemorative mug. Packaged together, it provides the ultimate way to honor, share, and celebrate Ariail history. Ideal for family reunions, milestone gifts, or as a centerpiece in the home, this set keeps both stories and symbols alive for future generations.
Pat Ariail wrote a new post 6 hours, 1 minute ago
The Devil's Overgrown GardenThe Devil’s Overgrown Garden The cemetery lay under a tangle of branches and vines, nature’s brazen attempt to erase t […]
