The Belnap Family Crier is an official publication of the Belnap Family Organization. The first issue of the Crier, which appeared in 1963, was printed on one side of one legal-size sheet of paper. Beginning with the 1967 issue, the contents were significantly enlarged. Disseminated to as many of Gilbert Belnap’s descendants as could be located, each Crier issue contained a large amount of genealogical data, together with interesting stories and pictures, copies of old letters, updates on family members, and reunion announcements. Professionally printed and distributed in mailings that eventually reached over 1,000 homes, the Crier was published regularly (excluding 1978 and 1979) until 1980.
In 1993, after a thirteen-year absence, the Crier returned again as the main communication vehicle for the reconstituted Belnap Family Organization. It has been published periodically ever since (currently, every 2 years). Previously, the Crier was sent to every known adult descendant of Gilbert Belnap, whether or not it was paid for. Later, on account of the expense of printing and mailing the Crier, the Crier was sent only to those who pre-ordered. For several issues, the cost was $7.00. For many years, the Crier was the main “money maker” for the Belnap Family Organization. The 2014 issue was the first in many years to be distributed at no cost. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 issue was the first electronic-only issue. It was distributed by email and without cost. The 2024 issue was the last issue to be printed. In 2025, the Organization officers determined that all future issues would be published and distributed electronically.
Through the pages of the Crier, genealogical data, historical information, news, and announcements are widely available to all interested persons. The Belnap Family Organization hopes that the Crier will assist in coordinating the family history research efforts of Gilbert Belnap’s many descendants and unite them in a deeper understanding and appreciation of their great heritage.
The Belnap Family Organization is always looking for interesting family information for inclusion in future issues of the Crier. Please submit your ideas to the Editor.
Click on the links below to access prior Crier issues.
Crier Issue Number/Publication Year/Page Numbering
- Issue 1 (1963) (1 page; legal portrait)
- Issue 2 (1964) (1 page; legal portrait)
- Issue 3 (1964) (1 page; legal portrait)
- Issue 4 (1965) (1 page; legal portrait)
- Issue 5 [missing]
- Issue 6 (1965) (1 page; legal portrait)
- Issue 7 (1966) (2 pages; legal landscape)
- Issue 8 (1967)
- Cover, pp. 1-16[a]; FGSs: Gilbert Belnap and wives (with later typed corrections)
- Issue 9 (1968)
- Cover, pp. 17-27; 30-37; 42-47; 50-57; FGSs: Gilbert’s children (with later typed corrections)
- Issue 10 (1969)
- Cover (numbered), pp. 60-69; 28-29a; 38-41; 48-49a; 58-59a; 70-72; FGSs: Gilbert’s children (continued; with later typed corrections); Abraham Belknap; Samuel Belknap; James Dickinson
- Issue 11 (1970)
- Cover (numbered), pp. 73-89 (plus 1970 Reunion Announcement); FGSs/Pedigree Charts: Stallion; Adam
- Issue 12 (1971)
- Cover (numbered), pp. 90-114; FGSs: Gilbert Belnap and wives; Vinson Knight; Rosel Belnap with sons John and William; Dickinson
- Issue 13 (1972)
- Cover (numbered), pp. 115-143 (plus 1972 Reunion Announcement); FGSs/Pedigree Charts: James McBride; Richmond; Gilbert Belnap and wives combined pedigree
- Issue 14 (1973)
- Cover (numbered), pp. 145-190 (missing: 144); FGSs: Joseph Belnap children; Richard Beltoft; Laurence Beltoft; Richard Beltoft
- Issue 15 (1974)
- Cover (numbered), pp. 191-212; FGSs: Vinson Knight Belnap and children
- Issue 16 (1975)
- Cover; no numbered pages
- Issue 17 (1976)
- Cover (numbered, pp. 173- 174, 21 (repeat), 175-190; FGSs/Pedgree Chart: Ebenezer Belknap; Ayer
- Issue 18(1977)
- Cover (numbered), pp. 191-209 (single-sided)
- Issue 19 (1980)
- Cover (numbered), pp. 210-232; FGSs: James McBride; Rosel Belnap; Vinson Knight; Gilbert Belnap and wives
- Issue 20 (1993) (first issue in letter-size format)
- Issue 21 (1994) [TO COME]
- Issue 22 (1995) [TO COME]
- Issue 23 (1996) [TO COME]
- Issue 24 (1997) [TO COME]
- Issue 25 (2002)
- Issue 26 (2004)
- Issue 27 (2006)
- Issue 28 (2008)
- Issue 29 (2010)
- Issue 30 (2012)
- Issue 31 (2014)
- Issue 32 (2016) (note: this issue was incorrectly numbered Issue “31”)
- Issue 33 (2018)
- Issue 34 (2020) (first electronic-only issue; distributed at no cost)
- Issue 35 (2022)
- Issue 36 (2024)
Crier Editors
- 1967-1980: Gordon L. Belnap
- 1993-1997: Brent J. Belnap
- 2002-present: Donald L. Hammon
Last update: 26 Feb 2025