Early/Earley Family Reunion June 16-17, 2017
Descendants of the Early Families who settled in Knox and
Whitley counties in Kentucky met at the Dupont Lodge in Cumberland Falls State
Park, Kentucky. On Friday evening an
informal cookout was held at Shelter #1
with an overlook of the Cumberland River, where cousins had an opportunity to reconnect.
Sharon Skeen, Barbara Earley (Mills), and Zella Davenport attended this event
but could not stay for the remainder of the meeting. Numerous fireflies were in
evidence toward the end of the evening.
On Saturday morning members had the opportunity to look over
the Family scrapbooks and memorabilia of previous reunions, as well as review historical
information about Black’s fort, Samuel Laughlin’s Diary, and new genealogic information
acquired by Steven Early and others regarding Allied Families and Early family
members. A book about Guadalcanal by
Carl K. Hixon, was especially of interest as it included a photograph of 1st
Lt. Cleland Early of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion! Other important
historical information researched by recently deceased Steven Early regarding
an indentured servant, named James Early and his possible connection to the
Early Clan was also made available for review and of great interest.
Other members present at either Friday’s or Saturday’s event
in The Moonbow Room at the DuPont Lodge included
Eldon Thomas
Larry Thomas
Tracy Varner (Thomas)
Jeremy Varner
Brenton Thomas
William Lewis Walters
Joan Walters (Bailey)
Randy Millard
Mary Jo Millard (Tobin)
Jay Robison
Debbie Robison (Drane)
Dennis Earley
Martin “Patrick” Earley
Michael Earley
Emily and Briggs Earley
Ron Earley
Judith Ann Earley ( Hines)
Robert L Partin, Jr.
Jack Jones Early
Several members were attending for the first time, and
excited to find a connection they were not certain of prior to this gathering!
Jay Robison presided since Jeff Early was unable to attend
the meeting as current President, and served as Program Coordinator.
- Jack Jones Early gave the
invocation. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Members present introduced
themselves and their lineage. A
moment of silence acknowledged the passing of several family member
participants since our last reunion. The minutes of the last meeting and
accounting of finances was distributed for comment, and those present
asked to provide contact and family information.
- A review of the how modern
gatherings of Early ‘cousins’ evolved was recounted by Dennis Earley:
Cleland Early wrote a letter to “Any descendant of James Harvey Early c/o
Postmaster, Williamsburg KY”, which was forwarded to Edna Early Thomas.
They collaborated for many years; Cleland researched archives and
genealogic records, Edna and her then husband Jim, spent hours searching
the surrounding farms and hilltops for cemeteries with connections to
Early family ancestors. Larry and Eldon Thomas, sons of Edna, recalled
accompanying her on these sojourns and explorations, and knocking on people’ doors to make
inquiries. In this way, Edna contributed a wealth of genealogic
information to Cleland as well.
- Dennis Earley also
recounted some of the challenges in maintaining the cemeteries, as he and
Ron Earley spent several hours clearing brush and undergrowth in
preparation for this reunion. A powerpoint slide presentation of the
gravesites and marking stones accompanied the narrative. It was noted the
date of death on Joseph Early’s government stone was initially in error, but
has been addended.
- The large dead
tree threatening the Laughlin Cemetery was a useful landmark in finding
the Laughlin cemetery, as the neighboring family cemetery is no longer
being maintained, and essentially inaccessible currently. Plans for
clearing underbrush may have to wait until cooler weather.
- A review of Early
and Allied Families Contributions to Colonial and Revolutionary Military
History was then presented since many family members were not as familiar
with this legacy. Consequently,
nearly all Early family members descended from James Early, the purported
father of Joseph, William, and Robert, are eligible for membership in
prestigious genealogic societies, including the DAR and SAR, confirmed by
Dr. Jack Jones Early.
- Following a break,
a presentation of the information regarding James Early from early
colonial records as discovered by Steven Early provided information for
discussion. The evidence suggests that James Early boarded a ship with
Captain Garrigues as a barber surgeon in Cork, Ireland making for America.
After being sold to Joseph Pemberton, Jr, his servitude was reassigned to
another ship captain, Isaac Ale (All?) Subsequently, in the Virginia
Gazette, August 12, 1773 a notice was found:
“JAMES EARLY, a Barber, who is a middle sized
young Man” is described as a run away from the Ship Chance. If this young man made his way to the
Virginia frontier, supposition might explain why there is a paucity of land
records and information recorded if he tried to maintain a low profile.
- Dr. Jack Jones Early then recalled the establishment of The First Families of Kentucky, which has grown into a prestigious genealogic society. Members of this family who are interested may contact
Sharon . K. Withers
2792 Ashbrooke Dr
Lexington Kentucky 40513
859-223 7656
He then discussed other prestigious genealogic
societies such as the Huguenot Society with contact information:
Robin Towns
1261 Engelbrook Drive
Athens GA 30606-5733
706-5487291
- The Family has
a little over $ 800 in the bank prior to incurring the expenses associated
with this meeting, and the “hat was passed” with a number of generous
donations made.
- Discussion
about the location of the next meeting of the family - which by recent
consensus is to alternate around the country with Kentucky’s Williamsburg
area. Since many Early family pioneers migrated to Arkansas, Missouri, and
Iowa, a Midwest location was suggested in either northwest Arkansas or
southwestern Missouri - such as Branson - which might encourage folks from
the Midwest to attend to make a family vacation out of the trip. We are
especially interested in involving many more of Joseph and Robert’s
descendants. Preliminary investigations will be made and input from family
members not present will be solicited.
Much discussion was entertained about a necessary update to Colonel
Early’s Book digitally online with open contributions under editorial
supervision and approval. However, the value of a hardcopy document was
also acknowledged.
Tracy Varner who has the skills, training and interest in this area, and Jay Robison will communicate further in this regard. - Lastly, leadership
and organization of future gatherings needs broadest and active input from
additional family members if we are to be successful in continuing and
passing our heritage to other generations.
Following lunch in the Dining area at Dupont
Lodge, some members had to return home because of other obligations, but several
family members caravanned with Dennis and Ron Earley as guides to the Farris cemetery, the Joseph Early
Cemetery, the old airport site of James Harvey Early’s gravesite, and the Ryan
Cemetery where several family members and their relatives and other persons
important to the history of this family are buried. Readings from Colonel Early’s
book were given where appropriate.
At the conclusion, all said good bye’s that
evening , grateful for the opportunity
to gather again.
