Early / Earley Reunion

Save the Date!  An Earley/ Early family reunion is scheduled for June 16 and 17,  2017 at Cumberland Falls State resort park. Our last reunion was 3 years ago in San Antonio. Our gatherings and reunions alternate to the area around Williamsburg, KY -- the pioneer homesteads of the 3 Early brothers who are the progenitors of our clan. It is always wonderful to gather with cousins! So plan now to attend!

Jacob E. and Myrtle Weaver Early in the Court Cafe, Stinnett Texas in 1936

Early Families of Knox and Whitley County: Early/Earley Family Reunion June 12-14, 2014

Early Families of Knox and Whitley County: Early/Earley Family Reunion June 12-14, 2014:

More Reunion Pics!! ( courtesy of Michael Early)
http://opa.cig2.usa.canon.com/s/m/B3MWenaWEAU

Early Family Financial Balance Report July 2014

Balance Ledger 

for Early Families of Kentucky July,  2014

Balance Forward                           $871.77

Expenses                                                                          

     Crockett Conference room rental        $300.00

     Postage                                                        78.00

     Post cards                                                    74.99     

     Programs                                                     51.21

     River Cruise                                              250.00

                                    TOTAL  EXPENSES  $754.20

Income

                                                     

     Payments for river cruise

     and misc contributions June 2014         $ 370.00

     Anonymous donor contributions              400.00

                                     TOTAL INCOME      $ 770.00

     JULY 2014

BALANCE  TOTAL                                         $ 887.57

Early/Earley Family Reunion June 12-14, 2014

Crockett Hotel, San Antonio, Texas

 Descendants of the Early Families who settled in Knox and Whitley counties in Kentucky met at the Crockett Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.  On Thursday evening an informal gathering  was held in Ernie’s the Crockett bar, where cousins had an opportunity to visit. Grady Early from San Marcos Texas attended this event but could not stay for the remainder of the meeting.

On Friday morning members had the opportunity to look over the Family scrapbooks of previous reunions, as well as review historical information about Black’s fort, Samuel Laughlin’s Diary, and new genealogic information regarding Allied Families and Early family members.  Important historical information researched by Steven Early regarding an indentured servant , named James Early and his possible connection to the Early Clan was available for review. Members present at Friday and Saturday’s event included 

Michael Barnett Early

Amy Early McMahan

Christopher Early

Robert Early

Sherry Early

Barney Early

Charlotte Tate Pitts

Eva Mae Early Tate

Evelyn Carole Boyd

Amy Fulton

Gary Early and wife Judy

Charlotte Pitts

Tom Early

Jeff Early

Jennifer Early Kiser and husband Gene

Jacob Kiser

Joshua Kiser

Ethellea Jane Early Robison

Jay Robison and wife Debbie

Colin Robison

Mackenzie Robison

Gwenyth Robison

Melissa Early Rasco

Gary Early presided as President and initiated the meeting and introduced Jay Robison, who served as secretary and Program Coordinator.

• Jacob Kiser gave the invocation. This was followed by The Pledge of Allegiance. 
• Members present introduced themselves and their lineage.
• A review of the how these gatherings of  Early ‘cousins’ evolved was recounted by Tom Early. 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 and contributed a wealth of genealogic information to Cleland as well. Edna – now 93 - and her sons Larry and Eldon could not be present due to health issues, but her contributions were acknowledged and best wishes of those present expressed.  Tom Early recounted stories about his memories and participation in the discovery of Joseph Early’s cemetery as well as that of James Harvey Early

• Jay Robison shared photographs of the cemeteries and shared previous family concerns about preservation of William Early’s headstone and a large dead tree threatening the Laughlin Cemetery, before reviewing the Early and Allied Families Contributions to Colonial and Revolutionary Military History. Consequently, nearly all Early family members are eligible for membership in prestigious genealogic societies, including the DAR and SAR, confirmed by Tom Early and Jane Robison.

Following a break, Jennifer Kiser led a discussion regarding online Genealogic Resources, including Ancestry.com, governmental  and census records, as well as other resources.

Following lunch on their own, several family members caravanned to Fort Sam National Cemetery where several family members and their relatives and other persons important to the history of this family are buried. Readings from the Early book were given where appropriate, though some family members were chastised for inappropriate auto access to the Jacob Norvill Early site along a maintenance vehicle path! After a stop at Local coffee shop / bicycle shop, adjournment allowed pursuit of individual social activities that evening. Several family members convened in the conference room informally Friday evening.

Saturday morning allowed time for visiting exhibits and personal exchanges with family members.

• A highlight was a panel of senior family members Tom Early, Ethellea Jane Early Robison, Barney Early, and Eva Mae Tate, who took turns sharing their reminiscences and answering questions from younger family members.
• An overview of DNA analysis, and how it might relate to our own family history was provided by Jay Robison. When the group had awakened and recovered, he then shared the findings of DNA analysis that Steve Early forwarded from his own personal participation in FamilyTree DNA kit and the extensive report. The ‘y‘ chromosome pattern appears to prominently point to northern Ireland origin as far back as 500 AD, perhaps even to the Irish King, Niall of the Nine Hostages! The limitations, concerns, and questions regarding this ancillary technique were noted.

Jennifer Early Kiser then shared the results of her own and Tom Early’s DNA analysis as well provided via Ancestry.com, also noting the important contribution of the maternal mitochondrial DNA to the family heritage. She has had a number of “hits” that she is pursuing in order to link them within a standard genealogic family tree. She noted that, despite the large amount of circumstantial evidence linking William, Joseph, and Robert Early, a professional genealogist questioned evidence that the three  Early brothers were related since the father and mother were unknown, but now by DNA evidence we can show that William and Joseph definitely were brothers. We need a member of Robert’s line to undergo DNA testing to confirm his link as well.

The efforts of Steve Early and the information he collated for this meeting were again gratefully acknowledged. He has discovered important information and evidence that not only an indentured servant by the name of James Early who was sold to Joseph Pemberton, Jr on September 20, 1771, but additional evidence suggests that James Early boarded a ship as a barber surgeon in Cork, Ireland making for America. After being sold to Joseph Pemberton, his servitude was reassigned to another ship captain, Isaac Ale (All?) Subsequently, in the Virginia Gazette, August 12 , 1773 this was found: 

  “JAMES EARLY, a Barber, who is a middle sized young Man” is described as a run away from the Ship Chance!!

The time line and circumstances would seem to fit this James Early as being a very likely suspect for the father of William, Joseph, and Robert Early. More details, genealogic research in Ireland, and additional DNA testing of family members may help to resolve the mystery further. As yet we do not know if this Joseph Pemberton has any direct relationship to the Pembertons in the Early family line.

The next meeting of the family will be in or near Williamsburg KY in the summer of 2016.  Jennifer Kiser’s term as Treasurer is completed. Uncertainty - and time - limited discussion about leadership and organization of future gatherings. Furthermore the broadest input from additional family members should be solicited. Jay Robison will research previous meeting minutes and distribute a questionnaire via email and online to save postage costs, soliciting ideas for leadership and future planning purposes.

Saturday evening a social outing with most family members in attendance and a few additional family members  and guests was held with a river barge tour of the San Antonio River, with adult beverages available. It was a delightful evening with Elizabeth Taylor as our tour guide of points of interest, history, and architectural structures along the San Antonio Riverwalk. 

Consensus was this was a worthwhile and enjoyable gathering.

Early / Earley Family Reunion Plans Underway For This Summer!

EARLY FAMILIES OF KNOX

AND WHITLEY COUNTY, KENTUCKY REUNION

CROCKETT HOTEL

SAN ANTONIO TEXAS   JUNE 13-14, 2014

Learn about our Family’s origins!

Share family stories, old photos, and tradition

in family-friendly, historic San Antonio, Texas!

Contact Crockett Hotel for reservations: 210 225-6500

Be sure to mention “EARLY FAMILY” & the dates June 12 -15, 2014 to get the best rate!

Make your reservation no later than May 7, 2014 .

Room rates start @ $119 per night

Questions? Contact Maya, MHaller@CrockettHotel.com

phone 210-424-9667

Check both our family web sites for more details

http://earlyfamiliesofknoxandwhitleycounty.blogspot.com

 or Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/earlyfamiliesofeasternky

 later for alternative hotel ideas and other reunion information!!

Jay Robison , robisonj@bellsouth.net phone 843-881-1894

SAVE the Date! Spread the Word!

Early Family Reunion This Summer!

Thursday June 12 through Saturday June 14, 2014

San Antonio, Texas

You will recall that a poll of Early family members favored alternating our bi annual get together between Williamsburg, KY and other locations around the country to allow distant and scattered members of the tribe more easily to travel to a more central location every 4 years.  This summer we voted to host the Reunion in San Antonio, TX.  Lots of Early family reside in the Midwest, the Plains, Texas and Arkansas, and the West Coast, so we are all looking forward to meeting some of our long lost ‘cousins’ at the reunion in San Antonio!

San Antonio can also be a destination for your family vacation with lots to see and do! Check it out!

More details will follow regarding location, a variety of possible accommodations to suit your budget, the program, and planned activities as those get finalized this spring.

For event planning purposes - and to get an idea of interest level - please email

Jay Robison, at robisonj@bellsouth.net with number of folks in your group who might attend, and the number of days you will need accommodations.  Or call directly and leave a message and your contact info, 843-881-1894.

And please, please, please, share this with our family members who are not quite as savvy on social media or email, since snail mail may or may not get the message out!

Early/Earley Family Reunion July 20-21, 2012

Early/Earley Family Reunion July 20-21, 2012

Descendants of the Early Families who settled in Knox and Whitley counties in Kentucky met in Cumberland Falls State Park at the Dupont Lodge. On Friday evening a welcoming cook-out was held at the  picnic shelter over-looking the Cumberland River and cousins had a great opportunity to visit and get re - acquainted over hamburgers and hot dogs.

On Saturday morning coffee and doughnuts were provided, and members had the opportunity to look over the medical books of James Harvey Early provided by Edna Chandler and Eldon Thomas, as well as review the genealogic chart that tracks family roots back to Charlemagne.  A scrapbook of previous reunion memorabilia was also of interest to many, including a copy the letter of invitation to one of the first reunions at the Willliamsburg, KY Holiday Inn in 1995 signed by Joie Earley, as well as of sign in sheets from 1995!

Members present at today’s event included

Rita Sharon Skeen

Jack Jones Early and wife Nancye

Jay Robison and wife Debbie

Edna Early Thomas Chandler

Eldon Thomas

Ronald Earley

Brennan Earley

Dennis Earley

Stephen Early and wife Patti

Zella Davenport

Dennis Earley presided as President.

Jack Early gave the invocation.

Dennis led The Pledge of Allegiance. 

Members present introduced themselves and their lineage.

A review of the how these gatherings of    Early ‘cousins’ evolved was recounted. Cleland Early wrote a letter to “Any descendant of James Harvey Early c/o Postmaster, Williamsburg KY”. Fortuitously, that letter was given to Edna Early Thomas and an important connection was established. While Cleland diligently researched the family history in archives and genealogic records, Edna and her husband Jim, spent hours searching the surrounding farms and hilltops for cemeteries with connections to Early family ancestors and contributed a wealth of genealogic information to Cleland as well. Edna – today at age 91 - could still recount details about knocking on doors to inquire about old cemeteries and markers. Dennis recounted that when the first edition of Cleland’ s book, Early Families of Knox and Whitley Counties, Kentucky was published, an entire family was left out !  HIS!  Despite the fact that Cleland had interviewed Cye on more than one occasion to provide many important family connections and Cye’s son Wilbert Earley was a primary force in organizing and communicating with family members at that time!  Cleland explained this was an oversight when the manuscript was sent to the publisher when an entire section was not included, and this was quickly corrected by the time the 2^nd edition was published in 1996.

Dennis reported that the last 2 copies of this book edtion have been sold and the monies will be forwarded to Jennifer Kiser, Treasurer. Per Jennifer, The Family Reunion balance is currently $1,014.62. Jay Robison noted that several emails and previous addresses are no longer current and encouraged all family members to contact him

(  robisonj@bellsouth.net ) with updates or review the contact list at this meeting.

Dennis then recounted events of the last few reunions including interesting information gathered during the visit to Bristol, very close to Abingdon, VA. Though no direct connections with Earlys was discovered in the Washington County historical society or either of the Cemeteries visited, several allied family connections that are prominent in Col. Early’s book are evident all throughout the area, including connections with the ‘over mountain men” who gathered at the Pemberton Oak before marching to Sycamore Shoals and the Battle of Kings Mountain. The utility of online genealogic aids like ancestry.com was discussed, though a specific example of a wrong assumption regarding our family tree illustrated the importance of documentation that Col Early insisted on before including in his book.

Jack Early noted that since the boundary lines were indistinct between Virginia and Tennessee that family connections might be found in Sullivan County TN.  Jack also made a strong plea to encourage family members to join and participate in important genealogic societies ( and Early family descendants are eligible for nearly all of these!) to preserve both the history and legacy of our ancestors.

Methods to continue to add to the Early genealogy line were discussed. Since each family member who is already included in the book already has a number assigned according to a method devised for their family line, new family members not included therein can simply be assigned an additional number depending on the order of their birth. Collating these changes for another edition of the book will be a major undertaking in terms of time and resources that current participants do not have at this time, but will strive for in the future.

Following lunch, additional discussion was undertaken regarding reaching out to family members in the mid and west parts of the country to increase participation in future gatherings. Advantages of gathering in Kentucky include returning to pay respect to the 3 brothers who pioneered here in the early 1800’s, but could be held every other time. Alternative suggested sites for the next reunion included St. Louis, Fayetteville, AK, and San Antonio.  A questionnaire will be sent to family members both by snail mail and online. Jay Robison agreed to coordinate this and function as the secretary for the next reunion

Further discussion regarding using social media to connect with a younger generation to inform and interest them in their Early family history was undertaken. Brennan Earley was given the task to develop a Facebook page and graciously accepted.

Plans for a talk by an expert on the Cumberland Gap fell through, but plans for cemetery tours for those interested were formulated. Dennis described his discussion with the lady who owns the property around the old airport (now a golf course), where James Harvey Early’s marker is located. Members present signed a thank you card for her for allowing family access to visit and care for this area. Dennis and Ronald Earley then recounted the unusual,  unexpected, and unplanned mechanism for the incredibly well-cleared grounds of the Farris Cemetery, which apparently only required one pumper truck for control.

The group then adjourned for a cemetery tour, which included Ward Cemetery, where Jack Early and Stephen Early’s ancestor James Harvey Early III is buried. Also included were the Farris, Laughlin, Ryan, James Harvey/Sammons (at end of the old airport runway) and Joseph Franklin cemeteries.  Great concern was noted about a large dead tree that was leaning toward the Laughlin markers, and optimal ways to safely remove the danger, perhaps even using family funds to do it professionally.

Dennis recounted a story of one of our relatives with a sour disposition who had come into possession of a number of Early family photos and documents who unceremoniously buried them! A drive thru of Corinth cemetery outside of Corbin where a number of Early’s without a known connection to our family was also of interest. Brennan recounted a funny spring break story involving northern college students, apples, and another Appalachian tradition. Interesting names and communities of Red Bird, Tidal Wave, Buffalo, Shiner, Rockhold, Goldbug, Jack’s Fork, and Watts Creek, among others were encountered.

The group returned to the Dupont Lodge just before sunset and good byes and best wishes were said to all.