I had the pleasure of attending the French Creek Pioneers gathering this past weekend with my dad and brother. This is a meeting of folks descended from the original settlers of French Creek, Va., back in the early 1800s (before West Virginia became a state). There were Goulds, Youngs, Smallridges, Sextons, and Phillips among others.
I’m descended from the Phillips line. The first ancestor to come to America was Nicholas who came to Dedham, Mass., in 1630. Six generations later, in 1815, David Phillips moved his family to French Creek. Seven generations later, in 1971, I came along.
These are the Phillips for whom I named the characters in my Appalachian Blessings series. They aren’t based on any specific ancestors, but are rather a collection of bits and pieces I’ve read or seen or heard along the way. And it was SO special to set up a book table and share those stories with folks who are . . . well . . . my family!
I love sharing my Appalachian stories with just about anyone, but it’s extra special to share them with family members who share the same heritage. Here are some photos from the weekend–click on the images for captions.
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- You’uns come get some beans and cornbread!
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- My book table was in front of the pump organ, which was PLAYED during Sunday’s church service.
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- Gathering for music.
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- Dad and Daniel checking out Becky Foreman’s display.
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- Cousins from back when!
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- Dad sharing a photo of French Creek from the early 1900s.
Wonderful post, Sarah. Loved meeting you and am looking forward to reading your books. My Phillips line in French Creek originated with Elijah, who arrived in 1814 from Florida, Massachusetts. I imagine David and Elijah were closely related, first cousins, perhaps?
When I’m back home I’ll check the lines and we can figure out just how many degrees of cousins we are! It was great meeting you, too. Looking forward to following your journey retracing the original Pioneer journey.
How can I find out about the next meeting of the French Creek Pioneers?
There’s a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/frenchcreek.pioneers
The next meeting is the second weekend in August 2020. Maybe we’ll get to meet!