L - R John Penney and his son Michael (descendants of 3 Finger John) James, Grady and Calvin Penney (descendants of Christopher Columbus) and Bill and Doyle Penney (descendants of William Penney.Michael Penney and his family came up from Alabama to check out the reunion facilities. While visiting the Penney men and some other family members gathered at the Presbyterian Cemetery to be photographed and interviewed for the newspaper. The article should be out 04/23/2008 and I will try and get copies for the reunion.
Just getting a few Penney's together turned out tons of great info. First, the reunion is shaping up to be spectacular. The Alabama Penney's have lots of great ideas and surprises in store for those who attend. I sure would not want to miss it if I were you.
Next, thanks to Evan's widow Lucy who shared her photo collection I was able to get a prized photo of William Penney. Where Evan got this photo I have no idea but this is a huge find for my family. I personally had been asking everyone I meet if they have any photos of William and I had almost given up hope.
We were also able to identify a photo that was a mystery till today. It was John (3 Finger) Penney. See you never know what you will discover when you dig out those family photos.
Michael estimated we have over 1,000 Penneys documented to date and by next year he expects to double that number. With DNA testing we may finally connect "the other Penneys" plus the power of the Internet has been able to open up family lines that were once unknown to us such as Sarah Elizabeth and James Thomas.
James gave me a lesson in finding dead people which was really fun!
If 12-15 Penneys can get together and have this much fun and learn this much information who knows what will happen when hundreds of Penney's get together.
I heard several comments from the few family memebers gathered saying I got a van load from Kentucky coming, another said I got a van load from North Carolina, another saying I got people from Michigan coming. These are all people that have called and confirmed!
I can't wait!
