The 95th reunion of the John Corbly Descendants Association was held June 28, 2026 at the John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church in Garards Fort, PA. A church service, conducted by Reverand Gary Whipkey, preceded the Association meeting. President David Fordyce led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by introductions and Corbly lineage of the 21 attendees.
Prizes were awarded to Marlene Kidd (90yr.) the oldest in attendance, Ryan Shull, the youngest, Larry and Donna Stevenson (Garards Fort), who travelled the shortest distance and Wayne Reeder (Lafayette, IN), who travelled the longest distance. A raffle was held of “America 250” memorabilia (hats, tee shirts, etc.), provided by Greene County Tourism Bureau.
The Treasurer’s report indicated a pre-meeting balance of $3,933.93. Donation checks will be sent to The Corbly Church, Cornerstone Genealogical Society and Garards Fort Cemetery Association. A later payment will be sent to Laick Design for website support.
The passing of Corbly descendant, Bobbi Jo Heastings was announced. After retirement as a music educator, Bobbi undertook composing and won a national DAR competition with her composition, “Family, Faith and Country”.
President Fordyce presented a PowerPoint covering two topics. One dealt with the family of Andrew Lynn Jr., father of John Corbly’s third wife, Nancy Ann Lynn. The second focused on the lineage of a slave owned by Andrew, who was bequeathed to Nancy Ann, following her father’s death. President Fordyce presented information provided by an individual from Alabama, believed to be a descendant of this slave. He combined genealogical research and the individual’s family history to trace lineage to the present day.
Following the presentation, lunch was served in the church social hall. Lena Galing auctioned a whiskey cake to the highest bidders, President Fordyce and Vickie Everly. Past president, Bill Miller, conducted a tour of the Garards Fort cemetery, site of Corbly family graves, the Corbly Memorial marker and massacre monument. An intense rainstorm limited the cemetery tour. Next year’s reunion will be on June 27, 2027.