The John Corbly Descendants Association held its 94th reunion on June 29, 2025 at the John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church in Garards Fort, PA.
The reunion began with church service led by Reverend Gary Whipkey. David Fordyce, President of the Corbly Association, opened the meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance. Introductions and lineage of the 26 attendees followed.
Prizes were awarded to Judith Malinzak (85), the oldest in attendance, Leanna Sewell, the youngest, Cindy Mackey and Bev McFann, who travelled the shortest distance (Carmichaels and Mt. Morris), and Hannah Kellogg Myers (Boone, NC.) and Jeff Shull (Indiana), who travelled the longest distance.
The Treasurer’s report indicated a pre-meeting balance of $3,670.00. Support for the Garards Fort Cemetery Association, Greene County Tourism Agency and Website maintenance will continue. President Fordyce apprised the attendees of a letter he had received from an individual claiming to have descended from a slave owned by Nance Lynn Corbly, Reverand John Corbly’s third wife. The letter outlined reparations, in the form of money, land and written apologies, being sought for the time the slave had been with the Corbly family. President Fordyce will investigate the matter further and indicated that he felt a letter from the Corbly Descendants Association, rejecting all responsibility, was in order.
Since the Vice-President’s position has been inactive, Jeff Shull was nominated to fill that role, if Bonnie Corbly is unable to fulfill the duties.
Denise Cummins, Director of The Whiskey Rebellion Museum in Washington, PA, presented a lecture on the Reverend John Corbly, highlighting his involvement in the Whiskey Rebellion. The museum prominently displays three Corbly books, including Reverand Corbly’s Bible, from the time of the massacre.
A moment of silence was observed, in memory of David Reid, Deacon of the John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church, who passed away in January 2025. President Fordyce concluded the meeting by blessing the meal.
Lunch was served in the church social hall. A whiskey cake, made and auctioned by Lena Galing, was awarded to Hannah Kellogg Myers, the highest bidder. Lena also auctioned Corbly related books and other items. A tour of the Garards Fort Cemetery, site of Corbly family graves, the Corbly family memorial marker and massacre monument, was led by Past President, Bill Miller.