2019 Counts Family Reunion Meeting Minutes
78th Counts Family Reunion
August 3, 2019
Minutes
The 78th Counts Family Reunion in conjunction with the Sutherland/Dye Reunion was held on August 3, 2019 at the Breaks Interstate Park. It was well attended by about 40 people. President Davine Miller presided and gave the welcome. David Ratliff led the pledge and began the singing of America the Beautiful.
Davine covered old business. In new business, it was voted to have the next Reunion at Sandlick Presbyterian Church in Sandlick, VA on August 1, 2020. The church’s new facility, welcoming staff, air conditioning and parking were all considered. The Lebanon Conference Center will be researched for future Reunions and was recommended by several. It was voted to contribute $100 to the Cleveland, VA Counts Cemetery. The treasurer's report showed $290.35 in the Reunion fund and $232 was collected this year. Any donations for the Sutherland Memorial Cemetery in Tiny, VA should be sent to Gail Marney, 2628 Tiny Hollow, Birchleaf, VA 24220. New officers were elected with Sue Counts as president, Monika Fleming as 1st vice president, Billy Brice Counts as 2nd vice president and Gail Marney as secretary/treasurer. They will serve 2 year terms. Larry Counts will be doing a photo booth at next years reunion.
Davine presented a proclamation honoring Billy Sutherland for his faithful service to the Reunion and our family history. The Breaks Park Superintendent, Austin Bradley accepted the proclamation to be displayed at the Park and then given to Billy. The proclamation reads
“Whereas: William Hubert “Billy” Sutherland, son of Elihu J. Sutherland and Hetty Swindall Sutherland, has been a faithful and long-time participant in“The John Counts of Glade Hollow” family reunions; and
Whereas: Billy Sutherland has continued the work and legacy of family genealogy established by Hetty and E.J. Sutherland; and
Whereas: Billy Sutherland has set the highest standards for ensuring that family legacies continue through future time; it is fitting that we honor his diligent work as a continuance of history and genealogy previously established for the family of John Counts of Glade Hollow.
Now, therefore, we the Counts’ Reunion members, do hereby proclaim, August 3, 2019, as William Hubert “Billy” Sutherland Recognition Day at Breaks’ Interstate Park.”
Gail Marney was recognized for her service as secretary/treasurer and presented with a handcrafted Indian artifact necklace made by Randy MIller. Gifts were given to Braxton Stewart, 3 years old, the youngest attendee, Virginia Powers Leftwich, 87 was the oldest, furthest travelled was Larry Counts from Florida, Gay Counts and the ‘Dye’ sisters had the largest family group of 4 and Todd Counts was the oldest veteran at 79 and was presented with a flag that had flown over the Capitol. People brought donations for door prizes and everyone enjoyed this fun.
Dr. Brett Compton talked about the ongoing research on John Counts of Glade Hollow. He discussed 4 main topics.
1. The Y type DNA, that is passed on the male line, and a possible connection to Kessler. There are about 60 people participating in this DNA pool. John Count’s wife, Mary Magdalen was possibly a Bumgartner.
2. The first record of John Counts was in 1755 in Frederick County as being delinquent from the militia and fined 10 shillings and 100 pounds of tobacco. This could have been for religious reasons, since he may have been a Quaker or Mennonite.
3. In 1759 John Counts again appears in court records and sues John Sullivan
4. Who were John Counts’ parents? In researching ship records, Brett found Johan George Kuntz who arrived in 1737 on the St Andrew Galley and seems the most likely candidate as the father of John Counts of Glade Hollow.
This is a brief summary of his talk. Thank you, Brett and the others for the continued research on this family history.
Randy Miller gave the prayer before we enjoyed lunch. Many attended the Civil War Reenactment at the Park that occurred at 2pm after lunch.
Submitted by Gail Marney
Secretarytreasurer