21 attended our ECA meeting last Thursday, May 23rd.  Linda opened the meeting by telling everyone about the newly formed East Coast Allred Family Association, inc..  The ECAFAinc was incorporated and filed for 501(c)3 tax exempt status as part of our efforts to gain ownership of the Allred - Trogdon Cemetery in Randolph County (currently owned by Alton Garner). 

 

New Bylaws have been written for the ECAFAinc which require that we have a membership roll and charge annual dues.  Membership applications were handed out to everyone during this portion of the meeting.  Annual dues are $10 per individual or $15 per couple.  While the meeting progressed, 19 filled out the membership applications and paid their dues, becoming the very first ECAFAinc members. 

 

Dennis explained that in order to meet requirments set by the IRS for tax exempt organizations, a percentage of income for the ECAFAinc must come from individuals in the form of either donations or membership dues, thus the reason for charging dues now. 

 

Everyone receiving these e-mail minutes will receive an application in the mail within the next 2 weeks.  The ECAFAinc voted to establish a list of Charter Members.  Anyone joining the ECAFAinc prior to October 1, 2002 will be considered a Charter Member. 

 

Benefits of membership include receiving a copy of our Bylaws, notification of ECA meetings, and voting privileges.  From now on, ECAFAinc members will be the only ones who will receive a copy of the minutes via e-mail or USPS.  All others can access the meeting minutes or find out about our upcoming meetings via the ECAFAinc page on the AFO web site.

 

James Eugene and Dennis updated everyone on the progress we're making with Mr. Garner, Mr. Whatley and the Allred-Trogdon cemetery.  Harlan and Becky Sexton arranged for the property to be surveyed and paid for it themselves (over $600 contribution).  James Eugene has been in close touch with Mr. Garner, but it seems progress is stalled at present.  Dennis has talked to the lawyer, Mr. Whatley, who told him that progress had slowed down while he worked to save Mr. Garner some tax money with the sale of the land.  James Eugene and Dennis agreed to continue contacting Garner and Whatley to stay informed.

 

The Allred Family Cookbook is now ready for sale.  Copies were passed out for everyone to look over.  Prices are $15 if it's picked up, $19 if it's mailed.  Linda explained that copies will be available at reunions throughout the year and from any of the Cookbook Committee:  Linda, Becky, Hollis and Sara.  Sara is the Cookbook Committee Treasurer and will be collecting all the money from sales.  Proceeds will be split equally between Don Allred for the Allred Family Roster and the Allred Family Organization in memory of Linda Herrick Smith. 

 

Linda turned the discussion to the DNA project.  Several questions were asked and answered, then 11 members signed up to participate in the study: 

 

Jim Allred and Melvin Alred who descend from a "mystery" line - John Allred (abt 1775 - 1860)

Jack Allred and Hubert Allred who descend from another "mystery" line - Jesse Allred (1783 - 1844)

Hollis Allred and Eddie Clay Allred who are first cousins descending from the "original" William

Grant Allred who descends from the "original" Thomas

Dennis who is a York descendant

Darrell Allred and Ralph Allred who descend from the "original" Solomon

James Eugene Allred who descends from several Allred lines:  "original" William, "original" John, and "mystery" Isaac

 

The DNA test results from Darrell and Ralph will establish the markers we need to begin answering some of our long-standing questions such as:  were the 4 "original" men brothers?  Dennis is recruiting other York descendants to participate in the study which ties in because there were so many York / Allred marriages over the generations. 

 

Linda will order test kits for each of the participants.  Kits should arrive in the mail within the next 2 weeks.  For more information about the project, visit www.familytreedna.com or http://www.allredfamily.org/dna_project.htm .

 

Linda ended the meeting by reminding everyone that she, Lawrence and Dot Allred Allred, and Franklin Allred will be traveling to Alabama May 29 - June 3 to attend the Allred reunion. 

 

The next meeting is scheduled for June 27, 2002, at 6pm at Ryan's Steakhouse in Asheboro.  A copy of these minutes will be posted on the ECA page of the AFO web site later today.

 

Linda