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Colley Family of Eastern Kentucky

Updated September 16, 2009

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I have just recently begun the genealogical research into my father's side of my family--the Colley branch of my Family Tree. As a matter of fact, I have also recently begun the research into my mother's side of the family--the Ramey and Rose branches of my Family Tree. But I will be starting separate pages for those family names.

Virginia is as far back as I can definitely trace my Colley ancestors. There is also a relative, Ezekiel Smith (my great grandfather), from Ireland. I am fairly sure there is a Cherokee link, but I just don't know where. I can just see the genetic characteristics in my family. And my dad says that he believes that there is, but he just doesn't know where. I do know that there were Colleys related to the Duke of Wellington, and he was born in Ireland. I found that information today (09-16-2009) in the online archives of the New York Times newspaper.

There are not very many Colleys in the area of Kentucky where I live. From what I can tell there are two groups: one rich and one more on the modest side. My family is of the latter. Almost all of the Colleys in my family that still live in Kentucky work, or have worked, in the coal-mining industry. Now that the coal industry is not doing as well economically, family members are gradually getting into other fields such as carpentry or drafting. But my dad is still close to the coal industry, although not directly. Since he is 72 years old, he works as a night watchman/security guard for unused mining equipment.

Other members of the family moved out of Kentucky many years ago. Some live in Ohio and New York state. They have worked in the auto industry for many years. Many Colleys in my family have served in the armed forces. Mostly the Marine Corp and the Army. I don't think I remember anyone serving in another branch of the service. My dad and one brother joined the Marine Corp together. While my dad just served his time and got out, his brother made the Corp his career. He retired as a Sergeant then worked in the Army as a civilian. He lives in Georgia now. My dad still lives here in eastern Kentucky. The youngest brother was drafted into the Army and fought in Vietnam. He came home alive, but he had lost both legs to a land mine. He died in the 1980s, I believe--so many physical problems--heart, high blood pressure, diabetes, alcoholism.

That is one thing that is a "demon" in the Colley family: addiction--whether it is to alcohol, drugs, or something else that tears apart the body, relationships, families. Especially with the men, they have to always be on their guard to not allow that to take hold. It's best to just stay away altogether! But the women are not immune, either! I truly believe that it is a genetic trait.

 
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