This work concentrates upon families with a strong connection to Virginia and Kentucky, most of which are traced forward from the eighteenth, if not the seventeenth, century. The compiler makes ample use of published sources some extent original records, and the recollections of the oldest living members of a number of the families covered. Finally. The essays reflect a balanced mixture of genealogy and biography, which makes for interesting reading and a substantial number of linkages between as many as six generations of family members.

In 1931, Julian C. Lane published a book on the history of the Key Family titled "Key and Allied Families." Her work has been considered to be the basis for many Key Family Histories since that time. However, she had many inaccurate family connections. One is led to believe that all of the Key families of the early colonial times were related. Such, however, is not true. She also tends to link the Moses Key Family in Pennsylvania and the family of Frances Scott Key as all being related to the Keys of Colonial Virginia. Present day DNA testing of the Male Y - Chromosome has proven that these three families are not even remotely related. Julian C. Lane simply compiled family histories that were sent to her and in some cases she mistakenly linked some together. However, considering that she did not have the present day tools of research and the computer, she did the best that she could do. I was able to find valuable information about my family line through her book. I must say that I would have had a hard time find who my Chesterfield County, South Carolina ancestors were if it had not been for Julian C. Lane. This work, "Reunited --- The Famous Key Family of Colonial Virginia" will deal only with the descendants of John Key who arrived in 1668. There will be another book at a later date that will include the other Key Families. This is a four volume set with the index being in volume four. Eighteen hundred plus pages is simply too many pages for even a two volume set. One needs to obtain all four volumes in order to have the complete genealogy. Let me say also that John Key of 1668 has well more than 250,000 descendants today. It is then impossible to list them all. The value of this work and of any other genealogy is not just being able to find your name listed. As you work your way back in your ancestors however, you will likely find how your Key Family links to the Keys of Virginia. That will be the real value of this genealogy.

In 1931, Julian C. Lane published a book on the history of the Key Family titled "Key and Allied Families." Her work has been considered to be the basis for many Key Family Histories since that time. However, she had many inaccurate family connections. One is led to believe that all of the Key families of the early colonial times were related. Such, however, is not true. She also tends to link the Moses Key Family in Pennsylvania and the family of Frances Scott Key as all being related to the Keys of Colonial Virginia. Present day DNA testing of the Male Y - Chromosome has proven that these three families are not even remotely related. Julian C. Lane simply compiled family histories that were sent to her and in some cases she mistakenly linked some together. However, considering that she did not have the present day tools of research and the computer, she did the best that she could do. I was able to find valuable information about my family line through her book. I must say that I would have had a hard time find who my Chesterfield County, South Carolina ancestors were if it had not been for Julian C. Lane. This work, "Reunited --- The Famous Key Family of Colonial Virginia" will deal only with the descendants of John Key who arrived in 1668. There will be another book at a later date that will include the other Key Families. This is a four volume set with the index being in volume four. Seventeen hundred plus pages is simply too many pages for even a two volume set. One needs to obtain all four volumes in order to have the complete genealogy. Let me say also that John Key of 1668 has well more than 250,000 descendants today. It is then impossible to list them all. The value of this work and of any other genealogy is not just being able to find your name listed. As you work your way back in your ancestors however, you will likely find how your Key Family links to the Keys of Virginia. That will be the real value of this genealogy.

Discover your roots! The answers to all your genealogy questions in one place! This convenient, timesaving collection of genealogy hacks gathers the best resources, tips, lists, and need-to-know facts from the experts at Family Tree Magazine. Inside, you'll find fast facts about a variety of family history topics, such as important dates in US history, the different kinds of DNA tests, and how to use the best genealogy websites. Inside, you'll find: • Key genealogy lists and statistics: common genealogy abbreviations and acronyms, a glossary of genetic genealogy terms, genealogy pitfalls to avoid, and more • Strategies for tracking your ancestors in important documents (including census records, passenger lists, and military records) and performing important genealogical tasks (such as searching Ancestry.com) • A size perfect for carrying with you wherever your research may lead

Over 225 years of Keys/Keyes in Eastern North Carolina by Bunyon Keys, a native son of Blounts Creek offers the readers an insight of the Keys Families that originated in Blounts Creek, Beaufort County and spread not only to Eastern North Carolina, but throughout many parts of the United States and several other areas of the world. Listed in many documents, I have seen the name spelled as Keys, Kee, Key, Keyes, Kees, Keais, Keen and many other variations. Taken from the Surname Data Base Last Name Origin from the internet; The surname Keys is English and was first recorded as belonging to the family of Roger Keys. The recorded information was dated 1275. For simplicity, I have in most cases used the spelling Keys or Keyes. The Keys (families) were started by Milley Keys, except for one family in this area and that family is listed in Chapter 7 of this document. There are some instances where the two families inter-married. The 2nd family was the decedents of William Keys from Virginia perhaps a cousin of Milley. (Evidence points to Milleys ancestors being from England and dating back to the mid 1650s.)