The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville Sunday June 2 1991

OUT ON A LIMB ---------------------------- Brantly family study impressive By Leviece Smallwood Special to the Times-Union A remarkable work on the Brant- ly family in America has been ac- complished by Kenneth Brantley, founder and editor of the National Brantley Association. According to this genealogist, who has an uncommon passion for fam- ily history, most Brantly/leys in the United States have descended from Edward Brantly, immigrant to Vir- ginia in 1638. After decades of collecting, as- sembling and publishing Brantly data on as many Brantly family members as possible, Brantly made an historic decision. He would, as authentically as possible, record for posterity, the documented perilous journey of his 1638 immigrant an- cestor on video. The genealogy sleuth -- a flight standards inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration in Atlanta -- journeyed to Isle of Wight Coun- ty Virginia and re-enacted his an- cestor's life through the authentic settings of Jamestown and Wil- liamsburg using as background the restored lifestyle of the area. Brant- ley, the only man in the Southeast to certify pilots in the Lockheed Jet Star, took aerial views of the St. James River, inserting footage of replicas of the type ships Edward

sailed on from England. Brantley narrated a study made of the route used during the voyage from England and the life aboard the small vessel . Aerial views show the actual farm properties of John Seward, the man Edward served for seven years as an indentured ser- vant and progressed to lands Ed- ward later received in 1669 from province Governor William Berkley. Brantley captured on film the land where his immigrant ancestor pro- gressed to a prosperous farmer and landowner. Brantley used early Vir- ginia maps and recorded deeds as evidence to the pinpointed areas. The narration continues through the re-enactment of the readings by Edward Brantly of his will in 1688 and includes documentary high- lights of the moving, and often emo- tional family history during the Revolution. The video includes movements of the Brantly family through the cen- sus years detailed with maps through 1860. Brantley includes Civil War history of the Brantly family involvement including the battlefields where kinsman fought and died, highlight- ed with stories of extreme sacrifice and sufferings from Brantly rebels. The tape concludes with the ac- complishments of prominent Brantly/leys of the 1800s. The 35 minute documentary tape is $24.50 with $1.50 handling. To find out more about the Brant- ley Association ($15 annually), the National Brantley reunion, or the many publications on the Brantley family, write to Kenneth Brantley 5245 Moon Rd, Powder Springs, GA 30127. Phone (770) 943-4677 1992 Note: Video was modified: Now 1 hour long. Price until further notice is $19.50 + $1.50 Handling Membership dues now $8.50