From Bunyon Keys

Local author Bunyon Keys announces the release of “Over 225 years of Keys/Keyes: Families in Eastern North Carolina”

According to Keys, the Keys were a large family, second only to the Moore family that originated in Blounts Creek. He publishes “Over 225 years of Keys/Keyes: Families in Eastern North Carolina” to show the degree and influence the Keys families had within this and surrounding areas without being obscured by the Moore Families.

“This book shows the degree of continuity and family ties that existed between and within the Keys/Keyes family,” the author says. For the very first time, many of Milley Keys’ descendants will see a direct relationship between themselves and her.”

Through the publication of “Over 225 years of Keys/Keyes: Families in Eastern North Carolina,” the author hopes to help change the pre-conceived idea that all blacks before the Civil War came from plantations and were freed because of that war.

The author published a book, “Over Three Hundred Years of Black People in Blounts Creek, Beaufort County North Carolina, Book 1,” in 2014. He states that it is not a prerequisite to read Book I prior to reading this book, however, it would help. His first book is also available.

The author will be signing copies of his books during “A Night on the Underground Railroad” from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Washington Civic Center. The event will serve as a fundraiser for the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum.

Bunyon Keys was born on Feb. 23, 1943 and was reared in Blounts Creek, Beaufort County. He graduated from S.W. Snowden High School in Aurora in 1961. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Air Force. While stationed near Shreveport, Louisiana, he met and married the former Dorothy Florence. They returned to Blounts Creek in June, 1989. For more information and local availability of the book, Keys can be reached at 252-322-5563, 252-322-3322 or 252-917-2137.