Page 348 - Foy

THE FIRST NATIONAL FOY REUNION-2000

Inspired by contacts with Foy researchers from all over the United States through the
Foy Web Site on the Internet, SOGNIA WEISS, of Wilmington, North Carolina,

headed up a group in the planning of a National Foy Reunion in the year 2000. Several
dozen Foy descendants attended the reunion which was held June 16-18, 2000 at
Popular Grove Historic Plantation in Wilmington, N.C.

In 1795 JAMES FOY, JR originally purchased the Popular Grove Plantation from the
Francis Clayton estate. Foys lived on that plantation continuously until 1971. The
original house (manor) was destroyed by fire in 1849 but was rebuilt the next year by
Joseph Mumford Foy. The last Foy owner was Robert Lee Foy. Robert is pictured
with a group of James Foy, Jr descendants on a following page. Robert sold the
plantation in 1971 to a non profit foundation who maintains the plantation, which is
now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public for
tours.

JAMES FOY, Jr , the original Foy owner, was a son of James Foy, Sr which would
make him a brother to Lewis Foy, who was the grandfather of John Elon Foy, my great
grandfather. Anyone related to James Foy, Jr is related to all the Cisco Clan. In fact,

all the people in the following photographs taken at the First National Foy Reunion, are
related to the Cisco Clan.

Originally the plantation was six hundred twenty eight acres and was a self supporting
agricultural community with sixty four slaves. It produced peas, corn, peanuts and
beans which were sold to local merchants. It was prosperous until the Civil War when
it experienced many of the hardships inflicted throughout the Confederacy by Union
soldiers. But, Joseph T. Foy, using skillful management and perseverance, kept the
plantation running. Later, he became an influential person in local government and was
instrumental in the construction of the Onslow and East Carolina Railroad.

While at the reunion several of us visited the family cemetery on the original grounds
of the plantation. The graves of many of the Foys who lived on the plantation are there,

however, only a few tombstones have been cleared and are visible. No one seems to
know exactly who all is buried there. Photos of some of the stones are on the following
pages.

2000 N.C. FOY REUNION TAB 20 PAGE1