Big Cove is a name that for me is synonymous with “home”. I lived there, on the same farm that my father and grandfather grew up, from 1978 until 1999. And when I hear the words “Big Cove” my mind instantly goes back to a simpler time in life. Of course back then, it was a whole different Big Cove. I’m part of the last generation of Big Covians who can remember the "pre-Hampton Cove" Big Cove. I plan to blog about all of that later! I’m starting this blog simply as a place that I can go and rehearse to the ages my memories and love for this small community in Madison County; and in doing so, creating a place that my children may one day look back over my posts and realize why I have such a love for the land of my fathers. Several branches of my ancestors – the Birds, Hunters, Adams, and Hinshaws – all settled in Big Cove in the early twentieth century; but my maternal grandfather’s family – the Staplers and Vanns have been in Madison County for many generations prior to 1900. In fact, through that connection, I am the great-great-great-great-great-grandson of John Clay Grayson – Big Cove’s first white settler, and the man responsible for giving Big Cove her name. So I have a deeply rooted ancestral connection with the community; and with that being said, I am also related – however distantly it may be – to a LARGE majority of the inhabitants of “old” Big Cove. So that’s pretty much my first post! I hope to post much more interesting stories and pictures in the near future – so if you’ve found your way here, be sure to check back often! -BYRD
