The Family of George Cabaniss
Virginia, Rutherford and Cleveland Counties,
North Carolina
1700 - 1999

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Of all the given names used by the Cabaniss family, George seems to be the most often used. The name George is so popular with the descendants of Henri's last son, George, one almost needs a score card to keep them straight. Even then, it's difficult. Take a look at this genealogy (some dates are approximate):

• Henri Cabaniss  d. 1720
• George Cabaniss  d. 1744
• George Cabaniss  d. 1799
• George Cabaniss  d. 1846
• George Cabaniss  d. 1905
• George Cabaniss  d. 1929

It doesn't look too difficult until one factors in that many of the brothers of these Georges fathered sons that they named George who fathered sons that they named George...
  This book focuses on the descendants of the third George. So, if you descend from this George, you need this book. Even if you are not one his descendants, I recommend buying the book for the purpose of freeing up some of your brain's memory storage space. Why, without having to carry around all the Georges in my brain's memory, I gained so much storage space that I'm now able to recall all of my mother's line<g>.
   All kidding aside, this is a very thorough piece of work that spreads out over 328 pages of a 9" by 12" hardback book printed on archival quality paper. By selecting this ph-neutral paper, the authors provide us with a reference resource to be handed down for generations.
   Others may disagree with me, but I think the authors out did themselves when it comes to the (over 125) photos that are included. Obviously, they went to some lengths to secure photos from other family members; something every genealogists can appreciate. My favorite photo is that of William Francis Cabaniss and his wife Nancy Melvina Welborn on page 245--I like to think all us Cabanisses are as striking as this couple. The only way that the quality of the reproduction of the photos could be any better would be to use a slick, glossy paper which would probably make the book cost prohibitive.
   The book is stunning in many other ways, but you are sure to appreciate the effort expended on the index. It makes it so much easier to find somebody.
   I'm proud of my copy, I know you will be, too.

Others hold similar opinions

I can hear it now, "Just what makes you such an expert on this book's quality?" you ask. That's a fair question, albeit stings a little bit<g>. Well, maybe you'd accept the North Carolina Society of Historians' opinion more readily that mine. On November 6, 1999, the book was awarded the Society's prestigious Robert Bruce Cooke Family History Book Award. The collective sentiments of the judges were:

This book is an indication of many, many years of dedicated, careful research, tremendous thought and evident skill. Genealogies are set up so as to be easily understood and the extensive full name index at the back only adds to its being a very useful secondary source. Wonderful photographs.

   Pretty astute bunch, that Society...and see, they like the photographs, too.

   The book costs $56.00 plus $5.00 shipping ($6.00 out of state). NC residents add 6% sales tax ($3.36). Make checks payable to Laura C. Walters.

Laura C. Walters
733 Summit Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101-1118

Phone: 336.724.5203
e-mail: ljwal@juno.com

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