The Tyson-May Reunion Papers (1965–2023; undated) document the activities and genealogical research of the Tyson-May Reunion, a family organization founded in Farmville, North Carolina, around 1920. Formed to record and preserve the lineage of early settler Cornelius Tyson and Revolutionary War commander Major Benjamin May and his wife, Mary Clara Tyson, the Reunion has held annual gatherings and maintained detailed records of its membership and operations. Materials include meeting minutes, by-laws, genealogical reports, correspondence, reunion programs, newspaper clippings, and related documentation reflecting the group's administrative functions and ongoing interest in family history.
The Tyson-May Reunion originated in Farmville, North Carolina, around 1920 as a gathering of descendants of two early families in the region—the Tysons and the Mays. The group traced its lineage to Cornelius Tyson, an early settler in Pitt County, and to Major Benjamin May, a Revolutionary War officer, and his wife, Mary Clara Tyson. The reunion was established to document and preserve the shared history and genealogy of these related families and to maintain connections among their descendants.
Annual meetings, typically held in Farmville or nearby communities, served as social and commemorative events featuring family histories, programs, and addresses that reflected the group's interest in heritage preservation. Over time, the Tyson-May Reunion developed into a long-running family association with organized recordkeeping and communication among members, producing materials such as correspondence, programs, genealogical notes, and photographs documenting its ongoing activities.
The Tyson-May Reunion Papers (1965–2023; undated) consist of materials documenting the organization, administration, and activities of the Tyson-May Reunion held in Pitt County, North Carolina. Materials in this collection represent the official activities of the long-running Tyson-May Reunion, which formed in Farmville, North Carolina, around 1920. The Reunion began with the intent of documenting the descendants of early settler Cornelius Tyson, as well as Revolutionary commander Major Benjamin May and his wife, Mary Clara Tyson. Annual meetings of the group provided a means of sharing genealogical research, while board meetings frequently focused on event planning and the publication of family histories.
The collection includes historical background information, reunion by-laws, and meeting minutes (1972–2023) reflecting the group's administrative operations. Genealogical materials, including reports and records created by the Reunion Genealogy Committee (1971–2007), trace the Tyson, May, and related Mewborn family lines. Additional materials such as press releases, newspaper clippings, reunion programs, invitations, and registration forms document the organization and promotion of reunion events. A small amount of correspondence pertains to the Farmville, North Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) House. The collection also contains materials donated by local historian Roger E. Kammerer, Jr. (1968–2000).
The collection is arranged in a single series by document type, with folders organized chronologically within each category.
Gift of Robert W. May, on behalf of the Tyson-May Reunion
Gift of Roger E. Kammerer, Jr.
Processed by Patrick Cash, 2025
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.
The Tyson and May genealogy of Pitt County / Tyson and May Genealogy Committee ; with Roger Kammerer. NC Ref and NC Stacks CS 71 .T969 1987