Claybourn Genealogical Society

06/25/2025

Today we remember Ronald Vance Claybourn, who passed away on June 14th. Ron was born on April 17, 1948. He earned a degree in oceanography and later pursued a career as a computer engineer at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. Previously, he served aboard the Rainier, a hydrographic survey vessel with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, based out of Seattle, mapping coastal regions around Alaska, Hawaii, and Southern California—work he greatly enjoyed. Ronald was a Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War era, stationed at the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island, Washington. Known for his boundless curiosity, Ronald cherished fast cars, leisurely meals, and exceptional music. He was married to Jacqueline Daigle.

12/22/2024

The construction of the Panama Canal stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination. Among the many who contributed to this monumental endeavor, the Claybourn family played a significant role, leaving an indelible mark on the canal’s history.

Ephraim S. Claybourn, born in 1851 in Dix, Illinois, began his engineering career on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. In 1905, he joined the Isthmian Canal Commission as the first superintendent of all floating equipment in the Canal Zone. His leadership was instrumental in designing and constructing the drydock shops at Cristóbal and adapting machinery to American methods. Unfortunately, after a severe fall that affected his health, Ephraim resigned and passed away in 1909. 

Following in his footsteps, Ephraim’s nephew, John Geronald Claybourn, joined the canal project in 1910. Over the years, John rose through the ranks to become the superintendent of the Dredging Division. He was the original designer of Gamboa, Panama, and played a pivotal role in relocating the Dredging Division there from Paraíso. John’s contributions extended beyond Panama, as he consulted on river and harbor improvement projects in several countries. 

The Claybourn family’s involvement didn’t end there. James Verner (“Vern”) Claybourn, another nephew of Ephraim, worked as an engineer and mechanic on the canal. His technical expertise was vital to the project’s success. Additionally, Noel Clyde Claybourn, born in 1892, served as an electrician in the Canal Zone, further solidifying the family’s legacy in this colossal undertaking. 

The Claybourn family’s dedication to the Panama Canal exemplifies the spirit of innovation and perseverance that defined this engineering marvel. Their collective efforts not only contributed to the canal’s completion but also to its enduring operation, bridging oceans and bringing nations closer together.

01/21/2023

Do you need to make updates to our family history? If so, please let us know at [email protected]. A new print edition will publish soon and we want to ensure it includes all needed additions and corrections.

Confide Recte Agens

08/21/2019

In a historic move, the boards of the National Genealogical Society (NGS) and the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announced their intent to merge.

In a historic move, the boards of the National Genealogical Society (NGS) and the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announced their intent to merge. The two organizations, both non-profit leaders in the dynamic genealogy industry, will [...]

09/28/2018

We're in the process of updating our family history book—Born of Clay—for a new 2nd edition. Be sure to visit Claybourn.org and see if any information about you or your immediate family needs to be updated or corrected. Email [email protected] ASAP to ensure it's included.

08/18/2017

Though Arkansas sided with the Confederacy, many in the state remained loyal to the Union, including John B. Claiborne.

He wrote, “I felt that the southern people might just as well turn the Mississippi up stream as for the rebels to think that secession could succeed. I had been in the north, and knew what it was. . . I told the people in my neighborhood that the war could never succeed. I exerted my influence and cast my vote for the Union. There was no vote taken in ratifying the ordinance of secession in Arkansas. The convention took the state out without submitting the question to the people.”

Little Rock fell to Union forces in 1863 and John served in the new pro-Union government as a member of the 15th Arkansas Legislature. However, because of ongoing threats to his life over his Union sympathies, he went north to Illinois to be with his brother William for a couple months.

When he returned home he learned that Union soldiers dismantled the home he worked so hard to build in order to use the wood for bunks and shanties. The theft naturally devastated him and the whole family. Nearly 20 years after the war John brought a claim for $400 dollars to pay for the stolen lumber but was instead awarded a mere $150 for the entire home. He died one month after that settlement in 1874, poor and still stinging from the total loss all around him.

Second Child, Oldest Son, of Ephraim and Polly Claybourn 30 December 1812 - 17 September 1874 Early Life John B. Claiborne was born on 30 December 1812 in Knoxville, Tennessee, as the first son of Ephraim Claybourn and Mary (Polly) Browning. Th [...]

06/19/2017

Be sure to check out our newly redesigned and revamped website. As always, we welcome corrections and updates, especially since we will use this information for a forthcoming new edition of the family history book titled "Born of Clay".

Confide Recte Agens

09/08/2016

This American flag with 34 stars was used in recruiting by the 80th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which included brothers James Harrison Claybourn and William Pratt Claybourn.

The official website of the Claybourn family

07/26/2016

Numerous family members fought and shed blood at the battle of Perryville. Thanks to the Civil War Trust, it has largely been saved from development and sale.

The Civil War Trust has purchased and preserved three properties totaling 70 acres associated with the 1862 Battle of Perryville.

03/17/2016

On Saint Patrick’s Day, the color you wear actually depends on your religious affiliation.