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