Meet our Family Historian/Genealogist

Deborah Davis‑McClelland is a proud Illinois resident with deep roots reaching back to Grand Chain, Illinois, the historic community nestled along the Ohio River in Pulaski County. Her lineage includes the McClelland family branch, which Lucas Davis’ genealogy traces from Tennessee into Southern Illinois—including Grand Chain—where members like Alice Clay (née McClelland) were born.

Early Life & Family Heritage
Deborah grew up steeped in family stories passed down through generations—stories tied to Grand Chain, where intermarriage among the McClelland, Clay, Henderson, and related families forged a vibrant local legacy. Genealogical research indicates the McClelland family migrated from North Carolina through Tennessee before settling in Pulaski County, with records placing Alice Clay (born to Richard and Sarah Rutledge McClelland) in Grand Chain. Her ancestors included Fannie S. McClelland (b. circa 1867 in Tennessee), who married in Grand Chain in 1889.

Connection to the Grand Chain Family Foundation
As a descendant of the McClelland line, Deborah is part of the extended network represented by the Grand Chain Family Foundation, which has hosted inter-family reunions across the U.S. over decades. The McClelland name appears in those reunion histories—joining with the Barefield, Clay, Claypool, Henderson, and Woolfolk families—highlighting the deep bonds among descendants originally rooted in Grand Chain.

Personal & Community Life
Today, Deborah lives in Illinois—deep in the region tied to her family’s origins. She is actively involved in genealogical research, contributing to family reunion planning and supporting historical preservation efforts related to Grand Chain heritage. Deborah has organized family photo archives, collected oral histories from elder relatives, and participated in annual gatherings commemorating the shared legacy of McClelland‑Clay‑Henderson descendants.

Beyond genealogy, Deborah is known locally for her passion for community and history. She volunteers at local libraries and historical societies in Pulaski County, helping curate exhibitions that highlight the cultural heritage of Grand Chain’s early families. She’s also an advocate for educational outreach, speaking to younger generations about the importance of preserving family history and local heritage.

Legacy & Vision
A bridge between past and present, Deborah Davis‑McClelland continues to honor her McClelland roots while empowering family members to celebrate their shared ancestry. Through her ongoing research and engagement, she ensures the stories of Grand Chain families remain vibrant and meaningful—for today’s relatives and future generations alike.

Notes:

Deborah’s connection to Grand Chain comes through the McClelland family lineage documented in genealogical sources.
The inter-family ties and reunion history are well‑chronicled by the Grand Chain Family Foundation.

FAMILY TREE UPDATE FORM

Delving into our family's history is an exhilarating and rewarding journey—though it can also be exhausting and at times, discouraging, as any seasoned researcher will attest. However, the joy of discovering relatives or confirming family connections through diligent research leaves a lasting legacy. It allows future generations to better understand their lineage and fill in the gaps of our shared story.

Researching family history is never simple, and tracing the lineage of Black Americans prior to the Civil War presents unique challenges. These obstacles, however, are best met through collective effort—by working together and sharing the knowledge and records we each possess.

Family Announcement

Hello Family,

We’ve created a form to help update and expand our family history. Your input is invaluable in preserving our heritage for generations to come.

Please fill it out and return back to me.

Click here to open form

Thank you Family,

Debbie Davis

FAMILY HISTORY FUN FACTS