Tinbridge Hill in Lynchburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
In Memory of Sawney Early, Malinda Speece, and Their Descendants

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 14, 2021
1. In Memory of Sawney Early, Malinda Speece, and Their Descendants Marker
This plaque is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Sawney Early, Sr., and Malinda Speece, two noble souls who bravely endured the horrific hardships of slavery. Our prayer is that the sins of the past may never be repeated, as we remember those buried here:
Maria Early (c. 1830-1895), Wife of Sawney Early, Jr. Branch Early (c. 1840-1913), Son of Malinda & Sawney Early, Sr. Harriett Leftwich Early (c. 1843-1909), Wife of Branch Early Branch Anderson (c. 1860-1893), Grandson of Malinda & Sawney Early, Sr. Thomas Anderson (c. 1858-1900), Grandson of Malinda & Sawney Early, Sr.
and the Countless Names of Those Lost Along the Way
On October 13, 2013, a host of Sawney and Malinda's descendants gathered here to celebrate and honor the proud legacy of their Early family and to rejoice that the brutal chains of slavery remain forever broken. Through the science of genetic testing, we have found each other. We have discovered our link to this heroic couple and wish them to be remembered. We are family.
Psalm 78:1-4
"My people, listen to my teaching; listen to what I say.
I will speak using stories; I will tell secret things from long ago.
We have heard them and known them by what our ancestors have told us.
We will not keep them from our children; we will tell those who come later about the
praises of the Lord. We will tell about his power and the miracles he has done."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is October 13, 2013.
Location. 37° 24.884′ N, 79° 9.342′ W. Marker is in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is in Tinbridge Hill. Marker can be reached from Taylor Street, 0.1 miles north of 4th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Taylor St, Lynchburg VA 24501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Elizabeth Gavino Hubert Lushington (here, next to this marker); Daniel Butler (here, next to this marker); John and Rachel Kinkle (here, next to this marker); "Col'd" Gravestones (a few steps from this marker); Amelia Elizabeth Perry (a few steps from this marker); Jennie Hicks (within shouting distance of this marker); Unmarked Graves (within shouting distance of this marker); Uncle Sawney (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lynchburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 15 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on August 18, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.