Student publishes Robeson history

By Ariel Houchens
Around The Town Editor

Blake Tyner always wanted to know where he came from. After years of delving into his past, he now can trace his lineage all the way back to 17th century Scotland.

“I have always been around history. I grew up spending time with both sets of great grandparents, and I was raised in the house in St. Pauls that my great, great grandfather built with his hands,” Tyner said.

Photo by Ariel Houchens Tyner shows pride in his Scottish heritage by sporting a traditional kilt.

Tyner, 36, has uncovered more than just his genealogy. He has excavated so much buried history that he has been able to fill up the pages of three books.

Two of his books have received the North Carolina Society of Historian’s Willie Parker Peace Award.

He recently released his third book, “ Robeson County in Vintage Postcard.”

Tyner’s newest book is his second released nationally. It contains more than 200 postcards that Tyner liberated from their silent resting places.

Many of the book’s images came from Tyner’s personal collection, but he also made some great finds at the state archives in Raleigh.

Tyner speaks fondly of his wife, Bess, and said she likes it when he represents his Scottish heritage by sporting one of his three kilts.

Tyner’s favorite kilt is blue and green which represents his McKay (pronounced McCoy) clan. McKay is also the name of his 5-year-old son.