Family Reunions,Part2

Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Kidd celebrated the 60th birthday of Mrs. Kidd's father, Mr. Jas. MaGill last Sunday with a birth day dinner. Mr. MaGill and all of his children were togther on this occasion. The dinner was elaborately prepared and enjoyed by the guest of honor as well as the others who attended.
Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Lon Cobb, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Sorrels, Jule MaGill, Helen Magill, Emmett Skelton, and Miss Helen Shaw of Atlanta. Miss Shaw was the week end guest of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Kidd.

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Marett Reunion
"Marett Family Reunion: Held at Beaverdam Baptist Church at Fair Play Last Friday," Lavonia Times and Gauge 21 Aug 1914.

Marett Family Reunion
Held at Beaverdam Baptist Church at Fair Play Last Friday.

    In response to the announcements published in the newspapers two weeks ago, and the generous invitations sent out, 300 relatives and friends gathered at the historic Beaverdam Baptist Church, in the beautiful town of Fair Play, near the dividing line of Anderson and Oconee counties on last Friday for the Marett family reunion. The family connection came from several counties in this State and the adjoining counties on the Georgia side and passed a most happy day in strengthening family ties and renewing covenants of friendship and love. There were hearty handshakes and friendly greetings among the descendants of the original settlers of the Marett family, who came to this section from the Old North State many years ago.
    The day was an ideal one and before nine o'clock the autos, vehicles, etc., began to arrive bringing in the guests, who occupied seats in the church, strolled under the shades of the ancient oaks around the church, mingling with relatives and friends, while others walked through the cemetery looking at the graves and tombs of their departed friends.
    This was the first reunion of the Marett family ever held since the family first came into this country. A large number of the connection was not there.
    The first settler was Benjamin Marett, who came from Hillsboro, N. C., and who located around Fair Play. He is buried in the old Beaverdam cemetery. He raised a large family of girls and boys. His boys were Stephen, Isam, Benjamin, Jr., John. His girls were Nancy, who married William Ray, and went North, Betsy, who married Ben McGee; and Polly, who never married. John Benjamin and Stephen Marett lived around Fair Play, until their death, and are buried there. Isam Marett moved over to Shoal Creek, Ga., and is a branch from which the Georgia Maretts are from in and around Lavonia, Ga. Ben McGee and wife, it is thought, are buried on their home place north of Fair Play, known as the Tip Linsay place.
    The name is a French name, and the old original settler, it is thought came from France, about the close of the 17th century. He, and what is supposed to be some of his brothers, bought and traded on land around Hillsboro, N. C., moved out with his family and located around Fair Play, and it is now estimated that the Marett connection in this country will reach up around the 400 mark.

The Day's Exercise

    Appropriate songs were conducted by Thomas Grubbs. The exercises were opened by Prof. Morris C. Burton, and a talk given by Col. R. E. Mason, for about one hour and a half, giving the names of the old settlers. It was enjoyed by all and was generally admitted that he had the most wonderful memory of any man present of the connection, and what he has to say was very interesting to every one present.
    Dinner was spread about 2 o'clock. Everybody had plenty, and some left. Refreshments were served on the ground during the whole day. In the afternoon the old people gathered in the church and sang several of the old time songs, singing them by note. It was found that the old people could beat many of our young ones singing.
    By a unanimous vote it was decided that the family would have another reunion a year from then, and it is set for Friday before the third Sunday in August, 1915.
    The occasion was one of so much pleasure that it was held on until late in the afternoon.
    The members of the Marett family are leading citizens and have succeeded in the business and commercal world. Among those related by blood and marriage who reside in and near Westminster are S. H. Marrett, Esq., E. C. Marett and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Whitaker, Mr. and Mrs. K. W. Marett, Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Alexander, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kilburn, Mr. George Marett, W. O. Alexander and family, Mrs. Bettie Messer, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Stewart.--Tugaloo Tribune.

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McWhorter Reunion
"Re-union of the McWhorter Family," Lavonia Times and Gauge 20 Aug 1920.

RE-UNION OF THE McWHORTER FAMILY.

    A reunion of the McWhorter family was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jno. E. Brown at their home in Martin, on August 16th. This reunion was very largely attended by the McWhorter family and their friends and was considered one of the most successful reunions this family has held.
    Among those to attend were: Mr. and Mrs. Lee McWhorter, of Nashville, Tenn.; Mr. and Mrs. J. H. McWhorter, of Atlanta, Ga.; Mr. and Mrs. W. A. McWhorter, and son, of Chicago; Mrs. Grady Gay, of Newnan, Ga.; Mr. and Mrs. A. D. McWhorter and son and daughter of Memphis, Tenn.; Mrs. J. C. Fincher and daughter of Atlanta; Mrs. J. C. C. Miller and daughter of Hartwell, Ga.; Dr. and Mrs. O. L. Miller of Atlanta; and Mrs. H. F. Alexander of Seneca, S. C. Besides the above named there were many friends and relatives of the family invited to meet with them each day.
    The days were most pleasantly spent in reminiscences of other days. Among the pleasant features were the watermelon cuttings which were held each day.
    The hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Jno. E. Brown was in evidence throughout the reunion which added very much to the pleasures of the occasion.

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Milford Reunion
Lavonia Times and Gauge 18 Aug 1916, Midway section.

The Milford reunion near Anderson, S. C., to be held August 16th, will be well represented by relatives from this section. Among whom will be present Mr. M. H. Simpson and son, Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Bud South and two children, Bradford and Gazelle, Mrs. Luna Taylor, with three children, Joe Brown, Annie May and Inez and Mr. Clayton Milford.

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Miller Reunion
"Miller Family Reunion," Lavonia Times and Gauge 10 Aug 1917.

MILLER FAMILY REUNION

    The pretty country home of Mr. James C. Miller was a scene of joy and gladness on August 7th, when his children and grandchildren with a few invited guests assembled for a family reunion.
    The little folks romped and played in the grove, picked grapes, apples, peaches, etc., and thought it great fun to be at "Grandpas." The elders sat upon the long cool piazza, chatting of old times and new, and the vital subject of today--the war. At the noon hour the feminine portion withdrew to the dining room, where they proceeded to lay the table with every good thing the veriest epicure could desire, even to fresh fish from Tugalo River. Every one was bidden to the table and after Grandpa had asked a blessing, all were urged in that good old hospitable country way--to "just help yourselves," but it required great capacity to partake of all that variety, yet each one did their "bit"--toward conserving food, that none be wasted.
    Some fine melons were cut in the afternoon and enjoyed by all.
    It was much regretted that Mr. and Mrs. John Stephenson and children and Mr. Claude Parker could not be present, owing to illness. One fair daughter, Lola, the eldest, who so long mothered the little brothers and sisters after her mother passed from earth, was greatly missed, for she too has joined the saintly mother on "That Beautiful Shore."
    Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Miller and baby, Mr. and Mrs. Cater Miller and three children of Winder, Mrs. Maggie Parker and three children of Lavonia, Mrs. Pearl Adair and two children, (Leon was absent), Miss Berta, the hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Adams, and Birdie May, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Whiten, Miss Blanche Brown and Little Mary Sams of Lavonia.
    Each one enjoyed the day and wish for Mr. Miller many more family reunions.

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Payne Reunion
Mrs. A. F. Carson, "Reunion of Payne Family," Lavonia Times and Gauge 29 Sept 1916.

REUNION OF PAYNE FAMILY

    We are informed that John and William Payne came from England about the year 1700 and settled in Virginia and North Carolina. Some years later they came to Georgia and settled in Flintsville District in Franklin County. Since this time this prominent family has resided near this place. More prominent among this family in recent years has been that of Rev. David H. Payne, a minister of the Baptist Church, Mr. Messer Payne with John Epps Payne and Mrs. Betsey Payne, all deceased.
    Since to this distinguished family has belonged the credit of living around New Bethel Church it was fitting that some three hundred of the children, grand children, great grand children, great great grand children with some other relatives and friends should meet and spend the day in this reunion, living over the past recounting past reminences referring to those who had fought life's battles and had left an inspiration to those who survive the rich legacy of a good name. Each one tried to exceed the other by contributing to the joys of the day. To all whether family or visitor the happiness seemed complete. The service held in the old church which in a large measure was built and has been supported through the generosity of this family, was enjoyed by each one old and young. Rev. W. A. Segers leading in the service was followed by talks from the family and friends. It is almost needless to venture to describe the feast on this occasion, suffice it to say that the half has never been told; no one but these could have imagined such a dinner, nor no one could have surpassed in the preparation thereof. After dinner they reassembled in the church and engaged in a beautiful song service.
    Those from a distance who were present were Mr. Stephen U. Payne and wife of Crosby County, Tex. and A. N. Payne of Ben Hill County, Ga.
    To each of us present and enjoying the hospitality of the day and to this prominent family new life, hope and inspiration were given for life's duties and opportunities. We hope that in future years we may meet again and that this happy occasion may have many recurrences.
                                                                                        Mrs. A. F. Carson.

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Sewell Reunion
"Reunion of Sewell Family," Lavonia Times and Gauge 11 July 1919.

REUNION OF SEWELL FAMILY.

    A reunion of the Sewell family was held last Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Sewell in Lavonia.
    At this reunion all the children of the late Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Sewell were present except Mrs. Queen of Decatur. A picnic dinner was served on the grounds and the affair was one of pleasure to all.
    Those to attend were: M. L. Sewell and family, Jno. W. Sewell and family, W. S. Haley and family, J. C. Loggins and family, S. J. Walters and family, Mrs. T. W. McAllister, of Buena vista, Ga., H. T. Sewell and family.
    Also the following young men were invited guests on this occasion: Dewey Pulliam, Ralph Roberts, Mr. Chestnut, and Robert Siler.

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Smith Reunion
"Reunion of Smith Family," Lavonia Times and Gauge 14 Aug 1914.

REUNION OF SMITH FAMILY

A reunion of the family of Mr. H. R. Smith was held at the home of Mr. Kirby Smith at Knox Bridge Sunday. This was the first time the children of Mr. Smith had ever been together. This sounds remarkable but it is a fact.
Those present at this reunion were, Mr. D. B. Smith and family, Mr. T. J. Smith, Mrs. Effie Beasley, Mrs. Ida Isbell and Mr. Kirby Smith at whose home the reunion was held. All of Mr. Smith's children are grown and all live in this section except Mrs. Isbell who lives at Eastanolle.

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Stovall Reunion
"The Stovall Reunion," Lavonia Times and Gauge 5 Sept 1913.

The Stovall Reunion

    On last Friday, August 29th, the Stovall generation held a family reunion at the old homestead near Poplar Springs Church, where Rev. H. F. Stovall now lives. At this old home the nine children of Henry F. and Caroline Stovall were born and reared, all of whom are still living with the single exception of Mrs. Nancy J. Land, who died some two or three years ago. The old father and mother, Henry F. Sr., and Caroline, lived to the ripe old age of 87 years.
    This reunion was marked by many notable events, among which were the following. About 300 were present and so far as the writer's knowledge extends not a drop of whiskey was drunk. Not a cigarette was smoked, not a single oath was uttered, and no one went away hungry. The ages of those present ranged from 96 years down to infants of only a few months.
    The oldest was Mrs. Kittie Christian Adams, the mother of Mrs. H. F. Stovall, Jr. Mrs. Adams was 96 years old last June, and is very stout for one of her age. She has lived with her daughter, Mrs. H. F. Stovall for many years. The oldest of the Stovall family present was Mr. G. N. Stovall, of Clark's Creek, and the youngest Mrs. Neaty C. Messer, of Tyler, Texas. Mrs. Messer left Georgia about 33 years ago and this is her first and only visit to the state of her birth since then. She is a widow of several years, her husband, Mr. Will Messer, having died several years ago.
    This was a great day, one which every one present seemed to appreciate to the fullest extent, and one whose sweet memories will long be cherished by many. It was indeed a day of Thanksgiving and prayer. Music was furnished by Cross Roads Brass Band, and none but those present can imagine how sweet the notes rang in the ears of the appreciative audience. Mr. N. O. Price, the most famous photographer in this section was on the scene with his camera and did some nice work.
    Dinner and lemonade was served on two long tables under a large stalwart oak in front of the old home where so many sweet memories have so long been cherished. After dinner all seemed at ease until late in the evening when the band burst forth with notes of Home, Sweet Home, and the parting took place, a meeting such as never will be again came to a close. But many of those present expressed their desires by saying that they hoped some day to meet the same loved ones in a better world than this, and those who did not express themselves in this way, seemed to show the same desire. Family reunions are getting to be more and more popular. But in many ways they are sad, but after all we should try to look at the bright side of things.
                                                                                        J. T. S.

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Vandiver Reunion
"Vandiver Reunion," Lavonia Times and Gauge 25 Aug 1916.

VANDIVER REUNION

    About two hundred descendants of the late B. P. Vandiver gathered at the old Vandiver Home a mile from Allens Church in Franklin County on Tuesday August 15th to celebrate an annual reunion of the Vandivers. The custom of holding this Vandiver reunion every year originated about fifteen years ago and has been held every year since.
    The descendants of the late B. P. Vandiver compose the greater number of the attendants at these reunions. He passed to the beyond in 1903 but the reunons were established several years before his death. The site on which these reunions are held was the home of Mr. Vandiver for seventy years. Mr. Vandiver was the father of twelve children all of whom are living the ages ranging from 48 to 73.
    Early in the morning the vehicles begin to arrive. Relatives from various parts of this state and also from other states have been apprised of the date of holding the reunion in time to be on hand. Dinner is brought and spread on the grounds at noon time and all partake of the good eatables that have been prepared by the various families that attend.
    The interest centers around the twelve children of Mr. B. P. Vandiver. They are all living and all attended the last reunion held last Tuesday. They are Miss Jane Vandiver age 73, lives at the old home stead; W. I. P. Vandiver age 70, lives at Fair Play, S. C., Mrs. Tilda Eskew, age 68, lives near Toccoa; Albert Vandiver, age 66, lives at Baldwin, Miss, Mrs. Harriet Bentley, age 64 lives at Red Hill in Franklin County; Mrs. Mahaley Addison, age 62, lives at Red Hill; Joe Vandiver, age 58, lives at Carnesville; Mrs. Tom Kelly, age 56, lives at Red Hill; Mr. S. M. Vandiver, age 54, lives at Rochelle, Ga. Mrs. John Stancil, age 51, lives at Red Hill; Mrs. J. R. Hall, age 48, lives at Carnesville.

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Vickery Reunion
"Family Reunion: Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Vickery's Children Give Them a Great Surprise," Lavonia Times and Gauge 18 June 1920.

FAMILY REUNION.
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Vickery's Children Give Them a Great Surprise.

    One of the most interesting events of the day, was a family reunion Sunday June 13th, at the home of W. J. Vickery, near Bold Spring. The reunion was planned by the children and it was kept a secret until Mr. and Mrs. Vickery returned from church and saw their sons and daughters and grand children waiting for their coming.
    At the noon hour every one retired to the cool shady yard near the well and found a table, heaped with good things to eat on it, waiting for the happy throng to come and enjoy a wholesome dinner. Delicious refreshments were also served at the table.
    After dinner the family returned to the front, where some of the children sang some beautiful songs. One of the best was played by Mrs. W. L. Parks and sung sweetly by Miss Jessie Alene and Master Lambert Leroy Parks.
    In the marriage contest, played by Miss Eva Vickery and Mr. Cecil Neal Parks, it was decided that Cecil being the lucky one would marry first.
    Later in the afternoon candy was served to the kiddies and delicious ice tea to the grown ups. After which Miss Jessie Alene Parks recited, "Curfew Shall Not Ring Tonight." She stood in the shade of a beautiful oak in the front yard and recited very sweetly using the gestures.
    It is remembered that Mr. and Mrs. Vickery's children are all living and all were present as follows:
    Messrs. Ernest O., and Robert L. Vickery of Commerce; Ira W. Vickery of Canon, and Luther W., and James C. Vickery of Lavonia, Mrs. W. L. Parks of Carnesville, Mrs. W. B. Glenn of Jefferson, and Miss Eva Vickery at home.
    Even though Mr. Vickery is 61 years of age and his wife 57, they were very glad that the children surprised them and gave them a cordial invitation to come again.
    Every one present enjoyed it immensely and we are hoping that we will meet again soon.
                                                                                    Eva Vickery.

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Willbanks Reunion
"Willbanks Reunion," Lavonia Times and Gauge 15 Aug 1913.

Willbanks Reunion

A reunion of the Willbanks family was held in Lavonia on Friday of last week at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Willbanks. The day was spent pleasantly at this home and many events of old times were rehearsed with interest. In the party were: Mrs. J. I. Willbanks, Mrs. R. L. Willbanks and family, J. A. Willbanks and family, Mrs. Emma Forbes and daughter, Grace, of Royston; Mr. and Mrs. Morgan White, of Maysville, Miss Rebie Pitman, of Commerce, Mrs. Bertha Hixon, of Wheeler, Ala., Mrs. Maude Richardson and Miss McDonald, of Jefferon.

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