www.robertmackayclan.com

ROBERT McKAY CLANNEWSLETTER

Vol. 51 #1 Michael L. McKay, Editor,115 Morgan St., Winchester, VA 22601Phone (540) 667-1243 | mike@robertmackayclan.comKimberly A. Price, Co-Editor,66 E 7660 S, Midvale, UT 84047Phone (801) 567-1190 | stimpyinc@yahoo.comBetty I. Powers, Mailing,996 Ashby Station Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630Phone (540) 636-7356 | bippy603@yahoo.com

Issue date: 4th July 2010Also serving Sowers, Kerfoot and other related families.

GREETINGS

Welcome to my sixth edition of The Robert Mackay Clan Newsletter. This Newsletter is made possible by the generous donations from its readers. Without you we wouldn’t have the funds needed to produce our family Newsletter. The expenses for the spring 2009 Newsletter totalled $514.66. Due to the increasing costs of postage we found it necessary to ask the readers to send a donation prior to receiving your copy of this year’s Newsletter. The Newsletter is printed in the Spring in order to get the information regarding the forthcoming Virginia McKay Reunion out in a timely fashion. Please consider sending a donation to help us cover the expenses for producing this Newsletter.

NEWSLETTER NOW ONLINE

For those of you interested, the Robert McKay Clan Newsletter now has an online edition through Yahoo! Groups. If you would like to receive the Newsletter as an electronic file please go to this URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/robertmackayclan/join You will need a Yahoo! ID in order to join and view the Newsletter online.

ANNUAL VIRGINIA McKAY REUNION(McKay-Sowers-Kerfoot)

You should have received a separate announcement about our annual Virginia Robert McKay Clan Reunion but as a reminder our annual gathering will be held on Sunday 27th June 2010 with lunch starting at 1:00 p.m. This year’s reunion will again be a covered dish picnic and will be held at the Lion’s Park Shelter # 5 in Front Royal, VA. If you have misplaced your notice about the picnic and need directions you can reach me at the contact information in the above right corner of this page.

COLLETT-McKAY PICNIC

The annual Collett-McKay Picnic held every year since 1866 is scheduled to be held on the family picnic grounds at the corner of Inwood and Gurneyville Roads in northwestern Clinton County, Ohio on Saturday 14th August 2010 beginning at 12 noon.

To get to the picnic grounds from I-71 take U.S. 68 South and turn right onto Gurneyville Road. Follow Gurneyville Road for about three miles. Picnic grounds are on the left at the corner of Inwood and Gurneyville Roads.

BETHEL MEMORIAL INC. MEETINGS

Meeting and Traditional Service The annual Bethel Memorial Incorporated Meeting and Traditional Service will be held on Sunday 22nd August 2010 at Bethel Church south of Millwood, VA beginning at 11:00 a.m. with a picnic under the oaks immediately following the service. The details have not yet been completed as to whom the guest speaker will be but will be posted on the Robert Mackay Clan website once they become known. Bethel has been the home church for many generations of our Sowers and Kerfoot families. To get to Bethel on U.S. 50 between the Shenandoah River and the U.S. 340 interchange at Waterloo turn onto State Route 622 (Red Gate Rd.). Follow 622 (Red Gate Rd.) for about a mile or so and turn left onto State Route 624 (Swift Shoals Rd.). Drive about a half mile or so and turn right onto Bethel Lane. Bethel Church is located on the top of the hill. The road encircles the building.

Christmas Carols and Lessons Service Additionally, Bethel’s annual Christmas Carols and Lessons Service will be held on Sunday 19th Dec 2010 beginning at 5:00 p.m. Our Christmas service has been well attended in the past. Due to the fact that there is no heat in the building attendees should be prepared to dress warmly. The service usually lasts about 30 minutes.

PAST REUNION NEWS

Second Picnic gathering for 64th RobertMcKay Clan Reunion comes to a close

There were 31 people present this year. The oldest attendee was Helen Burch and the youngest attendee was Emiliegh McKay. The farthest travelled were Chuck & Kate (Hackney) Luby of Wilmington, Ohio. The playground once again proved to be a hit for all the children present of which there were six. A basket luncheon was served and Wallace Shipp gave the invocation. The sky was overcast for most of the day with the sun coming out occasionally but we never experienced any rain. As before we didn't hold a business meeting of any kind. Some present remarked on how they felt about the destruction of the Robert McKay Jr. house five miles north of the picnic location. I believe everyone present had a good time and I will try to get

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the shelter reserved once again as soon as I am permitted next year. Attending this year's picnic were: Susan Jeffery (great-granddaughter of Oscar C. McKay) of Front Royal, VA.; her mother Minnie Randall (granddaughter of Oscar) of Front Royal, VA.; Michael LeHew McKay of Winchester, VA; Jay Keller of Front Royal, VA; Dawn Perrero of Front Royal, VA; Mala Bansal of Front Royal, VA; Mike Bansal of Front Royal, VA and a guest; Maurice Bowen of Front Royal, VA; Ed & Kate McKay with children Tommy, Mary & Will of Winchester, VA; Fred & Joyce McKay of Winchester, VA; Archie & Cathy McKay of Winchester, VA; Jeff & Heather McKay with children Logan & Emiliegh of Winchester, VA; Chuck & Kate Luby of Wilmington, OH; Helen Burch & son Greg of Charles Town, WV; Wallace & Dorothy Shipp of Broadway, VA; Donna Alliata and daughter Dorothy Lynn of Broadway, VA; Phyllis Gardner of Middletown, VA;

Photos from the picnic

The children enjoyed the playground.

Helen Burch & Archie McKay, Fred McKay & Donna Shipp.

Heather & Jeff McKay with Emileigh and Logan at genealogy table.144th COLLETT-MCKAY PICNIC,

AUGUST 8, 2009by D. Howard Doster

a Family Recorder Near-by cousins had the 5151 Gurneyville Road grounds manicured the best ever! At least 163 cousins gathered again on the 4-acre picnic site purchased 204 years ago by our northern Virginia Quaker ancestor, Moses Mckay, from the Virginia Military Land Grant surveyor, Nathanial Massie. At least ten first-time attendees were among the persons who registered from 15 states, plus Costa Rica and Iraq. First-timer Phyllis Rohrback of Xenia brought four other first-timers. She said her Grandfather, Werter McKay, last attended the picnic in 1947. Michael McKay, the McKay Clan Webmaster, at www.robertmackayclan.com, from Winchester, Virginia, reported the sad news that the 1734 Robert McCoy (McKay) house at Cedarville, Virginia, has burned down. Robert was our Moses’ grandfather, and his home was the oldest house in the Shenandoah Valley. He came into the valley in 1731 with his father and sixteen German families, including my Doster g-g-g-g-g-g grandfather, Thomas Doster. A hundred-sixty years and four generations later, in Harveysburg, Ohio, a Mckay-Collett-McCune married a Doster. They were my grandparents. While attending the McKay Clan picnic in northern Virginia several years ago, this recorder learned why the McCoy house was not burned during the many Civil War battles in that area. In the first battle, it was used as a hospital, and it continued to be used as a hospital in all the many battles there during the “War of Northern Aggression” as some of the cousins there still call it. Two of Moses’ grandsons, no longer Quakers, were Union casualties; some of their cousins fought for the Rebels. Cousins travelling to Cedarville can still have their picture taken standing in the fireplace of Moses’ house, which burned perhaps fifty years ago. It’s located a few yards south of his grandfather’s home site, on the south side of a big spring. The town of Front Royal now owns the property and gets water from this spring. For the first time in many years, Esther Doster, my mother, was not the oldest attendee. She died last October at age 105, after attending 79 of the 81 picnics, starting with the year before she married into the family. Her record of perfect attendance at 82 Wilmington College Alumni and 87 Kingman High School Alumni gatherings will not be matched. She often summed up her commitment to these events; “Some persons attend, some don’t. We do.” At age 94, Betty Magee, a descendant of Daniel and Mary Haines Collett’s son, Aaron, was the oldest cousin present. Aaron’s cousin, Aaron, was scalped by Shawnees in Kentucky in 1780. Betty now owns former Moses McKay land across Gurneyville Road from the present picnic site, including the site of former Mt Pisgah Methodist Church, started by McKay’s and

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where several are still buried, where the first Collett-McKay Picnic was held in 1866. Jonathan Collett married Sarah McKay in 1823. McKay Collett, now age 85, and living in the “Hole-in-the-Woods” home Jonathan built for his bride, was their oldest descendant present. Daniel Collett, Jr, married Virginia McKay in 1826, but she died in childbirth and Daniel, their only child who inherited the picnic site from his grandfather, Moses, never married. Francis McKay married Mary Collett in 1830. Patricia Schultz, age 78, of Proctorville was their oldest descendent present; and Holly Nicole Beers, at 4 months, of Columbus, was the youngest cousin present. Maria McKay married Daniel Haines Collett in 1830. Virginia Collett, age 89, was their oldest representative. Playing softball used to be a high point of the picnic. While several teenagers attended, no one brought a volleyball or net. Who will get such games started again next year? Out of state attendees included: Lue and Bob Rowsey of Opelika, Alabama; Kathi McKay Stafford of Tucson, AZ; Mary, Raymond Sell, of Boulder, Colorado; Nate Rowsey of Columbus, Georgia; Jim and Patricia Giesting of Glenwood,, Iowa; Jason and Allen Inwood, Lebanon, and Chuck, Chad, and Kevin Fabian, Des Plaines, Illinois; Pierpaula, Stella, and Lena Polzonetta, South Bend, IN; David Sell, Richmond, KY; Dave, Cynthia, and Drew Doster, Novi, Mich.; Bernice and Brian Magee, Dryden, NY; Marilyn Talmage, Nashville, Tenn; Andrea and Max Magee, Webster, Texas; Bill Zook, Seattle, Wash; Ellen Magee and Guy Fields, Madison, Wisc; plus Jim Zook in Costa Rica, and James Lee Billingsley in Iraq.

Photos from the picnic

McKay Collett giving the opening remarks.

One of the three food tables. So much to choose from.

The genealogy table was another popular gathering spot.

NEWS FROM CARDS AND LETTERS

Lydia Donovan: Sorry… I work weekends and can’t take off. New: Passing of Mary Eva Bingamon Hackney on 11/14/08 (age: 93) & passing of Arthur “Art” Robert Godfrey on 12/6/08 (age: 61) Cortney Hackney: I am divorced now so it’s back to Cortney Hackney and I have 3 children, Gracee, Gabriel, & Garret. Carole A. Bunker: Sorry to be so late responding. Thanks for keeping me posted on events. Donald H. Clarke: Still retired with a parttime job. No car to get to the reunion unless I win the Georgia Lottery before then. I still haven’t had the time to contact Mr. Sherrman on his McKay Genealogy. Robert S. Coleman: We will be in CA. Marjorie Sears: I don’t do genealogy anymore. I will soon be 88 & can’t travel. You have a wonderful publication & organization. Keep up the good work. Doris McKee: I have had two strokes this year so no longer able to travel. Do so appreciate you always inviting me, but although I’m seriousl handicap due to stroke. Unable to get around very well. Julie Soderlund: Kevin works for Hewlett Packard. He usually travels but with his current contract is able to stay home and work. Julie homeschools Katelyn who will be a six grader next fall and Jeffrey who will be a third grader. If you’re in Raleigh, NC stop by! Yvonne Schneider: No news. Currently live in Florida & cannot get up to the reunion. Sue Ellen Tyree: We have a wedding to attend. Lynn and Kim Cozzi: Sorry we can’t attend. Working and Mom is not well. Wallace E. Shipp: Our next Callaway Reunion Oct 12 – 16, 2009 in Branson, Mo. We had over 100 Ritchie families at a picnic 6/7. Suggest you have a meal at Traditions Restaurant in Harrisonburg, VA. It would help if the type was bigger. Thanks for all your work. Wallace & Dot Shipp Paul & Mary Levo: Had a stroke. Health Reasons we are not able to attend. Was glad to visit with you at Collett-McKay Picnic. Bruce Vanscoy: Thanks for all the work you do Mike! Daughter Jamie & husband Tarek having baby due June 26th which is 1st grandchild. Son Jeremy wife Ashley having a baby due Oct 17th Amazing! Judith E. McKay: My wonderful husband, Donald Gordon McKay, died October 4, 2008. – Judy

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Perry B. McKay: Mike McKay Rocks! Minnie Catherine Randall: Hi Michael, I was saddened at the loss of the McKay Home. My hope was that it would be restored some day. Please accept this contribution towards the newsletter. Minnie Catherine Randall. Michael Jeffery, son of Susan Jeffery, joined the Marine Corps on May 10, 2009. He is currently at Parris Island, S.C. for Boot Training. Anne & Bill Simmons: We have too much going on to come. Bill’s brother’s grandson is graduating from the Naval Academy the same weekend. Our first granddaughter is getting married in September. Another granddaughter – Jenny McKay Simmons is going to a year in Edinburgh, Scotland to earn a degree in early English History which she wants to teach. Our grandson is a new lawyer practicing in Annapolis and our youngest granddaughter is still waiting to hear if she has been accepted to medical school at the University of Maryland where she hopes to become a surgeon! Gracie Esser: I want to extend an invitation to anyone traveling thru Colorado to come and visit me. I enjoy meeting new relatives. Thanks Michael for keeping me in the loop. Gracie. Lois E. Wunderwald: I am 93 years old and really like receiving the McKay Newsletter. Interesting to know about other McKay relatives. Though I only really know or have had contact with other descendants of Levi Duffy McKay – Son of Moses – Son of Andrew. Thank you for keeping the Newsletter going. Lois Wunderwald Jessie Hutt: Hi Mike, I don’t know any news. Hope you are well. Beverly Garmany: Michael, I hope to attend in the next couple of years. Thank you for all your hard work to keep us together. Bev. Virginia Kerin: I had knee replacement surgery in April – Granddaughter Melissa was married 7 June in Manchester, NH to Mark Regan. Richard McKay: Grandson Jeffrey Smith and Jennifer Adkins are getting married December 19, 2009. Herb & Linda McKay (Golden) Brown: I was preparing my thoughts for this annual letter, (while the TV was playing away in the background), when a question posed by a television character stopped me in my tracks! The question, “What’s the most important thing in life.” And the answer, “Making a difference in someone’s life.” immediately captured my thoughts of JESUS and the DIFFERENCE he has made in my life! I pray your Christmas Celebration will provide time for making a difference in someone’s life AND experiencing The Baby Jesus in a DIFFERENT WAY … “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14****************************************************

THE BROWN’S FAMILY CHRISTMAS LETTER, 2008The Grandchildren:

Luke Thomas Brown: 5 years and the youngest, LOVES ANYTHING to do with Firemen and has started Home School! Our northern visits are few and far between, but Luke immediately joins us in the amazing bond between that of a grandchild and his grandparents…a beautiful blessing!Jeffrey Soderlund: 7 years, is in his 2nd year of Home School classes. He LOVES the Wii games and Webkinz, as well as all Playmobil, Star Wars and the piano. He visits us on numerous Tuesday afternoons, while his sister is participating in her Drama class.Katelyn Soderlund: 10 years, is in her 5th year of Home School classes and is totally absorbed by: Webkinz, DRAMA, American Girl dolls, Wii games, and singing. Katelyn,

surprised us recently with the creation of three original poems, revealing another dimension to our “growing up too fast” young lady!

Mark and Elizabeth:They experienced a successful 2008 winter art exhibit during their LAST WEEKEND in Florida…talk about a cliff hanger! The summer/fall art festivals took them to Connecticut, New York, Delaware, Virginia, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Of course, the big question for this year’s tour of Florida, is the economy…we are praying for them. www.markbrownartist.com. Elizabeth loves to cook and experiment with organic foods as well as home schooling Luke.

Kevin and Julie:The family spent their summer months in Toronto, Canada, where Kevin was on assignment to Maple Leaf Foods. They experienced the area tourist spots as well as the natural surroundings. Julie researched nearby “Underground Railroad” locations for her fall class presentation on “Slavery.” Upon returning to Raleigh, she met with the curator of the N.C. Museum of History, who provided additional information. Both parents and students have received her course work with enthusiastic praise!

Life at Holland’s United Methodist Church:Herb: Co-Chair of Missions Committee; Attends a weekly “DISCIPLE” Bible Study; Raleigh Food Bank volunteer; United Methodist Men; Vacation Bible School (Kitchen Volunteer); Established “Stop Hunger Now!” program; Homeless Ministry volunteer (twice yearly) and MERCI Disaster Warehouse volunteer; Co-Team Leader – Home Repair Mission Team to Dulac, Louisiana. Presently raking enough leaves to bury Chicago!Linda: Co-Chair of Missions Committee; Attends a weekly 8:00 A.M. bible study; Raleigh Food Bank volunteer; United Methodist Women/First Journey Circle (Program Chair); Vacation Bible School (Kitchen Volunteer) Homeless Ministry Volunteer; Choir Member; Co-Team Leader – Home Repair Mission Team to Dulac, Louisiana.

Friends Passing ThroughGretchen Zimmerman’s surprise arrival/move to North Carolina, during the early days of ’08. Ronny and Gerri Thurston – returning from Gulf Coast home repair mission in Mississippi. The Dutrow Clan Reunion @ Uncle Paul’s home in Durham and the joy of meeting Jim & Hilda’s first granddaughter, Mia and mother, Kathy! My sister, Nancy Sipe, visited in October. Cynthia Dolinger and daughter-in-law, Margaret Dolinger, on return from Florida. (2) Stray cats, dropped in last winter and seem to be here for awhile…yes, we fed them!

Travels“February Birthday Bash” with Gerri Thurston and Barbara Zimmerman – Williamsburg, VA. The Ward & Susan Smith wedding in Columbia, S.C.; Tom & Lee Mueller in Belton, S.C. The “Going North” Reunion of Round Hill friends/Family in Carlisle and New Oxford, PA. Team Leaders for First Youth Team (7) from Holland’s United Methodist to participate in home repairs in Mt. Olive, N.C. – Coordinated through the M.E.R.C.I. ministry of “FOOTPRINTS.” Joined Julie & kids on return drive from Toronto to Raleigh. Toured Niagara Falls; Western N.Y.; Reunion with Mark & family in Lancaster, PA., and attended the Sight & Sound Production, “In the Beginning.” Attended “Women of Faith” Conference in Greensboro, N.C. Dulac, Louisiana – Home Repair Mission Team (18) Hurricane Ike made landfall 10 miles S. My visits to Hickory, N.C. will be replaced by flying to Tampa, Florida, where friends, Judith & Larry Lane, have recently moved. Myrtle Beach, S.C. – 4th of July and Thanksgiving! The Best Days are spent at the Beach!

Grateful HeartsBrandt and Amelia Zimmerman – United in Holy

Matrimony – September 21, 2008

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Enoch Robert Soderlund – November 25, 2008, son of Scott & Joyce

Gretel’s Mother, Margaret Henssler, now with the LordFor the Amazing Native American (Houma) Indian People

of Dulac, Louisiana, who lovingly embraced our mission team in the midst of their devastation and loss of homes.

Each one of you have made a DIFFERENCE in our lives…You are always there…whenever times are tough…or when we are Celebrating…we couldn’t do it without your calls, prayers and love…WE ARE BLESSED TO CALL YOU A LOVED ONE!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!HERB AND LINDA BROWN Joanne Mackay: Husband Stanley died Mar. 2008. Both granddaughters – Emily and Elizabeth are in junior year at Northeastern Univ. Boston, MA Stanley is buried in Mt. Ashburn Cem. Cambridge, MA gts’plot – Peter, Donald. My baby sister Rosanna Darnall McKay Seamans just celebrated her 75th birthday. We tried had to get to the reunion but maybe next year! Michael L. McKay: I have a few things to report from Ohio and Virgina. First, Caleb John Jaycob Price was born Sunday 18 Oct 2009 at 1:14pm to Delwyn and Kim (Becker) Price. He weighed 8lbs and was 20 inches long. Kim is the daughter of Katherine (Hackney) Luby and granddaughter of the late Howard S. and Lucille (Morrow) Hackney. Tyler Reid Billingsley was born 19 Apr 2010 at 3:41 pm to Samuel Billingsley and Sarah Payton. He weighed 6 lbs 4 oz and was 21 ¼” long. Sam is the son of Kristen (Becker) St. John and grandson of Katherine (Hackney) Luby and great-grandson of the late Howard S. and Lucille (Morrow) Hackney. Josephine Annabelle Proctor was born Friday 12 Mar 2010 at 7:05 pm to Jenica Jones and Steve Proctor. She weighed 8 lbs 5 oz and was 20 ¼:” long. Jenica is the daughter of Wilma (McKay) & Johnny Gilbert Jones and granddaughter of Kenneth T. McKay. Landen Westley Boswell was born on Thursday 22 Apr 2010 to Jeweli Billingsley and Rob Boswell. He weighed 7 lbs 15.8 oz and was 21 inches long. Jeweli is the daughter of Kristen (Becker) St. John and granddaughter of Katherine (Hackney) Luby and great-granddaughter of the late Howard S. and Lucille (Morrow) Hackney. Keagan James Billingsley was born at 10:04 am on 7 Jun 2010 to James & Melissa Steele Billingsley. He weighed 9 lbs 6.4 oz and was 20.4 in. long. James is the son of Kristen (Becker) St. John and grandson of Katherine (Hackney) Luby and great-grandson of the late Howard S. and Lucille (Morrow) Hackney. Justin Bradley Lakes and Linda Grasso were united in marriage on 20 Feb 2010. Brad is the son of Gayle (Hackney) Lakes and Larry Lakes and grandson of Albert Morrow Hackney and great-grandson of the late Howard S. & Lucille (Morrow) Hackney. Kent Robert Hackney and LeAnn Hughes were united in marriage in 2010. Kent is the son of David and Pat (McClelland) Hackney and grandson of the late Robert & Mary Eva (Bingamon) Hackney. Cecilia Rose Hackney was born to Mark & Sarah (Rogers) Hackney on 22 Jun 2010 weighing 8 lbs 4 oz and was 20.5 in long. Mark is the son of David and Pat (McClelland) Hackney and grandson of the late Robert & Mary Eva (Bingamon) Hackney. Cole Rahmany was born in 2009 to Tarek and Jamie (Vanscoy) Ramany. Jamie is the daughter of Bruce McKay & Judy (Ott) Vanscoy and granddaughter of the late Keightley (McKay) Vanscoy. Ellie Vanscoy was born in 2009 to Jeremy and Ashley Vanscoy. Jeremy is the son of Bruce McKay & Judy (Ott) Vanscoy and grandson of the late Keightley (McKay) Vanscoy.

NEWS ITEMS

FAIR USE - Doctrine of International Copyright Lawhttp://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html

Lessons and Carols at Old Bethel(From The Winchester Star dated Thursday 17 December 2009.)

By Stephanie M. ManginoThe Winchester Star

Millwood -- A brief candlelight service of Lessons and Carols -- in a small country church with no electricity or heat -- will celebrate the Christmas season Sunday, as it has for at least 15 years. But the service really hearkens back to the active years at Old Bethel Church, said Ian Williams, Bethel Memorial Association president. "It really captures the 1850s sort of spirit of Christmas." The conditions, lessons, and service are much like those people would have experienced about 160 years ago when Old Bethel had a Baptist congregation. Old Bethel was organized in 1808 on what is believed to be the site of a former Quaker meeting house. The current brick church near Swift Shoals Road was started in 1828 and dedicated in 1830. The congregation closed the church's doors 100 years later in 1930, after membership declined. But in the early 1940s, the memorial association began efforts to restore the structure and its cemetery. And today, the church holds twice-yearly events -- an August picnic and annual meeting and the December Carols and Lessons service, traditionally held on the Sunday before Christmas (but not on Christmas Eve.) The Christmas service is short, about 30 minutes, and aside from simple stories and hymns, features a handbell choir and a vocal soloist. Debbie Piplani, 61, of Front Royal will perform for the first time this year, singing "O Holy Night." Williams asked her several years ago to appear at the service, but this is the first time she has been available. Piplani's life has been surrounded with song. She began taking voice lessons at age 16 and is taking them again today from Janette Ogg, a professor in Shenandoah University's Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester. The return to lessons is a refresher necessary as a person's voice ages, she said. Piplani also teaches private voice lessons. She sings in the Shenandoah University Arts Academy Chorale and in the choir of Calvary Episcopal Church in Front Royal. A longtime church musician, Piplani is a former liturgy director for Catholic churches in Northern Virginia. She is a former high school and elementary school music teacher and a veteran of some small opera companies, in which she sang in the late 1970s in New Jersey. Song "just been a part of my life, ever since I can remember," she said. Her voice is set to ring out at a Christmas service that continues to gain popularity as time passes, Williams said. "Each year has been better and better attended," he said, with about 200 people turning out last year. The downstairs area can fit about 180 people, with the upstairs portion accommodating about 60. However, the handbell choir will be upstairs this year, Williams said, taking away 14 of those slots. To assure a place at the 5 p.m. service, Williams encouraged people "to come early and dress warmly." He noted, though, that with 200 people and plenty of candles, the old church does warm up. Directions Take U.S. 50 east from Winchester. Between the Shenandoah River and the U.S. 340 interchange at Waterloo, turn onto Red Gate Road (Route 622) and follow it for about a mile, turning left onto Swift Shoals Road (Route 624). Drive about a half-mile

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and turn right onto Bethel Lane. The church is on top of the hill. The roadway encircles the building. http://www.robertmackayclan.com/bethel Due to a heavy snowstorm during that weekend, the 2009 service was cancelled.

McKay Home FirePhotos I took from of the site.

The first three photos were taken 3rd Jun 2009 not long after the date of the fire. The last photo was taken on 7th Jun 2009 after the chimney on the left side collapsed.

Historic McKay house burns in weekend blaze(From The Warren Sentinel dated Thursday 4 June 2009.)

Structure built in 1700s; oldest house in Warren County sees damage

By MEGHAN MOESLEIN The Warren Sentinel

WARREN COUNTY In the days of America's founding fathers, many structures were not built to stand the test of time and as such have been renovated or remodeled as the years press on. One example of a local homestead that lasted over 270 years to preserve the history of this area was the McKay house. It was early in the day Monday when units were dispatched to the site of the historic landmark up in flames. "Warren County Fire and Rescue units responded to a reported abandoned structure fire on Sunday morning at the

historic Robert McKay, Jr. House at 8378 Winchester Road," said Warren County Fire and Rescue Chief Richard Mabie in a press release. "The house was jointly owned by the Town of Front Royal and the County of Warren. While the house had been added on to several times over the years, the original house dates back to 1734 and is considered the oldest house in Warren County." Robert McKay was one of the very first settlers of what is today Warren County, according to Patrick Farris, executive director of the Warren Heritage Society. "A Scots-Irish Quaker from central Maryland, McKay came to the Shenandoah Valley in 1731 as the leader of several Quaker families who took up land as part of the famous Joist Hite land grant purchase," said Farris. "McKay built his house and organized the construction of the McKay Quaker Meeting House, the first house of worship constructed in what is now Warren County, the foundation of which still exists and is part of a newer church building in Cedarville." The house had been constructed in two sections, the log section on the north side and the limestone section on the south side. "Built atop a hill in the bend of Crooked Run and nearby McKay Spring, the homestead survived as a family home and more recently as a rental for over 270 years. It was standing by 1734, but some records indicate it could have been built as early as 1731. The discrepancy could be accounted for by the two distinct sections of the home - one log, one stone - which could have been built in intervals," Farris said. "The Robert McKay House is not only the oldest house still standing in Warren County, but one of only a handful of structures of its age west of the Blue Ridge in Virginia. It is the sincere hope of the Warren Heritage Society that the County and Town, who jointly purchased and own the property, will commit to preserving the stone section of the home which still stands." Firefighters arrived on Sunday to find the fire was well involved throughout the frame of the structure and indoors. "Damage estimates are between $60,000 to $75,000 which does not include any historical values," said Mabie. "At this time, the fire is under investigation by the Warren County Fire and Rescue Department with assistance from Warren County Sheriffs Office and Front Royal Police Department." Once the flames were doused firefighters diligently stayed on scene until all hot spots were cooled and there was no chance of the blaze reigniting.

McKay House solution(From The Warren Sentinel dates Thursday 11 June 2009.)Repairs to stone structure before investigation can begin

By MEGHAN MOESLEIN The Warren Sentinel

WARREN COUNTY On May 31 tragedy struck the county when the oldest known structure caught fire. The structure was comprised of both wooden and stone features, now the stone remains. "The Town of Front Royal and County of Warren have tentatively approved funds [Monday night] to be used to shore up the historic Robert McKay Jr. house at 8378 Winchester Road," said Warren County Fire and Rescue Chief Richard Mabie. "The funds will be used to stabilize the remaining walls and chimneys of the house, which dated back to 1734. This will render the structure safe for the Fire and Rescue Department to continue it's investigation as to the cause and origin of the fire, as well as stabilizing the remaining structure from further deterioration from the weather, etc." Mike Graham, town manager, said that the incident is a true historic tragedy. "Anytime you have a building that old still in existence when a tragedy like this happens we are all saddened," Graham said.

COURTESY PHOTOOriginal structure

COURTESY PHOTO Firefighters found the McKay house engulfed.The equipment seen here does not come with the engine when purchased; each hose is purchased separately.

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"This is a good example of the town and the county working together quickly in order to make the best of a bad situation. We sprung instantly after the fire." Town and county both came together shortly after news of the fire had reached them in order to start to devise a course of action for the historic location. "It is still a joint project between the town and the county. We've had several meetings in coming up with what would be the best short term solution. We [decided that] we have to stabilize the current structure," said Graham. "[Stabilizing] will allow safety, because right now the fire department cannot do the research or investigation in it until we actually make the place safe." The current costs have been approximated in order for both entities to move forward with the stabilization project that will assure firefighter safety while the investigation into the incident takes place. "We are estimating the cost to be around $20,000 and we hope that the stabilization will last two or three years at the most at which time a decision will be made to either sell the property or turn it over to the Heritage Association," Graham said. After that point it is the hopes of the town that the building will once again reach its full historic glory.

McKay House stable(From The Warren Sentinel dated Thursday 18 June 2009.)

Investigation begins Friday to determine cause of fireBy MEGHAN MOESLEIN

The Warren Sentinel WARREN COUNTY - In recent weeks one of Warren County's most historic buildings burned in a fire that left little more than two stone walls standing. With the flames having long been doused investigators are still unable to investigate the premises properly due to the weak structure that was left behind after the blaze. The property - believed to have been built in the 1700s - was comprised of two components, a wooden structure and a stone structure, neither of which is known to be older than the other. The property is jointly owned by the Town of Front

Royal and Warren County. "Most of the work has been done at this point in time. It was basically just to stabilize the structure, [or] what's remaining at this point in time, so the fire investigators can get in and continue their fire investigation," said David Beahm, building official for Warren County. Beahm said they want to "basically get it to a point during the investigation that allows any of the material that could be reused [to be put] off to one side so when they do decide to restore it they have the original material." To stabilize what was left of the stone and wood structure crews enveloped the standing stone with steel I-bars and metal framework in order to create a sort of cage that would hold portions in place. "Originally, right after the fire, the main chimney in the center of the structure was still mostly standing [but] there was a lot of deterioration because of the fire," Beahm said. Early after the fire, while crews were still assessing the damage, the creaks and moans of stones under pressure could be heard oozing from what was left of the center chimney.

"This portion to the west side was a wood structure and the fire obviously consumed more of the wood. That center chimney originally we tried to save, but because of the weather and the elements it eventually came down," said Beahm. "They did a little bit more to stabilize it so that when people are in there they are not in a dangerous situation." The center chimney, along with some of the walls, started to crumble from the constant abuse of the elements and the structurally damaged parts slipping loose from one another. Crews had to knock a few feet off of each in order to maintain safety for investigators. As of now, the structure is safe enough for crews to begin their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blaze. Currently there are several theories that Beahm has discussed with investigators including the possibility of the fire being started by Mother Nature herself. At least five different instances of lightning strikes were recorded in the area surrounding the McKay House on the night of the fire. Beahm said it is possible one of those strikes may have struck the historic landmark.

McKay in Farm Service loan training program(From The Wilmington News Journal

dated Saturday 15 May 2010.) Executive director for the Ohio Farm Service Agency FSA), Steve Maurer, announces the addition of Wayne McKay as the farm loan officer in training for Clark, Clinton, Fayette, Greene, Madison and Warren counties. While in the program, McKay will assist the loan manager in making, servicing and supervising loans and providing technical advice, guidance

and credit counseling to loan applicants and borrowers. He began his duties on March 29 in the Greene County FSA office. McKay is a graduate of the Ohio State University. He holds a bachelor of science degree in agriculture with a major in agriculture and construction systems management and a minor in production of agriculture. McKay has worked for Cargill in Cincinnati, Southwest Landmark Inc., in Xenia and Sabina Farmer Exchange Inc. He remains active in the management of the grain operation and with the Angus and Simmental cattle herd on his familys farm. McKay and his wife, Andrea, have an 11-month-old son, Colt, and they currently live in one of their family farm houses located in northwestern Clinton County. Some of McKays hobbies include; boating, wake boarding, water skiing and snow skiing.

WHS students of the month(From The Wilmington News Journal

dated Thursday 13 May 2010.)

     Nine students at Wilmington High School were nominated as Students of the Month for April. Each department selected a student based on leadership and academic achievements. Students receiving this distinction are Chad McKay-agriculture,

WARREN SENTINEL PHOTO/MEGHAN MOESLEIN Without the stabilization investigators would be unable to complete their search for the cause of the blaze that nearly demolished the entire building.

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Sidney Trasser-art, Rodney Urton-math, Dylan Lyon-social studies, Marci Sodini-business, Samantha Pringle-English, Bryan Hoggatt-music, Deanna Pennewitt-science, and Josh Harding-physical education. Congratulations to these deserving students.

'Raise the Roof' to help restore Old Bethel(From The Winchester Star dated Friday 11 Sep 2009.)

By Val Van Meter The Winchester Star

Millwood -- It may be hard to believe that an evening of pleasant music above a tranquil Shenandoah River will "Raise the Roof," but thats just what Ian Williams is hoping for. On Sunday, from 5 to 7 p.m., Marjorie and John Lewis will open their home the Cliff to aid the restoration effort at Old Bethel Church. The historic church, one of the oldest west of the Blue Ridge Mountain, was first a Quaker congregation and then a Baptist church. It stands on a cliff above the Shenandoah River in the southeast corner of Clarke County. Now, it is a trust for the people of the county, according to Williams, president of its board of trustees. Twice a year, Old Bethel opens its doors to the public: once in August for a homecoming service and cultural talk, followed by a picnic under the shade trees on the grounds; and again in December, for an old-time candlelit Christmas service. But keeping the building intact has been a continuing effort for the trustees. Although the interior and the floor have had intensive renovation, its time to tackle the roof, Williams said. "Its a tin roof, and its lived its fullest life," he said. Everyone is invited to attend the "end-of-summer casual party" at the Lewises' home, Williams said, and the $50-per-person donation will help get the church roof "raised" before bad weather sets in. "Well have the music of Al Webber's Arcadians," Williams said. But of even more interest, he said, is the venue. The Cliff was originally built in 1940 for Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Byrd. The Colonial Revival-style home was designed by Washington architect George Howe. In May, the Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission honored the Lewises for their sensitive updating of the property, including the landscaping of the grounds. The estate has been placed in a protective open space easement. "I have always thought it was one of the most attractive houses in Clarke County," Williams said, adding that its location, perched high above the Shenandoah River with a view of a winding stream, makes it "a unique location. It is one of the most remarkable views." The evening fundraiser is open to "anyone in the world who has an interest in Bethel," Williams said.

And anyone who would like to donate more than $50 to the roof project is welcome to, he added. "We will thank you profusely for it." Reservations To make a reservation for the "Raise the Roof" event ($50 per ticket), call Carly Bauserman at 540-667-1266, ext. 20.

-- Contact Val Van Meter at vvanmeter@winchesterstar.com

7 little maids chosen(From The Winchester Star dated Saturday 26 December 2009.) Star Staff Report Seven girls from the Winchester area have been selected to

serve as little maids in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXXXIII during the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival April 23 to May 2. They are Ellie Leslie Bowman, Mattie Gray Davis, Lucy Caroline Griffin, Maggie Katharine Heishman, Taylor Lynn Huntsberry, Mary Katherine McKay, and Isabel Blish Wilkins. Bowman is the daughter of Leslie and Michael Scott Bowman of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of JoAnn and Robert Whitman of McKinney, Texas, Debbie and Charles Galloway of Winchester and Michael Bowman of Haywood. She is the great-granddaughter of Elise and George Bowman of Boyce, Nina Galloway of Berryville, and Darnell and Rufus (Sonny) Burcham of Winchester. She is a second grader at Winchester Academy. Ellie is a member of the Winchester Swim Team, participates on the Winchester Academy Dance Team, and takes piano lessons. She attends Bethel Lutheran Church. Davis is the daughter of Mitzi and Bryce Davis of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Ellen and Rodney Cowley of Winchester and Lela and Boyd Davis of Stephens City. She is a first-grader at John Kerr Elementary School. Mattie plays tee ball for Frederick County National Little League and takes tennis lessons at Stonebrook Club. She attends First Baptist Church. Griffin is the daughter of Kate Obenshain and Phillip Griffin II, both of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Helen Obenshain of Richmond and Carolyn and Phillip S. Griffin of Winchester. She is a first-grader at Winchester Academy. She participates in ballet and tap at The Shenandoah Arts Academy. Lucy attends Sunday school at Bethel Lutheran Church and First Presbyterian Church. Lucys grandmother, Carolyn Griffin, was festival president for the 1997 and 1998 festivals. Her father was a page to Queen Shenandoah XLVIII Susan Ford in 1975. Heishman is the daughter of Melanie and Tim Heishman of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Cynthia Brock Perry of Winchester, Jane and Randy Perry of Jamesville, N.C., and Judy and C.J. Reed of Winchester. She is a second-grader at Orchard View Elementary School. She participates in ballet, jazz, and soccer and attends Opequon Presbyterian Church. Huntsberry is the daughter of Jayme Lynn Huntsberry of Winchester and David N. Huntsberry of White Post. She is the granddaughter of Tammy and Chris Mason of Winchester, Deedee and Eddie Cassidy of White Post, and Kathy and David Huntsberry of Winchester. She is the great-granddaughter of Erma and Hugh Forshey of Winchester, Fletta and Ralph Mason of Cambridge, Ohio, and Betty Henry and Getty Huntsberry, both of Winchester. She is a second-grader at Indian Hollow Elementary School. She participates in Brownies and gymnastics. She attends Roundhill United Methodist Church. Her father, David N. Huntsberry was a page to Queen Shenandoah LXI Mary Clancy Collins, in 1988. Her grandfather, David Huntsberry, served as president for the 2001 and 2002 Shenandoah Apple Blossom festivals. McKay is the daughter of Kate and Ed McKay of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Sharon and Tom Byrd, Ruth and Tom Glass, and Joyce and Fred McKay, all of Winchester. She is a first-grader at Winchester Academy where she is a member of the Winchester Academy Twirlers. She takes gymnastics at Shenandoah Tumblers and is in the childrens choir at Braddock Street United Methodist Church. Her mother, Kate Glass McKay, was a princess to Queen Shenandoah LXI Mary Clancy Collins in 1988. Her grandmother, Sharon Moore Byrd, was a junior maid in 1960 to

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Queen Shenandoah XXXIII Yvonne Mendonca and a princess in 1964 to Queen Shenandoah XXXVII Luci Baines Johnson. Wilkins is the daughter of Lauralyn Wilkins of Boyce and James R. Wilkins III of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Brenda and Thurman Brickhouse of Richmond and the late Diana Bauserman Brickhouse, and Elise Drunagel of Warrenton and James R. Wilkins Jr. of Winchester. She is a second-grader at Powhatan School. She takes dance lessons at Vostrikov Academy of Ballet and participates in horseback riding. Her father, James R. Wilkins III was a page to Queen Shenandoah XLIX Mary Frances Crosby in 1976. Her grandmother, Elise Hortenstine Drunagel was a junior maid to Queen Shenandoah XXXIII Yvonne Medonca, in 1960. Her great-grandfather, the late James R. Wilkins Sr., was festival president for the 1964 and 1965 festivals. Her grandfather, James R. Wilkins Jr., served as festival president for the 1977 and 1978 festivals. The little maids will participate in the coronation ceremony of Queen Shenandoah LXXXIII at John Handley High School auditorium and will ride on the queens float in the Grand Feature Parade. The theme of this years festival is Do you believe in magic? http://www.thebloom.com

Court of Queen Shenandoah LXXXIII(From The Winchester Star dated Monday 3 May 2010.)

Queen Rachel McDonnell

(Photos by Scott Mason)Maids of Honor *Cassie RhodesHuntsberry *Lindsey CatherineLawler*Beall BentleyBentie Scully*Natalie Ann White

Little Maids *Ellie Leslie Bowman *Mattie Gray Davis *Lucy CarolineGriffin *Maggie KatharineHeishman *Taylor LynnHuntsberry *Mary KatherineMcKay *Isabel BlishWilkins

Pages *Daniel Travis Brill *Philip Paul Reese *Jalen Malik Tyson

Princesses*Heather Rae Armel *Channel Ruth Ausberry *Taryn Pine Burke *Rachel Kelsey Burkhart *Alisha Blair Coulson

*Brittany Nicole Green *Alexis Marie Hargbol *Jonnie Lee Herndon *Molly Catherine Hopkins *Kayla Jean Hylton

*Elizabeth Noel Maddox *Emily Marie Maddox *Sydney Windous Mitchell *Amanda Christine Pinckney

*Caitlyn Elizabeth Denham *Whitney Paige Drumheller *Lynn Estella Evans *Ashley Elizabeth Faucher

*Monet Nicole Johnson *Anna Lucille Kuykendall *Britney Michelle Leaf *Emily Nicole Levi

*Mary Kathryn Sadler *Rachael Elizabeth Shirley *Stephanie Lynn Sites *Ericka Caitlin Strosnyder *Anna Lee Wilt *Chelsea Layne Wingfield

Little Maids Mattie Davis (left) and Mary McKay play a white-gloved game of patty cake(Other photos also appeared in this article which are not used in this version. They didn't include family members.)

Barn quilt is one of the stars(From The Wilmington News Journal

dated Tuesday 23 Mar 2010.) The "Ohio Star" is the 31st quilt block along the Clinton County Barn Quilt Trail and proudly hangs at 4780 Larrick Road. The farm is on the county line and is in the Leesburg postal zone. Josiah and Ruth McPherson first purchased the land, built a cabin, and began working the land and on a family. They had four children, Walter, Carrie, Olivia and Edith. It is believed that the barn and two story brick home across the road were built in the 1860s. The bricks used to build the house were made by taking clay soil out of the field next to the barn and forming it into bricks by hand. The house and barn have large quarried limestone blocks that form the foundation and the basement walls in both. The barn is constructed of hand hewn timbers with wooden pegs. The barn has three levels and over the years has housed a dairy operation and grain mill, beef cattle, sheep and many 4-H and FFA projects. In 1971 the farm was purchased by James and Lana Larrick from Robert and Ruth Esther Hussey. After renovating the house over a two year period, they moved their family, including children Timothy, Tina, LeAnn, and DeAnn into the house and began working the land and raising livestock. Later the barn was sided with aluminum to preserve the plank barn siding that existed. The original hay hook still hangs on the rail at the top of the barn. The family has lots of fond memories of days spent on the farm. Timothy Larrick now lives in the family home. The Clinton County Democratic Party was one of the first barn quilt sponsors and is very pleased to be able to sponsor the "Ohio Star" design.

‘Berry Basket’ on Center Road(From The Wilmington News Journal

dated Thursday 11 Feb 2010.)

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EDITORS NOTE Quilt Trail is a series of articles featuring painted wood barn quilts that are being placed on barns throughout Clinton County in conjunction with the 2010 county bicentennial celebration. A variety of quilt block designs will connect the entire county into one large patchwork quilt block. The 26th barn on the barn quilt trail is located at 2822 Center Road in Union Township. It is currently owned by Mark and Stephanie Stokes. The quilt block "Berry Basket" was specially designed to represent the strawberries and raspberries produced at Stokes Berry Farm. The barn is part of a fiveacre parcel situated in the middle of Stokes Farm. It was built in the early 1800s by Joshua and Jane Haines who were early settlers of Clinton County. Their daughter, Rebecca, married C.R. Oglesbee. They had three sons: Eric, Oscar L. and Edward. In the early 1900s ownership of the barn and property was transferred to Oscar, often referred to as O.L. In 1962 Mary Oglesbee, O.L.'s widow, sold the farm to Ben and Agnes Stokes. During the 1990s it was sold out of the family for several years until their grandson Mark, was able to purchase the property in 1999 and bring it back into the Stokes family. At that point restoration of both the original house and barn were undertaken. The three-story classic bank barn was built on a limestone block foundation which was made from stone quarried nearby. It features a mortise/pin construction, hand hewn rafters, original wide plank floorboards and joist made of solid logs twelve inches in diameter. Of special notice are the five 55- foot hand hewn oak beams which support the barn's structure. Oxen were used on the thrashing floor adjacent to the granary in the barn. There is a hay loft with the antique hay fork and other tools from the era. A lower area was a feeding floor for the horses, cattle and other livestock.

‘North Star Variation’ shines(From The Wilmington News Journal dated Wednesday 13 January 2010.)

EDITOR'S NOTE Quilt Trail is a series of articles featuring painted wood barn quilts that are being placed on barns throughout Clinton County in conjunction with the 2010 county bicentennial celebration.

A variety of quilt block designs will connect the entire county into one large patchwork quilt block. The 23rd barn along the Clinton County Barn Quilt Trail is located in the northwest corner of the county in Chester Township at 5052 New Burlington Road where Gurneyville Road ends. The barn is currently owned by Roger and Priscilla Vaughan. The quilt block, "North Star Variation," is appropriate for its location in the northern edge of the county. The barn was built on a stone foundation with mortise and pin construction in the late 1890s by Priscilla's great-great-uncle, Walter Lackey. Several years later he jacked up the barn and added the lower level to create the bank barn effect that it has to this day. The barn has always been an intricate part of the working farm. It has been used to store grain, hay and straw. It has housed farm equipment and livestock, held ballgames and assorted other events over the years. Currently the barn is used primarily by the Vaughan's son Bryan and grandchildren, Alex

and Cameron for raising Holstein dairy replacement heifers and 4-H livestock and poultry projects. Maintaining the barn has always been priority for the family. In the 1980s Priscilla's father, Wilbur McKay owner of the farm at the time, hired a restoration firm from New York to repair and restore the foundation and structure of the barn. More recently the barn has had the roof, siding and electricity updated to help ensure its preservation. The Vaughan's quilt block was graciously sponsored by Larry and Mary Ann Roddy. For information concerning the barn quilt project contact Diane Murphy at 382-0316 or The Cotton Junky Quilt Shop at 366-6302.

'Providence' quilt graces Gurneyville Road(From The Wilmington News Journal

dated Tuesday 13 Oct 2009.) EDITORS NOTE -- Quilt Trail is a series of articles featuring painted wood barn quilts that are being placed on barns throughout Clinton County in conjunction with the upcoming county bicentennial celebration in 2010. A variety of quilt block designs will connect the entire county into one large patchwork quilt block. The twelfth barn along the Clinton County Barn Quilt Trail is located at 6613 Gurneyville Road. The quilt block "Providence" was chosen as it reminds us to seek God's guidance and protection. The current farm contains 218 acres and is owned by Ronald and Pat Whitacre, however the original tract contained 1,000 acres and was a military tract owned by Jonathan and Elizabeth McKay. In 1871 the farm was purchased by Moses McKay, and in 1910 Edwin and Allie McKay took over ownership of the farm. The property was then transferred to their daughter Cleo (Harold) Whitacre in 1969. By 1990 the remaining property was transferred to their son Ronald (Pat) Whitacre. The property has been farmed by McKay/Whitacre famililes for more than 138 years and in 1997 Ronald received the farm bureau's Century Farm Award. The barn displaying the quilt block is approximately 103 years old, with the corn crib and another barn being even older. Ronald is the fifth generation owner/operator. Beginning in 1964 he raised hogs for 46 years and to this day he continues to raise beef cattle and grain. Ronald's mother instilled in him a deep love for farming and responsibility for the land that had been entrusted to him. Each day he seeks God's guidance and protections as he goes about his duties on the farm. Due to the overwhelming interest in the project barns with adequate space and visibility are being accepted for the display of quilt blocks. Sponsorships for those barns are available through Oct. 31. For more information contact Diane Murphy at 382-0316 or Carol Earheart, Cotton Junky Quilt Shop, 366-6302.

Six and Twenty Club conducts first meeting of new year

(From The Wilmington News Journal dated Friday 5 February 2010.)

The first meeting of 2010 for the Six and Twenty Club was held in January at the home of Mrs. Dawn Victor-Herring. The gavel was passed from the vice-president, Mrs. Sara Conti, to the new president, Mrs. Cecilia Wathen. Meeting the day after the death of Mrs. Jean Heiland, an honorary member of the group, members reflected on Mrs. Heiland's life. Some told humorous incidents while others told of how she

This Berry Basket quilt block is located on Center Road

Contributed photoThis "North Star Variation" barn quilt is located on New Burlingrton Road.

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was a tomboy growing up, but a perfect lady in her adult years. She was known as an excellent cook and hostess and a supporter of her husband and family, a good example to follow. Mrs. Mary Ann Raizk was introduced as the years first program leader. Her 2010 club book is "Telex from Cuba," a fictional novel based on historical fact, written by Rachel Kushner. The setting was in Oriente province during the 1950s, luxurious years during which the United Fruit Company owned thousands of acres of sugarcane plantations before Castro overthrew the Batista. Desiring to know more about the history of Cuba, Mrs. Raizk researched and gave members a brief summary of Cuba's past. Mrs. Raizk introduced guest speakers Libby Curry and Lois Hackney who have been on several mission trips to eastern Cuba under the leadership of the Friends United Meeting. Mrs. Curry related that Cuba became a desperate country after Fidel Castro deported Americans in 1959. During the several trips she has made to Cuba, she observed that in spite of their poverty, the people of Cubans are well educated and have excellent health care. The Quakers started a Cuban mission in 1902 and Eva Terrell from Fairview Friends Meeting was its first missionary. The "Wilmington School," which was built by the Wilmington Yearly Meeting still exists there today. Mrs. Hackney told of her 2004 trip to Cuba for the centennial celebration of the mission church built in Puerto Padre by the Wilmington Quakers. She noted the sense of community and a spirit of happiness among the Cuban populace. Under a socialistic regime, everyone works for the government. However, every time they have returned to Cuba, things are improving, due in part to the easing of church bans. Mrs. Curry and Mrs. Hackney concluded their program by passing mementos crafted by the enterprising citizens, including crocheted, carved and woven items. Members exchanged their books and convened at the tea table. Mrs. Victor-Herring served a selection of tea sandwiches, cookies, cheese straws, nuts and candy with caramel tea amid bouquets of red tulips.

Chester meeting and cemetery topic for program(From The Wilmington News Journal

dated Monday 31 Aug 2009.) The history of Chester Friends Meeting and cemetery was presented for the program when the Clinton County Genealogy Society met Aug. 24 at the Clinton County Historical Society with 32 members in attendance. Joyce Peters, acting president, opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag. She introduced visitors to the meeting, Paul and Martha Anthony of North Carolina, Pauline Terrell, Carol Tharpe, Caroline Lewis and J. Douglas Borton. Jim Hackney, who presented the program, said the McMillan family of Ireland started their American journey in Chester County Pennsylvania. They later moved to York County Pennsylvania before coming to Ohio by prairie schooner and settling in Indian Territory they called Meetland. The name was later changed to the McMillan community. Members traveled to Center Meeting for worship. Finding the trip far to travel, they requested the opportunity to establish their own meeting house but were denied. In 1824, three members each purchased four acres of land to establish the Chester Friends Meeting house and began their own worship. Center Meeting did not give them formal approval until May of 1839. Hackney spoke of the anti-slavery movement in which the church had a major role. The members were against war and part of the temperance movement. For years the members were very strict but became more conservative as time went on. The speaker shared pictures of the building as it would have looked

in the early 1800s, 1843 to 1913 and how it looks today. He also showed a bench that has been in the meeting house for years. It is used by the children today. Hackney shared many funny stories that have been passed down through the congregation. Many stories have been lost as church members pass on. The Chester Friends Meeting is still active today. The first burial in the cemetery was John Baxter and his wife Mary. Many Quakers didnt use headstones at this time. Those who did used small unadorned stones. There are several slaves buried in this graveyard, most have no headstone. The minutes were read and approved as read. The treasurer's report was also approved. David Holmes mentioned a $1,000 anonymous donation he received from a member who read about the organizations financial problems in the newsletter. Joyce Pinkerton, Shirley Lakotas and Mary Lou Bush have been working on a history of CCGS for the Ohio Historical Society who is putting together a book on all Ohio Genealogy Societies. They are looking for pictures to include with their article. Christine Snyder reported on the upcoming event at the Springfield Meeting taking place on Sept. 19 and 20. There will be displays, antiques, period clothing, art, the Eli Harvey collection, a cemetery walk, bus tour, play, slide show, worship, basket dinner and music. On Sunday, everyone is invited to go to the Quaker Heritage Center for the unveiling of the statue. There will also be food for sale by Sam's Deli and Jen's Deli. They also have for sale a 500-plus page book which will have lots of genealogy details. Springfield Meeting is located off Route 380. Jean Holmes suggested a copy of the group's newsletter be sent to members of the Historical Society and ask if they wish to include information in future editions. The next meeting is Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Melissa Beal Beyerlein will speak on New York Quaker Families and Clinton County -- Dakin Colony.

WHS students honored(From The Wilmington News Journal

dated Wednesday 10 Feb 2010.)

Submitted photo Eleven students at Wilmington High School have been nominated as Students of the Month for December. Each department selected a student based on leadership and academic achievements. Students receiving this distinction are (l-r) Ashton Johnson, Tyler White, Heather Macella, Michael Ford, Laura Miller, Chad McKay, Autumn McCammon, JD Hottinger, Heather Mapes, Scott Liermann and Tyler Roberts.

$68,786 donated in ‘real rescue effort’ for Greenway Court

(From The Winchester Star dated Tuesday 30 June 2009.)

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By Val Van Meter The Winchester Star

WHITE POST -- Local residents dug deep to save a $47,500 state matching grant this month. The money is earmarked to stabilize three historic buildings at Greenway Court. Thomas, Lord Fairfax lived there during the 1700s, selling land from his 1,600-square-mile grant in the Northern Shenandoah Valley from the king of England. "We are very grateful to the donors who responded so generously to this emergency campaign," said Robert Stieg, president of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Branch of Preservation Virginia. The state grant was due to expire today. Stieg said county officials had applied for another grant to pay the matching share, but that grant did not materialize. In 45 days, Stieg and a committee of volunteers raised $68,786, enough to fund $116,286 in rescue work, he said. The money will help to repair and stabilize the cracked side of the stone Fairfax Land Office, built around 1761, and the foundation under a wooden powder house/meat house from the same era. Stieg said this will be the first of a two-phase project to rehabilitate and restore the historic buildings, along with a third building -- a carriage house constructed in the 1830s and believed to have been built with materials taken from Lord Fairfaxs guest house at Greenway Court. A pilaster is pulling away from this structure, Stieg said. That is a building George Washington would have stayed in when he came to the Shenandoah Valley to survey tracts the British peer planned to sell. Washington was in the Frederick-Clarke county area for 10 years and got his first military and political experience here. Clarke County holds an easement on the historic structures and the land around them that are part of the Greenway Court property. The easement is also held by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. "We have saved it," said Stieg, who noted that the local nonprofit organization couldnt stand back and allow the grant to fall through, considering that the historic buildings might do the same. "Somebody had to take the responsibility," he added. "It was a real rescue effort," said Franny Crawford, a member of Stiegs committee. "People can understand, in Clarke, the value of saving a place like that." Stieg said many people -- including Crawford, Doug Bartley, Carolyn Farouki, Lucia Henderson, Maral Kalbian, Matthew and Winkie Mackay-Smith, Betty Schutte, and Nancy Talley came forward to help solicit donations. "It should have been a tough time for this, but it wasnt," said Talley. "Since 1964, when I started working with Preservation of Historic Winchester and the Burwell-Morgan Mill, I have never seen such and enthusiastic or quick response to a problem." An earlier study identified some $400,000 in preservation work needed for the buildings, Stieg said, but this money will complete the stabilization phase. Then, he said, fundraising will start to complete the work. Now, the participants in the process -- the state and county governments, Preservation Virginia, and the landowners -- must agree on the scope of the work. An architect experienced in preservation and an engineer will be hired to determine the best method of repairing the damage to the buildings, and what can reasonably be accomplished with the money on hand. Then the project must be offered by county officials for bids. Stieg hopes the work can begin by fall. "Were very anxious to get moving on it."

-- Contact Val Van Meter at mailto:vvanmeter@winchesterstar.com

Hopewell Friends celebrates 275 th (From The Winchester Star dated Friday 15 May 2009.)

Open house is scheduled for Saturday afternoonBy Christine Miller Ford

The Winchester Star Clear Brook -- As his church marks its 275th anniversary with an open house Saturday, Jim Riley says there's much more to celebrate than simply the long history of the Hopewell Meeting House.

Yes, the Winchester resident says, it's noteworthy that Hopewell has been home to worship services without interruption since its founding in 1734, making it the oldest place of worship in Frederick County. But to Riley, it's the spiritual aspect of Hopewell that looms largest. "There's a great cloud of witnesses here," said Riley, 63, part of the eighth generation of his family to worship at Hopewell.

Saturday's open house -- set for 1 to 5 p.m. at 604 Hopewell Road, a mile west of Clear Brook off U.S. 11 -- will offer visitors the opportunity to learn more about the church's rich history and as well as insight into what the Quaker faith stands for, Riley said. "Sometimes you'll hear from people who have the impression that Quakerism is something that's in the past," he said. "The 275th anniversary is a chance for us to talk about what Quakers have done in the world, about what our faith is all about." About 100,000 Quakers make their homes in the United States and Canada, according to the Web site http://www.Quakerfinder.org; another 200,000 live in Europe, Africa, Asia, and elsewhere in the world. The faith, also called the Religious Society of Friends, is widely known for a commitment to peace, Riley said. "Quakers traditionally have worked very hard to create peace in the world," he said. "That's probably the strongest testimony of Quakers." The church's practice of worshipping largely in silence also sets Quakers apart, Riley said. "We don't have a minister or a priest who is seen as the leader of our worship service," he said. "We gather and sit in silence and if the spirit moves someone to speak, then that person speaks." The denomination dates to the mid-1600s when an

Mary Robare of Frederick County sits in a pew at the Hopewell Friends Meeting House in Clear Brook. The faith, also called the Religious Society of Friends, is widely known for a commitment to peace. (Photo by Jeff Taylor)

Quakers quilt inside the Hopewell Friends Meeting House in Clear Brook in this undated photo.

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Englishman named George Fox began to preach of the need to turn away from the hierarchy of established churches. His radical belief: Each person could work to encounter God directly. "That's still what we believe, that God speaks to each of us," Riley said. Photographs of Quakers from earlier generations show them in plain dress, but Riley said that tradition has fallen away. As for the church building itself, Hopewell remains as he remembers it from his childhood.

"We've done a few improvements on the outside, adding a handicapped ramp and a railing to the porch, but inside where our worship is held, its been pretty much the same for 250 years." According to the church's history, the first meeting house was made of logs. After more than 20 years of use, the building was destroyed by fire in 1757.

The eastern side of the current meeting house was constructed between 1759 and 1761, with another section added in 1794. Hopewell is not only on the National Register of Historic Places, but is also designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark and a Frederick County Historic Site. In 1999, Hopewell merged in with Centre Meeting in downtown Winchester to form the congregation now known as the Hopewell Centre Meeting. Hopewell typically has celebrated its roots with an open house and other special events only every quarter-century or so, Riley said. Hopewell's next big event is a homecoming celebration slated for late August. Riley's affiliation with Hopewell has been lifelong. His mother's ancestors were among the handful of Pennsylvania families who founded Hopewell 275 years ago. Virginia Lupton Riley was the oldest member of Hopewell when she died this month at 96. "I'm kind of the exception, having grown up here," Riley said. "Most of the people who come to worship at Hopewell today didn't grow up with the faith. Something about Quakerism speaks to them and they attend a service and realize it's for them. "We try to be very welcoming to anyone who comes. We want everyone to feel at home." Saturday's tour will include the meeting house and grounds, along with the adjoining graveyard. The church's regular worship services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Sundays. http://hopecentre.quaker.org

-- Contact Christine Miller Ford at cford@winchesterstar.com

It’s 275 years and counting at Hopewell(From The Winchester Star dated Monday 18 May 2009.)

By Laura Oleniacz The Winchester Star

Clear Brook -- Historic treasures unearthed at the Hopewell Meeting House were dusted off and aired Saturday when the Quaker church celebrated its 275th anniversary with an open house. A black velvet bonnet from the 1800s, a gray button-up child's tunic, and wedding certificates signed by the Quaker community in 1826 and 1917, were some of the artifacts on display. Pam Hambach, a two-year church member and its pastoral care clerk, even found a crushed Washington Post newspaper dated 1898 in one of the fabric-covered footstools that sit beneath the church's long wooden benches. She was replacing the stools' "yucky" fabric coverings for the open house when she made the discovery, and it drew her back in time as she read that a new Steinway piano was on sale for $65. "I ran around excited," she said, jogging her feet up and down to mimic her glee. Linda J. Wilk, church clerk, estimated that up to 100 people came to the Hopewell Meeting House Saturday at 604 Hopewell Road to celebrate the anniversary. "We had a lot of people come from the community," said Betty McCormick, a church member. "I just talked to a variety of people who came, and I was just really pleased." Some who showed up Saturday at the gray stone meeting house, which sits on a rolling hill of emerald green grass, wanted to link their ancestors to names listed in the church's records. Other visitors were interested in the Quakers' practice of worshipping in silence, while others were drawn in by mere curiosity. "I think more people are struck by the antiquity of the building, and how well-preserved it is after so many years of continuous use," Hambach said. The church was founded in 1734. Two men from Pennsylvania had brought 70 families to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to start a new community for the faith, also called the Religious Society of Friends. The church building was first made of logs, but was destroyed by fire in 1757. The eastern portion of the existing building was built from 1759 to 1761, and the western portion from 1758 to 1794. Wilk said she spent a lot of time during the open house explaining Quaker religious practices. Attendees were curious as to why the faith does not employ pastors, and how members know when they're supposed to speak during the mostly silent periods of worship. "How do you know God is there?" she said, recalling one question. "You know that by sitting and waiting." She said another focal point for visitors was the centuries-old wedding certificates that list the names of all the attendees of a particular ceremony. Hambach said that during Quaker wedding ceremonies, the couple sits in the center of the church together. The other members sit in silence, and speak about the couple when they are moved to do so. "When the bride and groom are ready, they stand and make their vows," she said. The attendees, who all sign the certificate, then file out. All are considered witnesses to the event. "The feeling is that God also married them," said Anne Bacon, a church member. Wilk said that at one point during Saturday's open house, about 60 people gathered to hear the singing of a woman dressed in the Quaker "plain dress" of a black bonnet and gray dress. "It was very moving," she said, although, "we normally

The Hopewell Friends Meeting House is at 604 Hopewell Road, a mile west of Clear Brook off U.S. 11. (Photo by Jeff Taylor)

Jim Riley holds a cradle roll from the early 1900s that shows the young children of the Hopewell Meeting House. His mother Virginia Lupton, born in 1912, is one of the children pictured. (Photo by Rick Foster)

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wouldn't sing during worship." Others wandered through the cemetery adjacent to the church, which contains marked and unmarked graves. Wilk said that early Quakers did not believe in marking a grave with tombstones. They believed the practice was pompous and therefore sinful, according to church literature. Bacon said the graves were unmarked "because God knew who was there," she said. "It was considered frivolous." The earliest gravesite is the resting place of John Griffith, who lived from 1737 to 1833, according to church literature. Winchester resident Carolyn Maccubin attended the church Saturday as a visitor since her daughter-in-law is a member. "I thought it was interesting to see the building pretty much as it was originally erected," she said.

Marking 275 years of Quaker worship in the Valley(From The Winchester Star dated Saturday 29 Aug 2009.)

By Cynthia Cather Burton The Winchester Star

Clear Brook -- Maggie Stetler was raised Catholic. But deep down, she was really Quaker. "I just didnt know it," the Winchester resident said recently. Four years ago, Stetler visited the 250-year-old Hopewell Meeting House for the first time. She was so moved by the hour-long Sunday service the congregation sits in silence unless someone is moved to speak -- that she has been attending ever since. Stetler thinks others would find the faith's commitment to pacifism, social activism, and simplicity appealing -- if only they knew about it. Quakers typically shy away from publicity, but they're making an exception this year to mark the 275th anniversary of Quaker worship in the Shenandoah Valley. It began in 1734 in a Frederick County log cabin with about 70 families who migrated from Hopewell in Lancaster County, Pa. A more permanent structure, the Hopewell Meeting House, was built 25 years later from native limestone and pine on present-day Hopewell Road. It is here that Quaker worship has continued uninterrupted since 1759, making it the area's oldest surviving place of worship.

Today, about 100 families are on the rolls at Hopewell, which merged in 1999 with Winchester Centre Meeting to become Hopewell Centre. Linda Wilk, clerk of the combined meetings, said 30 to 40 people regularly attend services. They are held on the first three Sundays of the month at Hopewell and on the fourth Sunday in the Winchester meeting house at Washington and Piccadilly streets. Wilk was raised Presbyterian. Nearly 30 years ago, she and her

husband became "convinced" Quakers. She noted that just 25 percent of Hopewell's members are

Quaker by birthright. Most came to the faith later in life. "You don't have to be Christian to come here," Wilk said on a recent afternoon as she sat on a shady side porch at Hopewell. "You would never be turned away." Because Quakers dont evangelize or advertise, they are frequently confused with the Amish, Wilk added with a laugh. "They think we walk around in plain clothes and dont use electricity." Another common misconception is that Quakers -- long associated with the image of a white-haired man smiling benevolently from beneath the brim of a black hat on the front of an oatmeal box -- have gone the way of the dinosaur. When people learn that Winchester resident Jim Riley is an eighth-generation Quaker, they often ask: "There are still Quakers around?" Established in mid-17th century England as an antidote to institutional Christianity, Quakerism -- formally known as the Religious Society of Friends -- has about 300,000 members worldwide, according to the Web sitehttp://www.Quaker finder.org. About 100,000 live in the United States and Canada. Quakerism eschews creeds and religious symbolism and has no official leader or pastors. Each member is considered equal before God and capable of knowing "the light" directly. Wilk said the faith's emphasis on living simply and peacefully makes it particularly relevant now, given the wars and economic and environmental crises around the world. "We think we speak to the 21st century."

CELEBRATION PLANNED Anyone interested in learning more about Quakerism may attend the Hopewell Meeting House's annual homecoming service and anniversary celebration Sunday. It will begin with silent worship at 10 a.m., followed by a pot-luck picnic at noon. Music will be provided at 2 p.m. by Chilean guitarist Ali Youssefi and violinist Pam Hill. The Hopewell Meeting House, a Virginia Historic Landmark and a Frederick County historic site, is at 604 Hopewell Road near Clear Brook. It will remain open throughout the day for visitors to explore. Vintage photos, quilts, and clothing will be on display. Quaker crafts will also be for sale. Four free public talks on "the Quaker way" will be held Oct. 7, 14, 21, and 28 at the Centre Meeting House in Winchester. For more information, call 540-667-9114              540-667-9114       or visithttp://www.hopecentre.quaker.org.

-- Contact Cynthia Cather Burton at cburton@winchesterstar.com

Author will pay tribute to creator of apple culture(From The Winchester Star dated Saturday 22 Aug 2009.)

By Val Van Meter The Winchester Star

Millwood -- The apple industry has been a big part of Clarke Countys history. On Sunday, author Howard Means will discuss the man who

Hopewell Meeting House has been hosting services for 250 years. (Photos by Jeff Taylor)

Linda Wilk (left) of Falling Waters, W.Va., a member of the Hopewell Friends since 1997, and Maggie Stetler of Winchester, who attends local Quaker services, look over the sanctuary of the meeting house near Clear Brook. The first Quakers moved to the Valley in 1734, and Quaker services have been held at the meeting house for 250 years. "You dont have to be Christian to come here," Wilk said. "You would never be turned away."

In 1910, workers were rebuilding the eastern end of the historic meeting house near Clear Brook. The area's oldest surviving place of worship, built of native limestone and pine, first held services in 1759. (Photo provided by Hopewell Meeting House)

The annual meeting begins at 11 a.m. It is free and open

to the public. Old Bethel is on Old Bethel Lane,

  off Swift Shoals Road.14

gets credit for spreading apple culture in America: Johnny Appleseed. The venue is The Bethel Memorial Inc., a historic church above the Shenandoah River in the countys southeast corner. The event, Bethels annual meeting, will begin at 11 a.m. In its lengthy past, the land the site of one of the oldest roads in the county has seen a Quaker meeting house and a Baptist congregation. The renovated structure is now held in trust for the people of the county and holds an annual meeting and traditional service in August and a special Christmas service in December each year. Ian Williams, president of the board of trustees, said the Rev. Anne Manson of Cunningham Chapel Parish will conduct Sundays service, with music by Amy Call and Steven Murray, with Loretta Johnston as organist. And the traditional covered-dish picnic will take place under the oak trees surrounding Bethel, "rain or shine," Williams said. Everyone should bring a lawn chair, he added. The speaker is a former magazine editor and newspaper columnist. Means is also the author or co-author of eight books, including "Colin Powell: A Biography," a novel, "CSA," and most recently, "The Avenger Takes His Place: Andrew Johnson and the 45 Days that Changed the Nation." He has also assisted with more than 20 other titles, ranging from the best-selling memoirs by George Tenet, Robert Baer, and Michael Deaver to business advice from mutual fund guru John C. Bogle. His upcoming book, "Right Fresh from Heaven John Chapman a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed: The Man, The Myth and The American Story," will be published by Simon & Schuster. Means and his wife Candy live in Millwood.

Contact Val Van Meter at vvanmeter@winchesterstar.com

Isaac Hite reaches new heights(From The Winchester Star dated Monday 27 July 2009.)

By Monty Tayloe The Winchester Star

Winchester -- At Long Meadow Cemetery outside Middletown, descendants of the man who more than 200 years ago built Belle Grove Plantation gathered Saturday at a ceremony to honor him. Accompanied by a bugler playing taps and a color guard in full Revolutionary War regalia, the James Wood Jr. chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution placed a special stone marker and wreath on the weathered 174-year-old gravestone of Isaac Hite Jr., recognizing him for his service as a lieutenant in the Continental Army. "We learn about history in school . . . having a personal connection to it helps makes it real," said Dan Tulles, vice president of the Hite Family Association and a descendant of Jost Hite, Isaac Hites grandfather, who was the Shenandoah Valleys first settler. Every three years, Hite family descendants gather at Belle Grove to catch up and learn about their ancestors.

They hear speakers on genealogy and history, and take behind-the-scenes tours of the historic house and archeological studies on the farm. Elaine Boyer Roy of Lynchburg has been to the Hite reunion before and said that finding out about family genealogy is addictive. "I started researching it, and once you get bitten by the bug, you cant stop," she said. Years before he built Belle Grove, the 283-acre historic plantation outside Middletown, Hite served in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) as a generals aide-de-camp, even losing one of his fingers in the battle of Yorktown in October 1781. Saturday marked the first time that Hite has been honored by the Sons of the American Revolution. "Were honoring him for his contributions to the cause of American freedom " said Berryville resident Ralph Pierce, who organized the ceremony and suited up in a thick wool reproduction uniform similar to the one Hite might have worn. Pierce said that his organization honors long-dead patriots like Hite because it helps keep the areas rich history from being forgotten. "We do this to preserve the memory of the service of our ancestors," he said. David Carne, a Hite family descendant and a member of the board of Belle Grove, said that the participation of the Shenandoah Valley in the Revolutionary War is often overlooked. "Everybody in this area is interested in the Civil War, but the history of this place goes back much further," he said.

-- Contact Monty Tayloe at mtayloe@winchesterstar.com

Son born to McKays(From The Wilmington News Journal

dated Tuesday 4 Aug 2009 at 5:35 PM) Wayne and Andrea McKay are the proud parents of a son, Colt Michael McKay, born June 12, 2009 at Kettering Medical Center. Colt weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces and was 22 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Rock and Kathy Persinger of Jamestown. Maternal great-grandparents are Mark and Connie Guess and Bob and Barb Persinger. Paternal grandparents are Steve and Roseanne McKay of Wilmington. Paternal great-grandparents are Don and Marilyn Wilkin and the late Wilbur and Ada McKay.

Collett to meet at 3 M Club(From The Wilmington News Journal

dated Thursday 14 May 2009.) The 3 M Club (Monday Morning Mens Club) invites senior men in the community to join the group for the Monday meeting at 9 a.m. in the Cape May Campus Center at the Cape May Retirement Village. The featured speaker will be Sherry Collett, co-owner of Sams Meats in Wilmington. She will talk about owning a business that is multifunctional and family owned. Collett will provide Sams doughnuts for breakfast. The mens club meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Cape May Retirement Village is located on State Route 73 West, just west of Nelson Avenue. For more information, call Bob Holmes at 382-3673.

American Revolutionary War re-enactors Brett Osborn of Winchester (left) and Ralph Pierce of Berryville take part in a special ceremony Saturday at the grave of Revolutionary War soldier Isaac Hite Jr. (Photos by Jeff Taylor)

Descendants of Isaac Hite Jr. gather at his gravesite Saturday at Long Meadow Cemetery near Middletown during the Hite Family Reunion, which was attended by several dozen people. A Revolutionary War soldier, Hite built nearby Belle Grove Plantation in the 1790s.

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Course spotlight: Majestic Springs(From The Cincinnati Enquirer date unknown.)

McKays make new layout a family affairBy John Erardi and Carey Hoffman

The Cincinnati Enquirer WILMINGTON -- Back when Roger McKay was 5 years old and behind the wheel of a moving tractor -- a real farm tractor -- he wasn't eyeballing the scenery. He wasn't daydreaming about how a particular piece of farm land might make a terrific golf hole. He was more concerned that, if ever he needed to stop the tractor, he must shut off the ignition key. It was the only way for Roger to stop the tractor once his brother got it in gear. Roger was too short to reach the clutch. Yes, 28 years ago, five-year-old Roger McKay was operating a tractor while the field hands behind it baled hay. Nobody's saying it was right, but it was necessary. Times were different. A man did what he had to do to work his land, even turning his children into farmhands, a critical need in operating a family farm. Later, when McKay was able to handle all the farm equipment with the best of them, he would occasionally turn his thoughts to golf. He was a recreational player, but had no knowledge of course design. He felt strongly, however, that the family's 220 acres of farmland off Todd's Fork Road -- home to hogs, beef cattle and fields of soybean and corn -- was a golf course waiting to happen. "I could "see' the fourth hole and the eighth hole, and believe it or not, I could see the 10th hole," said McKay, 33. And what a vision it turned out to be: Majestic Springs will one day vie for a spot in The Enquirer's "Top Five Public Golf Courses in the Tristate," judging by what we saw during a recent tour of the grounds. Its front nine opened for play last spring; its back nine opens Saturday. The back nine is as strong as any nine holes we've seen on a Tristate public golf course outside Shaker Run, Elks Run and Lassing Pointe. McKay had been a farmer all his life until he went to college to study ag-business (marketing minor) at the University of Illinois, from which he graduated in 1989. He was working in Columbus at a mortgage company when he encountered a couple employees at a party who had just finished building a golf course. In the spring of 1997, he left the mortgage company to pursue his dream. A farmer's headache turned into a golfer's delight.

The ground features big elevation changes, sizeable stands of healthy trees and a creek running through it. These are the things that define a course's character, and produce the strategy that goes into playing it. "I came out to look at the ground when Roger first called me, and I could see the potential right away," said architect Barry Serafin, who built the new nine at Wilmington Elks Course. "There are some spectacular holes and some great views ... (Designing) the course was a unique experience, and I enjoyed every bit of it." McKay wanted the course to be "different" -- not to the point that some golfers loved it and others hated it, but to ensure that there would be a wide variety of holes. The McKays moved only 150,000 to 200,000 yards of dirt, about a third to a half of what is normally moved for a golf course. Some big-time resort courses move 10 to 20 times that, McKay said. The Enquirer's golf staff played Majestic Springs' front nine, then toured the back with course superintendent Chris Haley. The Enquirer found it to be a terrific blend of links-style and conventionally wooded holes. On No.15, we came upon a fellow in bib overalls next to a surveyor's transit. He was shooting grade for the bridge there. It was family patriarch Wilbur McKay, Roger's dad. He is proud of his son's work and believes this land has made for a better golf course than it did a farm. Majestic Springs has been a family affair: Roger's brother, Dave, helped move the dirt and build the bridges ... their mother, Ada, did the bookkeeping ... and Wilbur did "a little bit of everything," said Roger. When the "shaper" Roger hired to contour the ground for the fairways and greens kept odd hours -- and then one day just stopped showing up altogether -- McKay turned to his lifelong friend, Mike Rich, who had a bulldozer. "Mike was great at the technical side of operating a dozer," McKay said. "He can make things as flat as a pancake just by using his eye. Once I learned the fundamentals, I developed a knack for the creative side, making mounds and curves. It was a pretty good combination." At any point in turning 220 acres of farmland into an 18-hole golf course did McKay wonder what he had gotten himself into?

"All the time," McKay said. "I never stopped wondering about that -- at least not until the first group of people came out to play. They said how nice it looked and how much fun it was to play. That wiped away all the doubts and fears."

Majestic Springs raises more than $1,000 to battle breast cancer

(From The Wilmington News Journal dated Monday 20 July 2009 at 9:55 p.m.)

Majestic Springs Golf Courses recent Ribbon Round the Pin event raised more than $1,000 for the CMH Foundation to be utilized in the battle against breast cancer by patients of CMH Regional Health System. The funds will assist uninsured and underinsured patients needing financial assistance in order to have screening mammograms in Radiology Services at Clinton Memorial Hospital. Course general manager BJ Joyce presented the cash to Scott

Roger McKay maintains the course with his father, mother

and brother.(Dick Swaim photo)

MAJESTIC SPRINGS GOLF

COURSE

Where: 48 miles from downtown Cincinnati. Directions: I-71 North to exit 45 (Route 73); east (right) on Route 73, south (right) on Route 380, left on Todd's Fork Road, course on left. Weekend rate: $36 for 18 holes, including cart. Phone: (937) 383-1474 

Majestic Springs golf course general manager BJ Joyce (left) hands the cash to Scott Holmer (second from right), treasurer of the CMH Foundation Board of Trustees, the fundraising board for CMH. Looking on, left to right, are Barbara Multon, Linda Gledhill and Carl Coatney.

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Holmer, treasurer of the CMH Foundation Board of Trustees, the fundraising board for CMH. Also on hand were Barbara Multon, Linda Gledhill and Carl Coatney. Coatney and Multon collaborated on the idea. Coatney, the athletic equipment manager at Wilmington College, works summers at Majestic Springs. Multon volunteers for CMH at the Foster J. Boyd, MD, Regional Cancer Center and is the Clinton County Unit of the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Mission Chair. She also is a member of the CMH Foundation Auxiliary, which coordinates special fundraising events for the CMH Foundation that benefits CMH. Gledhill is the oncology program administrator at the Foster J. Boyd, MD, Regional Cancer Center, an affiliate of CMH. During the last weekend in June, Majestic Springs golfers playing the par 3 No. 7 hole had the opportunity to wager between $1 and $5 that they could hit their tee shot into a circle painted around the flagstick. Those whose shots landed in the circle doubled their money while others forfeited their bet as a donation to the cancer center. Majestic Springs management also donated $1 for each golfer who played that weekend. Majestic Springs volunteers who also helped at the hole were Brent Coatney, Chris Graff, Brooke Irwin, Rich Hurley, Katherine McKenzie, Brooke Sargent and Jack Gasaway. The CMH Foundation appreciates and encourages area businesses, colleges, schools and community service groups to raise money or provide gifts in kinds to support for patients of Clinton Memorial Hospital and other CMH Regional Health System services. All monies contributed to the CMH Foundation stay in Clinton County for community benefit to support healthcare programs and services offered locally as well as those CMH patients who truly need financial assistance with health care and related expenses. Donations are tax deductible and will be credited and acknowledged by the CMH Foundation. The CMH Foundation has $1.5 million in restricted fund assets, an unrestricted endowment of $1.7 million and a restricted endowment of $1 million. If you have questions about giving opportunities through the Foundation or want to be added to our email list for updates on CMH Regional Health System and the CMH Foundation, please email dadunn@c.mhregional.com or call 937-382-9454 or 937-382-9454.

Farm Fun Day group pushes local produce(From The Winchester Star dated Monday 13 July 2009.)

By Jason Kane The Winchester Star

Winchester -- Dont even bother trying to stump 6-year-old Leo Howerdd. He already knows the source of his fruits and veggies. "They come from plants," he said. Obviously. And its just as clear to Leo that the best place to buy plants is from a farm which is why Leo and his family traveled to Marker-Miller Orchards on Saturday for

Farm Fun Day, sponsored by the Frederick County Farm Bureau. If only more adults would think that way, said Paul Anderson, the president of the bureau that organized the event. The chief objective of the day: to push people to think more critically about their food. Most shoppers just plop produce in their cart at the supermarket and call it a day, Anderson said. And thats a

problem. "Were trying to encourage them to buy local, or at the very least to look at the label and see where their food comes from," he said. Saturdays event was the third Farm Fun Day put on by the bureau, with the first having been held at Hill High Farm two years ago and last years at Hedgebrook Farm. John Marker, who operates Marker-Miller Orchards with his wife Carolyn, said he jumped at the chance to play host to the event. It was a natural fit. Amid his piles of green beans, peaches, berries, and plums, Marker always tries to push his customers to taste something new. Like a fresh apricot. A lot of people think theyre always dry. "And people will say, 'I dont like plums,' and Ill tell them to go ahead and try one anyway," he said. "Theyre usually amazed. Theyll say, 'I never knew a plum could taste like that.'" Hundreds of people turned out to the event Saturday for some free grilled hot dogs, tractor rides, raffles, a petting zoo, and informational discussions with a slate of area farmers. Families learned that while it might appear that farming culture has eroded a bit in the area, the Frederick County Farm Bureau still boasts 1,000 members 250 of whom raise agricultural products, Anderson said. Further, he said as he stood in a tent surrounded by posters of rolling wheat fields and smiling children chomping into freshly picked fruit, each American farmer feeds about 98 people. "But its a dying industry because theyre going broke," he said. "If the American farmer cant survive, your foods going to come from China, Mexico, and all of the other countries that export food." Anderson would know. Besides debts, he said (with a smirk), he grows hay and keeps beef cattle on his farm near Stephens City. He used to produce peaches, but the trees lost so much money that it became more profitable to let them die and plow them under. Such trends can be dangerous, he said. Especially when less than one percent of imported food is inspected as closely as the food grown in America, Anderson said. And hearing a statistic like that is enough cause for pause for people like Rachel Schwartz, Leos mom, who said that she usually shops at Martins but has been trying to make more of a "concerted effort" to buy local. As a start, she and Leo planned to pick some fresh raspberries and peaches at the orchard Saturday. They planned to leave the farm full and happy. "Whether it makes a difference, I dont know," Anderson said. "Thats something well never know. But were out here trying to make a difference." One juicy plum and apricot at a time.

-- Contact Jason Kane at jkane@winchesterstar.com

OBITUARIES

Patsy Dee Hopgood Shipp(From The Charlotte Observer dated 14 Jan 2010. See

Legacy.com for Guest Book entries.) Mrs. Shipp, of Cornelius, NC, formerly of Silver Spring, MD, returned to her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, January

Matthew Caniniti, 1, meets Peanut the dairy goat Saturday afternoon during the Frederick County Farm Bureaus Farm Fun Day at Marker-Miller Orchards in Winchester. (Photo by Scott Mason)

Children take a ride in a cow train Saturday afternoon at the Frederick County Farm Bureau Farm Fun Day held at Marker-Miller Orchards. (Photo by Scott Mason)

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13, 2010. She was 80 years young. She lived her life with unwavering faith, abiding love, profound wisdom, and in service to others. To the end, when asked how she felt, she answered 'happy.' Patsy was born on May 15, 1927 in Washington, DC. Patsy and her eternal companion, Ralph Earl Shipp, raised their family--daughters, Dee Ann Buck (Irv), Fairfax, VA, Laura Lewis (John), Cornelius, NC and Robin Ritchey (Ken), Raleigh, NC, and son, Craig Shipp, Sarasota, FL, and taught their children to believe in God and Jesus Christ, and to love one another. Patsy excelled in her first career, full-time homemaker and later as a successful Realtor. She loved being 'Gammy' to 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, and she frequently asked, 'Have I told you today that I love you?' Patsy is also survived by brothers, Roy, Earl, Daniel; sister, Sandra Rada and every heart she ever touched and every hand she ever held. She only gave hugs, never handshakes. A celebration of her life will begin with the visitation on Friday, January 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, 494 East Plaza Drive, Mooresville, NC. The memorial service will be on Saturday, January 16, at 3 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 148 Lazy Lane, Mooresville, NC. Interment at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte, NC, will be private. In lieu of flowers, Patsy would like everyone to begin a Christmas Jar (see www.patsydeeshipp.com for details) or donate to Hospice of Lake Norman, 705 Griffith St., Suite 203, Davidson, NC, 28056. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, NC, is serving the Shipp Family.

Douglas R. 'Doug' McKay1954-2010

(From The Wilmington News Journal dated Saturday 13 Mar 2010.)

Doug McKay on the back left end. Douglas R. "Doug" McKay, 56, of Washington Court House, died Wednesday (March 10, 2010) at his residence. He is survived by his wife, Renee Pequignot McKay. Mr. McKay was born Jan. 20, 1954, son of Donald and Joan McConnaha McKay of Hillsboro. He was a lifelong dairy farmer and worked 19 years at the Pickaway County Corrections Facility. He attended the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church. He was a member of the American Jersey Cattle Association and received the Pioneer Breeder award in 2008. He also was a member of the American Jersey Cattle Association. A highlight of his showing career was his exhibiting the grand champion Jersey Cow at the Pennsylvania All American Dairy Show in 1978. He graduated in 1972 from Westfall High School, where he competed in basketball, baseball, FFA and 4-H. He attended of The Ohio State University, where he was a member of the dairy judging team. He was very passionate about family and an

avid support of athletic competition. In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by three sons, Willy McKay, Sam McKay and Josh McKay, all of Washington Court House; three daughters, Katie McKay, Juliana McKay and Deidre McKay, all of Washington Court House; a brother, Greg (Elaine) McKay of Zansfield; a sister, Cindy (Bruce) Sykes of Williamsport; three sisters-in-law, Lisa Ulery of Springfield, Anette (Mitch) Ulery of Springfield and Denise (Bill) Kontras of London; his father-in-law, Robert Pequignot of Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Memorial services will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, Roland Mitchell officiating, Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the McKay Family Scholarship Fund at the U.S. Bank, 1220 Columbus Ave., Washington Court House, 43160. Arrangements are under the direction of MORROW FUNERAL HOME, 415 E. Court St., Washington Court House. Online condolences may be made at the funeral homes Web site at www.morrowfuneralhome.com.

Virginia Atkinson Miller Griesheimer(From The Wilmington News Journal dated

Tuesday 9 February 2010 at 12:45 a.m.) Virginia Atkinson Miller Griesheimer, 93, of Xenia, died Sunday (Feb. 7, 2010) at Liberty Nursing Center, Xenia. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Arthur Miller, and her second husband, Richard Griesheimer. Mrs. Griesheimer was born Aug. 10, 1916, in Warren County, daughter of the late Harry C. and Eva May (Bryan) Atkinson. She was a graduate of Kingman High School in Clinton County. She obtained an educational degree to teach primary education from Wilmington College and began her teaching career in Clermont County. She retired from teaching in 1977 after 38 years. Many of those years were spent teaching first grade at Spring Hill Elementary, Xenia. She was a dedicated member of the Xenia Friends Church and United Society of Friends Women. She was a life member of Greene County and Ohio Retired Teachers Association and a charter member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was a member of Greene County Business and Professional Women, Ainex Grandmothers Club, Golden Age Senior Citizens and St. Helen's Leisure Club. She spent many hours volunteering at Greene Memorial Hospital. She is survived by many nieces and nephews; a stepson, Robert (Hattie) Miller of Xenia; and several stepgrandchildren. In addition to her first husband, second husband and parents, she was preceded in death by five sisters, Leola Gray, Mary Green, Clara Zurface, Ruth Kelly and Ada McKay; and a brother, John Atkinson. Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday at McCOLAUGH FUNERAL HOME INC., 826 N. Detroit St., Xenia, with burial in the Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wilmington. Visitation will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, 45420, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home's Web site at www.mccolaughfuneralhome.com.

Ella "Kay" Corso(From The Omps Funeral Home)

Griesheimer

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Ella Lee McKay Corso, 90, of Inwood, WV, died Saturday September 12, 2009, at Winchester Medical Center, Winchester, VA. Mrs. Corso was born on October 15, 1918 in Charles Town, WV, the daughter of LeHew and Nannie (Heflybower) McKay. She graduated from Berryville High School and was also a graduate of the Hospital Nursing Program at City Hospital in Martinsburg, WV. She had worked as a registered nurse and was the Director of Nursing for Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Ranson, WV. She also worked as an office nurse for Dr. Mildred Williams in Charles Town, WV. Mrs. Corso was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church in Inwood, WV. She married Paul Corso, Sr. on August 13, 1943, in Tampa, FL. Surviving with her husband, are son, Dr. Paul Corso and his wife, Karen, of McLean, VA; son, Ronald Corso, of South Miami, FL; and her brother, Kenneth McKay of Bunker Hill, WV. She was preceded in death by her sister, Keightley "Kitty" Vanscoy, and three brothers, Jonathan McKay, Winston McKay and William McKay. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at St. Leo's Catholic Church, 2019 Sulphur Springs Road, Inwood, WV, with Father Brian Shoda officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant View Memory Garden, Kearneysville, WV. Pallbearers will be Dr. Paul Corso, Ronald Corso, Robert Stepp, John Corso, Fred McKay, and Archie McKay. The family will receive friends at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, 1600 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Stanley M. Walker(From the Hancock-Henderson County Quill,

Illinois Wednesday 19 August 2009.) Stanley M. Walker, 95, passed away on August 12, 2009 in Foley, Alabama. Mr. Walker was born on February 23, 1914 in Xenia, Ohio to his parents Marcus Henry Walker and Beatrice (McKay) Walker. A resident of west/central Illinois

for many years, he was a graduate of Colchester High School and Western Illinois University, receiving his master's degree from the University of Illinois. He married Dorothy Kern on May 13, 1942 in Terre Haute, Illinois. A veteran, he served in the National Guard and was a field artillery officer during WWII. Stan's career in education spanned forty-two years. He began as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse, taught and coached briefly at Terre Haute High School (Illinois) prior to WWII and returned to Media High School (Illinois) as a teacher and eventually, the school principal. Mr. Walker entered county school administration, serving as Assistant County Superintendent, County Superintendent and Regional Superintendent for Warren/Henderson Counties, before retiring in 1979. The Walkers retired to Foley where he was active in the Foley Rotary Club, the First Presbyterian Church and Curmudgeon Coffee Group. He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Dorothy (Kern) Walker, son, Don of Fairhope, Alabama, daughter Jan (Scott) Schmitz, Odessa, Florida and grandsons, Andy (Sabrina) Schmitz, Odessa, Florida and Tanner (Amanda) Schmitz, Land O' Lakes, Florida. Stan was devoted to his faith, to his family and to his community.

He was committed to his students and found great satisfaction in their later successes. He was a lifelong learner, an avid reader and an enthusiastic traveler. Stan had a wonderful sense of humor, a patient demeanor and a generous heart. There will be a graveside service for Mr. Walker, Monday, August 17th, 2009, 10:00 am at Pine Rest Memorial Park with a memorial service following at The First Presbyterian Church of Foley starting at 11:00 am. The Walker family has requested that memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to The First Presbyterian Church of Foley, 195 Berry Ave, Foley, AL 36535. Arrangements made by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Inc. Foley, AL

Laura Louise McKay(From Enders and Shirley Funeral Home.)

Laura Louise Jones McKay, 82, of Millwood, Virginia, died August 30, 2009 at her residence. Mrs. McKay was born October 10, 1926 on Woodside Farm, Clarke County, Virginia, the daughter of M.W. Jones, Jr. and Ethel Caroline Fishpaw Jones. She was retired from the Clarke County School Systems where she was a teacher and was also a dairy farmer. She was a member of Christ Church in Millwood, Virginia; Blue Ridge Hunt; Millwood Country Club, where she was an avid golfer; and graduated with a BA from Duke University and a Masters from University of Virginia. She was married to Beverly Burch McKay. Mr. McKay passed away January 26, 1996. Surviving is a daughter, Caroline Frances McKay of Millwood, VA; 3 sons, Beverly B. McKay of Millwood, VA, Branson D. McKay of Boyce, VA, and Bryan W. McKay of Millwood, VA; and 6 grandchildren, Alex McKay, Simon McKay, Evan McKay, Andrew McWhinney, Emily McWhinney, and Sarah Rawlings. A funeral service will be 11:00 A. M. Thursday, September 2, 2009 at the Christ Episcopal Church in Millwood, VA with Rev. Anne Manson and Rev. Bill Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the Green Hill Cemetery, Berryville, VA. The family will receive friends from 7:00 9:00 P. M. Wednesday evening at the Enders & Shirley Funeral Home, Berryville, VA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Winchester, VA 22601, Boyce Volunteer Fire Co., P. O. Box 285, Boyce, VA 22620, or to Christ Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 153 Millwood, VA 22646.

Charles "Chuck" Luby(From the Edgington Funeral Home.

Some corrections made here.) Charles "Chuck" Luby, 64 years old of Wilmington, OH, went home to his Father and Savior, Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the Miami Valley Hospital after suffering injuries from an auto accident. His wife Katherine Hackney Luby, whom he married August, 1990, survives. He was born Wednesday,

February 21, 1945 in Valejo, CA, Son of the late Monteford & Mary Cherrie (Braid) Luby. He worked at NCR , National City, and Assurant Insurance. He enjoyed roller skating, motorcycle and bicycle riding, bowling and singing. He was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and held numerous callings over the years.He loved animals and was a dedicated blood donor. Charles loved his family and talked of them often.

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In addition to his wife he is also survived by nine children, Cherrie (Robert) Alziebler, Nathaniel (Heather) Luby, Elizabeth (Gary) Schow, Jayne (Jeremy Campbell) Luby, John (Kathy) Becker, Kristen (Dean) St. John, Jennifer (Paul) Dunn, Kevin (Lora) Becker, Kimberly (Delwyn) Price; 30 Grandchildren- Mikayla, David, Anna Alziebler, Connor Luby, Megan, Charles, Benjamin Schow, Ashley Hurley, Kyle Becker, James (Melissa) Billingsley, K. Dawn (Scott Blacker) Billingsley, D. Allen, Samuel (Sarah Payton) & Jeweliann Billingsley, Cody St. John, Danielle (Lenny) Barnhart, JP, Anna, Rebekah, Sarah, Ashley, & Aaron Dunn, Tony & William Slone, Joshua, Adam, Azoa, Emma, Seth, & Caleb Price; 4 Great-Grandchildren- Kendra Billingsley, Aries Barnhart, AJ Blacker, & Baby Billingsley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1st Wife- Pamela Ruth Snodgrass; 2 sons- Charles Thomas Luby & Kenneth Becker; & brother- Donald Luby. Friends will be received 5-8 p.m., Thursday, September 17 at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, 2415 West St Rte 73, Wilmington, Ohio. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM, Friday, September 18, at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, with the family receiving friends again from 12 Noon until the time of services. Branch President Frank Kennedy will officiate. Interment will follow in the Clinton County Memory Gardens, Wilmington, Ohio. Contributions in Chuck's memory may be made to the Liberty Savings Bank in care of Katherine Luby, 647 Fife Avenue, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. Fisher-Edgington Funeral Home, Wilmington has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information and to access the on-line register book, please visit www.edgingtonfuneralhomes.com. (From The Wilmington News Journal dated Saturday 19 Sep 2009.) CHARLES LUBY -- Burial was Friday in Clinton Memory Gardens for Charles "Chuck" Luby. Frank Kennedy and Monte Anderson officiated. Pallbearers were Nathaniel Luby, John Becker III, Kevin Becker, Delwyn Price, Gary Schow and Robert Alziebler. Honorary pallbearers were David Alziebler, Charles Schow, Benjamin Schow, Conner Luby, Kyle Becker, James Billingsley, D. Allen Billingsley, Samuel Billingsley, Cody St. John, J.P. Dunn, Aaron Dunn, Tony Slone, William Slone, Josh Price, Adam Price, Seth Price and Jeremy Campbell. Arrangements were under the direction of FISHER-EDGINGTON FUNERAL HOME, Wilmington.

Lois L. Ervin(From The Wilmington News Journal

dated Saturday 5 Sep 2009.) Lois L. Ervin, 88, of Dayton, died Thursday afternoon (Sept. 3, 2009) at Heartland of Centerville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane Ervin, who died April 24, 2009. Mrs. Ervin was born May 24, 1921, in New Burlington, daughter of Albert E. and Ada Mills McKay. She retired in 1981 from Dayton Press. She was a member of Belmont United Methodist Church, New Burlington Lodge 363 and the Order of Eastern Star. She was an avid golfer and bowler. She is survived by a daughter, Bonnadine Ervin of Kettering and Daniel L. (Alice) Ervin of West Carrollton; five grandchildren, Elizabeth Quinn, David (Molly) Ervin, Christie (Mark) Kelly, David Michael (Dee) Batson and Kevin S. (Heather) Batson; 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Jeannette (Vernon) Musser of Worthington, Rosalie (John) Beers of Xenia and Rita (John) Howell of Wilmington; three brothers, Robert (Anna Mae) McKay of Colorado Springs, Colo., Donald Dick (Joan) McKay of Hillsboro and Frank (Judy) McKay of New Burlington; 19 nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded by a brother,

Wilbur E. McKay. Services will be held 12:30 p.m. Thursday at NEELD FUNERAL HOME, 1276 N. Detroit St., Xenia, the Rev. John Beers officiating, with burial in New Burlington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where an Eastern Star service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to Belmont United Methodist Church.

Duane L. Ervin(From The K-O Times dated Thursday 30 Apr 2009.)

Duane L. Ervin, 87, of Kettering, died Friday, April 24, 2009, at Legacy Assisted Living Center, Xenia. He was born June 14, 1921, in Thurmond, West Virginia, the son of Thomas Glen and Florence M. Thomas Ervin. He was a member of Belmont United Methodist Church, and was a veteran of the US Army, serving during World War II. He retired from Continental Baking. He is survived by his wife, Lois (McKay) Ervin, married September 17, 1941, a daughter, Bonnadine Ervin, Kettering, a son and daughter-in-law, Daniel L. (Alice) Ervin, West Carrrollton, five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Marvin V. Ervin. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at Neeld Funeral Home, 1276 N. Detroit. St., Xenia, with Rev. Robert C. McKay, Daniel L. Ervin, and Kevin S. Batson officiating. Burial will be in New Burlington Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Legacy Assisted Living Center, Xenia, VITAS Hospice of Dayton, or to the Belmont United Methodist Church.

Nelson Ritter Clevenger Sr. 1920 – 2009

(From The Omps Funeral Home website.) Nelson Ritter Clevenger, Sr., 88, of Stephens City, Virginia, died Thursday, July 9, 2009, in his home. Mr. Clevenger was born in 1920, in Frederick County, Virginia, the son of the late Frank A. and Mamie R. Clevenger. He was a Machinist with Big A, retiring after thirty-four years of service in 1986. He was also owner and operator of NR Clevenger Repair. Mr.

Clevenger was a master carpenter, building six homes and assisting with countless others. He was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church in Stephens City, Virginia. Mr. Clevenger was a Veteran having served in the United States Army during World War II in Germany and during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He married Frances Welsh in Hagerstown, Maryland. Surviving with his wife are his son, Nelson Clevenger, Jr., and wife Barbara, daughter, Robin Clevenger Greene and husband Jim all of Stephens City, Virginia; five grandsons; eight great grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Clevenger Ritenour of Stephens City, Virginia. Two sisters, Edna McCauley Ritenour, Mildred Clevenger Shepherd and one brother, John William Clevenger preceded him in death. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Monday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, with Reverend John Locke and Reverend Allen Welsh officiating. Interment will be in Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia with Military honors afforded by VFW Post 2123.

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Pallbearers will be Mr. Clevengers grandsons, Matthew Greene, Sam Greene, Ritter Clevenger, III, David Clevenger, and Thomas Clevenger. Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. Clevengers nephews. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donors choice.

Debbie Ann Namack McKay(From The Wilmington News Journal

dated Tuesday 26 May 2009 at 1:05 a.m.) Debbie Ann Namack McKay, 54, of New Burlington Road, Wilmington, died Saturday (May 23, 2009) at Bethesda North Hospital, Cincinnati, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband, Tom. They were married for almost 35 years. Mrs. McKay was born Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1954, in Ft. Lewis, Wash., daughter of Donald and Ann Marshall Namack of Wilmington. She lived full of vibrancy and life. She worked several jobs, including several years at Airborne Express in Wilmington and most recently as a server at Roberts Centre, also in Wilmington. She thoroughly enjoyed all things related to cooking and gardening. Her culinary skills were enjoyed by all and she found therapy in spending time outdoors. However, her greatest accomplishment and pride in her life was her family. She encouraged her sons throughout their schooling and related activities in 4-H, soccer, football and any other activities they may have participated in. She loved annual activities with her boys, such as dying Easter eggs and carving pumpkins. When her grandkids began arriving, she began pouring her time and energy into them. She often went significantly out of her way to provide for them and any special needs they may have had. In addition to her husband and parents, she is survived by three sons, Ben (Michelle) McKay of St. Paris, Spencer McKay of Wilmington and Roger McKay of Wilmington; four grandchildren, Michael, Manna, Adeline and Audrey; and two sisters, Georgeann (Gary) Quallen of Wilmington and Donna (Paul) Burgan of Powell. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Wilmington, Father James M. Wedig officiating, with burial in New Burlington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at FISHER-EDGINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 97 W. Locust St., Wilmington. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, Southwest Regional Office, 2808 Reading Road, Cincinnati, 45206. For more information and to access the funeral homes online register book, visit http://www.edgingtonfuneralhomes.com.

OUT OF THE PAST

Miss Nenah Whitacre elopes with Mr. Maynard Baker(From The Winchester Star dated

Monday 27 July 2009 'Out of the past' section.) WHITACRE--Miss Nenah Whitacre, daughter of Mr. T.A. Whitacre, eloped with Mr. Maynard Baker on Sunday evening about 7 oclock. Mr. Baker works in Pittsburgh and is a carpenter by trade. He came in the neighborhood Saturday evening, presumably driving a team, from Berkeley Springs and stopped

with a relative, Mr. J.W. Mauzy. He secreted his horse and buggy in a deep grown-up hollow near the house and patiently awaited developments all alone, Mr. Mauzy and family having attended an all-day meeting at Ebenezer. It is evident that she was apprized by friends of her lovers whereabouts and tarried behind the family upon departing for home. Mr. Clinton Johnson brought her home, but thought they would drive past and spend a few social hours with her uncle, Mr. G.S. Whitacre, and then go home. She was deeply immersed in the enjoyment of several young people on the lawn, when suddenly she was seized with thirst and excusing herself went to the well back of the house to get a drink. The sight of the well seemed to allay her former appetite, and like a bird she flew to her lover about one-half mile distant. The young man had the horse and buggy in readiness and no time was lost in getting away. By 10 oclock that night they were in Berkeley Springs, where they changed horses and proceeded on to Hancock, where they took the train at 12 oclock. Here the trail was lost and the girls father was cut short in his pursuit and returned home, arriving about noon on Monday. July 27, 1909

72nd Annual Collett-McKay Picnic Is Held (1938)* * *

The 72nd annual Collett-McKay picnic was held on the grounds owned and dedicated to the family meeting, which are beautiful land dotted with shade trees. An imposing entrance with memorial plates on the gateway marks the grounds.Two tables of photographs and curios, which created keen interest, were on display. There are never any programs at the picnic, no election of officers, or selecting a date for meeting. The families assemble the second Saturday in August, so that relatives and friends from all over the states know when and where it will be held each year. The time is spent in visiting and many linger on the grounds until almost dark. Those who registered this year were Mr. and Mrs. James J. Deady, Laura Kelly Pogue, Washington, D. C.; Mrs. W. H. Cossum, Sterling, Ill.; Ruth Haines, Brook, Ind.; Harriet Haines, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Cossum, David, Harriet, Gene, Carolyn, and Edward, Columbus; William Howard Miller, Loudonville; Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Edwards, Carolyn and Lilia, G. C., Patricia, and James E. Baugh, Rowen Baugh, Frank L., Eliza H., James H. and Mary Emily Graham, Springfield; Warren and Emily I. Kester, Glendale; Charles, Emma, Lois Swindler, Louie, Henrietta, John and Mary Magee, Esther Darst, Mary Jane McKay, Virginia Magee, Edward, Helen, and Ruth Donohue, Dayton; Herbert and R. B. McKay, E. Collett and Martha Gastineau, Everett, Leigh, Velma, and Ellen Smith, Xenia; Daniel Collett, Edith Collett Scott, Milford. Hugh and Dr. George Collett, Crawfordsville, Ind.; Margaret Collett, Xenia; Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Jerome and Dudley Inwood, Middletown; Dianne Nickerson, Miamisburg; John C. Gertrude, Mary Elizabeth, and Fannie Browning, Washington C. H.; Homer G. and Merle M. and Dorothy M. Curless, Blanchester; Mary and Ella McKay Rowe, Jamestown; Howard, Edith, Robert T. R. Dale, Ila H. Evelyn, Donald S. and Harold McKay, Oregonia; Mary McCune Doster, William S., Esther, Howard and Robert Doster, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Collett, Donald, Charles, and Eugene Collett, A. S. Cassie, Robert Collett, Ella Howard, Bertha and James H. Shambaugh, Waynesville; Byron, Hattie, Joan, Marilyn, and Nancy Leaser, Clarksville; Alice D. Collett, Noel, Virginia Collett Haines, Mary Virginia, Harriet Ann, and Robert Haines, Sabina; Mrs. Alice McKay Haines.

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Anna M. Collett, Estelle M. Haines, Eva McKay Kirk, Howard Lane, Howard Collett, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Babb, Mr. and Mrs. Emery R. Bales, Rev. and Mrs. R. T. Stimmel, Dr. Elizabeth Shrieves, Bess Ireton, Mr. and Mrs. George Pidgeon and daughter, Ellen Carter, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Magee, Mr. and Mrs. George M. Denny, John Denny, E. B. McKay, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Collett, Mr. and Mrs. Eldon R. Haines, Arthur Webster Haines, Robert M., Lucile M., and Roderick A. Hackney, Everett and Elizabeth Magee, Everett L. Baugh, Mabel Baugh, Mr. and Mrs. Clint Sherman, Gusta A. Sherman, Mrs. Abbie Haddock, Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Terrell, Mary M. Terrell, Ella Pidgeon, Mr. and Mrs. Harry McKay, Mrs. Clarence T. Telfair. Ethel McCoy, Maynard McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Ellis, Willard and Dale Inwood, Lucile T. Gano, Everett Terrell, Jr., Harold S. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace T. Collett and Jonathan, Flora Tibbals, Robert B. Hackney, Ruth Magee, Mary Catherine Magee, Phoebe Hudson, Joe Baugh, Rev. J. P. Thornbury and daughters, Barbara and Helen Rea, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Doster, James and Clifford Doster, Mary Haines, Janet Doster, Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Smart, Ernestine Moore, Harveysburg; Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Ferguson, Hazel and Nancy Jane Lundy, Esther and Ann Mitchner, Harold N. and Marjorie Stanfield, Mrs. Hattie N. Inwood, Charles T., Ann, Mary E., Kathleene Inwood, Amy C. McIntire, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Stanfield, Helen, Marjorie, and Harold Stanfield, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Haines, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Albert McKay, Jeanette, Lois, Rosalie Ellen, Donald R., Lucy, and Robert McKay, Mr. and Mrs. W. V. Lackey, Mae McKay, Laura McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Inwood, Mrs. Mary E. Sayers, Anna E. Sayers, Clarence, Eugene, Leland, and Ada L. Graham, L. G. Shambaugh, Raymond Shambaugh, Georgia M., Elizabeth, and Maxine Keiter, Charles and Donald W. Haines, New Burlington; Donald Conklin, Wilmington.

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LeHew McKay & company in Montana

This photo was taken somewhere in Montana ca. 1909 with your editor’s great-grandfather, LeHew McKay (standing next to horse with man on his shoulders). To see a larger version of this photo visit this URL: http://www.robertmackayclan.com/rmc/images/montana2.jpg

SEND US YOUR NEWSYour donations help to support our Newsletter. Please submit any news you may have to help add to the next issue. This Newsletter covers happenings in the entire Robert Mackay family from Virginia to Ohio and beyond. If you would like to donate to help with our expenses please send a cheque to: The Robert Mackay Clan % Michael L. McKay

115 Morgan St. Winchester, VA 22601-3829

NEXT ISSUE

Spring 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Greetings …………………………………………………… 1

Newsletter Now Online ……………………....................... 1

Annual Virginia McKay Reunion ……………………… 1 (McKay-Sowers-Kerfoot)

Collett-McKay Picnic …………………………………….. 1

Bethel Memorial Inc. Meetings ………………………… 1

Past Reunion News ………………………....................... 1-3 64th Annual Robert McKay Clan Reunion (McKay-Sowers-Kerfoot) 144th Collett-McKay Picnic

News from Cards and Letters …………....................... 3-5

News Items ………………...………………………...….. 5-17 Lessons and Carols at Old Bethel …………………………. 5 McKay Home Fire ………………………………………… 6 Historic McKay house burns in weekend blaze ………….... 6 McKay House solution ………………………………….. 6-7 McKay House stable ………………………………………. 7 McKay in Farm Service loan training program …………… 7 WHS students of the month ……………………………….. 7 'Raise the Roof' to help restore Old Bethel ……………… 7-8 7 little maids chosen …………………………………….. 8-9 Court of Queen Shenandoah LXXXIII ……………………. 9 Barn quilt is one of the stars ………………………………. 9 ‘Berry Basket’ on Center Road ………………………... 9-10 ‘Berry Basket’ on Center Road ………………………….. 10 'Providence' quilt graces Gurneyville Road ……………… 10 Six and Twenty Club conducts ……………………….. 10-11

first meeting of new year Chester meeting and cemetery topic for program ………... 11 WHS students honored …………………………………... 11 $68,786 donated in ‘real rescue effort’ ……………….. 11-12

for Greenway Court Hopewell Friends celebrates 275th ……………………. 12-13 It’s 275 years and counting at Hopewell ……………... 13-14 Marking 275 years of Quaker worship in the Valley ……. 14 Author will pay tribute to creator of apple culture …… 14-15 Isaac Hite reaches new heights …………………………... 15 Son born to McKays ……………………………………... 15 Collett to meet at 3 M Club ……………………………… 15 Course spotlight: Majestic Springs ………………………. 16 Majestic Springs raises more than ……………………. 16-17

$1,000 to battle breast cancer Farm Fun Day group pushes local produce ……………… 17

Obituaries ………...……………………………………. 17-21 Patsy Dee Hopgood Shipp ……………………………. 17-18 Douglas R. 'Doug' McKay 1954-2010 …………………… 18 Virginia Atkinson Miller Griesheimer …………………… 18 Ella "Kay" Corso ……………………………………... 18-19

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Stanley M. Walker ……………………………………….. 19 Laura Louise McKay …………………………………….. 19 Charles "Chuck" Luby ………………………………... 19-20 Lois L. Ervin ……………………………………………... 20 Duane L. Ervin …………………………………………… 20 Nelson Ritter Clevenger Sr. 1920 – 2009 ………………... 20 Debbie Ann Namack McKay ……………………………. 21

Out of the Past ……………………….….…………….. 21-22 Miss Nenah Whitacre elopes with Mr. Maynard Baker …. 21 72nd Annual Collett-McKay Picnic Is Held (1938) ….. 21-22 LeHew McKay & company in Montana …………………. 22

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