Stanley Family Reunion

STANLEY, ROWELL, COCHRAN, OGILVIE, PHIPPS, CRESSWELL, RUMLEY, WOODARD, SEARS, ADAMS, HAMILTON, BRAMMER, VAN LEAR

Posted By: Sheryl McClure (email)
Date: 1/1/2020 at 15:12:44

One of the most pleasant events of the season was a family reunion held on the farm of George Ogilvie, Sunday, September 18, 1908, two and one-half miles northeast of Decatur City, given by Mrs. J. W. Stanley and Mrs. J. G. Cochran in honor of their sister, Mrs. C. B. Rowell, of McCook, Neb., who has been spending the summer with her sisters and other relatives and friends.

As Mrs. Rowell's visit was drawing to a close the sisters planned to visit the home of their childhood days which was owned by their father, Joel Stanley, who bought the home when it was in the wilds in the year 1854. The day was spent in jovial conversation of the past and when we lived in the old log house, which has since been replaced by a beautiful two story structure also feasting and drinking from the old well, which was dug in the year of 1857. The day will never be forgotten by those present.

One of the most magnificent feasts, which was fit for a king, was spread under the beautiful trees on the lawn, which was thrown open to the hospitality of the party by Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Cresswell. This home has a prehistoric record having been owned and occupied by the descendants of Joel and Bethany Stanley up to the year 1900, when sold to the present owner, to whom the party feel very grateful for his kindness. Not only the sisters, but the entire party, vote this as one of the prize farms of the state of Iowa. As the sun was sinking in the western horizon all departed to their respective homes feeling the event would be one of long remembrance.
Those who were present were Mrs. C. B. Rowell, of McCook, Neb., Mrs. J. W. Stanley, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Cochran, Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Day, Mrs. Lucinda Phipps, Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Stanley and family, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Rumley and family, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Rumley and family, Mr. and Mrs. John Woodard and family, Mr. and Mrs. P. E. Cochran, Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Sears and family, Mr. and Mrs. James Phipps and family, Mr. and Mrs. B. D. Adams, Miss Addie Woodard, Miss Pearl Brammer, Joe Hamilton, Fred Van Lear, making forty six in all.   (Leon Reporter, Sept. 17, 1908)