HALES-COX FAMILY PHOTO - KEOSAUQUA- 1891 - 1897 - 1900

HALES, COX, BLACKLEDGE, WATKINS, PETERSON, MANKIN, FOWLER, DAKE, ELLER, PAYNE, MIZE, MOODY, CROWELL, DAVIS, WELLS, READ, WILSON, JACOBSON, BURTON, BROCKMAN, ARISMAN

Posted By: LuRee Runnells (email)
Date: 3/23/2005 at 18:14:25

In an old family scrapbook that is now in my possession, at one time belonging to my great grandmother, Mary Elvira Hales Cox (daughter of Thomas William Hales), I came across two different newspaper articles, stating about a "75th Birthday Reunion and the Hales Family".

We all have been to auctions/sales where old photos are being sold for the frames, and have you ever recalled seeing such a photo that was professionally done (8 1/2X 11): (SEE BELOW TO VIEW PHOTO). With so many attending this "reunion" (59), there could possibly be another photo or two like this one out there with all the surnames listed above of relatives, friends and neighbors attending this gathering. Also see the Biography Section of the Thomas Hales 1822-1904 biography posted by Charles "Gene" Hales for the Hales family history. The house that this photo was taken in Keosauqua is still there and occupied, and there is much Van Buren County history connected with the Hales-Cox family. Any information concerning this photo and identification(s) that you could provide to the Hales-Cox cousins would be most appreciated.

FIRST NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

REUNION
Communicated
UNCLE THOMAS HALES.
Dear Sir -- You may look for a couple of tramps from Ohio. The leave Carrollton Oct 11 [no year stated] and will get to Chicago on the 12 A.M. You will know the time, the train comes from Chicago to Mt. Sterling. If it is convenient you can meet them.

Yours, S.W.W. [Samuel Wesley Westfall]

This leaves room for a good hard guessing, as to whom these tramps are that will arrive on the 9:40 A.M. train Oct. 13. [No year given]. Thomas Hales and daughter, Miss Josie, went to Mt. Sterling to meet these tramps [Elizabeth (Hales) Westfall, 76; Andrew Westfall, 75, Margaret (Westfall) Houser, 38] and see who they were. He found them to be his brother, sister and niece from Carrollton Ohio. The meeting was one to gladden the eyes and rejoice the heart. We all went directly to the residence of Thomas Hales and found that our youngest sister was not far away and could be had in a short time. So we concluded to have a reunion, not having seen each other for about 30 years. The time of the reunion to be Oct 21, 1881 [or could be a misprint, 1891] and to be at Thomas Hales. The time having arrived and five brothers and sisters being present, all of the family that are now living except one sister who lives in Kansas and could not be present, a bounteous dinner was prepared for the occasion. After being seated around the table and thanks returned by Andrew, the eldest brother, they ate and talked of old times for one hour, after which they sang these verses before leaving the table.

"I am thinking of home, Yes of home sweet home; May we all unite in that home, With the white covered throng. Exultingly raised to the triune God Sweetest anthems of praise, Singing glory and honor, and might." Chorus: "Oh! home, sweet home, I am thinking and longing for home. Beyond the pearly gates may bright mansions be, for the weary ones that are journeying home. "I am thinking of home of the loved one there, Kind friends who have gone before, With whom we went down to death's river side. And so sadly we thought as we watched by the tide. Of that thrice happy morning of yore."

We then repaired to another room, and sang "Ninety and Nine" after which we took a pleasant ride over the farm. The following are the ages of the brothers and sisters present: Elisabeth Westfall, born March 22, 1815; Andrew Hales, born June 13, 1816; John Hales, born February 24, 1821; Thos. Hales, born August 18, 1822; Sarah Crowell, born June 1, 1828.

The above are children of John and Sarah Hales. The former died March 1, 1829, and the latter June 28, 1847. And grandchildren of John and Jane Hales of Knoxville Jefferson Co., O. and grand children of John and Hannah Harrington, of August, Carroll Co., O. Grandfather Harrington took an active part in the war of the resolution, the war of 1812 and the Mexican war and died at the advanced age of 104 years, 4 months and 3 days, and during the war of the rebellion. He voted for the first President of the United States and those that followed up to Lincoln's first election. He was a Whig in politics. [Newspaper article probably written by Thomas W. Hales]. End of article.

SECOND NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

A PLEASANT SURPRISE

On Wednesday, Oct 7, Thomas Hales of Keosauqua "reach the 75th" [69] mile stone of life and on that occasion his relatives and neighbors around his old home (Center Chapel) assembled to about the number of 60 [59]. Uncle Thomas and good wife were completely surprised and when they were shaking hands with their many friends and extending welcome to all, it could plainly be seen on Uncle Tommie's face that he enjoyed it. Then all were invited to the veranda and there was the photographer ready to "take us," which only required a few seconds, when the ladies returned to the dining room to empty the many baskets that had been brought in, leaving the men to discuss the popular topic "Goldbug and Silverite" [these are political parties of the day, "Goldbug" are Republicans and "Silverite" are Democrats].

When dinner was annnounced all the oldest friends were seated and a large armed rocker placed at the head of table for Mr. Hales and Mr. H. Blackledge made the presentation speech in a few, but very impressive remarks, in which he referred pleasantly to Mrs. Hales. When told these were bought by his children, Mrs. Maggie Houser [Thomas Hales' niece, Margaret Westfall Houser] of Ohio, Mrs. George Peterson of S. Dakota, Mrs. Alonzo [Mary Elvira Hales] Cox of Keosauqua, Iowa and John Hales, Jr., Willits, Iowa, Mr. Hales was so full of emotion he could only say, "thank you." But Mrs. Hales said "God bless the dear ones and may his blessing follow them, is my prayer." After dinner there was a general old time talk, mingled with music and the time for departing came too soon. ONE WHO WAS THERE. [Possibly written by Thomas Frank "T.F." Hales] End of newspaper article

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