Y. Thaxton Family Reunion

Nestled beneath the shade of a number of giant oaks on a slight elevation
between two beautiful rippling streams is situated the home of Mr. Y. Thaxton
about four miles west of Jackson. Here, since the early sixties Mr. Thaxton
and his good wife have spent their days is unalloyed rural happiness and where
a large family of boys and girls have grown to the state of manhood and
womanhood and then bid good bye to the -old folks- and went out to battle for
themselves. Near by can be seen the shop and workbench where Mr. Thaxton,
would, on rainy days and between busy work days on the farm, make plowstocks
and grain cradles and do general repair work for his neighbors. The premises
for some distance around are literally covered with fruit trees of every
description and a large scuppernong vine added much to the beauty and profit of
the surrounds.

For many years it as been the custom of the family to spend the third Saturday
in July at the old homestead in a general family reunion and last Saturday was
somewhat an exception to this rule. Besides the immediate family, quite a
number of other relatives, friends and neighbors were invited and when the hour
of noon arrived more than a hundred happy and joyous souls were breathing
happily -neath the umbrageous oaks. Old times were talked over and many bits
of reminiscence were rehearsed,

When the sun had reached high noon a long row of tables were spread our in the
yard and to say they were loaded with good things would be putting it mildly.
Barbecued shote, beef, kid and mutton and baked chicken, fried chicken and in
fact everything than an epicure could wish or a hungry man could crave was
there. Lemonade in great profusion was also there, and after thanks were
offered by Mr. John T. Thaxton, an older brother, the repast was served in a
regular picnic style and when all had been served to their content, the supply
was apparently untouched.

The afternoon was spent in a free and easy manner -til about three o-clock the
great crowd was treated to the following recitations which were rendered in
beautiful manner by the you ladies.

The Lips that Touch Liquor Shall Touch Mine - Miss Rosie Thaxton, Rowland Gray,
Lizzie Mangham.
Visit to Grandps-s - Eulalla Thaxton.
The courtship of Joe and Maud - Miss Minnie Mangham.
The One I Love - Miss Etta Chastine.
Boys - Miss Eulalla Thaxton.
Grandma-s Beau - Lizzie Mangham
The Cottage Girl - Rosie Thaxton
Also vocal and instrumental music was made and the singing of -How firm a
foundation- and other old time songs were well received.

Indeed everyone present enjoyed the day to the fullest and of the reunions
before held, no doubt this one will form the greenest spot in the memory of
many resent. Space forbids us naming all but kindly mention of Major Fletcher,
Col. Billie Weaver, W. H. Fletcher, John O-Read, W. H. Underwood, LeRoy
McMichael, J. H. Land, W. A. Mangham, J. W. Benson, and others who contributed
much to the social pleasures of the day. May Mr. Thaxton and Aunt Susie live
long and enjoy many more such reunions, is our wish.
 

Middle Ga. Argus - Week of June 24, 1894

Submitted by Don Bankston