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Donations * Reunion 2004 Newsletter * Photo's * Reunion History * ReunionHistory Cont.
To send any information e-mail: mediagal_99@yahoo.com
Click here to check out the photo'sDescendants Of J.N. Jonas
Assemble for
First Annual Reunion at Old Fort
(click here to read more)Lillie Bradshaw Family
Hi, we're the Bradshaw's, my mother Lillie is Vernie Jonases daughter and she is Coreen Day's sister. She has 5 children, Peggy Burke, Larry, Bobby, DeRenda Bishop & Brenda Meroney. She has lived in Amarillo, TX for 58yrs., with her husband Eugene, who went on to be with the Lord in 2003. Her daughters Peggy, DeRenda and son Bobby also live in Amarillo .
She has 14 grandchildren & 23 great-granchildren.
Every year in July we have our own family reunion.
Two yrs. ago we invited the Jonas and Bradshaw families to join us. We usually have it the weekend near July 17th, so come join the fun. This next year we plan to add outdoor activities, we also have music for those interested.
Call Lillie at: 806-374-8804 or
Peggy at: 806-220-0663 for more information.If you would like to have your family photo & information here e-mail to Peggy at:
mediagal_99@yahoo.com or mail to: 2800 Bagarry, Amarillo, TX 79103
Descendants of J.N. Jonas Assemble
For First Annual Reunion at Old Fort
Bessie V. Jonas (Carolyn Stokes' mother)
This is lot of history to read so you may want to print it out and read it.
If you have any more please send it to the e-mail address above.(Top of pg.)On Sunday, June 15, the walls of historic old Fort Richardson resounded with laughter and gaiety, as four generations of the Jonas family gathered to celebrate their first reunion commemorating 80 years of living in Jack County.In throngs they came: contemplative aunts, submissive uncles, jubilant nieces, wary nephews, dignified brothers, modes sisters. Big cousins, little cousins, old cousins, young cousins, fat cousins, slim cousins, distant cousins and kissin’ cousins. All had two things in common: their great- great grandparents, the late J.N. Jonas and Caroline Attebury Jonas,
were remotely responsible for this gathering . They had come to Jack County in 1878, two years after the last Indian battle was fought; had bought land and settled on Salt Creek where through good years and bad years, they reared a family of nine children - six boys and three girls. All survive except one son John, who died in 1938.
The oldest and youngest who represented the four generations were Charlie, who was 84 years of age and his great great grandson David Kevin, 2 months old son of Robert and grandson of Oliver.
Morning hours were spent in reminiscing and getting acquainted with new in-laws and distant relatives, food was served picnic style to well over 100 relatives and friends.In the afternoon, high voices, low voices, squeaky voices, coarse voices all blended together in singing the old time gospel songs which brought back precious memories of bygone days. “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Blessed Assurance,” “Since Jesus Came Into My Heart” and many more contributed to a closer kinship and the decision was madeto make the event an annual affair. Descendants of J.N. Jonas Assemble
For First Annual Reunion at Old Fort
Bessie V. Jonas (Carolyn Stokes’ mother) (Top of pg.)On Sunday, June 15, 1959 the walls of historic old Fort Richardson resounded with laughter and gaiety, as four generations of the Jonas family gathered to celebrate their first reunion commemorating 80 years
of living in Jack County.
The first Jonas reunion was held on June 15, 1959, at Old Fort Richardson in Jacksboro, Texas. The reunion was held at the Fort for several years until they made the Fort into a state historical site.
The reunion was moved to the Armory at Jacksboro Lake where it continued until 1984. The last reunion was held in Jacksboro at the Jacksboro National Bank on the second Sunday in June 1985. On Saturday night before the last reunion, there was a fish fry at the part at Bryson. The fish were caught and cooked by Harlan and Ed Jonas, sons of Hubert Jonas.There were no Jonas reunions between 1985 and 1990.
In 1990, Eugene and Lillie Belle (Jonas) Bradshaw invited relatives to their home in Amarillo, Texas. The interest in good fellowship, music, and good food was once again stirred.
They hosted the reunion again in 1991. A sandwich luncheon was enjoyed by all, followed by dessert, one being Aunt Gert's famous chocolate cake, of which someone took 5 pieces! Everyone enjoyed the sing-a-long later that day as well.
It was decided to move the reunion to Brownfield, Texas, where two of the older children (Estelle and Gertrude) of Charley and Cyntitha lived, so they would not have to travel so far. It was to be held the second Saturday in June at the Amphitheater in the Coleman Park
In 1993, they Jonas reunion was held in at the park in Brownfiled, TX. People brought family pictures, which everyone throroughly enjoyed seeing. Each family brought a covered dish.Gertrude Jonas Webb made her famous Chocolate Cake and Doris Jonas Jackson made a great German Chocolate cake. I believe they will each have to make 2 this next year.
We were blessed with the music of Floyd, Ronnie, & Donnie Jonas. Jaquita Jonas Carmichael and Peggy Ann Bradshaw Burke led us in some gospel songs. Loree Jonas Stone, Ronnie & Donnie Jonas, Cynthia Jonas Taylor, Christina, Craig, and Brandon sang a few special songs. We also had some great fiddle playing. C.W. (Mutt) Day asked the blessing over the food.(Top of pg.)
The auction brought in $135 and there were donations of $35.35 to help with the reunion expenses. Lillie Belle Jonas Bradshaw was the auctioneer with Ronnie Jonas and Coreen Jonas Day as helpers. Loree Jonas Stone was the bookkeeper/secretary.
We had new baby blessings born this year:
Jake & Doris Swann are the proud grandparents of twins.
Ron & Peggy (Bradshaw) Burke are the proud grandparents of a granddaughter.
Elton & Jane Jonas are proud grandparents also.On a sadder note,these loved ones who went home to heaven in:
Glenda Webb Huff (March 30, 1993)
Lovie Massengale Jonas Rozell (April 14, 1993)
The mother of Mary Ann Bottoms
Ira Dollan Bradshaw - Eugene Bradshaw's mother (Sept. 8, 1993)
Edith Swan Jonas (Oliver Jonas' wife)
Joe Ray Manley (Carolyn Manley Robinson's father)
Loree (Jaquita's, Ronnie & Donnie's Sister)The Jonas family album was ready for all to enjoy, with special memories of the "good old days" to share with the younger generations. Forty-two people shared this delightful event.
The Next Reunion wasn't held until 2003:
In 2003, the Jonas Reunion was once again moved, to Lubbock, TX at the La Quinta Motel. Everyone brought sandwiches, desserts, and drinks and all went to Furr's Cafeteria for supper. Quite a few folk stayed overnight at the motel and we had breakfast together the next morning in the big room (atrium) before breaking up to return home.We were blessed with the music of Ronnie, Donnie and Elton Jonas on guitars. Teresa Day Bryan and Bobby Bradshaw were on the keyboards. Special songs were sung by C.W. (Mutt) Day, who sang, "The Great Judgement Day," Cynthia's daughter, Christina, and Danny & Jaquita (Jonas) Carmichael's grandson, Hunter. All the kiddos joined in on the "Chicken Dance," of course. :-) before heading out to the pool to cool off.
Marsha Jonas ? and her 2 children, ? and Melanie, came from California. Carolyn (Manley) and her son, Steven Robinson were able to attend for the first time. There was a good representation of all the families, and in all, about 75 people attended. Pictures were taken of all the family groupings, and a bunch more were taken of smaller groups and individuals.
Since last reunion, we had to say "good bye" to some more loved ones:
Floyd Jonas (2002)
Eugene Bradsahw (Feb. 13, 2003)You know, there's quite a group of our relatives in heaven now having their own family reunion. This year was really special because of the loss of so many relatives, which has a way of making our time together even sweeter.
Reunion 2003 was really wonderful. The atmosphere was glorious, the food was good, but most of all, just getting together with family.......well, there just aren't any words to describe it! Heavenly, maybe??
See y'all next year, if the creek don't rise. Bye now. (Top of pg.) click here to cont.
