Uncle Tom's Reunion
Submitted by Donnie PickardVan Buren County Democrat, May 26, 1911
The Confederate reunion in Little Rock last week was taken advantage of by thousands, no doubt, who wanted to visit their old home and friends in Arkansas. Among this number was Uncle Tom Cunningham of Terrell, Texas. Thirty years ago he left the hills of Izard County, this state, and settled in Kaufman County, Texas. His family and relatives became scattered and he lost sight of many of them, among whom was a sister, Mrs. Fannie McGee. He found no trace of her until six years since.
Mrs. Sadie Privett, wife of John Privett, moved from Independence County, to this county. Uncle Tom married her aunt Miss Rebecca Ray. Before her marriage Mrs. Privett had visited this aunt and her husband at Terrell, Texas. Soon after her coming to Damascus she formed the acquaintance of Rev. Monroe McGee, and his brother George, and soon discovered a striking resemblance between the boys and Uncle Tom. One day while in conversation with Brother McGee she mentioned the fact that he resembled very much a dear old uncle in Texas, and by questions and answers it was soon discovered the relative in Texas was an uncle of the Damascus McGees and for whom the former had vainly been searching for years.
A letter was soon started south, a prompt reply received, correspondence established which culminated in Uncle Tom's visit last week. He expected to find only four families here to whom he was related, but instead found nearly 100 persons to whom he was related.
The four families he expected to visit were Rev. Monroe McGee, George McGee, their sister, Mrs. Mary Jane Crownover, and Mrs. Sadie Privett. He found another niece while here, Mrs. Parlee Cochran, with whom he also visited.
A notable even in connection with his visit to Mrs. Crownover was a gathering of five generations, he representing the first, Mrs. Crownover the second, her daughter Mrs. James French the third, the latter's daughter Mrs. Rhoades the fourth and her children the fifth. Uncle Tom found so many relatives here that he prolonged his visit until today (Monday). This was the only event that brought sadness to our hearts. Good bye, Uncle Tom, God bless you, we will meet again.
A Relative