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Be sure to scroll down for information on the Montgomery-Linn Reunion
A letter is found on the right with the text here below me on the left.
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Text of Letter from Daniel Lynn to Joseph Lynn:
Dan Lynn
Dealer In
Hardware
Cutlery, Ammunition, Fence Wire and Nails
Union Ne. Jan 4, 1907
Joseph Lynn
Parkersburg , Iowa
I Here with send you
as best as I can the Lynn
History you can look it over
an see How it is g..... up
and submit any changes as you
think necessary and let me know,
You will sea that-Everett B
Taylor birth an Nal in
but I will send them to you as
soon as I Hear from Him He
lives in S W Colorado now
I also will send the plate for my
picture to be put in the book.
All reasonably well now with us
... as soon as you read all
D.Lynn
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Reunions
Montgomery-Linn Reunions have been held the Third Sunday of Each September at 12:00 noon until about 4:00pm
in Mt. Auburn, Illinois at the Community Center, in Taylorville, Illinois at Manners Park and at the original homestead. Last year it was held on one of the falily farms.
This year (2005), the 1he 100th reunion will be a full weekend event.
All are welcome! The meal is Potluck... Bring a dish to share and your own place settings and beverages. Coffee is provided. A free will donation is collected at the end of the day to help defer costs of renting the community center. Come for fellowship, sharing, remembrances and a brief business meeting. There are games and activities for small children.
This reunion celebrates the memory of the union of Jane Ann Linn and Levi Montgomery; their descendants and ancestors.
These reunions began on the farm of Jane Ann Linn in the early 1900s and have continued annually ever since.
Records of these reunions are held by the family historian, family secretary and at the Christian County Historical Society located in Taylorville, Illinois.
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Some of the Surnames associated with this family line are
Linn, Montgomery, Younker, Householder, Bailey, Whiteside, Whitsell, Henderson, Cole, Kohl
Jane Ann Linn and Levi Montgomery had the following children:
1) Arthur Montgomery
2) Mary Elizabeth Montgomery (Younker)
3) Joseph Edward Montgomery
4) Thomas Albert Montgomery
5) Hiram Linn Montgomery
6) Effaline Jane Montgomery
7) Clinton Levi Montgomery
An
WAS held
July 28, 2001
in Michigan at the Yankee Township Hall.
There was a WONDERFUL turnout and a TERRIFIC time by ALL!
The majority of folk present were descendants of the marriage of Andrew Aiken and Esther Montgomery
Contacts were also made with descendants of the brother of Andrew Aiken!
Some of the Surnames associated with this family line are
Aiken, McKillop, McVeigh, McCrea, Mills, McKay, McKeown, McCambridge, Montgomery, Alexander
Andrew Aiken and Esther Montgomery had the following children:
1) Margaret Aiken (McKillop)
2) Agnes Aiken (Alexander)
3) Mary Aiken (McKay)
4) Andrew Aiken
5) Rose Ann Aiken (McKeown)
6) Esther Aiken (McCambridge)
7) James Aiken
8) Thomas Aiken
9) Elizabeth Lizzie Aiken (McVeigh)
10) Jane Jenny Aiken (McCrea)
11) Sara Aiken (Mills) [Adopted niece raised as a sibling]
12) Martha Aiken
Family traveled from Illinois, Arizona, Florida, Michigan...
There were cousins of ALL ages!
There was Celtic music, Family History, Family Photos, Games, Food, Fellowship and a Bagpiper!
Special Thanks to Jim Jerkatis, Peg Perfitt and the reunion committee for a WONDERFUL time!!
Selected Photos from the 2001 Aiken Reunion
Jim Jerkatis-- Reunion "Gatekeeper"
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The Cousins Arrive
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Alex & Sandy Aiken from Arizona & Granddaughter
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Sam McKeown, Jennifer Petkus, Norm McCrea
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New Descendant
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Sophie Thompson
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Generations Together-- Sam McKeown and baby
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Lorraine Jerkatis & Julie and Eric Thompson
Montana & Sophie
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Photos of House at Ballyvaddy
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Jerkatis Beauty Shop
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Bill and Marge McKeown
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Family Bingo Anyone?
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More Family Bingo
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Exterior View of Grounds and Parking Lot
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Mckenna Kozney with Face Painted
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Fellowship 1
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McLaughlins and Rehlings
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Fellowship 2
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Jennifer Petkus is a winner!
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Fellowship 3
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Austin McCrea is a winner!
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Mckenna spins the hula hoop!
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Hula Hoop Games
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More Hula Hoop Games
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Mckenna is a winner!
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Home made Country Ice Cream is yummy!
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Jim and Bill share some memories
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On the Mend!
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Maribeth Adding information to database
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Sharing information about Rehlings
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Colleen, Peg & ? Look at MacRae Picture Book
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Buffet Table for dinner!
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Lanny, Tom and Maribeth focus projector for wall displays
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Hark a McLeod piper!
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Requests anyone!
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Amazing Grace
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macleod@iserv.net
MacLeod & MacLeod
Bagpiping and Highland Dancing for
Wedding Celebrations and Special Events
Instruction Too!
Steve and Bonnie MacLeod
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Helen, Andy and Andy Mills check in
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A Display of the Jenny Aiken McCrea family in Chicago
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Peg McKeown Petkus and hubby Tom Petkus
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Norm and Bill tell stories
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Ellen tells a story
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Norm has the floor
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The Younger McKeown Set!
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Ice Cream, Family Bingo and the Wall!
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Julie Thompson and daughter
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A Wall of Descendants!
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Some of the Wall Photos
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Peg and Bill
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Family Research Information and Maribeth's Montgomery Tartans
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Family Research Information
Some of Maribeth's Books
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More Pictures are Available and more will be posted
If I can figure out how to upload some of my video to the site I will!
If you can identify someone I did not in a picture--let me know
If you have a picture you'd like me to post--just send it to me
mmkasik@aol.com
Report on the Michigan Reunion
by Jim Jerkatis
As the song goes ....".Wasn't that a party?" Thanks to everyone who pitched in to make this reunion the success that it was. Peg McKeown, Tom Perfitt, Maribeth Montgomery Kasik, John & Vicki Jerkatis, Glenn and Ellen Sparesus, Jackie and Bryan Snell and of course my wife Lorraine. Bill McKeown deserves special recognition for being there to supply adult supervision when needed.
A number of people commented on the color coded name tags denoting family branch and the star signifying being born into the family. You can tell that we marry well by the improvement in the breed. A few mentioned not knowing that they had so many cousins. All the more reason to do this again. There were seventy nine (79) people who attended, seventy two (72) adults (over 10 years old) and seven kids under ten (10). There were people in their eighties (80s) and a five week old baby. A good turn out.
Living up to her reputation Sandy Aiken from Lead South Dakota did a wonderful job saying the blessing. She and her husband Alex provided all those neat golf ball key chains for the women and the other key chains for the men. The food catered by Debbie Bray was excellent and the ice cream machine was a big hit with everyone. If you left there hungry it was your ow fault as there was food left over.
How about that presentation on genealogy by cousin Maribeth?! I am so pumped up over that, that I want to go out and get a kilt.
( If they come in my size?) Maribeth's presentation as was said to me was "a real education". I hope the youngsters interest was
piqued to the point where they will pursue the family history. And how about our other family historian Peg McKeown's family tree
display complete with pictures? Wow! We are so fortunate to have people in the family like Peg and Maribeth who have put in a
tremendous amount of work researching the family. And do you know that they want to do more research?! They both have asked me
to forward them the mailing list in order to update their data bases. Any family information you might be able to provide them will be
greatly appreciated. Kids will be able to do some interesting school projects with that information. Being as we are eligible to wear
the "Gordon Tartan" we should show up at the next reunion in KILTS. Mel Gibson ....Eat your heart out! Speaking of "Kilts" how about
that Piper Steve MacLeod?! Wasn't he something?! Steve parked his car down the road in a neighbor's
driveway and marched down Briggs road playing the pipes! They'll be talking of that for some time in Yankee Springs! Steve's playing
caused people driving by to pull over and watch. His entrance into the hall was very theatrical. Montana Thompson (my grandson) was
mesmerized. Montana was running all over prior to Steve's entrance and all during Steve's performance Montana was transfixed.
Steve's playing and explanation of the pipes caused some to follow him out of the hall when he left seeking his business card. Deb
McKeown talked with Steve at length about teaching of pipes etc. Wouldn't that be great to have a McKeown "Bagpiper". We've got
the right name. Steve told me that he really enjoyed playing for us as he said "he felt home" with names like McKeown, McCrea,
McCambridge, Montgomery, Aicken. Steve is the "Pipe Major" for the Kalamazoo Pipe Band and travels all over playing at events
and competitions. I think we'll see more of Steve. Hey .......Perhaps we could adopt Steve. macleod@iserv.net
The old photos displayed on the three fold panel were well received including the ones sent by our cousin Jean Ludlow in Belfast, Ireland, As was mentioned Jean is wanting to connect with other family members here in America. Does anybody know the whereabouts of,
what happened to, or how to get in touch with those connected to : 1. Jane, (Jennie) Aiken, born 15 September 1875. She emigrated
from Londonderry, date unknown. Married Ephraim Newcomb and had a large family. 2. John Aiken, born 14 November 1878.....said to
have gone to Chicago. 3. William Lowry, born 10 February,1883, died June 1963 in South Carolina, married ? O'Boyle 4. Alexander
Aiken, born 25 September 1886, died 1951, Hammond Indiana. Married: Martha Smith 1911. Children: Sarah, William Eleanor, Betty. 5.
Maggie Aiken, born 8 December 1890. If you can be of any assistance cousin Jean can be reached at: Mrs. Jean Ludlow, 12 Casaeldona
Park, BELFAST, BT6 9RB, Northern Ireland. or e-mail Jean at < janeludlow@ntlworld.com>
The photo panel also included a picture of me (Jim Jerkatis) with US President, Jerry Ford that people asked me about. The story is, I set up the photo opportunity to get a rise out of my father in law, whom I loved dearly even though we differ politically. I wrapped up a copy of it and gave it to Lorraine's dad as a gift and sure enough he went ballistic. It worked! ......Must be the Irish in me.
Peg McKeown sent me a couple pictures that were also displayed and one of them was of my Uncle Andrew McCrea, looking handsome in his WW I uniform. This made me think of the contribution this family made in serving their country. Wilson McCrea (also featured) fought with Patton's forces in North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Italy against the Nazis. Cousin Dave McKeown fought against Germany's Rommel at Kasserine Pass, North Africa, all major campaigns. Jim McKeown was on a ship in the Pacific as was Bill Rehling fighting against the Japanese. Jimmy McCrea was 42 years old when he was drafted into the service. William McCrea was in the Canadian Army. Unlike the Vietnam conflict where you rotated out after a year those guys mentioned were in for the duration of the war. Next time you see the movies " Patton","Saving Private Ryan" "Pearl Harbor" know that your family was well represented. Some like my dad John Jerkatis had critical jobs (and 4 kids) keeping the railroads running. Others were in industry turning out material and what about those who stayed on the farms to raise the foodstuffs to support all these efforts and help feed the world. A recommended book to read about those times is" The Greatest Generation" by Tom Brokaw.
The next generation of family saw Tommy Aicken in the 82nd Airborne, Norman McCrea in the Army, Gene Jerkatis as an officer in the Green Berets, John Jerkatis, a Tank Commander in Korea and me, Jim Jerkatis 4 years in the Air Force, taking a trip to Ireland and hassling the girls in Europe. Now we have guys like Bobby McCrea jumping out of helicopters into Lake Michigan to rescue people. We can be very proud of all of them! I more than likely missed some, but will mention them at the next reunion.
Did you enjoy the "Family Bingo" sheet? Learning that we have family that worked on the Titanic (not the hull I hope) the Mackinac Bridge. How about laying stones in the fence on the old Aiken farm in Ireland? How many family members can make that claim? A good number of those present played sports at old Thornapple, Kellogg HS, making it the sports powerhouse it was.
Speaking of games how do you suppose Kenny Rogers look-a-like Randy and Ron Rehling managed to win that money in the 50/50 raffle and Vicki too! All three from the same table. Do you suppose that Viking (they wrecked our castles) Glenn Sparesus had anything to do with it? And where did Viking Sparesus get the name Glenn? Isn't that an Irish name? Like in Glens of Antrim.
We have some real talent coming up. McKenna Kozeny was really getting that hula hoop going and brother Brayden (almost 3 years old) was fighting Glenn for the microphone as he had plenty to say! Austin McCrea won a prize early on and asked several of us a number of times if he would be eligible to win another prize as there was a Pokemon set that he had his eye on. He pleaded his case so well that we awarded him the prize for being a cute kid. Austin was so into that thing that I bet he would have sang When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" to get it. A missed opportunity. Jennifer Petkus, Colleen's daughter was a big help. She was noticed looking after some of the youngsters present. You just can't imagine how important that is at an event like this.
Andy and Nancy Mills drove up from Chicago for the day with family and were headed back that way after the festivities were over that same night! Doesn't that say something about how some people feel about family ties?
There were more activities that were planned but people were so involved in conversation and catching up with each other that we never got around to them. Maybe that is as it should be. It has been suggested that we do this again in a couple years and explore doing it at a resort or facility that family can stay at. We could arrive on a Friday, socialize that night, meet for breakfast Saturday morning, celebrate the rest of the day and on Sunday morning breakfast again before leaving...........providing we're still talking to each other.
It has also been suggested that we contact a travel agency to explore a group rate trip to Ireland for those so inclined. Wouldn't that be a hoot! There's a lot of family there would like to see us and can all go lay stones in the fences on the old family farm!
Towards the end of our reunion during the clean up process those of us that were there had a special treat. The vivacious and talented Jamie Kasik (Maribeth's daughter) sang "Danny Boy". It's probably better Jamie didn't perform earlier as we would have been slobbering all over each other. I was at the back of the room and could hardly contain myself.
The table cloth that was autographed had some interesting comments that follow:
* May this be the start of something big!
* God bless the Irish.
* Great Gathering!
* Thanks for the memories!
* A Great time for all!
* Who are all these people??
* Thanks for the work. A great education today.
* The luck of the Irish brought us together today!
* The measure of wealth, is measured by the quality of one's family and friends. We are all truly very rich!
* What a wonderful family, with love.......
* A wonderful party. May we have many more good times together.
* Keep those Irish eyes smiling.--Till we meet again
* Glad we could be here. Lets' do it again!
* Enjoyed meeting the rest of the family. Lets' do it again!
* A very memorable time.
* God Bless!!
* Enjoyed the entire program. Met a lot of nice people.
* Truly agree with what Alex said above. With God's best and speed. Keep looking up.
* To those who have gone before, may they be there to greet us..... at heaven's door.
* Plus signatures and shamrocks.
I leave you with this Irish Blessing:
May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your window pane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
Affectionately.............Jimmy
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Montgomery-Linn Reunions are held the Third Sunday of Each September at 12:00 noon until about 4:00pm
in Mt. Auburn, Illinois at the Community Center... All are welcome! The meal is Potluck... Bring a dish to share and your own place settings and beverages. Coffee is provided. A free will donation is collected at the end of the day to help defer costs of renting the community center. Come for fellowship, sharing, remembrances and a brief business meeting. There are games and activities for small children. This reunion celebrates the memory of the union of Jane Ann Linn and Levi Montgomery; their descendants and ancestors. These reunions began on the farm of Jane Ann Linn in the early 1900s and have continued annually ever since. Records of these reunions are held by the family historian, family secretary and at the Christian County Historical Society located in Taylorville, Illinois.
.
Some of the Surnames associated with this family line are
Linn, Montgomery, Younker, Householder, Bailey, Whiteside, Whitsell, Henderson, Cole, Kohl
Jane Ann Linn and Levi Montgomery had the following children:
1) Arthur Montgomery
2) Mary Elizabeth Montgomery (Younker)
3) Joseph Edward Montgomery
4) Thomas Albert Montgomery
5) Hiram Linn Montgomery
6) Effaline Jane Montgomery
7) Clinton Levi Montgomery
Letter from Daniel Lynn to Joseph Lynn 1/4/1907
This picture of Joe Linn is part of my personal collection... Notice the difference in the spelling of Linn/Lynn
Plaque Given to Oldest Female Present
Fellowship
Gathering of Descendants
Annual Business Meeting
Officers 2000-2001
Fellowship
Chester Wood
Plaque and Cane Recipients
Alice Hamilton Chester Wood
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