 Many years ago, when I can barely remember, Dad used to pack up the family to attend the Metheny Reunion. The 1940's and 1950's it was always held near my Aunt Fay's (Mervin and Fay (Metheny) Chapmans farm), just outside of Moonshine, IL. The last time I remember the reunion being held there was in the mid 70's. But what I always remembered, was the Moonshine Store. This is a true fall back into the past. Moonshine is a crossroads in the middle of absolutely nowhere. Situated about 20 miles south of Casey, IL. on a graveled county road sits the Moonshine Store, Population 2. (see photo inset). It is an old time General Store, and has been operating for as long as I can remember. So also I am told that some of the elder members of the family, that it was operating back as far as they can remember. This year on May 16, the Decendents of Sylvester and Maggie Metheny gathered once again at the Cottonwood Community Center for the annual reunion. Read all about the 1999 Metheny Reunion. | |
 As Genealogists we all seek that one illusive family connection. I have been seeking information on my Grandfather Metheny's immediate family. I have posted information on that connection on Genweb sites, and polled all family members I know of trying to locate my Grandpa's brother Riley. In My Great Grandfathers Obituary, (Posted here in right column), he was listed as the only son not attending the funeral, as "he was in the West". Several months ago, I made a connection with another of Grandpa's Brothers family, Perry Albert. Jane Fish who lives near Chicago, sent me copies of hand-written letters that were written by my great grandfather James, when he went to visit Riley in the "west". Seems Riley went west, and his children were left with Dad and Mom in IL. James went out to see how things were coming along in 1885, and again in 1886. Guess in '86 he brought the kids out to Riley and his new wife. (Flora Clark). Riley and his family and his decendents were still a very gray area in my family records. UNTIL just about a month ago, out of the internet world, I received an email from Sue Reber, from Nevada. She had located my website, and wanted to know if I had any information on a "Jim Metheny" from Illinois. Seems her great grandfathers death certificate listed his father as being a Jim Metheny, from Illinois. She had been dead-ended on finding information about her great grandfather's dad and family. Her Great-grandfather was RILEY Metheny. Since then, we have corresponded, and sent information back and forth. Just recently Sue sent me a life story written about her mother, and pictures of her grandmother (plus others). Her grandmother, was Alta Louise (Metheny) Folds, and after one look at the picture, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind they are the lost family of Riley. Next month, for the family records I plan a special story of Riley and his family. Just for starters, and some thoughts: Riley went west, and participated in the "Great Cherokee Land Run" in Oklahoma, in the late 1800's. Though spending most of his life in southern Missouri, he was buried in Jet, Oklahoma. For many who do not know about it yet, the History Center of the Latter Day Saints, is going ONLINE. This will put hundreds of millions of individual genealogy records available online. I am sure that at least for the near future, they will find the amount of traffic will be nothing short of astounding. I have heard stories so far, of people waiting for hours to just get on for a few minutes. As this develops, I will keep you all posted, as that will work well with my Genealogy World Site. And fortunately (or unfortunately as some see it), will bring hundreds of thousands more genealogy seekers to the internet. Just more chances for us to make those illusive connections.
Here's the list for June. I also added anniversaries. Summertime is always good for a birthday party! All of you have a Happy Birthday this month: Anniversaries:
Stanley & Zola Gail Winn - May 22 - 50 Yrs.
To all of you, Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary and many more to come!!
NOTICE: As a last minute entry, the MRR Central Site, and MRR-GROUP mailing list is down temporarily. My Web Host was hit by a malicious hacker attack. It should be back in full operation by Tuesday the 2nd. Thing are taking shape for the Matheny-Metheny Reunion and Memorial Dedication this coming August. We have pretty well gotten the Brochure worked up. Dolores and Farrell are working dilgently, trying to get it together. Donations for the Memorial are coming in pretty well. NEED SOME MORE though! The Memorial stone design has been pretty well decided, and plans are to get it ordered in the next couple weeks. Seems a fairly big group already has reservations at the Hampton Inn, right there near the Aquia Church. Check the MRR site on how to join in. Also how to send in a donation. REMEMBER: All who can donate something will get a brochure with pictures, and a membership certificate, suitable for framing, and passing along as a legacy for YOUR family. Visit the MRR Central Site for the latest Committee news.
| JAMES P. METHENY
 James P. Metheny was born in Green county, Pennsylvania March 11th, 1817, and his parents moved to Ohio when he was eighteen months old. Was married to Phebe Wheeler on January 10, 1839 in Knox county, Ohio. In June 1840, they emigrated to Jasper county, Illinois, and from thence to Crawford county, near Bellair, where he resided until the day of his death, May 1st at 7:30pm, age 81 years, l month and 19 days. To the union was born ten children, four of whom preceded him to the life beyond. The remaining children are Samuel, James, Riley, John, Albert, and Sylvester. All of whom, with their families, followed him to the tomb, excepting Riley, who was in the West. The subject of our sketch, taught school at a very early date, and served as postmaster at the old Zero Post Office some forty years ago. He also served his township as Justice of the Peace for a number of years. He was a man of extraordinary abilities, a wise counsellor, an honest and upright citizen, a kind father, and a good companion. Though never holding relationship with any church, he was in sympathy with them, and much devoted to his bible. He had been failing in health for several weeks, patiently bearing his suffering until the end.
He was followed to the tomb by a large concourse
of people. A host of friends and relatives mourn
his loss. Sermon at West Harmony Church, by Rev.
I.M. Hoel, of Newton. Rita went looking for some appropriate poetry, but couldn't find anything really appropriate, but she did come up with a beautiful one, which is posted here, with a picture of Tina and Doug, taken last year on a trip to Branson, MO.
Our loss is shared by many who care. You're in our hearts and thoughts, and in our every prayer. (Rita and Dave)
The Lord Himself goes before you, and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
As you all know we (Rita and I), maintain several web sites on the Internet. Actually I do most of the web work, Rita comes up with the ideas. (some of the better ideas were her doings). Then I transpose them into web publishing. Visit some of our sites.. and let us know what you all think! Q: What do you get when you cross "The Atlantic", with "The Titanic"?? A: ...........................Halfway!
Q: What do you get when you cross an atheist with a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses??
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Summer is almost upon us. School soon to be out. (Jeff says YEA!!), Grandma and Grandpa say UGH. But we do enjoy the summer. New grandson due in about a month or so. David Michael and wife Lisa have decided on a name: Charles Jacob Metheny. Another Metheny to carry on the name! Guess they will spoil him, after waiting almost 11 years to bring him into the world. We say thats pretty smart! But we get to help in the spoiling. 8-) We ARE good at that!
PROPOSED - AUGUST 14th 1998 AQUIA CHURCH, VA. | Again I thank my information contributors. Diana Jones for the Birthdays. To my wife Rita for her ideas, and the memorial poem. Thanks to Sue Reber for "Finding" me on the Internet. And Jane Fish for the package she sent. I will use that information here! Thanks to to the MRR Committee for volunteering their time and efforts. And thank all you readers! If you didn't come and read all this, my time would be very much wasted! You all have never disappointed me! If you have some info or unique stories, wills or obituaries, send them to me I will put them in ...and, dont forget to email me. Dave Metheny
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