Sunday, June 28, 2009

Buncombe County Stroup Reunions 1930-1942



CANE CREEK STROUP REUNION MINUTES

Sept. 6, 1930

The Reunion of the Stroup family, descendants of SILAS and SUSAN HARPER STROUP, was held at the ancestral home on Cane Creek. There were fifty present. This number included the only survivor of the large family of children of Silas and SUSAN STROUP, Mrs. SAMANTHA WHITAKER, aged 84 yrs., the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A bountiful basket dinner was served, which was thoroughly enjoyed. After lunch, a business session was held. Prof. THOMAS STROUP, temporary chairman, presided.
The following officers were elected:
President: PAUL C. STROUP.
Historian: Mrs. P. O. MERRILL.
Sec. & treas. Mrs. R. C. STEVENS.
Chaplain: Rev. S. B. STROUP.
Mrs. J. S. WILLIAMS, Mrs. JAS, made interesting speeches. TOMS, PAUL STROUP, ELMO STROUP and others. Those present registered, giving the names of their parents, which will be an aid in making a complete roster to be worked out in the future.
SUE STROUPE MERRILL, Secretary

Sept. 6, 1931
The annual Reunion of the descendants of SILAS and SUSAN HARPER STROUP was held at the old homestead on Cane Creek, which is now the residence of C. L. WHITAKER and family. There were more than 100 present.
After a bountiful basket dinner, the business session was held, Pres. P. C. STROUP, presiding. All former officers were elected. Mrs. SUE STROUP MERRILL tendered her resignation as Historian and THOMAS STROUP was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy.
Interesting reminiscences were given by a number of those present. Music was furnished by the Cunningham quartette and string band, after which a local photographer made a group picture.
A sad feature of the occasion was the absence of Mrs. SAMANTHA WHITAKER who has passed away. It was decided to make the Reunion permanent one, meetings to be held annually. The next will be held the first Sunday in September at the same time and place. Those present from a distance were Mrs. RAINS and her son-in-law CARL HOOD, wife and little daughter.
PEARLE KING STEVENS, Secretary.

June 4, 1932
The third annual Reunion of the STROUP family, descendants of SILAS & SUSAN HARPER STROUP, was held at the old home, which is now the residence of C. L. WHITAKER and family on Cane Creek near Fletcher, and was featured by a large attendance, 104 being polled.
Following a bountiful basket dinner spread under the towering oaks, Pres. PAUL C. STROUP called the business session to order. Minutes of the last meeting were read by Sec. PEARL KING STEVENS, after which a memorial was observed for departed relatives, Mrs. SAMANTHA S. WHITAKER and ROBERT CHAPMAN STEVENS. Mrs. J. S. WILLIAMS of Fairview made beautiful tributes to each. The Cunningham Quartette sang their favorite songs. A brief sketch of the family was given.
PEARLE KING STEVENS, Sec.

Sept. 3, 1933
The fourth reunion of the STROUP family, descendants of SILAS and SUSAN HARPER STROUP was held at the old homestead on the first Sunday in September, and featured a large attendance. Pres. P. C. STROUP presiding called the meeting to order. After the opening song "Amazing Grace", led by CLAUDE CUNNINGHAM, and prayer by the Chaplain ELMO STROUP, the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The roll was called, and reports made on the births, marriages and deaths. ELMO STROUP paid a glowing tribute to the memory of JESSE S. WILLIAMS who recently passed away. The song "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross" was sung in closing the memorials.
The election and re-election of officer followed. P. C. STROUP, President, re-elected. Vice Pres.: ELMO STROUP, re-elected. Sec. PEARLE KING STEVENS, re-elected, Chaplain C. R. CUNNINGHAM, re-elected, Historian THOMAS STROUP, re-elected.
A delightful history of the STROUP family, written by THOMAS STROUP and read by the Secretary was the outstanding feature of the occasion. It was an interesting and comprehensive history, showing much research and careful study.....A unanimous vote of thanks was made to the writer of this splendid history....THOMAS STROUP, until recently, has been instructor in English Literature at University of North Carolina, is now instructor at the University of Florida.
PEARLE KING STEVENS, Sec.

Sept. 2, 1934
The STROUP - HARPER families, descendants of SILAS and SUSAN HARPER STROUPE, held their fourth annual reunion at the old homestead the residence of C. L. WHITAKER and family on Cane Creek.... a large attendance.
After a bountiful picnic dinner, J. J. SLAGLE made a group picture. The meeting was called to order by Vice Pres. ELMOS STROUPE, who presided in the absence of P. C. STROUPE who was unable to be present but came later. C. R. CUNNINGHAM led the opening which was followed by prayer led by Rev. M. L. KIRSTEIN, pastor of the Fletcher Baptist Church, and reading of the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians. A helpful talk followed.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read, and also a letter from Rev. S. B. STROUP of Hickory who was unable to be present. The Registrar, EDWIN WHITAKER, called the roll. Election of officers: P. C. STROUP, Pres., ELMO STROUP, V.P.; ELMO STROUP, Sec.; PEARLE KING STEVENS Historian, WILLIAM TOMS, Registrar; EDWIN WHITAKER, Chaplain; CLAUDE CUNNINGHAM, Chairman Program Committee. Appointed to the Program Committee: EDWIN WHITAKER, VERNON STROUP and WILL TOMS.
The Cunningham String Band provided music. Relatives coming fro a distance were welcomed, Mrs. WELDON from Augustus is visiting her sisters, Mr. and Mrs. JAY ...WKINS and family from Great....
(Each person present was asked to write) a history of their parents, giving dates, births, marriages, deaths and descendants, to be read at the 1935 meeting and then be placed in the hands of the Secretary. An outstanding feature of the meeting was the reading of the comprehensive history of the founding of the...family.... which was written and read by Prof. THOMAS STROUP, great-grandson of SILAS, who is Instructor in English at the University of Florida. He was given a rising vote of thanks and asked to write up the history for the next meeting.
PEARLE K. STEVENS

Sept 1, 1935
It was estimated that more than a hundred were present at the 5th Annual Reunion of the STROUPE - HARPER family which was held at the old homestead now the residence of C. L. WHITAKER and family. After the bountiful picnic dinner, the business session was help, PAUL C. STROUP presiding. CLAUDE CUNNINGHAM led the singing, which was followed by prayer. After the reading of the minutes, the President called on Rev. SAM STROUP, Rector of the Episcopal Church of Hickory who was the speaker of the day. This theme was "That Which Endures". It was a masterly address, although he had not been previously notified.
The Registrar, EDWIN WHITAKER, read the history of several families, which were to be handed in. It is hoped that a complete list will be made next year. THOMAS STROUP was unable to be present. His history of the founding of the STROUP family in America was read by the Secretary.....
PEARLE KING STEVENS, Sec.

Sept. 6, 1936
The STROUP - HARPER Reunion was held at residence established by our immediate ancestors a century ago, SILAS and SUSAN STROUP, now the home of their grandson, CHARLES L. WHITAKER. The attendance was not as large as on previous occasions. After a bountiful picnic dinner, a business session was held.
On account of indisposition, PAUL STROUPE, who was present, was unable to preside, and ELMO STROUPE, Vice President, called the meeting to order. After the opening song "Blest Be the Tie That Binds", Chaplain CUNNINGHMAM led the prayer. Mrs. MOLLIE WILLIAMS gave cordial welcome to all in fitting words. Mr. and Mrs. JOHN F. KENNY of Rockville were welcome guests.
Officers elected: Pres. P. C. STROUP, V.P. ELMO STROUPE, Sec. PEARLE KING STEVENS, Chaplain C. L. CUNNINGHAM, Historian THOMAS STROUP, Registrar EDWIN WHITAKER, Program and Invitations, EDWIN WHITAKER, VERNON STROUPE and WILLIAM TOMS.
After singing "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" the Benediction was pronounced by Rev. SAM STROUP.
PEARLE KING STEVENS, Sec.

Sept 5, 1937
The STROUP - HARPER Reunion was held at the home of C. L. WHITAKER...a large crowd attended. After a picnic dinner and a social hour together, a short business session was held with PAUL C. STROUPE presiding. The time and place of the next Reunion was voted to be the same. Mrs. MOLLIE WILLIAMS gave fitting memorials to WILLIAM STORUPE and EUGENE STROUPE. The following births were reported: CARL HOOD, JR., SHIRLEY MARIE STROUPE, NORMA JEAN NIX and KENNETH JUSTICE. One marriage: DWIGHT STROUPE to ANNETTE HASTINGS.
The Family Registrar, EDWIN WHITAKER, read several family lists which were requested to be recorded. WILLIAM TOMS responded to the request with a speech and made a very interesting talk.
It was decided to change the time of the meeting to some time in August, preferably the third or fourth Sunday, on account of the large number of persons from a distance who have to return home from vacations in the first days of September. It was pointed out that the birthday of SILAS STROUP being Aug. 19th, it might be fitting to change to the Sunday nearest that date. A committee composed of EDWIN WHITAKER, WILLIAM TOMS, SUE MERRILL and VERNON STROUPE was appointed to arrange the date for next year's meeting.
Two members passed away during the year: WILLIAM STROUPE and ERASMUS OWENBY. Memorials to them will be prepared and read next year.
IRENE STROUPE ASHWORTH, SEC.

Sept 4, 1938
The annual STROUP - HARPER reunion was held at the home of P. C. STROUPE, SR. 59 descendants of SILAS and SUSAN STROUP were present. A picnic dinner was served and enjoyed by all. This was followed by a song service. LILLIAN STROUPE played the piano and Mrs. SUE MERRELL played the violin.
The business session was then held with C.R. CUNNINGHAM presiding. A vote of thanks was given to Mr. and Mrs. P. C. STROUPE for allowing the Reunion to be held at their home. It was also voted to have the Reunion at their home again next year. Officers elected: President: C. R. CUNNINGHAM, V.P.: MOLLIE WILLIAMS. Sec. Treas.: IRENE ASHWORTH. Historian: EDWIN WHITAKER. Chaplain: J. E. STROUPE.
Members of the family made several talks. The program was closed with singing "God Be With You Till We Meet Again". A social hour followed.
IRENE STROUPE ASHWORTH, Sec.

Sept 1, 1939
The STROUPE - HARPER was held on Sept 3, 1939 at the home of PAUL and ANNIE STROUPE with a large attendance. A picnic lunch was served on the lawn. C. R. CUNNINGHAM presided over the business session.... the following officers were elected: C. R. CUNNINGHAM, President., Cousin MOLLIE WILLIAMS, Vice President; IRENE S. ASHWORTH Sec. - Treas., W. N. WHITAKER, Historian. J. E. STROUPE, Chaplain.
A program committee was appointed to make plans for the 1940 reunion with IRENE ASHWORTH Chairman. EDWIN WHITAKER was appointed to act as chairman of the committee to plan next year's reunion. To serve with him, WILL TOMS, SUE MERRELL and IRENE S. ASHWORTH.
The following births were reported: DOUGLAS STROUP and NORMA JUNE LOCKABY. Two deaths reported: ELIZABETH MC MINN died on April 5, 1938. Aunt ELLEN STROUPE died on Oct. 9, 1937. Talks were made by several members of the family and by two of our visitors, Mr. WASH WHITAKER and Mr. D. S. DOTSON. All officers were elected to serve another year. Mrs. MOLLIE WILLIAMS dismissed the meeting.
IRENE S. ASHWORTH, Sec.

Aug. 25, 1940
The annual STROUPE - HARPER Reunion was held on Aug. 25th at the home of PAUL and ANNIE STROUPE...picnic lunch on the lawn...Rev. HUGGINS, pastor of Fletcher Baptist Church...an inspiring talk, urging loyalty to our people, country and God.... C. R. CUNNINHGHAM, President, presided over the business meeting.... One death reported, wife of E. G. STROUPE. Six births: (....)RA (Laura?) CUNNINGHAM, IMA JEAN JUSTICE.... Marriages: MARIE STROUPE to CHARLES BAILEY.... Officers elected: President: C. L. WHITAKER, Vice Pres.: PAUL C. STROUPE, SR., Sec. Treas. IRENE S. ASHWORTH, Historian: Mrs. PAUL C. STROUPE, JR., Chaplain: BEN CUNNINGHAM. Voted to hold the next meeting at the home of Cousin MOLLIE WILLIAMS.... Secretary to make arrangements for the meeting and to notify each family before the meeting.....a collection taken to cover expenses, amounted to $3.07.
(Deaths reported: MERRELL and J. E. STROUPE. Four births reported: LONNIE LEE CUNNINGHAM, LYNDA MARGARET BOSNELL, JOHN PRESTON BARNWELL and VIRGINIA CLINGINGPEEL. Marriages reported: LILLIAN STROUPE to DON CARTER, SARAH CUNNINGHAM to JOHN YOUNGBLOOD, and JAMES CUNNINGHAM to MILLIE ALLISON. Marriage of HORACE BASSETT, a grandson of Aunt MATTIE and Uncle HORACE KING, was reported. Other members added by marriage were THOMAS HENRY, CLARENCE FREEMAN and PAUL CLING(MAN?).
Officers for coming year: President: C. L. WHITAKER; Vice Pres.: P. C. STROUPE, SR.; Sec. Treas. IRENE S. ASHWORTH; Historian Mrs. PAUL STROUPE, JR.; Chaplain: BEN CUNNINGHAM. It was voted to hold the next meeting the first Sunday in September at the home of Cousin MOLLY WILLIAMS.
IRENE ASHWORTH, Sec.

Sept. 7, 1941.
The 12th annual STROUP - HARPER Reunion was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. R. CUNNINGHAM who gave a cordial welcome to their beautiful shady lawn.
After a bountiful dinner, Dr. RUSSELL gave an address of welcome. Rev. LEWIS gave an inspiring talk stressing child training, recommending that they be kept busy at work. Cousin MOLLIE praised our family, as usual. ELMO STROUP spoke and wanted the Reunion at his home for next year. It was decided that notices need not be sent as all knew the time and place.
C. L. WHITAKER resigned as President and IRENE ASHWORTH as Secretary, and the following officers were elected for the coming year.
Officers elected:
P. C. STROUP, President.
C. R. CUNNINGHAM, Vice President
SUE S. MERRELL, Secretary Treasurer
B. L. CUNNINGHAM, Chaplain.
Mrs. P. C. STROUP, Historian.
The Treasurer reported $2,97. Births, deaths and marriages were announced. A quartet sang, and all then enjoyed community singing.
IRENE ASHWORTH, Sec.

Sept. 6, 1942
The 13th annual STROUP - HARPER Reunion met at the home of B. L. CUNNINGHAM with 51 present. It was a rainy day and many were late getting there. All were given a warm welcome to the comfortable home and a bountiful dinner was done justice to, after which the President took charge.
Minutes of the 1941 Reunion were read and approved. A short report was made of the family's history, to the present number of descendants, was read by the Secretary. All officers were re-elected, and they are to secure a meeting place for 1943. BEN CUNNINGHAM spoke in favor of having it.
Cousin MOLLIE WILLIAMS told of the fine qualities of Grannie STROUP and of Grandpap's being such a fine Christian gentleman...(The place where his parent's graves) was located which was STROUP's Chapel.
All joined in singing "Rock of Ages", "Sweet By and By" and "Blest Be the Tie That Binds", then the closing prayer by C. R. CUNNINGHAM. Some lingered late enjoying visiting with those not often seen. The day was especially enjoyed by those who knew and loved Uncle PRESS and who had not visited the old place since he was there.
P. C. STROUP, Pres.
SUE S. MERRILL, Sec.

Note: The annual Reunions were discontinued due to gasoline shortages during World War II.

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