2015  STROUP/E  REUNION

Alexis, Gaston County, North Carolina

Descendants and Family of Johann Jacob Straub (later Stroup)

Settler of North Carolina, ~ 1760.

Many new attendees in this year, including folks from New York, Connecticut, 

Western North Carolina and Mississippi.   

Whether you spell it Stroup or Stroupe or Stropp or Strupe 

or other variation, 

ALL are welcome!

SEE YOU AUGUST 7, 2016

Stroup Reunion

This is just a quick reminder for those that like to plan in advance. We only have a couple of months before its reunion time. If you do not receive an e-mail or a printed invitation please feel free to come to our reunion in Alexis, North Carolina at the Alexis Baptist Church on the first Sunday of August. We do not have official invitations all are invited. I will be publishing more details later this is just an early reminder. If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to contact me anytime. Your cousin, Mike Stroupe

Alexis Reunion Cemetery Tour

This took place about 10am Sunday morning in the parking lot of the center where the Alexis Reunion was held. We all gather and take a tour of the local cemeteries. Two of the cemeteries are in the woods and are hard to find. We all have fun and it gives us a couple of extra hours to share our tales and stories. I will post a few photos of the cemeteries next.

Mike

82nd ANNUAL STROUP(E) REUNION

82nd ANNUAL STROUP(E) REUNION
Descendents of Johann Jacob Straub / Stroup
Alexis, Gaston County, North Carolina
August 7, 2011


The annual Stroup(e) Reunion was held on Sunday, August 7 in the gym of the Family Life Center of Alexis Baptist Church in Alexis, Gaston County, North Carolina. Approximately 124 family and friends attended this year. This was the 82nd reunion held in Alexis since 1925, with a 4-year interruption due to World War II.

Nancy Quesada, President of the Reunion, called the reunion to order at 1:00pm and welcomed everyone to the annual event. Nancy provided opening remarks, asked that each person “meet and greet” those at their dinner table and that each attendee officially register in our Reunion Book. Those agreeing to an “email invite” to next year’s reunion were asked to note “Yes” next to their name. The officers are hopeful that we can move slowly to electronic invitations in the future which will save our treasury funds. Note: we will continue to mail paper invitations if we don’t have your email address or if you prefer a mailed invitation.

As is tradition, the first order of business was to take group pictures: one picture of those attending who carry the Stroup(e) surname by birth (39 attendees, from the register) and another picture of the entire family. Special “thanks” to Jim McNabb, Rita Quesada-Rodgers, Linda Moss Ballard and others for acting as “family photographers”.

Susan Stroupe Laughter gave the invocation, which was followed by a bountiful, ”covered dish” meal, fit for a Stroup(e)! Fresh cooked vegetables, meats, casseroles, pies, cakes, cookies … Thanks to everyone for participating!

Following lunch, Nancy led the business session, starting around 2:00pm:
1. The minutes from the 2010 Reunion, including the financial report, were read and approved, upon motion made by Bill Stroupe, and seconded by Tim Stroupe.
2. Recognition.
a. Martha Hipp Daniel has resigned as Secretary/Treasurer of the Reunion, a position she has held since 1995. Her dedication and efforts in support of this long-standing event are too numerous to list. A token of our appreciation will be forwarded to Martha in the next few days. Thank you Martha!
b. Nancy publicly thanked our hard-working and dependable “set-up” committee, comprised of Alan and Maria Hipp and Daphna Stroupe Shelton. Their efforts are key to our hosting such a large, successful reunion each year.
c. Robert Edward “Bob” Stroupe’s 88th Birthday. Nancy led the group in singing a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday”. Bob is a first-time attendee from Colfax and descends from Jacob’s son, Philip Stroup.
3. Collection. Alan and Maria Hipp passed the collection plate through the crowd. Following the collection and payment of this year’s expenses, the balance on hand for 2012 is $562.29.
4. The abbreviated “Straub/Stroup Family History” was read by Reunion Vice-President, Sid Stroupe.
5. History Committee Report. Sid Stroupe, speaking on behalf of our history committee comprised of Mike Stroupe, Linda Moss Ballard and himself, provided an update on several significant accomplishments this past year:
a. “Descendents of Jacob Stroup and the US Civil War”. A 90 page booklet, documenting the descendents (grandsons/ggrandsons) of Jacob Stroup who participated in the US Civil War, Confederate States Army. It will be submitted to several of the local museums (Gaston and Lincoln County, Stanley, Cherryville) as well as to the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. The booklet can be obtained by contacting a History Committee member.
b. “Stroup Family Cemeteries of Gaston County”. Another booklet, of about 25 pages, documents the Stroup family ancestors who are buried (circa 19th Century) in the four private, abandoned cemeteries in the Alexis and Cherryville areas. Each cemetery has been inventoried, a brief bio of the deceased has been written and color photos (when available) of all legible grave markers are included. The booklet was used during this year’s tour of the graveyards. It will also be presented to the local museums and to the State Archives for its collection and can be obtained from the History Committee.
c. The annual Stroup Cemetery Tour, preceding this year’s reunion, at 10:00am was a resounding success this year. Approximately 30 people toured three of the four cemeteries.
d. A request was made for volunteers to clean the abandoned Stroup cemeteries. Subsequent to the reunion, Mike Mullins, son of Carolyn Fogle Mullins, volunteered to participate in this endeavor.
e. As a reminder the committee has created and maintains several Stroup websites that may be of interest:
i. Ancestry.Com: “Jacob Straub/Stroup Descendents”. Over 4,000 Stroup(e)s are recorded as descendents of Jacob Stroup. Make sure you and your families are documented! The site is not open to the general public (for security purposes); you’ll need a link to visit the site. Contact Mike or Sid.
ii. Blog: Open to join. We are attempting to post all milestones (births, deaths, marriages) and family stories at this site. Contribute, please! “Jacob Stroup Family”: http://jacobstroupfamily.blogspot.com/
iii. Website, Mike Stroupe, “Stroup Family”
http://www.stroupfamily.com/
iv. Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Jacob_Stroup_Family/
f. A distant cousin, Diana Gale Matthiesen, has created a tremendous website, chocked full of very old family history: “Johann Jacob Straub / Stroup”: http://dgmweb.net/FGS/Stro/StroupJacob-MariaFrensch-Catherine_-NancyHambright.html
g. DNA Project: At least two males in our local family have participated in the Straub/Stroup DNA project, through Family Tree DNA. Both gentlemen “match” the lineage of the Straub family. This test has solidified our genetic link to the Straubs of Germany rather than to Matthias Stroope of Holland. If you would like to participate in DNA testing, contact Mike or Sid.
h. This year many folks brought their old family albums, photos and documents to this reunion. Thank You! We welcome any descendent who wishes to share their mementos at the annual reunion.
i. The History Committee is committed to freely and widely distributing all Stroup family history, including booklets, old documents and photos. Also the committee will create a “lineage / family tree” document (free of charge) for any descendent. Just contact a member by email or phone.


6. Milestones since our last Reunion:
a. Deceased:
i. Ronnie Ray Stroupe, age 53 of Morganton, 16 Aug, 2009;
Jacob > Adam > Solomon > David Chuza > George Oscar > Bonnie Portland > Harvey Agee > Ronnie Ray
ii. Wayne Ladell Stroupe, age 60 of Charlotte, 12 May 2010;
Jacob > Philip > Jonas > Wesley W > Silas L > Beeler Dewey > Winford Ladell > Wayne
iii. Carter McElwee Stroupe, age 27 of Greensboro, 8 Jul 2010;
Jacob > Michael > Benjamin Franklin > Archibald Cathey > William Benjamin > McElwee Monroe > Edward McElwee > Carter
iv. Edna Rae Stroupe Taylor, age 94 of Cleveland NC, 11 Sept 2010;
Jacob > Adam > Solomon > David Chuza > George Oscar > Edna Rae
v. Helen Louise Hipp Groner, age 94 of Belmont, 12 Sept 2010;
Jacob > Philip > Moses > Bartlett > Joanna Ellen Stroupe Hipp > Louise
vi. Lehman Darrell Stroup, age 78 of Kings Mountain, 30 Oct 2010;
Jacob > Daniel > Matthew Wallace > Matthew W Jr > Milton Columbus > David Augustus > Darrell
vii. Nellie James Stroupe, age 90 of Hamlet, 2 Nov 2010;
Jacob > Adam > Solomon > Andrew Jackson > Solomon Augustus > Carl Morris > Nellie
viii. Jim David “Uncle Jim” Stroup, age 86 of Asheville, 12 Nov 2010;
Jacob > Daniel > Matthew Wallace > Ephriam Daniel > Alfred Isaiah > “Jim
ix. Orin Good Fogle, age 86 of Gainesville Florida, 13 Jan 2011;
Jacob > Philip > Moses > Bartlett > William Sherman > Mattie May Stroup Fogle > Orin
x. Linda Carol Stroupe Clarke, age 60 of Lincolnton, 20 Jan 2011;
Jacob > Michael > Jesse Isaac > Wesley C > Wiley W > Luther Wesley > James Walter > Linda
xi. Benjamin “Dick” Shelton, age 82 of Alexis, 29 Jan 2011;
Husband of Daphna Ruth Stroupe Shelton
xii. Ruby Charles Stroup Dale, age 95 of Morganton, 3 Feb 2011;
Jacob > Adam > Solomon > David Chuza > Ezra Andrew > Ruby Stroup Dale
xiii. Janie Ophelia Stroupe, age 90 of Cherryville, 23 Feb 2011;
Jacob > Daniel > Albert Abner > John Michael > John Wilburn > “Aunt Janie”
xiv. Floyd Tew Stroupe, age 85 of Monroe, 26 Feb 2011;
Jacob > Daniel > Albert Abner > Christopher > John Christopher > Samuel Foster > Floyd
xv. Flora Kay Stroupe Huneycutt, age 95 of Valdese, 2 Mar 2011;
Jacob > Daniel > Jacob Cephus > Adam Wesley > John Wesley > Kay
xvi. Helen Lavon Stroupe, age 95 of New York City & Lincolnton, 22 Mar 2011;
Jacob > Philip > Moses > Caleb > Marcus Cornelius > John Dewitt > Helen
xvii. Francis McElwee Stroupe, age 88 of Clinton, SC, 6 May 2011,
Jacob > Michael > Benjamin Franklin > Archibald Cathey > William Benjamin > McElwee Monroe > Francis McElwee
xviii. David Cornelius Stroupe, brother of Floyd Tew Stroup, age 83 also of Monroe, 7 Jul 2011;
Jacob > Daniel > Albert Abner > Columbus > John Christopher > Samuel Foster > David
xix. Herman Clarence Stroup, age 71 of Crouse, 10 Aug 2011;
Jacob > Daniel > Albert Abner > Columbus > John Christopher > Howard Columbus > Herman

b. Births, 2011:
i. Kinley Grace Stroupe, July, daughter of Angel Stroupe
ii. Yates Reese, February, daughter of Josh and Sarah Reese

c. Marriages, 2011:
i. Dana Ann Stroup Garcia, daughter of Hank and Frances Stroup of Raleigh.
ii. Lauren Michele Hipp Hundley, daughter of Mike and Ruth Hipp of Alexis.


7. Election of Officers for term 2011-2012
a. President. Nancy Quesada of Austin Texas was nominated for re-election as President. Motion made by E.C. Clippard. Second by Tim Stroupe. Group unanimous vote “yes”.
b. Vice President. Motion by Sid Stroupe to nominate Jim Stroupe of Winston-Salem. E.C. Clippard seconded. Group unanimous vote “yes”.
c. Secretary-Treasurers. Sid Stroupe was nominated by Nancy Quesada. Tim Stroupe seconded nomination. Group unanimous vote “yes”. Cindy Stroup of Arlington Virginia volunteered to assist Sid this year
d. Family Historian. Mike Stroupe of Rock Hill, South Carolina nominated by E.C. Clippard, Tim Stroupe seconded. Group unanimous vote “yes”.
e. History Committee. Three attendees - David Bartlett Hanna of Charlotte, Carolyn Fogle Mullins of Panama City Beach, Florida and Nancy Stroupe Morrison of Greeneville, Tennessee - volunteered to join the committee. They joint current members Mike Stroupe of Rock Hill, Sid Stroupe of Durham and Linda Moss Ballard of Cherryville.

8. Recognition, Door Prizes and Other. “Runners” for delivering the prizes were Jonathan & Audrey Hanna, grandchildren of David and Marsha Hanna and great-grandchildren of the late Connor Bartlett Stroupe.
a. Oldest Woman: Jimmie McClure Stroupe of Alexis, Age 92 years.
b. Oldest Man: Homer A. Orren of Cornelius, Age 92 years.
c. Youngest Boy: Jonathan Hanna of Sanford, Age 8 years
d. Youngest Girl: Kinley Grace Stroupe of Drexel, Age 5 weeks.
e. Traveled Farthest: Jim McNabb, from Austin Texas (1,150 miles)
f. Door Prizes: Steve Snyder of Morganton, Susan Stroupe Laughter of Hickory, Marsha Hanna of Charlotte, Dustin Holbrooke of Morganton, and Lydia Stroup Sargent of Gastonia.

With the business meeting closed, the Reunion was adjourned.

The next Stroup(e) Family Reunion meeting will be held, as is custom, on the first Sunday in August, 2012.

Hope to see you then.

Submitted

Sid Stroupe
Sid Stroupe CPA, Secretary / Treasurer

Jim Stroupe: a hero in peace as well as in war

Jim Stroupe: a hero in peace as well as in war
by Steve Rasmussen in Vol. 17 / Iss. 17 on 11/16/2010

Jim Stroupe, the 86-year-old World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran who died after being struck by a city bus, was a hero in peace as well as in war. In the spring and summer of 2008, when the battle between Asheville residents and developers over the Parkside condos was at its peak, this man — with a frail body but a strong voice, a sharp wit and a powerful spirit — came every single day, always wearing his veteran's cap, to the old magnolia tree in front of City Hall to help guard it from being cut down. He spoke out publicly against the county's sale of George W. Pack's deeded public parkland to private special interests as a violation of the democracy he had fought to defend. But he also kept a light heart, remarking to activist Clare Hanrahan on July 4, for example, "It's a nice place to sit. The air conditioning won't cost you anything."

When my wife, Lady Passion, and I lived for three months under the tree, Jim and his wife Francie brought us food, coffee and encouragement every day. At one point in the long ordeal, when I was beginning to think privately that our cause was hopelessly quixotic, he told me out of the blue. "Steve, I have a feeling you're going to win this." I asked him how he knew, and he repeated with certainty that he just had a strong feeling about it. Figuring you don't question the gut instincts of a guy who's survived three wars, I took heart from that day forward; and of course he proved right. When Pack's descendants won their lawsuit against the sale in superior court, he said to Lady Passion, with tears in his eyes, "All my buddies that died in all the wars I've fought did not die in vain because of what happened today."

Nor was Jim's death in vain, if it saves Asheville citizens' lives by calling attention to the apparently lax safety practices of the multinational transit corporation that holds the contract for our city's transit fleet.

— Steve RasmussenAsheville

Cherryville Museum Visit

On Sat. before the Stroup reunion in Alexis, a small group met at the Cherryville Museum. Several people had not been back to Cherryville in a number of years. My Uncle Jim (87 years young) entertained everyone with his tales of the different Cherryville families. His memory is sharp as a tack and is a great source of information on Cherryville families starting about 1920. The Cherryville Museum is a great source of information on the early years of Cherryville. I find new information EVERY time I visit.

Mike

New Name on Ancestry

When I started my tree on Ancestry I had no clue it was going to evolve into what it is today. As time went on several branches felt “put out” by the name “Stroups of Cherryville”. So, this morning I have changed the name to “Jacob Stroup/Straub Descendents” which I feel is more fitting. As Pam says “All roads lead back to Jacob Stroup”.
Mike

Early Reunion Photos

Here are some early photos. I’m sure there will be more to come. It will take a little time to identify everyone. We had about 114 attended and 32 of them were born as Stroup(e). Next year I would love to see attendance reach 135. Our reunion president Nancy Quesada sent these photos to me. Thank you Nancy. I feel like a real dunce, I had a camcorder in my car but with only one eye I was not able to operate it. As I said more to come.

Mike

Early Reunion Thoughts

Wow it took me a full day to recover. I want to start by saying I want to thank from the bottom of my heart those who traveled a great distant to attend. I am not going to name names because I will surely forget one of my dear friends. I had a fabulous time and pretty sure everyone else did. We are pretty sure the attendance increased from the previous year. Of course the food was fabulous as usual. My problem with the food is I get so excited my appetite is gone once the action starts. Gosh it is hard to put all my feelings into words. I’m pretty sure everyone enjoyed the early morning cemetery tour. I know I did.
Ok I lied because I want to thank Sid for the great job he did. He continuously had a crowd checking out his family trees. I got more Stroup hugs Sunday than I have had in years. Hope it’s enough to last me until next year. As a lot of you know some of us met on Saturday in Cherryville and we went to the museum and Mt Zion Cemetery, so we spent a half a day together. Then on Sunday my sister and I arrived at Alexis Church at 9:30 and were the last to leave that afternoon, so that means I spent 12 hours with dear friends. What I’m getting at here is it was too damn short!
A special thanks to my sister Jane for driving me to all these events. She is a sweetheart for putting up with this blind in one eye fellow. I will be posting more as I get the minutes and photos. I love all my dear cousins.
Mike Stroupe

Anderson Stroupe

Anderson Stroupe was born Feb. 12, 1852 son of Solomon Leander Stroup and wife, nee Nancy Caroline Senter. Part of his farm at Hoyle's Creek had belonged to his father, who inherited or purchased part of the large farm of Philip Stroup, Sr. farm, Anderson’s great-grandfather, land that originally belonged to the Pioneer Jacob Stroup who had his first land grant in Nov. 1771.

FIRST WIFE MARGARET KEEVER
Anderson married first at age twenty on Dec. 29, 1872 Margaret Keever by whom he had one child, Margaret Caroline, but this wife either died in childbirth or when their child was small.

SECOND WIFE, REBECCA MORRIS
On Aug. 15, 1875 Anderson married Rebecca M. Morris, sister to Rev. John F. Morris who married Anderson’s sister Frances Catherine “Fanny” Stroup. Rebecca became stepmother to little Margaret, then bore nine children of her own between 1876 and 1893 when she also died.

THIRD WIFE, CALLIE JEANETTE STROUP
About 1908 Anderson married his cousin Callie Jeanette Stroup (13 Jul 1874, 19 May 1909) as his third wife. She was daughter of Bartlett Stroup, (who had also married as a cousin his third wife, Susannah, daughter of Solomon Stroup and Nancy Haskins.
Callie Jeanette had a daughter born 14 May 1909, an infant named Callie Viola Stroupe, but mother Callie died four days later on 19 May 1909, and was buried at Mt. Zion Baptist Church cemetery. The infant Callie was “wet-nursed” by a neighbor along with her own infant, and survived.
Although it's possible that Anderson married a fourth time, he apparently had no other children. He died at age 74 on June 22, 1926 and is buried in Alexis, NC.

ANDERSON STROUP'S CHILDREN
By 1st wife Margaret Keever:
1. Margaret Caroline Stroupe, b 24 Dec 1873-6 Feb 1920, m. Lawson Lafayette Smith. Children:
(1) Reid Smith.
(2) David Smith.
(3) Jesse Smith.
(4) John Beatty Smith.
(5) Benjamin Smith.
By 2nd wife Rebecca Morris:
2. Zany Stroupe, 1876.
3. James Vinson “Jim” STROUPE b 14 June 1879-28 Aug 1966. Married Edna Nora Rhyne, b 1888.
4. Elby Stroupe, (1877-1877) died infant.
5. Bessie L. Stroupe, b c1883, m. Esband Handsell. Children:
(1) George Handsell.
(2) John Handsell.
6. Mary H. Stroupe, b 16 Feb 1884-3 May 1953 buried Alexis Baptist Church m. Marvin Howard.
7. Minnie Stroupe, b 7 Jan 1887-2 Jan 1951, m Forney A. McAlister.
8. John F. Stroupe, b c1887.
9. Rev. Stephen Morris “Steve” Stroupe (20 June 1889 - 19 Sept 1974).
Steve M. Stroupe became a Baptist minister, serving church in Alexis, Mars Hill, Granite Falls, Connelly Springs. He married 1st, May 2, 1909 in York, S.C. Augie Virginia Lineberger, d/o Coleman Lineberger & Maggie Dellinger. Rev. Stephen Stroupe married second in 1950, Burke Co., N.C. to Minnie Huffman. Children: George Washington Stroupe, Martha Louise Stroupe, Henry Smith Stroupe.
10. Hattie Odell Stroupe (16 Aug 1891 - 2 May 1965), Dallas Twp; m Giles Augustus Rhyne (19 May 1886 - 14 Mar 1979). Both buried Alexis Baptist Church cemetery. Children: 1. Eva Mae Rhyne m. Robert Payne; 2. Pauline Rhyne m. L. L. “Fuzzy” Brown.
11. Thomas Anderson Stroupe (1 Nov 1893 - 10 May 1953), he married Birdie (Bertie) Iona Keever. Both buried at Alexis Baptist Church cemetery. Children: Mildred, Ralph, Virginia, twins Coy & Roy, Jack and Marjorie.
by 3d wife (cousin) Callie Jeanette Stroupe b 13 Jul 1874-19 May 1909:
12. Callie Viola Stroupe (14 May 1909 - 23 July 1993) m. Summy Leroy Hart (8 Apr 1906 – 2 Dec 1960); children: 1. Alice Jeanette Hart 1933; 2. Lacy Hart, b. Nov 11, 1934; 3. Macy Hart, twin to Lacy; 4. Elvy Elizabeth Hart, b. Nov 3 1936; 5. Lee Roy Hart (4 Apr 1937 - 3 May 1938); 6. Marion Anderson Hart, b 27 Mar 1938; 7. Doris Ann Hart, b. 14 Apr 1949; 8. Royce Dean Hart, twin & 9. Boyce Gene Hart, b. 16 May 1941; 10. Max Reid Hart b. Nov 9 1942; 11. Dollie Fay Hart, b. 23
½ Oct 1943; 12. Ruth Eve Hart b. 21 June 1946.


Anderson’s descendant through son Stephen b 1889; Henry Stroupe, Ph D., Prof. Emeritus Wake Forest Univ., m. Augie Virginia Lineberger of Iron Station.



SOURCES
1. Margaret Stroupe (Mrs. Craig) sent a large batch of material she collected, including: "Descendants of Solomon Stroup", with no author's name. "Stroup Genealogy", information from the meeting of a research committee at the home of Pauline Rhyne Brown, College St., Stanley, N.C.
Those present who combined their information included: Callie Viola Stroup Hart, Hattie Odell Stroup Rhyne (daughters of Anderson Stroup), and Giles August Rhyne. This Genealogy was typed by Maude Stroup Breidenthal, daughter of John W. and Orra Stroup. Other information has been added from census and cemetery records.
2. Lincoln & Gaston Co. census records, wills & deeds.

1927 Stroup Reunion

Ok folks! we have exactly two weeks to go. I can assure you of lots of good food and meeting a lot of your cousins. In 1927 there were over 1,200 people at the reunion. Last year we had about 75, I am expecting more this year and would like to see an increase each year. Below is a news article that was written in the Gastonia Daily Gazette in 1927. I find it interesting that even back that far they knew our family started in PA. Enjoy and I'll see you in two short weeks.

Special thanks to Pam Arkney who sent me this article.

Mike

1,200 Stroup Kith and Kin Attend the Annual Reunion

From a Half Dozen Counties or More From S. Carolina

ON ANCESTRAL ACRES

First Settlers of Stroup Name Came From Up In Pennsylvania

By Mrs. Joe Gribble



Dallas, Aug 5 (1927) - An epoebal record was made in the history of the Stroup clan Thursday when approximately 1,200 kith and kin entering up on their seventh generation in this section of the country, gathered for the third reunion at the hospitable and ideal country home of Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Stroup and family. The scene was in a stone's throw of the old Stroup home place near Alexis where the first settlers in this vicinity, and as far as known in the South, lived.

From Lincoln, Catawba, Burke, Mecklenburg, Gaston, Rutherford, Cleveland, Caldwell, Iredell counties they came and from various points in South Carolina to even Old Sol and Jupiter Pluvius joined in a happy medium favorably, withholding the heat by overhanging clouds and subduing the rain until all the events of the day were over.

In the early morning cars began to arrive and find their respective places under the traffic direction of Mr. Paul H. Stroup of Stanley, who placed neatly printed little cards upon each windshield bearing these words. "This car has been to the Stroup reunion has yours?", and by this method 166 cars were there by actual count,.

Throughout this large two-story house with its spacious verandas, hallway and lower floor thrown in suite seemed to permeate an atmosphere of "Welcome" and a restful place for the women folks to congregate exchanging their ups and downs of housewifery, and as mothers. Out upon the broad lawn, men grouped, whiling away the morning hours by general review of the genealogy of the Stroup generations, while the children romped in gleeful play.

At the left of the home in easy reach of the road, as if to invite and refresh weary travelers with its cooling waters, stands the neatly framed well. At the right a large refreshment and cold drink stand was in operation to help defray the expense of the occasion. Large barns and storage rooms denoted the extent of the progressive farming, an outstanding vocation of this race while in the rear and along side of the home as far as eye could see were acres of fruit trees of every variety with some as fine peaches as can be found anywhere.


Rows of large sturdy oaks stand at intervals at the entrance to the broad gravel lawn. It was in this beautiful grove that the 240-foot table gracefully wended it’s way in and out and around the trees, and where one of the most gorgeously bedecked displays of food ever seen was placed. Words are inadequate for a description of that grand array of food upon snowy cloths against a background of a mass of people and with an overhanging canopy of green from the tree boughs.

Rev. W. B. McClure, of Alexis, deeply entrenched himself into this host of Stroups, and who claimed to have as much mouth as anyone there, presided as toastmaster of the day. All stood at attention while two photographers were upon the scene: Shelby, of Gastonia and Hardin of Hickory, engulfing the sights into the photo box. Rev. O. W. Triplette, pastor of the Stanley Baptist church, returned thanks.

The crowd was immense, and so was the food with a gracious plenty for all, partaken of with ease and order, no rush, every one congenially chatting as drumsticks, pulley bones, chess pies, two story custards, and sky-scraper cakes were devoured. Near the table a hogshead of ice-cold lemonade was free for the taking, with nothing omitted that would add joy or comfort to the day or hour.


THE FIRST SETTLERS IN THIS SECTION

Just whether this portion of Gaston was the Garden of Eden or the Stroup clan the forefathers of the Gastonites is a little mysterious to judge, for the first known settlers in this section were Adam and his wife, Eve, according to old records and older deeds, Dutch and German descendants migrating down from Pennsylvania. The biting cold of the northern country and the scarcity of food led this young couple to sell all they had practically, and venture out in search of a better place in which to live, which they felt was further south. A covered wagon held their belongings, the daring young husband and brave young wife and little babe. Time brought them at last to this spot, where the house now standing is known as the old Dave Stroup home, near the place of the reunion, and where four of the sons were present for the day. They pitched their tent for a camping period, and found a luxuriant growth of wild pea vines and dwarf cane covering the rolling country, that meant food for their stock, and the climate to their liking, whereupon they decided to stay. A little home was roughly built for shelter and soon 1400 acres of the land was staked off and claimed, as neighbors were practically unknown, with miles of wilderness between and to this day this original amount is still owned and in the hands of the Stroups, the old John Stroup place at Stanley known to be handed down for more than 150 years back. Deeds recorded showed the period to be in the reign of King George II of England.

Two years later in the spring, Adam Stroup was startled early one morning to hear the clear ring of an axe near his home, and thinking it was possibly Indians, scouted out to investigate, and to his great astonishment upon drawing nearer he recognized his father, Jacob Stroup. They too came cross-country in a covered wagon, had stopped there for the night, and were preparing their meals.



This happy meeting resulted in their going over to take up abode with the son until another home could be built and which was the beginning of the vast host of Stroups of today.

Noted for their strong physique, paramount on this occasion, Thursday, were many of the clan swinging "billy-sticks" and wearing the blue coats and brass buttons as policemen, deputy sheriffs, sheriffs, not only in Gaston county, but in portions of the other counties, and over the line into South Carolina they hold similar positions. Not only that, but every line of profession and outstanding vocations are found among them. Long life also seems characteristic with Mr. Columbus Stroup, of Cherryville, 84, the oldest man present, his brother also being there at the age of 82 and Mr. H. D. Stroup, 71. The youngest one present was the two-month-old little son, William Thomas Brissie of Charlotte, his mother a Stroup.

WOMEN NO WEAKLINGS

Hardy people include the women folks also with many interesting stories of the past and the part they played in the earlier days of establishing homes. No unusual sight then to see a woman swing a sack of two bushels of corn for the mill, and other stunts equivalent. Mr. H. C. Stroup, of Cherryville, was born and raised near this place and lived there until 16. It was during the war of '63 when his father deserted the army and was sought by a guard of Tories. He was not in hiding at his home, but the Tories insisted on searching the house, and as they made a forced moved his mother let them have a pitcher of scalding water, burning one in the face badly. This was the first time any of the Stroups had ever been on trial for anything in this section so far as known. His mother was convicted and fined $20 in Confederate money, which the neighbors made up and paid.

The Stroups have a grand record of law-abiding citizens and are seldom found in any court proceedings.


OTHER HAPPENINGS OF THE AFTERNOON

Good feeling arose to a high pitch and thrills were sent creeping along the spinal cord as the glad hallelujahs were sung by a Stroup quartet from Gaffney, S. C. They were Messrs. Lake and Elsy Stroup, brothers, and their sister and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Parris also of Gaffney. Following a number of quartet selections, Mr. Gainwell Stroup, gospel song leader of Pineville rendered a solo. Then all joined in singing together with an old time swing to "I am Round for the Promised Land" etc, that fairly rent the air.



It was found also that the name Ernest has a rather peculiar fascination for the race as four Ernest Stroups were there and had their pictures made together. Ernest U. of the police department of Charlotte, Ernest L. of Ranlo, Ernest Q of Dallas, Ernest E of Cherryville, with a number of others known to have the same name but not present. Another spelling to "earnest" denotes a characteristic of this people.

THE CLAN ORGANIZED

A complete organization of the clan as it stands today is as follows: President, R. Stroup, of Crouse; vice president, Arthur Stroup, of Stanley; secretary and treasurer, S. A. Stroup, of Stanley; the working committee, John S. Stroup, of Cherryville; Lake Stroup, probate judge, of Gaffney, S. C.; Ezra Stroup, of Morganton; Collie Stroup, of Pineville: Macon Stroup, of Lowell; Will Stroup, of Hickory; Conrad Stroup, of Mt. Holly.


The first Thursday of August, regardless of what date it may fall upon, is set apart for the annual reunion at this same place, of Mr. Stroup, better known as "Jakie" who has lived here all of his life of 65 years, born and raised right here.



The first re-union was held three years ago with only 17 present, the result of a porch talk among several at the old home place while upon a visit. Last year, the second reunion, there were 127 present with this year, the third reunion held with 1200 or more. What may be expected by another year?

Stroup Reunion 2009

I haven't posted lately because Sid and I are getting ready for the big reunion in Alexis. I am bringing CD's of all my Stroup grave markers and another CD of all my Stroup photos. I hope you will bring your old photos with you. I will have my copier with me. Sid is working on a large Stroup lineage chart so all can see their personal branch.

Now don't forget the reunion is at Alexis Baptist Church on Sunday August the 2nd. We will start gathering at about 12:30. I will be in the community building parking lot about 10AM several people have asked me to take them to the 3 old Stroup Cemeteries. If you would like to go with us, meet us in the parking lot.

I have other surprises that I will reveal later, so stay tuned. Please try your best to get to the Stroup Reunion. Sid and I are going to do our best to show everyone a good time. We have to elect a new president so make your vote count.
Mike

Col. Henry Stroupe's 3 Daughters

These are the three daughters of Col. Henry Newton Stroupe (1861) of Arkansas. I will make a nice long blog about Col. Henry Stroupe soon.

Zenia Stroupe was born May 1886 in Arkansas and died 13 August 1945 in Arkansas.

Zinga Stroupe was born 27 April 1892 in Arkansas and died April 1975 in Arkansas.

Zeta Stroupe was born 1895 in Arkansas.

These photos appear to be taken around 1900. David Denman provided these photos among others. David Denman is the son of Zeta Stroupe.