GILPIN FAMILY REUNION NEWS

The 1997 Gilpin Family Reunion was held on June 28th

Glenwood Recreational Park, Mercer Co WV.

In attendance was Raymond & Tamela Dilew, Darren & Carrie Kelly, Anthony & Leslie, Marlena & Jody Neel, MaKayLa & Matthew, William E. & Nancy Gilpin, Ballard D.. Gilpin, William T. Ballard, Violet M. Ballard, Teresa R. Ballard, Andrea N. Ballard, Pat Laudermilk, John & Cloa Gilpin, Tracy French, Larry & Carolyn Carver, Christina Creech, Jason Tony, Josephine Miller, Karen & Vince Epperson.

Wm. Eugene (Gene) Gilpin was voted Clan Leader for 1997/98.

Oldest couple present was John & Cloa Gilpin

Youngest present was Matthew Neal

Patty Laudermilk traveled the longest distance to the reunion

Visiting was Vince & Karen Epperson, friends/neighbors of John & Cloa Gilpin

Tracy French gave a talk regarding moving our Civil War ancestor, Pvt. John Gilpin (born about 1823, died 1864) to a cemetery in Tazewell County Va, where other Gilpins of the family are buried. The cost could conceivably come to $4000.00 or even more. An alternative would be to leave Pvt. John Gilpin buried at Loudon Park Cem., Md., and just build a memorial to him in Tazewell Co Va. This needs further dicussion during the upcoming year and will be discussed again at the next reunion.

Once again our people came up with such delicious food for the afternoon! If I tried to list all the food I would like to brag about, it would all be here, so just take my word for it, it is worth coming just for the food! Of course, there is also "good company" as well, giving cousins, 2nd cousins and even 3rd cousins a chance to get to know each other, or to say hello after many years. If you are not much of a talker, it's a great chance to get away from the "rat race" and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of hills, trees, the lake, and more. For the young ones there is the spacious play ground, for the energetic there is a tennis court. If you are more reserved, you can get your exercise by walking this green summer wonderland.

Anyone wishing further information can e-mail me from the link below.