Madewells slate national homecoming
“No matter how similarly your family name is spelled, you are a member of the Madewell family by blood, by marriage into the family, by adoption into or out of the family with or without formal court documentation, then you have an invitation to be a part of this family gathering,” commented organizer Hershell Madewell.
Madewell began working on this far-reaching family homecoming in early 2000.
“I’ve made contact with about 800 different addresses in over 30 states and proven kinfolks and descendants of John Madewell Sr., or his sister Sarah, who married James Cox on July 7, 1792 in Rowan County, North Carolina,” he said.
His research found that about 1807, John Madewell Sr., and wife Elizabeth walked from Rowan County with their children, John Jr., Charles, Solomon, James, Samuel, Goodman and Christiana, ranging in ages from about 27 years to less than one year. An eighth child, Martha, did not make the trip to Tennessee, but the rest settled an area of White County that later became part of Putnam. These children were raised to adulthood and were married, with two remaining on or near the original Tennessee homeplace while other siblings moved to Van Buren County or on to Arkansas. Madewell believes part of the family traveled west of the Mississippi with the Indian removal of 1838.
On June 11, a get-acquainted icebreaker will feature a fish fry within Rock Island State Park. Activities on June 12 will take place at the Civic Center with entertainment, good food and the formation of many lasting memories. Attendees will return to the park at Rock Island that night for a good time gathering. They will journey to Rocky Point Cemetery Sunday, June 13 where they can walk the same ground John and Elizabeth Madewell had walked with their family, and visit the burial place for both along with other kinfolks. They can attend church on the same site where their ancestors worshiped almost 200 years ago.
Meals for the weekend will be a combination of catered and cook-out, but no pot luck. All the kinfolks are encouraged to come enjoy the weekend without cooking or dish washing.
Madewells and other branches of the family are expected from several states with out-of-state reservations already being made for food and lodging. Arrangements must be made for food, tables and chairs, so please make reservations now to insure you place at the table.
For reservations or more details, contact Hershell Made
well, 102 Anngela St., McMinnville, Tenn. 37110; 931-668-4449; or [email protected].