First Post - A New Way to Connect

Hello Everybody! I am finally getting around to following up on our reunion. We had a great time. It was great to see so many of you! And THANK YOU to Craig and Suzann for the over-the-top delicious food and hospitality!

Here are some of the follow-up items that we will be working on, between now and the summer of 12:

* Research the land deal that transferred John New Martin's property, eventually ending up owned by the City of Dallas. Where is his grave? Is there a memorial marker? John New Martin is my great-great-great grandfather, so I'll have you work out his relationship to you. I have come across a number of distant cousins that would like to help on this project. In 2012, we might do a day-trip to Denton, Texas, for a memorial and dedication service for our grandfather.

* Purchase markers for Rachel Mary Martin, to be placed next to John Dudley in the Sans Bois Cemetery, and one for John Dudley, to be placed next to Rachel Mary, in Shamrock. Update other markers, like the ones for Louisa Tolley Martin, and Lizzie Martin. We might also send a work detail out to the family plot, as well. Our cousin, Malinda (can't remember her last name, but she is James Bolinger's - who came to Suzann's for dinner) daughter, said she would research the cemetery, in search of Mattie Clemons' grave, and others.

* Build the John and Rachel Martin family. We have come a long way, but there are still others that we need to reach. We hope to have connected to more members of Uncle George's family, as well as our Hicks cousins, by then. I am going to follow up with Louise, Michele, and Joe on this one.

* DVD of the reunion. Louise is at work on this. I look forward to getting the DVD! If you have pictures to share, that you would like her to include, please send them to me or Louise!

* We hope to use a state campground (with lodge and cabins) for the next reunion - and make it much closer to McAlester.

* The 2012 reunion should involve a lot more of our cousins from the James Martin family, and we are working on this.

Have I missed anything? Just let me know!

Gordon


The Mama Martin Message Board. Click here.
Mama Martin's Ancestry.com page. Click here.

Family of Rachel and John Martin. Click here.