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ROBERT

McKAY

CLAN

NEWSLETTER

Vol. 48 #1 Michael L. McKay, Editor,

115 Morgan St., Winchester, VA 22601

Phone (540) 667-1243 | mike@

Kimberly A. Price, Co-Editor,

66 E 7660 S, Midvale, UT 84047

Phone (801) 567-1190 | kim@

Betty I. Powers, Mailing,

996 Ashby Station Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630

Phone (540) 636-7356 | bippy603@

Circulation 332 22nd April 2007

Also serving Sowers, Kerfoot and other related families.

GREETINGS

Welcome to my third edition of The Robert Mackay Clan Newsletter.

This Newsletter is made possible by the generous donations from its readers. Without you we wouldn’t have the funds needed to produce our family Newsletter. The expenses for the Spring 2006 Newsletter totalled $721.41. We found that we do not have the necessary funds available to produce the Newsletter twice a year so we’ve decided to limit it to once a year. I prefer to do it in the Spring in order to get the information regarding the forthcoming Virginia McKay Reunion out in a timely fashion.

Please consider sending a donation to help us cover the expenses for producing this Newsletter.

NEWSLETTER NOW ONLINE

For those of you interested, the Robert McKay Clan Newsletter now has an online edition through Yahoo! Groups. If you would like to receive the Newsletter as an electronic file please go to this URL:

You will need a Yahoo! ID in order to join and view the Newsletter online.

ANNUAL VIRGINIA McKAY REUNION

(McKay-Sowers-Kerfoot)

Plans for the 62nd annual family reunion announced!!

Greetings cousins,

It's almost time for our 62nd annual reunion (McKay-Sowers-Kerfoot). This year, our gathering will be held at the Travelodge in the 3rd floor banquet room in Winchester, VA on Sunday 24th June 2007 beginning at 12:00 noon with dinner at 1:00 p.m.

Please bring something of interest to share with the rest of us. Tables will be set up for display of photo albums, genealogy records, and other family related items. A wall is available to use as a screen for a projector if needed.

Plan to come early and stay later to meet and socialise and to view the items on display. Also, if you have an item that you would like to donate as a door prize please bring that as well. A reunion attendance card is enclosed for your convenience. Please fill out the card no later than 15th June, whether you are planning to attend or not. This helps keep the addresses in our mailing list accurate.

We will be having a buffet style luncheon featuring entrees of Beef Tips with Noodles and Baked Chicken. The Luncheon Buffet includes a salad bar, potato and vegetable (chef’s choice), dessert, rolls and beverage (tea, coffee, soda). The cost will be $15.00 per person for adults. Children 12 and under are free.

[pic]

Map of Reunion Location

An elevator located at the entrance will take you directly to the banquet hall.

For more information please visit their webpage at:

. Type in ‘Winchester’ and ‘Virginia’ in the appropriate boxes. For those planning to stay at the Travelodge their address is: Winchester Travelodge - 160 Front Royal Pike - Winchester, VA 22602 USA - TEL: 540-665-0685 –

FAX: 540-665-0689. A block of rooms has been reserved for the ‘McKay Reunion’. Price for this is $65.00 for two adults. Kids 17 and under are free. An outdoor pool is available to use.

Tours of two McKay homes scheduled

We are privileged to be able to tour both the home of Robert McKay Jr. & Patience Job and Fairview, the Civil War home of Thomas Buck McKay & Ann Elizabeth LeHew. This is courtesy of the Warren Heritage Society. The tours are going to be conducted on Sunday 24th June, both before and after the reunion. The schedule is as follows:

10:00 a.m. Tour of Fairview: If you want to tour Fairview please meet at the Travelodge (reunion location)'s parking lot where we will proceed south on U.S. 522 to Fairview.

4:00 p.m. Tour of Robert McKay Jr. Home: If you want to tour the Robert McKay Jr. Home please remain after the reunion activities are completed and we will proceed south on U.S. 522 to that location. As of this writing we have not been granted permission to tour this home by Front Royal and Warren County.

Saturday evening social gathering

As has been the custom for the past few years, I am also planning a Saturday evening social gathering. This year I have selected the Irish Isle Restaurant & Pub as our gathering place for Saturday evening 23rd June 2007. The Irish Isle is located on Main Street (U.S. 11) in Middletown, VA just south of The Wayside Inn which is about 10 miles west of the reunion location. On some evenings the owner of the restaurant, Brian Coughlin, will get on stage and sing a few Irish folk songs, as well as others you may be familiar with. I've been there several times and enjoy the Irish cuisine.

If you would like to meet on Saturday evening please indicate by checking the appropriate section on the reunion attendance form. For those of you planning to meet on Saturday we will meet at the Irish Isle at 6:00 p.m. Afterwards, other activities can also be considered if time permits. A map is located below for your convenience.

[pic]

Map to Irish Isle Restaurant

* * * Hope to see you at our annual gathering!! * * *

COLLETT-McKAY PICNIC

The annual Collett-McKay Picnic held every year since 1866 is scheduled to be held on the family picnic grounds at the corner of Inwood and Gurneyville Roads in northwestern Clinton County, Ohio on Saturday 11th August 2007 beginning at 12 noon.

To get to the picnic grounds from I-71 take U.S. 68 South and turn right onto Gurneyville Road. Follow Gurneyville Road for about three miles. Picnic grounds are on the left at the corner of Inwood and Gurneyville Roads.

BETHEL MEMORIAL INC. MEETINGS

Meeting and Traditional Service

The annual Bethel Memorial Incorporated Meeting and Traditional Service will be held on Sunday 26th August 2007 at Bethel Church south of Millwood, VA beginning at 11:00 a.m. with a picnic under the oaks immediately following the service. The details have not yet been completed as to whom the guest speaker will be but will be posted on the Robert Mackay Clan website once they become known. Bethel has been the home church for many generations of our Sowers and Kerfoot families.

To get to Bethel on U.S. 50 between the Shenandoah River and the U.S. 340 interchange at Waterloo turn onto State Route 622 (Red Gate Rd.). Follow 622 (Red Gate Rd.) for about a mile or so and turn left onto State Route 624 (Swift Shoals Rd.). Drive about a half mile or so and turn right onto Bethel Lane. Bethel Church is located on the top of the hill. The road encircles the building.

Christmas Carols and Lessons Service

Additionally, Bethel’s annual Christmas Carols and Lessons Service will be held on Sunday 16 Dec 2007 beginning at 5:00 p.m. Our Christmas service has been well attended in the past. Due to the fact that there is no heat in the building attendees should be prepared to dress warmly. The service usually lasts about 30 minutes.

PAST REUNION NEWS

61st Annual Robert Mackay Clan Reunion

(McKay-Sowers-Kerfoot)

Our 61st annual Robert Mackay family reunion was held on Sunday 25th June 2006 at the Best Western/Lee Jackson Motor Inn’s upstairs banquet room with dinner beginning at 1:00 p.m. An exact count cannot be verified as to how many people were present but I estimate around 40 persons where there. A luncheon was served consisting of roast beef, fried chicken, spiced apples, green beans, scalloped potatoes, salad & dessert.

Invocation was given by Archie L. McKay.

A brief business meeting was held after lunch. Recognitions were given for the following: Oldest – Helen Burch; Youngest – Logan McKay; Farthest travelled – John & Helen Kenner from Navarro County, TX with their daughter, Pat Kenner Harper & Cousin William Kenner from Kentucky. Door prizes were given out.

Brief announcements were made: The deaths of Lillian McKay Dudeck, Mary McKay Allen & Bill Powers were noted. President Michael L. McKay talked about a surveyor’s compass made by Goldsmith Chandlee that was being sold that originally belonged to Andrew McKay son of Robert Jr. The asking price was $17,000. It was decided that purchasing the compass was beyond our reach. It was also suggested by Patrick Farris of the Warren Heritage Society about the possibility of putting another historical marker up about Fairview. Everyone present was in favour of this. It was also decided that we should produce the Newsletter only once a year due to the costs involved in producing it. The same officers as last year were elected again to serve. They are: President – Michael L. McKay; Vice President – John W. McKay; Secretary – Catherine J. McKay; & Treasurer – Jeffrey A. McKay.

Prior to the reunion, a small group of us gathered at The Irish Isle Restaurant & Pub for a Saturday evening dinner. On Sunday morning, those interested gathered at the reunion site to travel south on U.S. 522 to visit Fairview, the home of Thomas Buck McKay for a tour through the house. After the reunion, those who wanted, stayed behind to travel again south on U.S. 522, this time to visit the Robert Mackay Jr. home for a tour. This is the first time your editor has actually been inside the old McKay Home. It was a treat and I was able to get some photos which have been added to the website.

140th COLLETT-MCKAY PICNIC, August 12, 2006

D. Howard Doster, Recorder [pic]Collett-McKay Picnic Photo for 2006

(A larger version can be seen on the website at:

)

Cousins from nearby Inwood and Buck Run Roads, some still living on McKay land, could have walked to the Gurneyville Road picnic on the second Saturday in August. Perhaps because of fuel costs, however, attendance was down. Only 191 persons from 12 states made the picnic ten-year photo taken by Travis and Anne Doster Glaze. Refer to Michael McKay’s website for the picture, including everyone’s name this time.

Most persons adjusted quickly to having another vacant spot where a maple tree died. The Inwood table was again set in a different place, and Colletts mostly sat in the shade way to the SE of their former spot. Overall, the well-mown shaded pasture site was again beautiful to behold.

At 103, Esther Doster was again the oldest attendee. She especially missed seeing recently deceased Wallace Collett and Howard Shambaugh, as well as Wilbur McKay, now recovering from a stroke. At 7 weeks, Marilyn Hatfield of Monroe, the daughter of Jessica Mothersole and granddaughter of John Mothersole, was the youngest first-time attendee.

Cousin Kathryn Luby did it! She committed to creating a large genealogy board, really multiple boards, with perhaps a thousand names of the 12 tribes of Abigail and Moses McKay, including the descendants of their four kids who married Colletts in the 1820’s, and she did it! Because some McKay children stayed in Virginia, first cousins fought on both sides of the Civil War, partly because several battles occurred on McKay land there. The 1734 Robert McKay house wasn’t destroyed, and is still intact, because it was a Civil War hospital. The Robert McKay house and the site of the nearby Moses McKay house were sold this year to the town of Front Royal, VA, which wanted the large supply of spring water. Kathryn is still accepting additional names to keep the McKay genealogy current. Who will now update Howard Collett’s 1930 blueprint of the Collett genealogy? Jo Ellen Greenlee let me copy her vast scrapbook collection of Collett memories. I hope I get to copy more scrapbooks next year.

How many sugar camps can you name near the picnic grounds? What a question? Some of us learned that Lila? Inwood and Wallace Edwards had their first date at a chicken roast at Amos DeHaven’s sugar camp near the corner of Buck Run and SR 380. Someone remembered them singing, “Ain’t Miss Behavin.” Helen Louise Stanfield Schneider, now 88, said, “We had the most parties,” at their Harry Nickerson camp on Inwood Rd. Other nearby camps included Bernie McKay on Inwood Rd., Weldon McKay on Buck Run/Gurneyville Rd., Jim McIntyre on New Burlington/Stingley, Francis McKay-Maxine Hamilton on New Burlington/Eleazer Rd., Lee Ames on Center/SR 380, Cliff Hormell and also Will Sayers on Hormell Rd. McKay Collett remembers hearing the Collett “hole-in-the-woods” camp yielded 100 gallons in 1910. I still have the buckets from our Doster Rd. camp. The Shawnee made maple sugar down New Burlington Rd from our present Moses McKay house.

Out of state attendees included Jo Ellen and Gene Greenlee, Colorado Springs, and Ginny, Mary and Raymond Sell, Boulder, CO; Tonya and Jerad Davis, McGuire AFB, NJ; Mestmi Guy Lee Fields, and Ellen Magee, Madison, WI; Max Magee, League City, TX; Michael McKay, Winchester, VA; David, Sally and Alison Sell, Richmond. KY; Carol Collett and Sue Grubman, Redondo Beach, CA; Patricia Giesting and Marilyn Talmadge, Glenwood, IA; Kristin and Darren Morin, Long Sault, Ontario; Nancy Collett Dal Pian, Port Charlotte, FL; Allen, Karla and Jason Inwood, Jr, Lebanon, plus Charles, Chas, Karen and Robin Fabian, Des Plaines, and Fred Maker, Schaumburg, IL;

Annual August Meeting and Traditional Service

At Old Bethel Church

On Sunday 27 Aug 2006 the annual Meeting and Traditional Service was held at Old Bethel Church in Clarke County, VA. Actual attendance isn’t known but I estimated about 70 to 100 persons were present.

Our speaker was Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons who is Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Political Science at Shenandoah University. With regional expertise in Latin America, Dr. Fitzsimmons has taught courses in world and Latin American politics, as well as conducting travel courses to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. She currently serves on the boards of the Winchester/Frederick County Women’s Shelter, Global Justice, One Book One Community Committee and the Chamber University. Dr. Fitzsimmons spoke on the subject of ‘Sagas’, stories compiled by families, tribes or nations to tell of their history.

The Reverend Ann Manson of Cunningham Chapel Parish served as the officiant. Loretta Johnston was the organist, and Ms. Maddie McNeal provided special dulcimer music.

Afterwards a covered dish picnic lunch was enjoyed by all under the oaks.

Annual lessons, carols set at Old Bethel church

By Val Van Meter

The Winchester Star

(From The Winchester Star dated 15 Dec 2006)

MILLWOOD — The annual Lessons and Carols Candlelight Service at Old Bethel will take place at 5 p.m. on Sunday at the historic landmark near the Shenandoah River in Clarke County.

The church building marks the spot of one of the oldest religious structures west of the Blue Ridge mountains. Originally a Quaker meeting house, it was later used by a Baptist Church until 1920. The brick building was built before the Civil War.

“[The service is] exactly like it was 100 years ago,” said Ian Williams, head of the Old Bethel board of trustees. “No water, no electricity and no heat.”

Candlelight is the illumination for the evening and the church is decorated only with seasonal greenery.

The service, which lasts about 30 minutes, features laymen reading passages from the Bible pertaining to the Christmas story, interspersed with carols sung by the congregation.

Ronald Hottle will provide accompaniment on the organ.

Additional music will be presented by the Sixth Dimension Handbell Ensemble, and soloist Nicole Davis.

Anne Manson, rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Millwood and Boyce, will also participate in the service, Williams said.

The public is invited to attend, and flashlights are a wise accessory for walking to the parking areas after dark, he added.

The church is on Bethel Lane, off Swift Shoals Road in the southeast corner of the county. For information, call Williams at 540-667-1266.

— Contact Val Van Meter at

vvanmeter@

Editor’s Comment: The service was well attended. I’ve been serving as an usher for both the annual August Meeting and the Christmas service. For the past few years I’ve had to seat people in the upstairs balcony.

NEWS FROM CARDS AND LETTERS

Daryl and Julie McKay: December 2006.

Dear Friends,

At this time last year, Daryl mused about adding to our family with a third child. Julie, consumed with the holiday madness, looked at him with that look only a wife can give a husband when she is sure the “I Do” couldn’t possibly apply any further. On January 3rd, Daryl flew to San Diego for a business trip. His cell-phone ringing upon deplaning, Julie instructed him to a website for our adoption agency, where a child named Sun Kyoo was pictured. That would be his first view of his second son. We shared our decision with Hunter and Ginny, and their enthusiasm was unbridled. So we ventured forth, signed many papers, passed our home study, all the while praying that “not so” little Sun Kyoo would be matched to us.

Spring went by busily with nervous anticipation. Hunter completed his Elementary School career in June. Ginny said farewell to Pre-School and prepared for Kindergarten. We also learned that Sun Kyoo would be matched with us, so we discussed names, and prepared for his arrival in late summer, or early fall. In the meantime, we looked forward to a vacation up on Mt. Desert Island at Julie’s parents over the Fourth of July.

Ginny and Daryl went up a little early for Dad/Daughter time, and 24 hours later, on July 3rd, Julie called with the news that Tobin Sun Kyoo would arrive on a United flight from Korea earlier than we were expecting –much earlier – in only 3 days!!! So, on July 6th – Hunter’s 10th Birthday and Toby’s 19th month Birthday- we found ourselves surrounded by loving family and friends at Logan Airport as we met our son for the first time. Airports have come to be thought of as cold, mistrusting places – not on that night! The love around us was incredible. We will never be able to properly express the wonder and emotion of that night. Toby immediately joined our family – and by that we mean that none of us could imagine our lives without him. He is a very busy, cheerful and fully engaged member of our household!

Two weeks later, and after two visits with Toby, Helen, Daryl’s Mom, died suddenly of congestive heart failure. This surreal series of events definitely left us reeling and emotionally spent. Helen had a big heart that continued to live in spirit long after it was stilled. She was an amazing woman, so full of life, raising two generations of kids – Heather and Daryl in round one, and then Max, her Grandson, later in life with Charlie. She is sorely missed and the support again of SO MANY was amazing. It was comforting to know that Mom was so loved, and we are recovering from this painful time. We are pleased as well to report that Max and Charlie are doing well, missing her hugs, and they rallied to host Thanksgiving for us this year.

This year we added three more members to our extended family. Daryl’s sister Heather was married this year to Dwayne in a private ceremony on the beach in Florida. They had a beautiful baby girl, Kalista, in September. They plan to move North in April, and we will be grateful for their return to the area. We were back on Mt. Desert Island in October to welcome our new Brother-in-law, Rob. Betsey and Rob were married in a beautiful ceremony in the yard of Julie’s parents.

With all of that news, our “regular” lives are certainly very busy with all of the usual stuff that consumes a lot of our time. Fortunately we are blessed to report that our health and family life is well. Our kids cannot wait for Christmas, and Hunter and Ginny have conspired to only ask Santa for one thing – a dog! A new two year old in the house is reminding us of the joy and wonder of this season in the eyes of a child. We are enjoying this greatly!

We hope this letter finds you at peace, able to enjoy some precious time with loved ones, and an opportunity to see the good in this world.

With Love,

Daryl, Julie, Hunter, Ginny and Toby

Wallace & Dorothy Shipp: Dear Friends and Relatives,

This has been a very unusual year for us. On August the twenty-eighth we had movers pick up our household contents and deliver them to 11240 John Kline Lane, Broadway, Virginia 22815-2687, phone number (540) 896-1194. The Real Estate lady likes the house empty for selling. Our home sold within twenty-four hours after it was put on the market.

The real trauma was getting the house painted and cleaned up for the sale. We had lived at Manning Place since 1952. Gene and Donna attended the schools their father attended when he was young.

We do miss Calvary Baptist Church Friends in D.C. where we have been very active.

Since selling our home in D.C. we have bought my sister’s farm adjacent to our farm for our daughter and granddaughter to live on. Donna is very interested in growing plants. There is a beautiful house with plenty of room on the farm.

In June we had our family get-together at our farm, which is always enjoyable.

In September we hosted the Callaway Reunion in Grantville, Penna. It was a small reunion but it was very good seeing those who attended. When you don’t come we miss you.

This Spring Wally started limping around. His left ankle was swollen and he had some pain on the left side of his back. In August a doctor at Sibley Hospital put cement in his back. Sometimes he says his back is better, probably depends on how he walks.

Each day we count our Blessings.

We hope this note finds you Healthy and Happy.

Sincerely,

Wallace & Dot Shipp.

Richard & Ellenor Gore: Holiday Greetings!

The past year has been spent traveling, not wonderful trips, to the doctors and testing facilities, etc. This cancer is an awful disease, as we all know. During the past years Dick been on chemo therapy, three different kinds, and is currently doing radiation to both shoulders, his cancer has spread to the bone.

After the first of the year the oncologist will determine what our next line of defense will be, but probably more chemo, we are just taking things a day at a time.

We did make some major changes to our home. Removing a fireplace and transforming the screened porch into a wonderful sunroom. We just love sitting out there watching the wildlife. This past year we’ve seen lots of deer, raccoon, rabbits, turkey and even had a baby, orphaned, fox nesting under our deck. We are lucky to have our home in a nice subdivision that is surrounded by woods.

In September Darlene and Kim came to stay with Dick so I could go to a needlepoint seminar in Arizona, I had a grand time and Dick just loved having the girls here with him.

My family will be coming for Christmas Eve and then on Christmas day we will go to Connie’s, where all of Dick’s family, except one, will be for the holidays.

As some of you know, I do procrastinate, as I did getting this letter written. But when we received our first card, from Dick’s niece, I knew why - - I would like to share with you the cover of her card, a Kathy Davis design:

The Greatest Gift

May we break down boundaries, tear down walls and build on the foundation of goodness inside each of us.

May we look past differences, gain understanding, and embrace acceptance.

May we reach out to each other, rather than resist.

May we be better stewards of the earth, protecting, nurturing and replenishing the beauties of nature.

May we practice gratitude for all we have, rather than complain about our needs.

May we seek cures for the sick, help for the hungry, and love for the lonely.

May we share our talents, give our time, and teach our children.

May we hold hope for the future very tenderly in our hearts and do all we can to build for bright tomorrows.

And may we love with our whole hearts, for that’s the only way to love.

We hope that 2006 was a good year for all of you and that the New Year is full of good times with family and friends, good health, peace and many blessings.

Our love to all of you,

Dick & Tink.

(Editor’s note: Richard Gore passed away on Monday 12 March 2007. His obituary appears later in this Newsletter.)

Janney & Jean Wilson: Sorry not to be able to join you. Jean & Janney.

Yvonne S. Schneider: I have moved to Fla.

Doris Irene McKee: Thank you so much for notifying me of the reunion. Sincerely regret, cannot attend.

Julie & Kevin Soderlund: Kevin and Julie with Katelyn (8) and Jeffrey (5) continue to live in Raleigh. They are loving having Julie’s parents (Linda McKay Brown and Herb) living 2 miles away. Kevin travels weekly and Julie home schools the children. They travel and stay with Kevin wherever he currently is during the summers. If plans change we’ll stop by and not eat.

Elizabeth Kay Allen: We will not be able to attend the reunion this year. I wanted to let you know about the death of my mother, Mary Elizabeth McKay Allen. (Her obituary appears in the Obituary section of this Newsletter.)

Richard H. McKay: I talked to Michael McKay some time ago about sister’s death. Mary E. Allen.

Mrs. John W. (Helen) Kenner: We keep hoping (and searching) that someone, somewhere, will know who was the father-in-law of Rachel McKay, the father of Winder H. Kenner. Maybe someone on the McKay side has a family bible or letter or something.

Ella & Paul Corso: Hi Mike, Sorry we won’t be able to attend reunion this year. Enclosed a little donation. Put it where you think it would be best. Say hi to everyone. Best to you, Ella L. Corso.

Pat Harper: Winder H. Kenner & Rachel McKay connection.

William S. Kenner: My Gr. Gr. Grandmother is Rachel McKay 1800-1858, wife of Winder Kenner 1790-1841. They are parents of Thomas Buck Kenner of “Guard Hill” Riverton, VA and Alexander Kenner. I am great-grandson of Alexander. Guard Hill land is a part of the land grant of Robert McKay and Joist Hite. Among our more illustrious ‘cousins’ are: Rear Adm. William Wilson Kenner; Rear Adm. Frank Terry Kenner; Rear Adm. Joseph Carson; Major General Albert Walton Kenner. Will attend, William S. Kenner.

Elwood W. McKay III: I will be bringing photos & genealogy info. on our family.

Gracie Esser: May 31, 2006. Dear Michael,

Thank you for the invitation to the family reunion. I have just returned from a trip to Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, so I won’t be able to attend. I really do plan to come sometime in the future.

While I was in Edinburgh, Scotland, I visited a very old cemetery called “Old Calton Cemetery”. In it there was a Charles Mackay. He was an actor. He died in 1851. Does this seem familiar to anyone? I took a picture of the headstone, so when I get the pictures organized I will send you one. It may not be anything, but just in case.

I hope everyone enjoys the reunion & I look forward to hearing about it.

Sincerely, Gracie Esser.

G. L. Carickhoff: Virginia L. Carickhoff is deceased. Please change your records. G. L. Carickhoff (nephew).

Ann & Bill Simmons & Louise Hutchings: Maybe next year but this spring we’ve just returned from granddaughter Katie FitzGerald’s graduation as Cum Laude from Amherst University and in another week have to go all the way to Brevard, NC for a wedding.

Lois E. Wunderwald: Enclosed money for the Newsletter. I was so happy to see you now have included the Collett McKay Picnic. My Great Grandfather was Levi Duffy McKay, son of Moses McKay. Enjoy reading the Newsletter. Lois Wunderwald.

Donald Stephen Clarke: I hope you got my e-mail. Since last year I got a job in September after being out of work for 29 months at the new Dillard’s Atlantic Station Development in Atlanta. At this time I don’t have a car or the time to go to the reunion. Since I now have some income I thought I would send the Robert McKay Clan a small check. My question is to whom do I make the check out and to whom do I send it? You can send an answer to this E-mail address. It might be awhile before I see it. My computer is the one at the library and with work it is sometimes over a week before I see my E-mail. I hope you all are doing fine. Your cousin, Don Clarke.

Information on where to send donations can be found on page nineteen of this Newsletter.

Doris H. Alberts: My family have grown a lot in the last few years.

Stanley M. Walker: Grandson, Michael Tanner Schmitz, back from Iraq was married to Amanda, December 18, 2004.

Ruth H. Hussey: I hope to see you at the Collett-McKay Reunion in Ohio in August!

Mary Chawla: Anne Elaine Chawla born 4/15/05 to Lee Chawla (my son) & Kristen Chawla. Lee and Kristen have never been able to return home because of Katrina damage.

Minnie Catherine Randall: June 3, 2006 – Michael Jeffery, son of Susan Jeffery, descendant of Thomas McKay graduated from Warren County High School.

Irene L. Townsend: I have passed my 80th birthday and since 2 surgeries on my spine I cannot travel comfortably. Has anyone info. On Margaret Mackay (McKay) b. ca. 1711 dau. of Robert who would share with me? Did she marry Joshua Job? Answer to that question is ‘yes’ she did. Dee Ann Buck’s ‘Tabulated Genealogy of the Shenandoah Valley Family of Robert Mackay Sr. has some info. on her branch. Please contact me and I’ll try and supply you with copies of some of the pages.

Sue Ellen McKay Tyree: Dear Michael McKay.

I returned our reservation for the reunion and I am making a donation for prizes. I’ve also enclosed a copy of the letter in response to me re: my father’s homeplace.

My father was Cyle Parr McKay.

I thought you would want to know of the available help on Dad’s home place. If and when restoration is done, I would have some furnishings to donate for the home. Will the land be cleaned up around the home for access to the land by reunion time?

I saw the house when lived in, but when I was there, fall 2005, the grass was high, deserted vehicles on land, could not get close to the house. It was very upsetting.

I know the smoke house, the spring house are still there in the back.

Thank you for remembering me for the reunion. We are anxious to be there.

Sincerely, Sue Ellen McKay Tyree.

The letter in question was a letter from W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr. about getting the McKay Home listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register and is listed in the News Items section.

George & Judy Klinginsmith: We’re celebrating our 50th Anniv. this year, June 30th. I (Judy) am a descendant of Robert McKay & Ann Brown.

Ann Daffer: Sorry I am missing the reunion. I enjoy the newsletter so much. Thanks.

Betty I. Powers: I might attend the Irish Isle. Just too early for me to know.

Nancy Sipe: Please thank all for the prayers last year. I am doing great. I have all my strength back & can do anything I want. Love to all.

Patricia E. McCoy: Lost her husband on 02/27/05. Her son (Chris) is serving in Navy overseas. Received High honors from C/O on U.S.S. Emory S. Lord. Patricia McCoy Spataro.

Jean F. McKay: Thanks.

Chandra McKay Wells: Michael – We are expecting our 2nd Child (Boy – Brayden) in early July. Sorry we won’t be able to make it.

Ralph & Patsy Shipp: Newsletter looked very good! Keep up the good work. We will be out west at that time.

Sherry Temple: Please remove me from your snail mail list. I will view (Newsletter) online. Thank you.

Erin McKay Turner – Bird: Suggestion – Would you consider holding reunion on a Saturday? Also, asking everyone to bring in & tell about a McKay item. Like Show & Tell.

Josh Taylor: Enclosed is an obituary of my father, J. Eugene (Gene) Taylor, whose great-grandmother was Eliza McKay (May 26, 1812 to February 27, 1882), married to Zachariah James Compton, August 22, 1827, in Warren County, VA. Her parents were Jeremiah McKay, Jr. and Nancy Ann Dickerson.

My cousin, Kay Taylor Long, has compiled the results of Gene Taylor’s research and her own into a family Tree Maker file of 3275 individuals, from about 1547 forward. Still many missing links to fill in, and happy to share information with anyone interested.

Best regards, Josh Taylor.

Lauren McKay: Hey Mike, it was good to see you also. (at Shenandoah Valley Powwow) Here’s all the information updates you need. Terra’s new baby is Brett Thomas Euster, he was born October 20, 2005. I think you already have Bradley Colin Euster’s birthdate, but if not it’s May 25, 2004. Chandra is expecting a boy, he’s due in July. His name will be Brayden William Wells. That should be all the information you requested. I hope everyone is doing well. Talk to you soon. Lauren.

Larry L. S. Bruce: Enjoy the newsletter, very well done. Though I would like to see some history about Robert, Sr., etc. at least what is known. A genealogy section would be good too. Just some suggestions. Keep up the good work. Larry L. S. Bruce. F. & A.M. IU BA ‘86’ Vet.

William P. McKay: Keep up the good work with the newsletter. Thank you. Bill.

Kim Price: Announcing the birth of Seth Howard Price

Friday, Nov 17th 2006. Seth’s grandmother is Katherine Hackney Luby and great-grandparents are the late Howard S. & Lucille (Morrow) Hackney.

Michael L. McKay: And last but not least, I have a couple of births I’m aware of. First of all, my niece, Emileigh Brooke McKay was born on 7th Aug 2006 to Jeff & Heather (Marker) McKay. Jeff is the son of Archie & Catherine (Jenkins) McKay and the grandson of the late Winston & Mary (Robinson) McKay. I was also privileged to meet Matthew Hiram McKay, born 1st Sep 2006 to Michael W. and Kimberly (Courtney) McKay. Michael W. is the son of Beverly T. & Carolyn McKay and the grandson of the late Julian Brownley McKay. Matthew has the distinction of sharing the same birthday as your editor and also the same birthday as Jacob McKay III. Incidentally I have uploaded a few new pictures to the website as well as a stamp less letter written by Jacob McKay III to Joshua Yeo that mentions Moses McKay and lands in Ohio.

NEWS ITEMS

FAIR USE - Doctrine of International Copyright Law



A SOLUTION TO OVERCROWDING

Portable teacher

Ex-Charlotte teacher creates device

to help schools cut down on use of trailers

MIKE DRUMMOND

mdrummond@

(Posted on The Charlotte Observer on Sat, 6 Jan 2007)

Jodi McKay began teaching in a crowded science storage room at Charlotte's Coulwood Middle School. She literally walked on desks.

She received permission to use empty classrooms when other teachers were attending mandatory meetings. McKay became a "floater" -- a teacher without a room. She schlepped her stuff from class to class with the aid of an audio/visual cart.

McKay left teaching several years ago with the birth of her first son, but the floater experience rankled.

Behold her Teacher Trolley, now being manufactured in Shanghai. The former teacher-turned-entrepreneur believes her $900 Teacher Trolleys, complete with fold-away white boards, locking drawers and other teacher essentials, offer one possible cure for school overcrowding. The trolleys should hit the market later this year.

Through loans and an infusion of venture capital cash, McKay has plunged about $250,000 into the product that as yet has no buyers. She hopes to test market the trolley in eight school districts from California to the Carolinas, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, this year.

McKay initially insisted on having the trolleys built in the United States. "But we got a quick reality check," she said. China dominates injection-molded plastic manufacturing, and having the trolleys built domestically would have been cost prohibitive.

"In pursuit of the American dream," she said, "we had to go to China."

The Teacher Trolley serves as a moveable desk -- a secure way for floating teachers to share classroom space with fixed-room teachers.

Dozens of classrooms periodically sit empty every day in CMS when teachers attend planning meetings.

"We can't afford to have classes sit empty," said the 36-year-old mother of two.

And by taking advantage of empty rooms, the district can reduce its reliance on trailers, she insists.

Some 20,000 CMS students attend class in trailers, which cost about $60,000 apiece.

CMS Superintendent Peter Gorman has called for a 15 percent reduction in mobile classrooms by 2010, even as he has pledged to build or renovate enough brick-and-mortar classes for burgeoning enrollment.

"I think it could be a unique tool for helping our teachers organize and deliver instruction," he said of McKay's device. However, "I don't see it reducing the need for trailers."

Reducing trailers by increasing the use of floating teachers is a "philosophical decision" that requires more deliberation, he said.

The district hasn't committed to purchasing any trolleys.

Tom Davis, former chairman of the school leadership team at North Mecklenburg High School, is impressed with McKay's invention. He first saw a prototype several weeks ago during a wine-and-cheese unveiling at Enventys, the Charlotte design firm that helped McKay get her product off the ground.

"I'd be the first to say this is bull----," the retired Air Force colonel said. "But it's simple math. You have to reduce the number of trailers, you have more students coming in, and there's not enough money coming in."

The trolley "can streamline the process on how you utilize space," he added.

The trolley's soft, oversize wheels ride smoothly over bumps. Locking drawers secure student records and teacher notes. The large dry erase board means floaters don't have to encroach on classroom chalkboards and other teachers' space.

According to CMS, enrollment tops 129,000 students. The number is expected to balloon to 187,000 within the decade. The same story is playing out in districts across the country.

Gorman also is pushing for more rigorous science instruction. That's a tough order to fill in trailers and classrooms that lack running water.

McKay has developed a portable science lab version that comes with a sink and running water.

North Meck, for instance, is supposed to have 18 science labs. It has four, according to school officials. New construction to be completed by 2008 should bring the number of labs to 14.

Deb Allen, chairwoman of school leadership team at North Meck and a fan of the Teacher Trolley, said, "We will always have overcrowding and we will always have mobile classrooms. But we also can bring science labs to the students."

One of McKay's prototypes -- a more stylized version than the one she initially drew up -- is at North Meck.

J.B. Royal, the International Baccalaureate coordinator at North Meck, is a former floater.

"You really get to take everything you own with you and you don't feel like you're imposing," she said of the trolley.

Some teachers are territorial and resent floaters using their supplies, she noted.

"I think it's sad we don't have enough classrooms for all teachers to use," she added. "But that's the way it is."

(Editor’s comment: The Teacher Trolley can be viewed at their website: It is scheduled to be on the market in April 2007. Look for it.)

Dirty job:

Once a poor person’s trade, ‘chimney sweep’

is a proud calling for Shane Henry

By Robert Igoe

The Winchester Star

Article appeared in The Winchester Star on

Tuesday 21 November 2006.

[pic]

Shane Henry of McKay Chimney Specialists installs a cap on the chimney of a home east of Stephens City. (Photo by Scott Mason)

Winchester — For Shane Henry of McKay Chimney Specialists, a chimney is a lot like a stocking hanging beside one on Christmas Day:

You never know what’s going to be inside.

“Today, we’re going to be cleaning out a furnace flue,” he said recently as he put on his tuxedo coat and top hat and prepared to call at a home being renovated on Woodland Avenue.

“They may have birds in the chimney or some cracks, so we’re going to put a flue cap onto it and see how it goes.”

|[pic] |

|Shane Henry wheels a large vacuum |

|to a house where he was inspecting |

|the chimney and damper. (Photo by |

|Scott Mason) |

A look inside the home showed cracks that have built up in the chimney, which was constructed in the 1920s and will likely need a new liner.

No one knows what the next call will bring, but Henry said he can count on plenty of customers at this time of year.

“I started getting busy a month ago,” he said. “I have 26 messages on my cell phone today alone that I need to return. We’re very, very busy.

“The first cold snap we get is when people start thinking about us. But I get most of my business by returning calls and getting my name out there.”

Henry began his career as an apprentice relining chimneys, then began sweeping them.

But though he is proud to call himself a “chimney sweep,” he said his job extends beyond cleaning.

“The most common call we get is for inspection,” he said. “There are a lot of people who can clean chimneys, but they need to have them inspected to make sure there are no cracks, no animals. They have to be safe to use. That’s the most important thing.”

And Henry said oil-heated homes need this inspection just as much as homes with wood-burning fireplaces: “Although you may have an oil heater, it still uses an oil chimney for ventilation, and you need to get that checked, too.”

Henry suggested that homeowners with chimneys make the call to chimney maintenance professionals every summer, when fewer people need fast service.

He also recommended that fireplace owners burn as large a fire as possible in the fireplace, since it creates fewer contaminants.

Pressure-treated lumber and other such materials should not be burned in a fireplace, he added.

Henry said the coat and hat he wears on the job are a salute to the commonly portrayed uniform of the chimney sweep in the 19th and 20th centuries.

That uniform has a somber background.

“During the turn of the century, chimney sweep was a very poor person’s trade,” he said. “Often, it was orphans who did it in England. Funeral directors would throw their old outfits onto the street for garbage pickup. Often, these kids would grab the coats and top hats, and that became the chimney sweep uniform.”

Besides being a low-paying profession for the children forced to undertake it, the work was very dangerous, since the children often suffered burns, injuries, and a form of cancer caused by the soot they were forced to inhale.

|[pic] |

|Shane Henry carries a ladder to a customer’s|

|house in Stephens City as he prepares to |

|inspect its chimney. (Photo by Scott Mason) |

Many injuries were also inflicted by their employers, who were often abusive and neglectful toward the children.

After the passage of child labor laws and improvements in equipment, the image of the chimney sweep changed radically.

They were portrayed as happy, kind-hearted dreamers in the popular movie “Mary Poppins,” and kissing or shaking hands with one was considered lucky.

Good luck was also forecast for a bride who saw a chimney sweep on her wedding day.

Henry said sweeps also hope for a little bit of luck in what can be a dangerous job.

“A lot of people don’t realize that chimneys aren’t only tall, but they can put you at an odd angle,” he said. “You can’t have a fear of heights and you have to be pretty sure-footed.”

He uses specialized ladders to deal with uneven ground bases. They are equipped with rubber grips that can be adjusted individually to hold the ladder straight.

Henry said his only close calls have occurred when he used ladders provided by homeowners.

But despite the hazards, he said being a chimney sweep has been good to him.

“I always wanted to have my own business,” Henry said. “I wanted a really well established name and I think I’ve accomplished that. I enjoy working for myself and giving back to the community.”

— Contact Robert Igoe at

rigoe@

Perry McKay weds Amy Pinner

Amy Kathleen Pinner and Perry Buck McKay, both of Winchester, were married at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Berryville by Deacon Edward L. Christianson on Sept. 16, 2006.

The bride is the daughter of Jack E. and Sheila A. Pinner of Winchester.

The groom is the son of Lula B. McKay of Winchester and the late William Buck McKay.

The bride was escorted to the altar by her father. She wore a strapless A-line, cathedral-length gown of candleglo organza, featuring an apron back of satin peridot trim edging and pleated band at the waist.

The matrons of honor were Deborah P. Benavides of Martinsburg, W.Va. and Sarah P. Baker of Winchester, sisters of the bride.

The best man was Matthew S. McKay of Stephens City, brother of the groom.

A reception was held at the Purple Iris of Hartwood in Martinsburg.

Prenuptial entertainment included a couples shower hosted by Kerry A. Davidson of Round Hill and Jaime M. Clark of Stafford, cousins of the bride; a bridal luncheon at Jimmy’s in Winchester hosted by Deborah P. Benavides and Sarah P. Baker, sisters of the bride, and a rehearsal dinner at Wayside Inn hosted by Mr. and Mrs John E. Monahan and Mrs. Lula B. McKay.

The bride is a 1993 graduate ofJames Wood High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University in 1998. She is employed by Valley Health, Winchester Medical Center, as a nurse case manager.

The groom is a 1993 graduate of James Wood High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in teaching from Marshall University. He is a health teacher at Martinsburg North Middle School.

Following a wedding trip to Ocean Sands, N.C. and Saint Maarten, the couple resides in Winchester.

Update on Fairview and Robert Mackay Jr. Home

There has been some activity regarding the home ‘Fairview’ where Thomas Buck McKay, his wife Ann Elizabeth LeHew and their children called home during the Civil War. Patrick Farris reports that the Warren Heritage Society has applied for federal assistance through Congressman Wolf for Fairview, and all calls to him concerning that would be appreciated.

Congressman Wolf can be reached at his Winchester Office at 110 N. Cameron St., Winchester, VA 22601 – TEL: (540) 667-0990 or (800) 850-3463 in state FAX: (540) 678-0402 or EMAIL:

Unfortunately there has been no progress on the restoration of the ‘McKay Home’ which was built by Robert Mackay Jr. at Cedarville. It is currently owned jointly by Front Royal and Warren County. A letter to me written by Cousin Sue Ellen (McKay) Tyree dated 31 Jan 2007 gives us some inspiration as to what can be done with the old home to make it a monument to our ancestors who lived and farmed in this region. The letter reads as follows:

From Sue Ellen (McKay) Tyree: Since the McKay reunion, I have not heard more on any progress towards the restoration of the Robert McKay house that we visited on that very rainy day. I was surprised to see the inner structure in such good shape. I know after much research, that this house is worthy to be repaired and made available to the public to see and know of it’s history. Settlement of the Shenandoah Valley started there!

By the house being listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, it signifies that the property is worthy of preservation. As of June 24, 2005 the property has not been considered for the registers, nor has it been listed. This is very disappointing.

Since the Town of Front Royal and Warren County jointly purchased The McKay House and its 8 acre parcel, the action to initiate the listings and registration of property can be done. If it has been done, I have not been made aware of it; if not, why not? It is known that the acquisition of the property will help to preserve the house and will provide potential for economic development. The state will work with local departments to do all that needs to be done. After the house is in the registers, it would qualify the local governments to pursue grants from the Virginia General Assembly to rehabilitate the house and make it accessible to the public. The Department staff can provide technical assistance on how best to accomplish repairs at the McKay House to help maintain its historic character and features.

I have contacted our new Gov. Kaine and he is in agreement with all of this that came through in June, 2005 and wants to see the development of this property historically as well as we all do. It takes very little action on the part of Warren County to get this rolling.

It would be wonderful to have it announced at the next reunion or through correspondence to all, that the project has begun and that we can look forward soon, to this restoration.

Thank you for your time on this and your continued interest as so many of us have, to have this property restored and a true monument to the courage, faith and efforts of our ancestors.

Thank You, Sue Ellen McKay Tyree.

Letter from Governor’s Office about

Robert Mackay Jr. Home

From W. Tayloe Murphy Jr.

June 24, 2005

Dear Ms. Tyree:

Thank you for your recent letter to Governor Warner concerning the Robert McKay Jr. House in Warren County. The Governor has asked me to respond in his behalf and to thank you for your interest in the preservation of the Commonwealth’s history as it is represented in resources like the McKay House.

The Department of Historic Resources has information on the McKay House collected during surveys in both 1968 and 1991. The surveyor’s opinion in 1991 was that the property appears to be eligible for listing in the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The registers are the state’s and the nation’s honorary lists of properties that are deemed significant for their architecture and/or history. Listing does not require preservation, but signifies that a property is worthy of preservation.

To date, the McKay House has neither been formally considered for the registers, nor has it been listed. In working to preserve the tangible reminders of our cultural heritage, Virginia is mindful of the principles that define that heritage, including a respect for private property rights. Accordingly, listing of a property in the state and national registers is done upon the request of and with the permission of a willing property owner. The Department does not initiate such action without the owner’s support for it. Until recently, the property was in private ownership.

The Department has learned that the Town of Front Royal and Warren County jointly purchased the McKay House and its 8-acre parcel just this spring. We understand that purchase completes a buffer of land around a spring that is located on an adjacent parcel of property. In addition, town and county officials have said that the acquisition of the property will help to preserve the house and will provide potential for economic development. Although decisions have not yet been made about the house or its parcel, the Department’s regional office in Winchester can offer assistance as the town and county consider how best to use the property. The Department can work with the local governments if they are interested in register status for the house. Listing the house in the registers would qualify the local governments to pursue grants from the Virginia General Assembly to rehabilitate the house and make it accessible to the public. Department staff can also provide technical assistance regarding how best to accomplish repairs at the McKay House in ways that will help to maintain its historic character and features.

Thank you again for your concerns about the McKay House. I hope that the knowledge that the town of Front Royal and Warren County have acquired it is reassuring to you and your family. Your interest in the history and the heritage of the Commonwealth is appreciated.

Sincerely,

W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr.

OBITUARIES

Joshua Eugene Taylor

(Submitted by Josh Taylor)

Joshua Eugene (“Gene”) Taylor, 96, died Tuesday January 3, 2006 in Atlanta, Ga. Predeceased by his first wife, Josephine Cooper in 1972, and his second wife Margaret Palmer in 1988, he is survived by his son, Josh Taylor of Atlanta, Ga.; stepson Ben Kingree of Covington, Ga; four grandchildren; three step grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and five step great grandchildren.

A native of Marion County, Mo, he was the son of Joshua Booten and Grace McLeod Taylor. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1931 with a BA degree in Mathematical Science and was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He was a fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and worked for Metropolitan Life in New York, NY and then moved in 1938 to Nashville, TN to work for National Life and Accident Insurance Co. until retirement in 1970 as Underwriting Vice President.

He served in Word War II as a Lieutenant with the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Washington DC and Pearl Harbor from 1944 to 1945. He was a founding member of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Nashville, and was a former warden and active member of the choir. He was a life master in the American Contract Bridge League, an active Lightning class sailor with the Harbor Island Yacht club, and played golf at Belle Meade Country Club

Gene traveled extensively to all 50 states, Mexico, The Caribbean and Europe. In retirement he studied Spanish and traveled and lived in Mexico for a full year. In retirement he moved first to Long Boat Key, FL in 1971, and then to Prescott, AZ in 1977 where he designed and built a beautiful home. His other retirement interests included studying genealogy, hiking , seven Elder Hostel trips , and duplicate bridge. He also enjoyed photographing people and places where he traveled, and meeting new people through his travels and interest in family history. He traced the Taylor and McLeod lines back to the Revolutionary War period and uncovered many interesting stories.

In 1995 he moved to Atlanta to be closer to family, and took great pleasure in seeing his grandchildren form their families and spending time with his extended family. He enjoyed a good drink of scotch, but consistently shopped for the least expensive drinkable brand. When asked, why he did not drink one of his favorite brands, he explained, “…after all, I am Scotch.”

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM at St Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta on January 14, 2006, and a reception will follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Dunstan’s Fund for Outreach and Music. (4393 Garmon Road, Atlanta, GA 30327)

Mary Elizabeth McKay Allen

(Courtesy of Elizabeth K. Harp)

Mary Elizabeth McKay Allen died 17th January 2006 at the age of 87. She was born in Cisco, Texas, the daughter of Percy Warren McKay and Mary Green McKay. She spent her childhood years from 6 months to about 11 years old in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia before moving to a farm near Thurmont, MD.

Mary painted a picture of the McKay home in Warren County, VA that has been displayed at our Virginia McKay reunion in the past.

Mary McKay Allen is survived by her children, David William Allen and Elizabeth Kay Allen; her grandchildren, Molly McKay Allen, Elizabeth Jayne Allen, Allen McKay Harp and Daniel David Harp; and her siblings, Robert McKay, Richard H. McKay, P. Warren McKay and E. Fran McKay. She was preceded in death by her husband, William R. Allen; her parents and one brother, William McKay.

George William (Billy) Powers

(Paid Obituary)

G.W. (Billy) Powers, Sr., 93, of Rockland, VA died Wednesday, June 21, 2006, at his home.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Rockland Community Church conducted by The Rev. Jim Fox, The Rev. Joseph Swack, and Salvation Army Col. Bill Crabson. Burial will follow in the Rockland Cemetery. A reception at the Rockland Church will follow the burial.

Mr. Powers was born on May 27, 1913, on a farm in Rockland (formerly known as Bayard) Virginia. He was born prematurely and contracted polio at birth. He believed in his later years that his disability, or "affliction" as he called it, was an asset and not a liability. Much of his early childhood was spent in Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Virginia Hospital and recuperating from surgery to his legs. Fond childhood memories include swimming at Low Water Bridge, collecting ice from the Shenandoah River in the winter, and making ice cream in the summer with the stored ice. He attended grade school in the one room Rockland School House presently called the Old Rockland School and graduated from Warren County High School. With limited use of his legs and a naturally out-going personality, he became a salesman and started his professional life selling Whitmore Goods door to door. In 1938 he opened a State Farm Insurance Agency and worked in the business for about 56 years (much of the time with his wife) until his son took over the business in 1995. He also formed a farming partnership with his brother, Marvin, in 1943 when they purchased their childhood home and later purchased the farm on which he resided for the rest of his life. In 1954 he married Sarah Elizabeth Fuss, whom he gave credit to making the biggest changes in his life.

He helped organize and was the first president of the Cedarville District Ruritan Club. He was a life-long active member of the Front Royal Kiwanis Club and served as a former president. He was a supporter of the Salvation Army and served on its Board for 42 years. He also served on the Southern States Cooperative Board, was a volunteer for the United Way, and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a life-long member of the Rockland Church and served many years as a Trustee. He had a strong faith and love of God, his country, and his family, and he strongly believed that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called to God's purpose.

He is survived by his brother Dudley Pendleton Powers; his wife Elizabeth Fuss Powers; his two children and their spouses G.W. Powers, Jr. and Mary Margaret Levandowski Powers, and Mary Powers Ryan and Patrick Robert Ryan; and by his two grandchildren Rebecca Kathleen Powers and Amanda Julianne Powers. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry Pendleton Powers and Velma Lucille Sowers Powers, his brother Marvin Dulaney Powers, and his sister Julia Powers Tiahrt.

Pallbearers will be Phil Hartmann, Mike South, Maurice Bowen, Ben Weddle, Larry Dillard, and George Chapman.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Front Royal Kiwanis Club.

The family will receive friends on Friday 5-8 p.m., at Maddox Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rockland Community Church, c/o George Chapman, Treas., 473 Bowling View Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630; the Salvation Army, 357 Cloud Street, Front Royal, VA; or to C-Cap, 117 Luray Ave., Front Royal, VA.

Wallace T. Collett, 91, strived to help others

Activist fought for community, peace

BY REBECCA GOODMAN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

(From Enquirer dated Wednesday 31st May 2006)

Wallace Tibbals Collett, a Quaker civic leader and businessman who helped found the Cincinnati Museum Center, died of respiratory failure May 9 at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Pennsylvania. He was 91.

Mr. Collett was committed to his beliefs and disciplined in working for his ideals, said his son Jonathan Collett, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

A pacifist, he opposed the Vietnam War, participating in demonstrations and vigils and leading delegations to the White House in the late 1960s to urge the Nixon administration to withdraw troops.

After the war, Mr. Collett risked jail and a fine to aid the reconstruction of Vietnam. He served as head of the American Friends Service Committee, which shipped hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of farm equipment and fishnets to Vietnam in violation of the federal Trading with the Enemy Act.

By the 1980s, Mr. Collett was withholding a third of his income tax - the part he reckoned would go for military spending - and sending it to the American Friends Service Committee. The IRS fined him $500 in 1983 for filing a frivolous return. He also served on the board of the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund.

Born in Wilmington, Ohio, on Nov. 14, 1914, to Howard and Mary Tibbals Collett, Mr. Collett received a bachelor's degree in education from Wilmington College and a master's degree in English literature from Haverford College in Pennsylvania.

He taught for three years before moving to Cincinnati to help an uncle run the W.W. Tibbals Co., which supplied candy for vending machines. Mr. Collett oversaw the expansion of the company and, in 1960, was a founder of the Servomation Corp., a national food service company. He retired in the early 1980s.

Mr. Collett also was involved in city government. In 1950, Mayor Albert D. Cash appointed him to the city Planning Commission.

Three years later, Mr. Collett was embroiled in Cincinnati's own McCarthyism scandal when he refused to divulge information about the earlier Communist activities of the city's planning director, Sydney Williams.

Republicans on the City Council asked Mr. Collett and his colleague on the Planning Committee, Henry Bettman - both serving under Charter commissions - to resign for defending Williams. Both men refused. Mr. Collett wrote a book about the incident, "McCarthyism in Cincinnati: The Bettman-Collett Affair," which was published in 2002.

Mr. Collett was a founder and a board member of Housing Opportunities Made Equal and served on the board of the Cincinnati Historical Society. He was at the forefront of the effort to turn Union Terminal into a museum center - an idea that at the time was met with skepticism, according to his son.

Mr. Collett was a member of the advisory board of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

His wife of 50 years, Carrie Hudson Collett, died in 1987.

Besides his son Jonathan, survivors include: his wife, Stella Miller-Collett; another son, Stephen Collett, of Lyngdal, Norway; a daughter, Jane Moeller, of Towanda, Pa.; 12 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held in the fall.

E-mail rgoodman@

Wilbur McKay

(Printed in the Wilmington News Journal on 20 September 2006)

[pic]

(The Collett-McKay Picnic has lost a great and faithful servant. Michael L. McKay)

Wilbur E. McKay, 82, of Wilmington, died Monday (Sept. 18, 2006) at the Otterbein Transitional Care Unit in Lebanon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ada Atkinson McKay.

Mr. McKay was born on the family farm on New Burlington Road, Chester Township, Clinton County, son of the late Albert E. and Ada Mills McKay. He farmed on the family farm for his entire life. He was a board member for Clinton Landmark Inc. for 25 years and served as president for 10 years. He was a board member for Federal Land Bank, Production Credit Association, Farm Credit and Clinton County Farm Bureau. He was a member of the New Burlington Masonic Lodge 574 and the New Burlington Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years. He was a lifelong member of the Sharon United Methodist Church.

He is survived by five children, Priscilla (Roger) Vaughan, David McKay, Thomas (Debbie) McKay, Steven (Roseanne) McKay and Roger (Gayla) McKay, all of Wilmington; eight grandchildren, Bryan Dale Vaughan, David Dale McKay, Sarah McKay, Benjamin McKay, Albert Spencer McKay, Roger Thomas McKay, Melissa Ellis and Wayne McKay; 10 great-grandchildren, Alexandria Vaughan, Cameron Vaughan, Bryson McKay, Caden McKay, Michael McKay, Adeline McKay, Marci Ellis, Kaitlin Osborn, Kendra Scott and Autumn Grace McKay; three brothers and four sisters, Lois (Duane) Ervin, Robert (Anna Mae) McKay, Donald "Dick" (Joan) McKay, Jeanette (Vernon) Musser, Rosalie (John) Beers, Rita (John) Howell, and Frank (Judy) McKay; a sister-in-law, Virginia Griesheimer; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held 10 a.m. Friday at the NEELD FUNERAL HOME, 1276 N. Detroit St., Xenia, Pastors Michael and Nancy McCormick officiating, with burial in the New Burlington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, followed by a Masonic Lodge service at 8:30 p.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Otterbein Lebanon Benevolent Care, 580 SR 741 North, Lebanon, 45036.

Keightley McKay Vanscoy

(Paid Obituary)

Keightley McKay “Kitty” Vanscoy, 84, of Winchester, died Monday, October 9, 2006 at Evergreen Health and Rehab Center in Winchester, Virginia.

Mrs. Vanscoy was born June 26, 1922 in Clarke County, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late LeHew and Nannie Heflybower McKay. She was married to Marion P. “Slim” Vanscoy on November 28, 1945 in Winchester. Slim preceded her in death in 1966.

Kitty graduated from Clarke County High School and Winchester School of Nursing at Winchester Memorial Hospital. Upon Graduating, she worked at Winchester Memorial Hospital and Jefferson Memorial Hospital. But, Kitty’s true love of nursing was in caring for the elderly. She showed her love and compassion by working for many years at Hillcrest, Shawnee Springs, and Bon Air Nursing Homes.

She was a lifetime member of the Eagles’ Women’s Auxiliary and a founding charter member of the Women of the Moose, here in Winchester and she was a member of Virginia’s Nursing Society.

Kitty is survived by two sons: William M. Vanscoy and his wife Susan, of Winchester; and Bruce M. Vanscoy and his wife Judy, of Indianapolis, Indiana. She is survived by seven grandchildren, Kim Vanscoy Oliveto, of Winchester; William M. Vanscoy II and his wife Paula of Winchester; Jamie L. Vanscoy, of Indianapolis, Indiana; Jeremy S. Vanscoy and his wife Ashley of Indianapolis, Indiana; Terry Donald and his wife Kay of Springfield, Virginia; and Anna Marie Rothgeb and her husband Larry of Ruther Glen, Virginia. One grandson, John W. Donald preceded her in death. Also, loving her were six great-grandchildren, Cody A. and Logan E. Glass, sons of Kim Oliveto of Winchester; Jillian G. Vanscoy, daughter of William M. and Paula Vanscoy, of Winchester; Kyle Donald, son of Terry and Kay Donald, of Springfield, Virginia; Cheyanne Donald, son of the late John Donald; and Cheryl Roynon, daughter of Anna Marie Rothgeb; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Also, surviving her are a sister, Ella “Sis” Corso and her husband Paul Corso of Inwood, West Virginia; a twin brother, Kenneth “Bo” McKay and his late wife Lorraine; and Bo’s friend Helen Pehlevan, of Inwood, West Virginia. Kitty was preceded in death by a daughter, Margaret Ann Donald Stewart of Fredericksburg, Virginia and three brothers, Jonathan Walker “Corky” McKay and his wife Dale; Winston “Winse” McKay and his wife, Mary; and William “Buck” McKay and his first wife Mary, and then his surviving wife, Lou.

By being charter members of the Moose Club, Kitty and her husband Slim, who was a Pilgrim, enjoyed going to many conventions and attending the dances at the club. Because of going to all the dances, Kitty loved to wear her big, bold, flashy and dangling earrings and jewelry. She will always be remembered wearing the biggest earrings that she could find! Kitty was very opinionated, feisty, and loved a good dance and party, yet she would do anything for anyone whether it was making applesauce cakes or doing laundry for other people.

Family will receive friends at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Street on Thursday night from 7-9 p.m. with a memorial tribute by the Eagles’ Women Auxiliary at 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 13, 2006 at 11 a.m. with Reverend Pete Wadsworth officiating and a memorial tribute by the Winchester Chapter of the Women of the Moose, at Omps Funeral Home Chapel on Amherst Street. Burial will be at Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester.

Pallbearers will be William M. Vanscoy, II; Jeremy S. Vanscoy; Terry Donald; Freddie McKay; Archie McKay; and Denny Smallwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to either the American Cancer Society or another organization of their choice.

Jaycob Steven “Jake” Price

(Published in the Deseret News

from 14 Oct 2006 – 15 Oct 2006.)

Jaycob Steven Price, 5, passed away on October 11, 2006 while holding his parents' hands, after a six month battle with cancer.

Jake was born July 15, 2001 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to loving parents Steven Brent and Julianne Gibby Price.

In Jake's short life, he managed to live it to his fullest. He was always busy and never slowed down. He had an obsession with all kinds of trucks, and loved to play with his older sister, Ashley. Ashley was Jake's idol; he patterned his daily life and activities after her.

Jake always wanted to be a firefighter or a policeman and always played as if he was. They were his heroes and his life's inspiration. Jake drew his strength from them and their visits while he was sick.

Jake had a natural ability to make everyone laugh and feel loved. He was always running up to loved ones and giving them big hugs or getting into mischief by himself or with his dad. He gave his family such joy and happiness. He was best friends with his sister, Ashley; his dad's little buddy, and always kept his mother entertained while chasing after him. Jake was our own little super hero.

During his brief battle with cancer, he was the bravest and strongest little man. He fought hard and long, in the end, his small body just couldn't keep up with his desire to fight. He influenced many people with his strength, faith, and love for life. He will be greatly missed by all those that loved or knew him.

His is survived by his parents, Steven and Julianne Price; sister, Ashley Ann Price; great grandparents, Ralph and Elda Trane; Eldon and Barbara Gibby; grandparents, Lorin and Janet Price, Rebecca Duncan and Steve and Becky Gibby; aunt and uncles, Delwyn and Kim Price, Mark and Janet Price, Peter and Cheryl Willeitner, Kim Richardson, Michelle Gibby, Brian and Liz Gibby and Mike and Leslie Gibby; and 18 loving cousins. Preceded in death by his grandfather, Michael Duncan.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 16, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Stake Center at 4700 S. 3120 W. Friends may call at Goff Mortuary 8090 So. State, Midvale, Sunday 6-8 p.m. or Monday at the Stake Center from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Interment, Murray City Cemetery.

Ruth Eleanor Sowers

Ruth Eleanor Sowers, 78, of Front Royal died Sunday at The Southerlands.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Rockland Cemetery conducted by The Rev. Gary Heaton.

Miss Sowers was born November 1, 1927 in Success, daughter of Robert Lee and Beryl Meranda Manuel Sowers. She worked for the Naval Education and Training Center in the Anacostia section of Washington, DC. Her position was primarily in the financial area of the personnel office. When the activity moved to Pensacola, Florida, she also transferred and worked in the budget office. At that time her activity, Navy Training Manuals, combined with the Exam Center moved into Ellyson Field. When the Base at Ellyson closed, she moved to the Naval Base at Saufley Field. She worked there until she retired and then returned to Front Royal. She was a member of the Front Royal United Methodist Church and the Warren County Parkinson's Support Group. She was loved and respected by all her family and co-workers.

Surviving are two sisters, her twin sister Louise S. Johnson of Front Royal and sister Myra S. Wissinger of Harrisonburg, twelve nieces; and ten nephews. With her parents, she was preceded in death by seven sisters Virginia Sowers, Alice Grobauer, Mildred Cunningham, Julia Evenson, Kass Malmburg, Katherine Berry, and Jane Alleyne Sowers; and four brothers Henry Sowers, Robert "Bob" Sowers, Charles Sowers, and Edward "Ed" Sowers.

Pallbearers were Gary Bunch, Skip Wissinger, Gordon Wissinger, Tommy Sowers, Bruce Evenson, and Bruce Wines.

Honorary pallbearers were Shane Wines, Ryan Wines, Troy Bunch, Connie Good, Gary Good, Ann Broyhill, Rick Sowers, and Earl Sowers.

The family received friends on Tuesday 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Front Royal United Methodist Church, 1 West Main St., Front Royal, VA, 22630 or to the Parkinson's Support Group c/o Lee Mangene, P.O. Box 523, Front Royal, VA, 22630.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the members of the Personal Care Unit at The Southlands. They all took such loving care of Miss Sowers whom they knew as "Miss Ellie", especially Kim, Tina, Esther, Rae, Jessie, Amanda J., Tiffany, Kathy, Crystal, Nyree, Brandi, Angie, and Amanda D.

Naoma DeOms

(Paid Obituary)

On January 27th, 2007, Naoma Eva Henning DeOms of Winchester, VA, formerly of Parkville, beloved wife of the late Charles C. DeOms, devoted mother of Gary C., and his wife Dianne Y. DeOms, dear sister of Alma M. Harple, Therma Schneider, LaVern M. Brown and Marie E. Frizzell, loving grandmother of Jodi D. McKay and Bryan D. DeOms. Also survived by five great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the family owned Evans Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services-Parkville, 8800 Harford Road on Tuesday 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m., where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Interment St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorial donations in Naoma’s name may be made to Kernstown United Methodist Church, 3239 Valley Pike, Winchester, VA 22602.

Memory tributes may be sent to the family at .

Lucille F. “Mommy Kay” McKay

[pic]

Charles and Lucille McKay

(Lucille and Charles were long time attenders of our annual Virginia Robert McKay Family Reunion.)

Lucille Fiddler “Mommy Kay” McKay, 82, of Berryville, died Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007, in the Godfrey House, Berryville.

Mrs. McKay was born Nov. 8, 1924, in Clarke County, the daughter of Noble and Mary Fiddler. She took care of children in the Purcellville area for more than 50 years.

She was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

Surviving are, two sons, Bill McKay of Round Hill and Gary McKay of Berryville; a daughter, Diana McKay Geddings of Roanoke; a sister, Mary Funkhouser of Winchester; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Purcellville. Burial will be in Hillsboro Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville.

Memorials may be made to the Godfrey House, 210 W. Main St., Berryville 22611.

Tribute to Lucille “Momma Kay” McKay

Compiled by Naomi Laine

(From the Purcellville Gazette dated Friday 19 Jan 2007.)

After over fifty years of caring for local children in her home, Lucille “Momma Kay” McKay died January 2, 2006, at the Godfrey House in Berryville. The following is a collection of memories from those who knew her—a tribute to one of the community’s most beloved women.

Beverly MacDonald Chaisson: “My best friend growing up was Diane McKay (now Geddings). Diane and I went to elementary school together. At least several times a week, I went over to Diane’s house, where there were always babies and kids around. These were Momma Kay’s children. Normally, children cry when parents leave them at the sitter’s. These children would cry when the parents would come to pick them up. Parents would call Momma Kay at all times of the day and night to get her opinion on whether to take their child to the doctor, or how to discipline or correct certain behaviors.”

Memories from Lisa Schnibbe: “I’m a school teacher in the county and also a neighbor of Bill McKay, so we’ve been close to the McKays for years.

Any teacher who left a child in Lucille McKay’s care didn’t have a worry during the workday. She was known for her homemade apple sauce, french fries, and coleslaw. She loved babies and would rock them all day long. There was never a thought about sending the kids to preschool—they learned to share and be kind to one another at her house.

She was even ready in the middle of the night when I left my son there to deliver his baby sister. Twenty-three years later, he was still visiting her: once a week at the Godfrey House, to eat lunch with her. She loved country ham, and at the end of her life that was something he would take her. I think one of the hardest parts of my day then was getting the kids back in the car- they never wanted to leave. I can remember just pushing my two-year-old into his car seat at the end of the day, kicking and screaming from not wanting to leave.” Pat Holden: “Momma Kay and Papa Charlie were true icons of a family that gave most of its life to helping the community.”

Ellen Rowley’s memories: “I remember on Halloween we’d go over to Momma Kay’s house and have pumpkin pie and Pepsi. I remember how my son learned numbers and colors with Skittles. I’m sure everyone thought their kid was the special one to her. And they were right. Her lunches for my son were often better than my dinners. I remember how she was always dressed

immaculately, but she would still get down and play in the dirt with the kids.

She was a strong woman. She had a very close-knit family, but she always had time for gardening and taking walks and going to the playground. She cared, but she wasn’t a pushover. My son wasn’t always ready to leave. Life was good at Mommy Kay’s.

Momma Kay was one of the last old-fashioned grandmas. If kids didn’t feel well, she’d sit and hold them all day. My kids have three grandmothers from my marriage with my husband, but there’s no grandma like Mommy Kay. It was a blessing to have her come into our lives. She was incredible.”

Momma Kay took care of Sev Schnibbe from when he was only a few months old to his second grade year. These are his memories: “I remember picking strawberries. She would make strawberry preserves. She had a huge garden, and picking strawberries was always a big deal. I remember playing

in the huge apple tree on the back of her property. She said the word ‘ornery’ a lot. Anyone who was stubborn, Momma Kay called them ornery.

I had been visiting her for the last few weeks of her life.We had lunch together every Wednesday. She didn’t really want to eat, so I would take her country ham sandwiches. She loved country ham, and I would try to get her to eat it. She would always tell me to eat it instead. Once I started to

eat, she’d ask for a pinch now and then. My most recent memories are of just sitting with her, picking at lunch together.” u

An Era Has Truly Ended!

I was disappointed to return home after the three-day MLK weekend to find that I had received a call from the Gazette and had now missed the deadline to share in a tribute to Lucille "Momma Kay" McKay which was reported in your January 19th edition. As a result, I felt the need to share some thoughts in this article. My family had the pleasure of meeting Lucille "Momma Kay" and her husband Charlie, affectionately know as "Pappy" back in 1988. I was the Principal of Emerick Elementary School at the time and was looking for child care arrangements for my two sons. Ian, was just entering Kindergarten and Andrew was just one year old. The staff at Emerick suggested this wonderful woman who lived next door to the school. I called Momma Kay and spoke to her and the rest as they say is history!

Momma Kay and Pappy were the third set of grandparents for my sons. My parents lived in New York and could not get down to Virginia to see the boys as much as they would have liked to. The McKays filled that void for many years. They loved and adored all of their children as much as they did their own family. At her funeral service, the Pastor noted that a "legend was gone" and that "an era has ended". Momma Kay was indeed a legend in her time. She cared for, counseled and consoled many a young child and their parents. Momma Kay knew when to listen and when to give advice. Apprehensive new mothers often called Momma Kay for her medical diagnosis, and most of the times she was right! Whenever my sons got sick at school, I knew I could se nd them "through the hole in the fence" and Momma Kay would be there to greet them with a loving hug. Momma Kay was a fantastic cook. As noted in the tribute, her hot lunches for the children were amazing. I still could never make cream corn, macaroni and cheese or cole slaw like Momma Kay did. Her kitchen was a busy place, always filled with laughter and conversation. It reminded me of visiting my grandparents in the olden days!

Momma Kay always remembered the children for their birthdays and on holidays. The smell of her homemade cookies and cakes greeted parents as they picked up their children on these various occasions. She and Pappy always made each child feel special. As her son Gary noted at her funeral service, you could always tell who the "birthday child" was, because up until about age three, when you lifted the party hat, they were the ones with the "spit curl" underneath and the red lipstick mark on their cheek.

I am now the Principal at Mountain View Elementary and two of my students here were lucky enough to have Momma Kay as their babysitter too. My two sons are now in college and have matured into fine young adults, along with hundreds of others. On behalf of all of the children (and their parents) who were fortunate enough to be in her care over the years, I want to say thank you to Billy, Gary and Diane for sharing your mother with us. She was truly a very special lady and an incredible person. We will forever treasure the memories!

~ ~ Carol A. Thomson ~ Purcellville ~ ~

Louise Campbell Moore

(Paid Obituary)

Louise Campbell Moore, 85, of Winchester, VA, died on Sunday, October 29, 2006 at her residence at Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury.

Mrs. Moore was born on August 7, 1921 in Clarke County, VA, the daughter of Roy A. and Lola Dorsey Campbell.

She married Woodrow H. “Pedro” Moore on June 27, 1942 in Brucetown, VA. He preceded her in death on July 21, 1996. Mrs. Moore, her husband, and her sister-in-law, Pearl Golden, were the owners and operators of the Twin Diner and later The Golden Kitchen for many years. She was a very active member and volunteer at Braddock Street United Methodist Church and was a member of the United Methodist Women and the Wesley Fellowship Class.

She is survived by two daughters, Sharon M. Byrd and her husband, Tom, of Clarke County and Anne M. “Cookie” Nickerson and her husband Bryant, of Winchester; five grandchildren, Anne G. Buettner and her husband, Jeff, Katherine G. McKay and her husband, Ed, Julie G. Barmak and her husband, Allen, Scott C. Nickerson and his wife, Pam, and Patrick B. Nickerson; three step-grandchildren, Courtney Thoreck, Tommy Byrd, and Amy Cochran; ten great-grandchildren, Zachary Buettner, Liza Buettner, Riley Buettner, Tommy McKay, Mary McKay, William McKay, Taylor Barmak, Macy Barmak, Greyson Barmak, and Celia Nickerson; seven step-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Margaret C. Bly of Winchester, VA. Her brother, Harold D. Campbell, preceded her in death.

A funeral service will be held at Braddock Street United Methodist Church on Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. James A. Hewett, III officiating. He will be assisted by Chaplain Elizabeth Lewis of Westminster Canterbury. The burial will be private.

The family will receive friends at the Jones Funeral Home in Winchester from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2006.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Westminster Employee Christmas Fund, 300 Westminster-Canterbury Drive, Winchester, VA 22603 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, National Capital Area, 11240 Waples Mill Rd., Suite 402, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Thompson S. Wines

(From The Winchester Star dated Tuesday 6 Feb 2007.)

Thompson Sowers Wines, 72, of Winchester, died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, at his home.

Mr. Wines was born Sept. 27, 1934, in Clarke County, the son of George W. and Araminta Wilson Wines. He was retired as a heavy equipment operator for E.R. Neff Excavating Inc.

He and his wife, Dorothy V. Wines, were married on May 17, 1991, in Winchester. Mrs. Wines died Dec. 29, 2005.

Surviving are a daughter, Gaye Cheshire of Winchester; a sister, Lucille Saville of Harpers Ferry, W.Va.; a brother, Howard Wines of Ranson, W.Va.; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Eight brothers and sisters are deceased.

A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Enders & Shirley Funeral Home, Berryville, with Pastor Phillip Roby officiating. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery, Berryville.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Cheshire, Ronnie Cook, Doug Fletcher, Kevin Fletcher, Jon Hawkins, Greg Lambert, Sammy Cook, and Craig Lambert.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Winchester 22601.

Orval E. Ricks

(Sent to me by June Groshong from the

Carter-Ricks Funeral Home) ()

Funeral services for Orval E. Ricks of St. Charles, MO, formerly of Winfield, MO, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 23, 2007 at the Winfield Baptist Church in Winfield. Rev. Mike Ryan, church pastor, will officiate with burial in the Winfield Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Chad Ricks, Clay Ricks, Alex Ruegg, Hayley Ruegg, Paul Thompson and Allen Ricks.

Mr. Ricks, 93, died Tuesday morning, March 20, 2007 at Bethesda Meadows Nursing Home in Manchester, MO. Born January 1, 1914 in rural Lincoln County (near Troy), MO, he was the son of Albert Lee and Estelle Mary Vinyard Ricks. Raised in the Argentville area (near Winfield), he was a 1932 graduate of Winfield High School. He attended Hannibal LaGrange College where he participated in football, basketball and track. After his graduation, he returned to Winfield and operated his first business, a small confectionery. In 1935 he also served as a nighttime keeper during the construction of the Winfield Dam. In 1937 he was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. working out of Hannibal, MO, where he met his future wife. He was united in marriage on May 12, 1940 in Hannibal, MO to Patricia Adelyn Mabry. This union was blessed with two children, Daniel and Christy.

When the country entered the war in the early forties, Mr. Ricks went to work at Atlas Chemical Co. making TNT. In 1943 he entered the military service as a Merchant Marine stationed at St. Petersburg, FL. Following the war, Orval and Patty returned to Winfield to operate the family business. In 1946 he was appointed to a five-member board to build a county hospital. Upon its completion and opening in 1953, Mr. Ricks was elected to serve on the Lincoln County Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. He was continuously re-elected to the Board for a total of forty years and served as Chairman for sixteen years. He was also instrumental in organizing the Winfield-Foley Fire District, and served as chairman for several years. He was the owner of Ricks Store (a grocery store and hardware store in connecting buildings) in downtown Winfield for more than forty years. He served his community as Mayor of the City of Winfield from 1946 until he moved outside the city limits in 1955. He was a member and past-president of the Winfield Senior Housing Association Board for several years. Mr. Ricks also served on the Board of Directors for the Winfield Banking Company until he retired in 1992. Other service of merit and distinction included serving as member and past-chairman of the State Board of Missouri Liquefied Gas Association, District Commissioner of the Missouri Boy Scouts, Financial Chairman of the first Youth Fair of Lincoln County, member of the Board of Directors of Bogey Hills Country Club for ten years, member and past-president of the Lincoln County Wildlife Club, lifetime member of the Winfield Baptist Church, fifty-year member of the Lincoln County Masonic Lodge #682 in Winfield, and a lifetime member of the United States Navy League. Following his retirement, he and Patty moved to St. Charles, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Estelle Ricks; two brothers: Nathan Ricks in 1998, and O’Garlan Ricks in 2005; two sisters: Beatrice East in 1998 and Wilma “Billie” Dailey in 2002; and his beloved wife of 62 years, Patricia “Patty” Ricks who died September 14, 2002.

Survivors include one son, Daniel L. Ricks and his wife, June, of Bonita Springs, FL; one daughter, Christy G. Ruegg and her husband, Eric, of Manchester; four grandchildren: Chad Stephen Ricks and his wife, Brianne, of Dallas, TX, Clayton Tyler Ricks and his wife, Debbie, of St. Louis, Alex Patrick Ruegg and Hayley Elizabeth Ruegg, both of Manchester; and one great-grandson, Yale Eversmeyer. He also leaves three sisters-in-law: Helen (Mrs. Nathan) Ricks, and Kathryn (Mrs. OÂ’Garlan) Ricks, both of Elsberry, MO, and Virginia Garrett and her husband, Harold, of Saverton, MO; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 22, 2007 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home near Winfield. Memorials may be made to the Winfield Baptist Church or to the Lincoln County Medical Center in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 3838 East Highway 47, P.O. Box 253, Winfield, MO 63389.

Aurelia McKay "Kay" Mowbray

[pic]

Aurelia and Perry Mowbray

(Published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch from 4/13/2007 - 4/14/2007.)

Aurelia McKay "Kay" Mowbray died Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at age 91. She was the widow of Perry D. Mowbray who died October 6, 2003.

She is survived by son, Dr. Perry D. Mowbray Jr. and his wife, Barbara Davis Mowbray, of Marion, Va.; daughter, Elizabeth M. Usher and her husband, Cecil H. Usher of Vienna, Va.; granddaughter, Dr. Bethany McKay Usher and her husband, Dr. Jaimin D. Weets; great-granddaughters, Ciara McKay Weets and Braylee Erickson Weets, all of Canton, N.Y.

Mrs. Mowbray was a charter member of Reveille United Methodist Church, where she had been class president and teacher, member of the Altar Guild and active member of United Methodist Women. She was a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Nursing, Class of 1939, and a member of the Thomas Jefferson Society. She was a member of Ruth Chapter No. 8 OES for over 50 years and past president of the Forest Hill Stone House Association.

The family will receive friends at the Central chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Avenue, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 13. Graveside services will be held at 12 noon Saturday, April 14, in Forest Lawn Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Hermitage Employees' Christmas Fund, 1600 Westwood Ave., Richmond, Va. 23227.

An online guestbook for Aurelia is located at this URL:



Guestbook entries

April 15, 2007 - I'm sorry to hear of Aurelia's passing. She and Perry were regular attendees of our annual McKay Reunion in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia where she was born. She will definitely be missed.

Michael McKay (Winchester, VA)

April 15, 2007 - For many years Kay and Perry were faithful and loving friends to my mother, Mrs. Virginia Crain. I will always remember Kay's thoughtful and kind manner. "All her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace." Frederick Foster (Las Vegas, NV)

April 14, 2007 - Seashells remind us that every passing life leaves something beautiful behind. May beauty live on in your memories and bring you peace. With Deepest Sympathy, Mark and Lara (Fargo, ND)

April 13, 2007 - My mother and McKay were best friends at UVA's Nursing school. In July 1938, McKay had a date with my father, B. Ernest Wheeler, Jr. Nannie requested McKay's permission to date Ernest; she consented and the rest is history. Your parents visited my mother in Middletown about ten years ago. My mother and I have been to visit your mother in recent years. Herman Wheeler

Herman and Nannie Wheeler (Middletown, MD)

Margaret C. Bly

(Printed in 'The Northern Virginia Daily'

on Tuesday 23 Jan 2007)

Margaret Campbell Bly, 88, of Winchester died Sunday at Westminster-Canterbury.

A memorial service will be conducted Friday at 11 a.m. at Braddock Street United Methodist Church in Winchester by Dr. James A. Hewitt.

Mrs. Bly was born Oct. 23, 1918, in Clarke County, daughter of the late Roy Alexander and Lola Belle Dorsey Campbell. She was a graduate of Clarke County High School and a homemaker. She was a member of Braddock Street United Methodist Church and PEO Sisterhood. She was past president of United Methodist Women, Lord Fairfax Garden Club and Winchester Council of Garden Clubs. She was a volunteer with the Girl Scouts, serving as camp director at Camp White Rock in Capon Bridge, W.Va. She was the wife of the late Shirley Orville Bly.

Surviving are two daughters, Joyce Campbell Bly Fletcher of Naples, Fla., and Suzan Elizabeth Bly of Greensboro, N.C.; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Oglesby Sunday School Class.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, in Winchester.

Memorial contributions may be made to Braddock Street United Methodist Church, 115 Wolfe St., Winchester 22601; Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Suite 405, Winchester 22601; or Westminster-Canterbury, The Chapel Fund or Friendship Fund, 300 Westminster-Canterbury Drive, Winchester 22603.

Richard McKay Gore

(Published in The Washington Post on 14 Mar 2007.)

On Monday, March 12, 2007 at his residence in New Market, MD. Husband of Ellanore Cramer Gore. Predeceased by his first wife, Anna Mae Schroff Gore. Also survived by his children, Darlene Daugherty, Vale, CO and Connie G. Dyer (Randy), McLean, VA; brothers, Marshall R. Gore, Annandale, VA and William Gore, Rome, GA. Also three grandchildren, Kimberly Gerardi, Karly and Davis Hand. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 15 at Advent Funeral Hone, 7211 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, VA from 2 p.m. until time of services at 6 p.m. Graveside services at National Memorial Park, Falls Church on Friday, March 16 at 11 a.m. Contribuions may be made to the VVMC Foundation & Patient Hospice Program, Box 1529, Vale, CO 81658 or to the Frederick County Hospice, Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702. Arrangements by ROYSTON FUNERAL HOME.

Mae Burch Withers

(Paid Obituary)

Mae Burch Withers, 91, of Berryville, VA died Tuesday, April 3, 2007 in Berryville.

Mrs. Withers was born February 18, 1916 in Clarke County, Virginia, the daughter of Julian Glenn and Ethel Elizabeth Jenkins Burch.

She was a retired teacher with the Clarke County School System where she taught primary school for 17 years.

She was a graduate of the Farmville State Teachers College, now Longwood University.

She was very active in the church and the community of Berryville. She was a member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, where she served in many capacities. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women; Clarke County Retired Teachers’ Association, Town & Country Garden Club, Clarke County Women’s Club, and other volunteer organizations.

She married Robert Lee Withers on October 28, 1950 in Boyce, VA. Mr. Withers died on July 21, 1965.

Surviving are three daughters, Glenne W. White and her husband, C. Ridgely, of Winchester, VA, Elizabeth W. Robertson and her husband, Gregory B., of Richmond, VA, Margaret W. Arthur and her husband, B. Scott, of Winchester, VA; one sister, Elizabeth B. Burnwell, of Richmond, VA; and grandchildren, Mary Willis White and Hillary Burch Robertson, both of New York City, Kathryn Branch and Robert Withers Robertson, both of Richmond, VA, Robert Scott and Benjamin Mitchell Arthur, both of Winchester, VA.

A sister, Virginia B. Naff, is deceased.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2007 at the Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church in Berryville with Rev. William K. Dawson, Dr. Daniel L. Garrett and Rev. Marvin C. Cook officiating. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Duncan Memorial United Methodist Women, 210 E. Main St., Berryville, VA 22611, or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are being handled by Enders & Shirley Funeral Home in Berryville.

OUT OF THE PAST

Robert Mackay's Homes in Virginia

(From Dee Ann's 'A Tabulated Genealogy

of the Shenandoah Valley Family of

Robert Mackay Sr.', p. 12-17.)

In Virginia Robert Mackay Sr. had two principle homes, which today no longer exist. Robert Mackay, the elder, and all of his children except Robert Junior, settled on the South River Shenandoah. His first or "Old Home Place" was located at McKay's Ford (now known as McCoy's), about opposite present Limeton, in Warren County, which was willed to his son James. Four Valiant Years 1861-1865 by Laura Virginia Hale, has a picture of this location on page 145. Hunter Branson McKay wrote an account of his visiting this area in 1952:

"When going to the Ford from the Fork or north side of the River, we drove out from Front Royal on Highway No. 619 crossing the River on the bridge at the N & W RR station, and along by Bennets Chapel to Highway No 622, McCoys Road, which leads down to the Ford of same name. The Downing estate is located on both sides of this road, and we visited three of the river bottom farms, now rented, I believe, by Mr. Burke. Mrs. Burke and several of her very attractive children of a family of 15 were at the farm which lay immediately at the Ford, and she directed me to the old cemetery which lies north of and between the road to the Ford and the farmhouse; she considered this to be an "old slave cemetery" because there were no markers, but I am more inclined to believe this was the McKay Family Cemetery. Mrs. Burke stated that she thought there was an abandoned graveyard on the bluff back of the house, but did not know where it was. She told me that Mr. Burke was down on the lower farm, and after directing me to this place, said that Mr. Burke could tell me more about such matters than she could.

Accordingly we drove to this lower farm, that is the third down the river from the Capt. Simpson house at the Ford, by way of the secondary roads NOs. 622 & 623 to the end of the latter at the river bottom, and along its extension, now a private road, for a mile of which has recently burned, leaving only the brick chimney now standing.

We found Mr. Burke repairing his tractor, which he said was now used exclusively instead of horses--I do not believe he had any horses on the farms. In fact the total absence of horses in evidence on the farms throughout Warren and Clarke was one of the outstanding changes to be observed since the time I was there as a boy. In discussing the history of the Ford, and the possible location of the McKay house, with Mr. Burke, he directed me to the site of an old house which formerly stood in the SW corner of the bend in McCoys Road just before it enters the bottom land to the Ford. We examined this spot carefully, and the found remains of a house, now overgrown with trees which I would estimate to be about 50 to 75 years old, and an old rose bush, and the fallen bricks of a chimney or fireplace, now moss covered. Mr. Burke said there was an abandoned well at this site, but I could not observe it. The house foundation area was about 20 X 30 ft. I would roughly estimate, and the house appeared to have been made of wood. I brought one of the brick fragments back with me as a memento, which I hope to have examined to determine, if possible, its age. The absence of any springs or running water around this site, is rather disconcerting in considering it as a possible exact location of Robert McKay's settlement. Possibly the land was better watered then than now, and Mr. Burke said there was evidence of a former spring near this site.

We took several photos of these sites, and returned to Riverton by way of the Old Bethel Church in the Fork, the graveyard of which I found to be in an advanced state of decay, and if I saw the correct site, more limited in the number of graves than I had expected."

|To Front Royal (on U.S. 340 North) |

|[pic] |

|Map of approximate possible location of Robert Mackay Sr.'s 'Old Home |

|Place' (marked with 'x' circled) |

|The region is now occupied by two private neighbourhood communities |

|which did not exist during the time of Hunter Branson McKay's visit to |

|the area in 1952. They are as follows: |

|Thunderbird Farms which is located at the end of both McCoys Ford Road |

|and Downing Road & Poca Bella Farms which is located at the end of Lee |

|Burke Rd. |

The fragment of brick taken from the site of the old house at McCoys Ford, was enclosed in a wooden box (which is now in my (Dee Ann Buck’s) possession), and the lid of the box labelled as follows:

|MCCOYS FORD |

|ON |

|SOUTH BRANCH SHENANDOAH RIVER |

|This Fragment Of Brick Came From The Site |

|of An Ancient House That Was Located On |

|McCoys Road At A Bluff Overlooking The |

|Ford Of The Same Name, One The West Side |

|Of The South Branch Of The Shenandoah |

|River, Now The Property Of Mrs. Henry H. |

|Downing. Believed To Be At Or Near The |

|Site Of The South River Settlement Of |

|Robert McKay Sr. |

Some fifteen or twenty years later, and just shortly before his death in 1752, his last house that he had built, there was an account of its construction in the Fairfax Land Suit, it was called "Hay Bottom Plantation". The farm was located farther up the River at a point about opposite present Overall or former Milford, and just about on the border line of Warren and Page Counties. He willed this home to his youngest son Moses Mackay Sr. This land remained in the possession of the sons and grandchildren of Moses McKay, until about 1832, when they sold it to Isaac Overall Sr., and eventually found its way into the possession of members of the Burners, Yates and Keyser families. The deed records of Shenandoah and Page Counties definitely place this land in the bend of the River opposite Overall, partly in Warren but mainly in Page, what Robert called "Hay Bottom" is known now as "Burners Bottom" on modern maps. The farm was then known as "The Promised Land." Hunter Branson McKay in 1952 has an account of his visit to this location.

"It is not difficult to reach the general area of this place, as it is located across the River and slightly south or up the stream from the village of Overall which sits on the Eastside Highway about ten or fifteen minutes drove from Riverton. But to get across the River is another proposition. In the early days I would suppose it was considered just as accessible as many other locations in the County or Counties, for James Leith's Ford was located at or near the mouth of Overall Run which would lead to the lower part of the Bottom and there is ford (easily negotiated by horseback, carriage or by foot) about a mile farther up the River directly opposite the present John Robert Yates' and former Israel B. Burner's "Promised Land", and which I have ever reason to believe was the site of McKays "Haybottom Plantation". But a car is no good here, and there is no road out on the Bottom side of the River--at least at the present time, so Mr. Yates told me.

We stopped at the road sign marked "Overall", formerly "Milford" (the change in name being occasioned we were told later by Mr. Rinker by another place in Virginia, and an older one, having the same name), and looking around we saw that the village consisted of three houses--two of which are located on Overall Run and nearly under the Norfolk & Western trestle, and one of these is the store and post office, and since the latter is on the south side of the Run, should be in Page County. So we pulled off the Highway and drew up in front of it, I being low on Prince Albert tobacco, it made a good excuse for inquiring as to how I might get over to the "Promised Land".

Mr. Rinker, the Postmaster and Storekeeper, told me he had lived about 35 years in that place, and that he came from the Fort Valley between Seven Fountains and Edith P.O., and as I had all my records with me, including the Page & Shenandoah Atlas, we were both pleased to be able to locate his father's on the map. So he told me what he knew of the history of that vicinity: pointed out to me the former Dr. Compton house just a few feet across the road from the store, and the former Triplett house on the bluff across the Highway from the store, now a tourist home and very popular country dining room run by Mrs. Clarence Fristoe; and he also told me how to get over to Mr. Yates'--to go up the Highway to the top of the hill and turn to the right at Carvell Road which would lead down to the River and then to hollow across and that Mr. Yates in all probability would come across in a boat and take me over. Very simple as I look back upon it for that is exactly the way to do it. But the first try we misinterpreted the instructions, turning into a road which we thought was the top, but which turned out to be the entrance to Mr. Charley Jones' summer place, and he being at home at the time, we had a little chat with him during the course of which he said he was an official in the government in Washington-- Housing or Home Loan, as I now recall it--and that although he had lived there in the summer for several years he was not familiar with the country across the River which was hilly at this point and below the Bottom area, but told me to go down the road to Mrs. Fristoe's who was well acquainted with the country and to make inquiry there. He also mentioned that he was well acquainted with Mr. & Mrs. Gruver, the former now deceased and who was formerly the Headmaster or resident of the now abandoned Eastern College at Front Royal, where the Hotel Royal now operates in one of the buildings. He said that Mr. Gruver had been very successful in real estate operations in Washington and that his death was accidental. I related if he was any relation of the Mr. Charley Jones who was related to the Earle family and lived near Milldale when I was a boy, but he said that he was not.

Upon going down to Mrs. Fristoe's and finding her at home, found that she was a niece of the late Mr. Billy Compton with whom I had lived while attending high school in Front Royal, and therefore a cousin of mine, and that she had referred to the letter which I had written her some time ago to her cousin Miss Effie Compton who lives at Riverton, and whom I had planned to see while here, having made inquiry of Mr. Bennett as to where she lived but didn't have time to--see again repeated Mr. Rinker's directions as to how to get over to the "Promised Land", which she knew quite well.

So this time we went up to the top of the hill, maybe a Mile from the village, and came to a signpost plainly marked "Carvell Road" (I have subsequently checked the Atlas of the Springfield District and see that a family by this name is shown on the map at this point) with the notation that the road ended 9/10th of a mile to the west. This road is very narrow but quite passable to the River bank or ford, as there are several houses located on it, the one at the end of the road and just above the Ford, owned by a Mr. Patterson I was told, was built by my late brother Aubrey. Parking the car along with two or three others drawn up by the side of the road, and which we subsequently learned were fisherman's cars who were living in the Yates' "Promised Land" house for the summer, we walked down the bank to the edge of the River and luckily saw two small boys in a boat on the opposite bank. We made them understand we wanted to get across, and were told to wait a while, which we did. And it seemed like more than a while, but as I learned later it was quite a distance to the house and back, so we were just about ready to leave having turned the car around when we heard them call from the other side that they would come over to get us. The boys were quite good at poling but the boat was none too good and the bottom was partly filled with water, so we did not take any of our records nor the Kodak, which I now regret as I should have had a picture or two of this place: it had been my intention on revisiting the place at a later time. The house lies about a quarter of a mile back from the River on the edge of the bluff and just a little up the stream from the ford. Mrs. Yates and Mr. Yates were both there and most cordial to us.

Mrs. Yates told me that the substantial brick house, the "Promised Land", was built by her grandfather, Israel B. Burner, and that the bricks were burned from clay taken from the River bottom land, and that the two very large boxwood on either side the walk in front of the house were set out by her grandmother, Mrs. Israel B. Burner. In addition to the house, then occupied by the fisherman, above referred to, there were several more or less indifferent farm structures about, but no barn in evidence, and from which I would conclude that one must have been present to justify a house of that size but that it had now either burned or fallen into decay. There is a spring at this point and a house above it. The house does not face the River, but is at right angles to it and from which I would conclude that it faced a road that at one time ran from the bluff to the ford.

We discussed the possibility that this could have been the site of the new house built by John Wiley and Joseph White for Robert McKay the Senior shortly before 1752, and came to the conclusion that it very likely was, although today there are no tangible marks to verify this, unless it be a pile of stone that was located at the edge of the front yard and slightly toward the river from the present brick house, and from which Mr. Yates said he could well remember taking a substantial amount and quite large pieces of stone, and he showed me one small piece still remaining. There were several sites that may have been graveyards in this general area, I was told, but the only one having marked stones were the Burner plots, and it is quite probable that the Burners would have selected a new location for their Ground. This pile of stone would indicate some type of structure, either a stone house, a chimney or the foundation of a barn.

Of course the McKay place could have been lower down the River on the present Jesse Keyser place, visible from the Yates' place, but which we did not this time visit, or even up the River where he said his (Mr. Yates') brother or brother-in-law lived, there being two other piles of stone in this bend of the River.

While there I inquired of them if they knew of any place along the River where a spring flowed out of a cave, and they said they thought there was such a place above Rileyville on Goode's Lane (the first road to the right), on a farm now owned by Mr. Olin Staubs, and that this was the only one in that vicinity that fitted such a description, and thought it quite likely could have been the place where Barnaby Eagan could have fancied to keep his milk."

The Locke Store (McKay Connections)

Visit them at

1917-1950    B.B. McKay and Glen Burch, brothers-in-law, became the owners of what is now called ‘The Locke Store’.  At that time it was called ‘McKay & Burch’ and sold gasoline as well as general store items. Burch withdrew after two years, but McKay continued by himself until 1931, when he took J.H. Locke as a business partner, in order to be able to spend more time with his farm and family.  The joint enterprise was renamed ‘Locke and Company’.  In 1944, teenagers Phillip (“Phil”) and Arthur (“Oppie”) Cunningham came to help at Locke and Company.

Today the Locke Store is owned by Juliet MacKay-Smith and features an array of culinary delights and goods for sale. The Locke Store is located in Millwood, VA across from the Burwell-Morgan Mill. Whenever you’re in the area, stop in for a visit.

Miss Manuel – Bride

Popular Stephens City Girl Is Wed To

Mr. R. L. Sowers Of Warren

(Copy of this original was supplied courtesy of

Myra Sowers Wissinger along with pictures of

a young Lee and Beryl Sowers.)

[pic][pic]

Stephens City, VA – Sept. 2, 1910 –

A very pretty wedding took place at 6 o’clock last evening in the Southern Methodist Church at this place when Miss Merenda Beryl Manuel became the bride of Mr. Robert Lee Sowers of Warren Co., VA. The ceremony was performed by the pastor, Rev. Charles Lynch.

The seating capacity of the church was taxed to accommodate all the family connections and friends of the bride and groom who gathered to witness the wedding, which was the most notable of its kind of the late summer season in Stephens City. The church was decorated with white cut flowers, ferns, palms and pink candles.

The Lohengrin wedding march was rendered by Miss Madge Tabb of Opequon, VA and during the ceremony “O Perfect Love” was sung by Miss Velma Weaver of Front Royal, VA.

The bride was gowned in white crepe de chine over white taffeta and carried a shower bouquet of roses and lilies of the valley. Her veil of tulle was caught with orange blossoms and the gown was trimmed very simply with real lace. Her maid of honor, Miss Velma Sowers of Bayard, a sister of the groom, was dressed in pink chiffon over pink silk and her bouquet consisted of pink roses and ferns.

The bridesmaids were Miss Mollie Creighton Tabb of Opequon, Miss Alice Louise Beall of Washington, Miss Sylvia Townsend of Stephens City, Miss Alleyne Littell Conn of McGayheysville, VA and Miss Evelyn Weaver of Front Royal, who wore gowns of white chiffon and carried pink roses.

The best man was Mr. John B. Earle of Milldale, VA and the groomsmen were Messrs. Thompson and Harold Sowers of Stone Bridge, Mr. Harry Powers of White Post, and Mr. Herbert Manuel of Middletown, brother of the bride. George Lee of Stone Bridge and Baker Chamblin of White Post were ushers.

The bride, who is one of the most attractive and popular young ladies of Stephens City, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marcus L. Manuel, of this place and is a general favorite. She received a large number of handsome wedding presents.

Mr. Sowers is a prosperous young farmer of Warren Co., VA and belongs to an old and prominent family of that section.

Mr. and Mrs. Sowers left last evening on an extended wedding trip through the North and West and they will be at home at Bayard after the 15th of October.

[pic]

The daughters of Lee & Beryl Sowers:

L-R sitting on steps:

Virginia, Julia, Myra, Mildred’s Daughter Ann, Clarice May, Catherine, Mildred, Alice.

The two in front are the twins: Louise on left and Eleanor on right.

Mother Beryl in the middle.

[pic]

12 of the 14 children born to Lee and Beryl Sowers taken in the 1970s.

Front sitting are Louise & Eleanor

2nd row L to R are: Virginia, Catherine, Mother – Beryl, Clarice Mae and Alice

Back row: Charles Thompson, Mildred, Myra, Bob, Ed and Julia.

Deceased at this time: Jane Alleyne & Henry.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

Your donations help to support our Newsletter. Please submit any news you may have to help add to the next issue. I have a backlog of news that will hopefully be added to the next issue. This Newsletter covers happenings in the entire Robert Mackay family from Virginia to Ohio and beyond. If you would like to donate to help with our expenses please send a cheque to: The Robert Mackay Clan

% Jeffrey A. McKay

2965 Cedar Creek Grade

Winchester, VA 22602

NEXT ISSUE

Spring 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Greetings ………………………………………………….… 1

Newsletter Now Online ……………………........................ 1

Annual Virginia McKay Reunion ……………………. 1-2

(McKay-Sowers-Kerfoot)

Collett-McKay Picnic …………………………………….. 2

Bethel Memorial Inc. Meetings ………………………… 2

Past Reunion News ………………………....................... 2-4

61st Annual Robert Mackay Clan Reunion ……………..… 2

(McKay-Sowers-Kerfoot)

140th Collett-McKay Picnic ………………………………. 3

Annual August Meeting and Traditional Service ………… 3

At Old Bethel Church

Annual lessons, carols set at Old Bethel church …......… 3-4

News from Cards and Letters …………...................... 4-6

News Items …………………………………………...….. 6-9

A Solution to Overcrowding - Portable teacher ………... 6-7

Dirty Job (McKay Chimney Specialists) ………………. 7-8

Perry McKay weds Amy Pinner ………………………….. 8

Update on Fairview and Robert Mackay Jr. Home ……...8-9

Letter from Governor’s Office about Robert ……………... 9

Mackay Jr. Home

Obituaries …………………………………………….… 9-16

Joshua Eugene Taylor …………………………….…… 9-10

Mary Elizabeth McKay Allen ………………………..….. 10

George William (Billy) Powers …………………….…… 10

Wallace T. Collett ………………………...………….. 10-11

Wilbur McKay…………………………………………… 11

Keightley McKay Vanscoy ………………..………… 11-12

Jaycob Steven “Jake” Price ……………………………… 12

Ruth Eleanor Sowers ……………………….……………. 12

Naoma DeOms ……………………………..……………. 12

Lucille F. “Mommy Kay” McKay …….……….……. 13-14

Louise Campbell Moore ………………………...………. 14

Thompson S. Wines ………………………………….…. 14

Orval E. Ricks ……………………………….………. 14-15

Aurelia McKay "Kay" Mowbray ……………………….. 15

Margaret C. Bly ……………………………….…….. 15-16

Richard McKay Gore ……………………………………16

Mae Burch Withers ………………………….…………. 16

Out of the Past ……………………….…..………….. 16-19

Robert Mackay's Homes in Virginia ………..………. 16-18

The Locke Store (McKay Connections) ……..………… 18

Beryl Manuel – Lee Sowers Wedding Announcement .... 19

ADDITIONAL INFO.

RE: VIRGINIA McKAY REUNION

Please let us know of any births, marriages, or other relevant news of your immediate family or other relations that you keep in contact with that we can announce at this year's reunion. (You could put this information on the enclosed card along with your reservation.)

Also, if anyone has any ideas of activities and/or games to entertain the younger children of our family please be sure and bring them. I'm always interested in finding ways to make our gatherings more enjoyable for the younger members of the family.

Our gatherings provide an opportunity for folks to get re-acquainted with relatives they don't see very often to catch up on news and other events and the chance to meet new cousins.

I hope to see you at our annual reunion.

If your plans change or if you are late sending your notice please contact me at: Michael L. McKay, 115 Morgan St., Winchester, VA 22601-3829 Telephone: (540) 667-1243 Email: mike@

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