Saturday, May 20, saw a large group of Jackson relatives meet at the Thomas J. Jackson residence for their first reunion held since 1958. Thomas and the former Kate Young built the residence about 1886 and raised their ten children there. 120 relatives were in attendance.

The theme of the reunion centered around the remaining eight of eleven first cousins - the offspring of the children of Tom and Kate Jackson. All the parents of the original eleven first cousins are deceased.

The majority of attendees were local residents, but out-of-towners included relatives from Arkansas, California, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina and South Carolina. Others attending came from Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Canton and Savannah.

Reunion preparation by the owners/ occupants included landscaping work and display of beautiful flow

ers and ferns. Attendees brought many family pictures from yesteryear as well as extensive genealogical charts of the family going back to 1804. Eight generations were represented in genealogy and four generations were actually represented by reunion attendees.

A color slide presentation was shown periodically of scenes from the 1958 reunion showing both the parents of the current first cousins as well as childhood photos of some first cousins. Tables and chairs were set up around the house in shady areas where lunch was served by Frank Bentley, Washington caterer. Many reminisced on the front porch while relaxing in old rocking chairs.

A few visitors enjoyed staying at the restored Fitzpatrick Hotel in Washington. Others enjoyed visiting with family and friends in and around Wilkes County.