Todays date is:
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A PERMANENT ORGANIZATION
SPROWLS FAMILY WILL HOLD ANNUAL REUNION
OFFICERS CHOSEN THURSDAY, SEPT. 25, 1902
Not withstanding, Thursday was a very inclement day, then were fully
persons in
attendance at the Sprowls Reunion which was held in Stouts Grove,
East
Finley Township. Despite the rain which continued to pour down during the
forenoon,
there were scores who braved the elements and formed their way to the
grove,
and shortly after noon hundreds more came.
There were relatives of the Sprowls family present not only form the
Finleys
and surrounding townships but from the eastern end of Washington County
and
other sections who enjoyed this the first reunion in a truly, patriotic
manner.
The Claysville cornet band enlivened exercises which were interesting
throughout
with strains of music.
There was a large crowd continually in and around the log hut which had
recently
been erected near the speakers stand for the purpose of giving the
young
people at least a faint idea of the manners and customs which prevailed 100 years ago
and more when the early representatives of the Sprowls family first set foot in this region.
In this hut which was the center of attraction Thursday were many relics which have
interesting histories which were given by some of the older persons present. One relic
which is praised highly by the owner was a portion of the linen straw tick which was
woven by her mother, Mrs. Jane Sprowls, wife of Alexander Sprowls about the year 1835.
This tick was given to Mrs. Wolfe when she and Mr. Wolfe began housekeeping in the year
1867.
Another was a portrait of Mrs. Katherine Sprowls, deceased, taken when
the subject
was age 95. Mrs. Sprowls died one year later. Other articles were
an old
fashioned flail, sickles, wooden bracebread toaster, waffle irons, a
long
handled skillet, cow bells, spinning wheel, swords, books and etc.
Owing to the rain no exercise was held in the forenoon. But immediately
after
partaking of a sumptoms repast at the noon hour the meeting was called to order and Dr.
W.W. Sprowls of Houston, was chosen President and D.L. Sprowls of East Finley, secretary.
After a selection by the Claysville Band, prayer was offered by Rev. J.A. McCalmont
Pastor of the Dogwood Grove U.P. Church.
The history of the Sprowls family was given by A.S. Sprowls, Esq. of
Washington
in a pleasing manner did he relate the most interesting incidents connected with their
landing in America and life amid the forests of Western Pennsylvania. And of subsequent
history which did not fail to entertain all present. Mr. Sprowls spoke for nearly an
hour and during all this time the entire assembly gathered closely around the platform
giving the best possible attention. At the close of the address, J.L. Melvin sang a
selection of "Off to Philadelphia" which pleased the audience.
It is the intention of the older representatives of the Sprowls
descendants
to see that each year hereafter reunions be held, and in order to carry out this
purpose a permanent organization was effected by the election of the following officers
who will have charge of the next reunion.
A registry of the persons present was kept by Newton Sprowls and during
the greater
part of the day he was kept busy writing the names in a book provided expressly for that
purpose. At the head of the long list of names are these words, "In memory of the Sprowls
Reunion held in Stouts Grove East Finley Township, on Thursday, September 25, 1902. The
list is headed by "Carpenter Jim" for the fact that for many years he had the trade of
carpenter and to him belongs the distinction of being the only living member who
worked on the first church building of the Windy Gap the U.P. congregation." Up to date
a late hour in the afternoon the following persons had registered and others were
waiting their turn.
James Sprowls, West Finley; A.S. Sprowls (Atty.) and wife, Washington;
Mr. and
Mrs. M.U. Sprowls, Bertha, Lynn, Guy and Harold, West Finley.
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