The Truth Staff
The Fogg, Williamson, Weddle, Mason Family Reunion was held the weekend of May 22-24 in Toledo and family members from as far away as California journeyed to the Glass City to participate in the 40th opportunity to honor the journey, to remember the sacrifice and to celebrate the legacy.
The theme of this year’s reunion was “Boots on the Ground.”
Rebecca McDonald Fogg from Virginia, is one of the earliest ancestors of note – back in the 1800’s. She had five children, one of whom was William Henry Fogg who would eventually settle in Tennessee. William’s son, Luther, had a daughter named Beatrice, and the reunions began with Beatrice. Eighty years ago!
That’s right, 80 years ago, Beatrice Fogg, who would marry a Williamson and have children with him, and later a Weddle, producing more children, started the grand events. The first gathering was held at Mt. Pleasant CME Church in Milan Tennessee.
She beseeched her offspring, and her offspring’s offspring, to keep the gatherings going, says her granddaughter Elaine Vonner, who is primarily responsible for doing exactly that. The 40 events, which began in Tennessee, have been held in a variety of locations – from Ohio, where much of the family now resides, to California.
The clan gathered this year for a fish fry at Elain’s house on Friday, a picnic on Saturday at Swan Creek Metropark and the buffet dinner on Sunday, also at Swan Creek, to reminisce, entertain and reconnect.
On Sunday DJ entertained with music, some singing kept the family involved after dinner and matriarch Doris Evelyn (Beatrice’s daughter) was recognized for her leadership over the years.
After that, a little dancing – boots on the ground!