Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-08-10
An Interesting Family Reunion.

From the Fleming CO., Ky, Democrat
On Saturday, July 18th, there was reunion
of one OF the largest, and, in some respects,
most remarkable families in Kentucky. Near
ly two hundred descendants of Charles aud
Martha Darnall met in the beautiful woods
pasture belonging to Major VIM. Darnall, in
sight of the family burial ground, in close
proximity to the old homestead, and on the
soil that formed a part Of the original purchase
of the Darnall family. ,~or".. r.. -
The object of the meeting was to renew old
family recoections, and renew affections and
sympathies which the Vicissitudes of time had
naturally served to dissipate. 2i:& 2:5.5 .7.a
The ceremonies were opened with appropri-
ate remarks by Rev. Henry. W. Scudder, after
which chapter of Scripture. was read and
prayer offered by him, all of which was indeed
fitting as an expression Of gratitude to the
Heavenly Father for his abounding mercy du-
ring so many years of the past. Rev j. T.
Hendrick gave many interesting facts and sta
tistics in reference to the Darna family, which
were listened to with pleasure by all present.
An appropriate prayer was then offered by
Rev. VIM. Power. - = =, :.
At the request of the family, Judge l.. W.
Andrews delivered some remarks touching the:
character of the aged ancestors of those assem-
eQ,a
cdents Of his day associations with the
children Of Charles and Martha Darnal As a
friend and neighbor of the deceased and the
testator of their will, he was competent. to do
Justice to their memory and call up remnis-
cences of thrilling interest. ~.
These exercises being concluded, all as
sembled were invited to partake Of a sumptu-
Gus dinner, consisting of everything that could
delight the palate. With the abundance and
quality of the repast the company were de.
lighted, and attested their appreciation by eat
ing to their utmost capacity. - -. ~.
There are many remarkable facts connected
with the Dalnali family, which it may not be
amiss to notice. Charles and Martha Darnall
emigrated to this State from Maryland in the
year 1902, and shortly after settled in Fleming
county. They were Loble specimens OF that
class of persons who encountered the hardships
and dangers Of the Wilderness class, alas
which is rapidly disappearing. They impaired
their own traits OF exalted character to their
children, all of whom but one survive them,
and all were present on this occasion. We
give their names and ages together with the
number of children and grandchildren c0nstltu
ting each family:
Mrs. Eleanor Stewart, aged 49, has five liv.
ing children and two dead sixteen living grand.
children and three dead, Isaac Darnall, aged
II, has seven living children and three dead;
twenty seven living grand. children and four
dead. Thomas Darnall, aged SO, has seven
living children and four dead; fourteen living
grand children and three dead. Mrs. Elizabeth
Mcintyre, aged 81, has nine living children
and one dead thirty:three living grand hid.
rem and six dead Mrs. Nancy Cassiday, who
died in her twenty year, left two living
children and has four living grand children and
one dead. H. J. Darna!l, aged 81, has ten liv-
log children and two dead, and seven living
grand children. Mrs. Sarah Jane Armstrong,
aged 60, has eleven living shildren and one
dead seven living grand children and three
dead. w. H. Darnall, aged So, has eleven liy-
ing children and three dead, and Six living
grand children, John S. Darnall, aged 81. has
seven living children and one dead, four living
graud- children and two dead. =
Thus it will be seen that this family IN Its
various branches is composed of nearly two
hundred persons. All the brothers and sisters
live within an area Of country not xceedlng
eight miles. The majority ofthe family who
are engaged in active pursuits are devoted to
agriculture Four ministers Of the gospel have
married into various branches of the family
one son-in-law is connected with the press
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