The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1897-09-22
A Family Reunion.

Mr.. EDITOR: On Tuesday, the 7th inst
a most happy day was spent at the home
of our venerable friend, Mr.. j.. B. Pruitt,
who lives in Martin Township, IL miles
southeast of the city Of Anderson. That
day had been selected by his children to
meet and spend one more day at the OLD
homestead and have q family reunion,
It was agreed by all the members OF the
family to copgregate together near the old
home and take the venerable parents by
surprise. Neither Mr.. or Mrs. Pruitt
knew anything of the proposed occasion.
Bright aud early IN the day set apart
the children, with their respective families,
assembled about oue-half OF a mile distant
from the old home and formed a process
sion, the oldest couple and their little one
taking the front, and so on down to the
Youngest until all were in line. In this
way they advanced on the old home. The
eyed father and mother soon saw a long
line o. carriages and buggies coming down
the road. They were amazed and wonder
ed what was the matter. The procession
draws nearer and MI. and Mrs. Fruit
come out to seq it. 1n a few minutes they
recognize the eldest daughter, with her
son with his family, and by the time the
second and third daughters, with their
families, drove up, the aged couple was so
overjoyed that their eyes we're moistened
with tears. Il was indeed q grand sight to
see the meeting OF all their children, grand
children, sons in.law and daughters-in.law.
No one but God alone knows what a
stream of happiness was fieeting through
the minds of this aged couple as they met
and greeted each of their loved ones
The hours passed by too swiftly and were
spent most pleasantly in various ways.
In the meantime a long table bad been
erected in the beautiful grove i'll front of
the dear old mansion, and the fair hands
of the matrons and maidens soon had 1t
loaded with the tempting viands' that had
been brought from their respective homes.
Dinner being announced. the happy party
with the invited guests gathered around
the table and did full justice to the delicl-
Gus feast spread before them. Enough
was left to have fed thrice the number
present. After dinner the party scattered
about in groups and spent the time in
pleasant conversation and walking around
under the giant old oaks, where they had
so often in days gone by played ball, mar
bles and INDUCED in other childhood
sports. Doubtless some of them may have
thought they would love to live over those
happy days again.
Mr.. Pruit is the seventh son of the late
VIM. Prultt, who died in 1865, and whose
father was q soldier in the Revolutionary
war His mothers maiden name was
Francis Tucker, who died in 1883 at a ripe
old age. Mrs. Pruitt is q daughter of the
late Robert Parker, who was q son of John
Parker, a native Of ireland and brave
soldier in the Revolutionary war. Her
mother was Mary Gsrabrell, daughter Of
Henry Gambreli. The Pruitt family
originally came from England and the
Parkers from Ireland. Mr.. Pruitt was
born in 1881 near where he now lives.
His wife is four years his Junior. They
were married in January, 1852, and have
lived ever since where they now reside,
except one year-1S5S-which they spent
in .fippah County, Miss. They have had
born to them six sons and five daughters
One son died in infancy, and all the other
children are still living. They have TWEEN
ty. nine grandchildren. Nj. and Mrs.
Pruitt were lovers and playmategin child
hood, their parents being neighbours. They
Joined the'old Mt. Bethel Baptist Church
in early life under the ministry of the late
Rev. D. Simmons, who died in Texas some
years ago, and still hold their membership
at this Church. Their Oldest daughter,
Mary, married r. w. Drake, of Donalds;
their eldest son, r W, married Miss
Minnie Riley, of Anderson the second
daughter, Matte, married j. j. Findley, of
Anderson; the third daughter, Rosa, mar.
ried j. l.. Jackson, of Cooks; the second
son, j. Fl, of Starr, married Miss Lula
Long, who died some years ago; the third
son, J c., married Miss Anna Major, Of
Denver the fourth son. e j married
Mics Jett ScudGay, Of Anderson the
fourth daughter, Birdie. married Oscar
Bowie, of Cooks. Miss Nina and Walter,
tbs youngest son, are still domiciled in the
old mansion trying to make the last days
OF their fond parents pleasant. All Of
these own good homes and have plenty of
this worlds goods.
Late in the afternoon all Of the kindred
and invited guests assembled in a group
in front Of the house, where stood Ander.
sons accomplished photographer, Mr.. j.
II Collins, who made a picture of the
entire party. Mr.. Collins then took one
of the venerable parents and the ten chill
dren in a group.
Thus ended a most happy occasion,
which will be long remembered by all
who were present.
We hope Mr.. and Mrs. Pruitt may be
spared to have many more such reunions,
and at last, when the Lord shall come,
may they be an unbroken family in the
Heavenly Kingdom. r