MELVIN

The descendants of John Wallace and Alice Harriet (Holman) Melvin had their 49th annual reunion Aug. 16 at Wenona City Park. There were 47 members attending from Cornell, DeKalb, Pontiac, Streator, Urbana, Wenona and Fairfield, Ark.

This year's invitation displayed the military photo of Bruce Eugene Melvin. Bruce was the fifth child of William Wallace and Alvira Jane (Graves) Melvin. He was employed at Thatcher Glass in Streator and served in the military in World War II. Bruce married Ina Mae Robertson March 20, 1926, in Pontiac. Bruce and Ina had six children, Doris Louise (Melvin) Kinder, Orville William Melvin, Edith Irene (Melvin) Durham, Eugene Bruce Melvin, Betty Lou (Melvin) Foote and Wayne Paul Melvin.

John Foote led the family in prayer before the potluck buffet. Nancy (Melvin) Eurich was in charge of this year's reunion and conducted the business meeting. Mary (Melvin) Hilliard was in charge of registration. Cathy Melvin and Natalie Eurich were in charge of the children"s games, which were canceled due to a severe thunderstorm.

Prizes were awarded for the oldest woman present, Juanita (Riblet) Cooper of Streator; and oldest man, Orville (Red) Melvin. Five-month-old Abigail LouAnn Kafka, born Feb. 28, daughter of Marisa Kaye (Foote) and Anthony Eugene Kafka won the present for youngest child. Coming the furthest distance was Lucille (Melvin) Cashmer and Jimmie Cashmer from Fairfield, Ark.

Two births were recorded. Addison Marie Scherer was born Oct. 25, 2008, at Ottawa Regional Hospital, daughter of Tonya Marie (Thorp) and Charlie Scherer, and Kafka, who won youngest present.

Three grade school graduations were recorded. Austin Nuding and Bishop Cody Amell graduated from Northlawn Junior High School in May and Corey Francis Durham graduated from Pontiac Junior High School in May. Three high school graduations were recorded. Jeff Wakeman graduated from Streator High School and will attend Illinois Valley Community College for the automotive program, Christopher S. Durham graduated from Pontiac High School and Bruce Amell III graduated from Streator High. Three college graduations were recorded. Diane Lynn Hilliard graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, May 15, with a Doctor of Pharmacy. Angela Hilliard graduated from St. Ambrose University Dec. 13 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science. Steve Wakeman graduated in May from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. He will attend Rush University to pursue a medical degree.

Four deaths were recorded. Annabelle Bernice (Henson) Melvin was born April 18, 1930, in Streator. She died Jan. 14 at OSF St. James Medical Center in Pontiac. Ray Verner Wakeman was born Nov. 1, 1928, in Dana. He died May 15 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Donald Thomas Gourley was born Jan. 21, 1949, in Streator. He died Dec. 17 in Pontiac. Marvin Eugene Russell was born April 20, 1932, in Rugby. He died May 13 at OSF St. James in Pontiac.

The John Wallace and Alice Harriet (Holman) Melvin Family Tree book was displayed. Descendants were encouraged to update their family history and to bring a school photo of any Melvin descendant or spouse. Any other Melvins who would like to contribute family photos or update genealogy information about their ancestors, descendants or themselves are encouraged to call Nancy Eurich at 815-672-8469.

Next year's reunion will be Sunday, Sept. 12, at Wenona City Park. The date had to be changed due to Wenona Days. Dinner will be served at 12:30 p.m. Nancy (Melvin) Eurich will be in charge.