In the cool early hours of the morning, the family slowly gathered, helping to set up the site for a day long picnic. Setting up tables and covering them with plastic cloths became a challenge, as there was a rather strong wind in the morning hours. Filling Balloons, setting up game tables, and trying to figure out how to set up the PA system seemed to be much easier for the kids, than the adults! Three hours seemed more than enough time to prepare for the event, but we were just finishing up, when the first of the families arrived.

By 10am most of the families had arrived. We had decided on a pot lucky style picnic, and everyone brought their favorite salads and hot dishes. My family provided the beverages and an assortment of deserts, enough to feed the entire park. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Fried Chicken and Ribs were enjoyed by everyone, including some unidentified park visitors.

After a few opening remarks, introductions were in order. Many of our cousins had never met before this day. The three remaining grandchildren of William Robert and Telitha Cuma Hartsook, were the guests of honor, and were the first to be introduced and it was suggested that a family picture, of the entire family, should be taken to remember this day.

The three remaining grandchildren of William Robert and Telitha Cuma Hartsook. From left to right: Susie Cuma Hartsook Smith, daughter of Lemual Payton Hartsook; George William Hartsook, son of William Vanice Hartsook; Lemual Key Hartsook, son of Lemual Payton Hartsook.

The family of George William Hartsook. From left to right: front row - Patricia Jane Ball Hartsook (wife of George), George William Hartsook, Cheryl Hartsook Dyer (daughter of George), Jennifer Hartsook (daughter of Barbara). Middle row - David Hartsook (son of George), Barbara Hartsook (daughter of George), John Hartsook (son of George), Jack Dyer (husband of Cheryl), Ted Hartsook (son of John). Back row - Glen Hartsook (son of George), Brian Hartsook (son of John), Steve Hartsook (son of George).

The family of John Paul Hartsook. From left to right: front row - Al Mason (second husband of Lydia Jane Hartsook.) Lydia Jane Richey Hartsook (wife of John Paul Hartsook). Back row: Brenda Turpin (daughter of Verginia), Verginia Hartsook Turpin (daughter of John Paul), Daniel Turpin (son of Verginia), Laurie Hartsook (wife of Paul Vanice Hartsook), Paul Vanice Hartsook (son of John Paul), Kimberly Hartsook (daughter of Paul Vanice), Joyce Faye Hartsook Haynes (daughter of John Paul).

The family of Georgia Marie Hartsook Ogle. From left to right: Russel Ogle (son of Georgia) and Arlene Ogle (wife of Russel).

The family of Edwin Chotean Hartsook. From left to right: Beverly Hartsook (wife of Edward "Bill" Hartsook), Edward "Bill" Hartsook (son of Edwin Chotean), Timothy Hartsook (son of Edward "Bill"), George Richard Hartsook (son of Edwin Chotean), Sharon Hartsook (wife of George Richard), Jessica Hartsook (daughter of George Richard).

The family of Lemual Key Hartsook and Susie Cuma Hartsook Smith. From left to right: front row - Lemual Key Hartsoook, Susie Cuma Hartsook Smith, Margaret Hartsook (wife of Lemual Key). Back row - Jean Hartsook Young (daughter of Lemual Key), Carol Hartsook (daughter of Lemual Hartsook), Cathleen Smith Woodruff (daughter of Susie Cuma), Charles Smith (son of Susie Cuma), Mary Smith (wife of Charles Smith), Alison Smith (daughter of Charles) Ashly Smith (daughter of Charles).

From left to right: Edwin Ellis Hartsook (son of Edwin Chotean Hartsook), George William Hartsook.

Family members brought photos to share. Susie Cuma brought the family bible of William and Telitha Hartsook. Three years later Cuma entrusted the bible to me for safe keeping, as I am the family historian. Many years ago, my father's 3rd cousin, Gloria Laswell, turned over the family quilts, made by her grandmother, Susan Delina Neely Hartsook, William Robert Hartsook's mother. This first quilt is very beautiful. There are different kinds of material, from silk to velvet, all squares have very elaborate sitching. On the border of the quilt, is the name Mrs. S D Hartsock (Susan Delina Neely Hartsock). Some of the silk squares are starting to tear, but for the most part is still in good condition, considering the age of the quilt. My first thought was this was made before the Civil War. However, several experts suggest this was made in the 1870's era.

This second quilt is in excellent condition. Experts pointed out, they felt this was much older than the first quilt, possibly a wedding quilt. Isaac Wesley Hartsock and Susan Delina Neely were married 1857, making this quilt about 140 years old.

COPYRIGHT: Most all information compiled is of public domain. However, there are certain items on my website that are not included under "public domain." Before using any information, please contact me. As a rule, I have no problem sharing any information I have, that may be useful in your research, as long as you post credit.
Disclaimer: I have tried to present all my information in a factual form. All facts presented are from personal interpretation of documents viewed, and can not be held libel if incorrect.

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Barbara Hartsook  - THE HARTSOOK BALL FAMILY GENEALOGY