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Barbee Reunion – October 4, 2009 First Christian Church,
Richlands President Len Wiggins opened the business meeting of the 2009 Barbee reunion by pointing out that next year would be the 140th year of Barbees in Onslow County. Minutes of the previous meeting were not read due to absence of the secretary. Treasurer Martha Hodnett reported a balance of only $227.48 and urged people to be generous with their offerings as the plate was passed. Michelle Rowe was nominated to replace Martha Hodnett who had submitted her resignation to President Wiggins prior to the reunion. Len Wiggins presented a plaque to Mrs. Hodnett for her excellent work and her years of dedicated service as treasurer. Ann Morton Davis (granddaughter of Cader Barbee) suggested changing the meetings from Sundays to Saturdays to better accommodate those who have to travel long distances. There were no objections. Burke Barbee (great grandson of Will Barbee) suggested that the gathering be in late afternoon to accommodate relatives who work on Saturday. President Wiggins said that he would check with the church regarding availability. Martha Nixon read the names and lineage of family members who passed away during the year. Members paused for a moment of silence to honor the memory of Hazel Mills Barbee, Harvey Barbee, Joseph Fields Barbee, Arlene Smith Barbee, Roy Houston, and Alvis Horne, Jr. Catherine Barbee, wife of Ormand Barbee, was honored as most senior family member present. Langston Gray Barbee, grandson of Robert Barbee/great great grandson of Will Barbee was the youngest attending. Anne Schout and her husband Jim from Charlotte got the “most miles traveled” award. Anne is the great granddaughter of Matt Cox. Members of the Will Barbee family, hosts for this year’s reunion, surprised Martha Hodnett with beautiful pin in appreciation of her efforts to help make the Isaiah Grayson Barbee family reunion a success. President Wiggins reminded those present that Tom Barbee descendants will host the 2010 reunion.
President Wiggins concluded the business meeting by sharing history about the service of US Deputy Marshall William H. Barbee. In one of the incidents that Len shared, Marshall Barbee serving in the untamed west of Indian territory confronted three outlaws who had robbed a bank and killed a clerk. Officer Barbee killed two of the outlaws and wounded the third. President Wiggins said the history around Marshall Barbee’s life was very much like portrayed by John Wayne in the movie, Rooster Cogburn. Bennett Houston, grandson of Anne Barbee Houston and great great grandson of Will Barbee gave the blessing. And the eating and visiting began. Respectfully submitted, Susan Thomas for Secretary Amy Vogan |