McKinnis family meets for semi-annual reunion

Descendants of Siegle and Effie May Burris McKinnis gathered for a reunion on June 19 held in Uniontown High School.

Siegle was a stockman, farmer, real estate agent, and community leader in Uniontown from 1898 to 1933. The couple came to Kansas in 1898 from Bethany, Mo.

Their nine children: Flora Kent Chandler, Milton, James, Grace Russell, Hazel Underwood, Roy, Ruth Smith, Rosa Holt and Harvey lived and later married while living in the Uniontown area. All of their children are now deceased.

Approximately 70 descendants attended the Saturday event as the relatives gathered for a cookout at the school. Dustin and Ryan Miller, great-grandsons of Ruth McKinnis Smith, fried the hamburgers which were served with all the fixings. Potato salad and homemade pies were furnished by Jackie Bradbury. Cousins Glenda Smith Miller and Nita McKinnis Campbell were the hostesses.

The first cousins met at 5 p.m. to discuss future reunions. It was decided that the first generation of cousins would host the 2010 event. The reunion will be held on the third Saturday in June. They will be calling on the second cousins for help in carrying out their plans.

Seventy relatives registered and the families enjoyed visiting. The Roy McKinnis family won the prize for having 36 descendants attending, Ruth McKinnis Smith came in second with 20. Others represented were Milt, with three; Jim, with two; Hazel, with one; and Harvey, with one. Many young children were present this year.

Shirley Stoner, the family historian, spoke. During the Memorial Service, the family celebrated the lives of Richard Dick McKinnis, Leon Harlan, Waneta McKinnis and Lois McKinnis. Brad McKinnis and Shirley Harlan Stoner both spoke about their fathers. The obituary for Lois McKinnis was read. Red roses were presented as a remembrance from the family.

The treasurer's report was given and Joe White and Carrie Miller were added to the list of thank yous.

Prizes were awarded as follows:

Lucille McKinnis Lewis, Fort Scott, was oldest descendant.

Gianna Gorman, daughter of Tommy and Jill Gorman, Pittsburg, was youngest descendant.

Betty and Leonard White, Fort Scott, married the longest, 68 years.

Karen Farmer, Caspter, Wyo., traveled the furthest to attend.

A special number was presented by Clare, Katie, Tyler, Alex and Connor Gorman, and Faith, Hannah and Issac Lockwood. They sang "Home On The Range." Faith Lockwood also sang "America."

The meeting then adjourned and family members enjoyed visiting. Family pictures were taken by Shirley Stoner.

-- Submitted by Glenda

Smith Miller