The Siler Family Meeting
The very first family meeting took place in 1853. The family has met every single year since then, with no interruptions. As far as we know, the Siler Family Meeting in Franklin, NC is the longest running family reunion in the United States.
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160th Siler Family MeetingThe 160th Siler Family Meeting was held on Saturday, 6 August 2011 at Macon County Middle School in Franklin, NC. More than 200 descendants of Weimar Siler and Margaret Rafferty attended the meeting.
To commemorate the 160th Family Meeting, Naomi Johnson of WNC Magazine came to take photographs for a feature article,
and Michael Rogers, local artist and videographer, filmed the event. As soon as the article and the video become available,
we will post further information.
Chairman Ross Zachary rang the dinner bell at noon. As usual,
the tables overflowed with delicious dishes and everyone
enjoyed the food and fellowship.
After the meal, the chairman called the meeting to order.
Nanelyn Gibbs Mitchell led the family in the opening hymn, accompanied by Steve Morris on guitar and Eli Howells on the fiddle.
Vice Chairman Bill Sloan recognized family members present
from the various branches of the family. Once again, the
Jesse branch had the strongest representation. Cousins descended from Plikard and Elizabeth Siler's other children
were also welcomed. As always, absent family members sent their greetings and good wishes for another successful family meeting.
All family members over the age of 80 were recognized.
Special recognition was given to Jean Porter Jerome, age 99,
as the oldest member present. Jean's mother, Leona Bryson Porter, wrote the book The Family of Weimar Siler 1755-1831. William (Bill) Siler, age 95, was once again recognized as the oldest male in attendance. Bill and his daughter also received recognition for having traveled the longest distance to attend
the meeting, from California and Oregon respectively. The youngest family member present was Alexander McCollum,
barely ten months old. Alexander is the son of Michael and Virginia McCollum.
John Sparks of the Outlook Committee reported two deaths,
six births, and one marriage since the last meeting. The
Reverend Dorrie Pratt led the prayer for the departed.
A brief business meeting followed. Host families for 2012-2016 were announced. The descendants of Fred and Margaret Siler
will host the 161st meeting in 2012.
After the closing hymn, led by Nanelyn Gibbs Mitchell and musicians Steve Morris and Eli Howells, the family gathered
outside for a group picture of all the descendants.
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Save the date now!
161st Siler Family Meeting
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Macon County Middle School, Franklin, NC
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2012 Hosts:
Descendants of Fred & Margaret Siler
Contact: Lucy Siler Snelsire
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NEW!!
ONLINE REPORTING OF
BIRTHS, DEATHS, MARRIAGES ...
Record your event when it happens!
Family births, deaths, marriages etc. can now be submitted online anytime. You no longer have to try to remember to bring the information to Family Meeting.
Each link below will take you to the relevant form to fill in:
Report a birthReport a deathReport a marriageAll forms filled in will be forwarded to John Sparks (Outlook Committee), who is in charge of collecting all vital records information. John will report on all records received during the year at the next family meeting.
If you experience problems with the forms, please contact the website administrator by e-mail:
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Minutes of the early Siler Family Meetings
Click on the link below to read excerpts of minutes from the very early Family Meetings, including the years 1861-1865.
The minutes were transcribed in 2006 by MaryAnn Sloan from copies of the original minute book. On behalf of the family, we thank MaryAnn for graciously submitting her work to us for use on the website.
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