The 16th Tolliver Reunion was held June 22-23 in Morehead, KY. This was one of the best reunions we have had. Those in attendance were descendants of John Toliver b. 1760, William Toliver b. 1780, who married Susanna Reeves, Charles Toliver b. 1765, Moses Toliver, b. 1753, Wade Hampton Toliver b.1815 and Zachariah Toliver b. 1790. There were people from 15 states in attendance.

On Friday evening LeaAnn Lyon led the group in Bingo. Prizes were gift cards. A few people who didn’t play visited and shared family information. Afterwards, some went back to the motel and stayed up until midnight just visiting. During the day on Saturday, LeaAnn led the children in games. We appreciate all she does to help with the Reunion.

Our talent show was outstanding. It was led by Starla Criser who is very talented herself and helps with the Reunion. She has written over 80 books and is very creative with needlework. So is her sister, Tami Fonger. It was great to have John Tolliver back to sing for us. Sue Seidenfeld brought her bagpipes and dressed in Scottish attire. She also explained how they worked and her attire.

Dr. J. D. Reeder updated us on feud information. His book is almost finished. It will be the best book available when it is done. He has researched many hours to find and document the most accurate accounts of the feud.

The person who travelled the farthest was Amy White from Colorado. The youngest in attendance was Bostyn Alexis Bartlett, great-great-granddaughter of Aleta Tolliver who was present with all five generations. Thanks to all who contributed to the Silent Auction and purchased items. Thanks to Starla Criser again for leading that. Thanks to Shawn and Mike Flora for registering and making pictures. Thanks to all who brought food and those who served it and cleaned up the kitchen afterwards. We like to support the local EMS who share the parking lot of the Carl D. Perkins Community Center and gave all extra food to them. And finally, thanks to those who stayed behind and put the tables and chairs away and swept the floor. Some persons went for a tour after leaving the Reunion.

A sad note is that we lost one of our early researchers, Velma Tolliver Parmerton, this spring. She and her brother, John, were responsible for much of the family information that we have to share. I have only done this about 20 years but Velma, John, along with Eleanor Tolliver Waters, travelled to lots of courthouses and archives starting in the 1950s. All 3 shared with us.

Planning for the 2019 Reunion started the day we got home. The date will be June 21-22, 2019 in Morehead, KY. Put the date on your calendar. Hope to see you there.

Emma Lee and Bill Tolliver