HEMPHILL REUNION
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
6 & 7 June 2003
The HEMPHILL Historical Society’s 2003 Reunion will be held June 6 -7, 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. The hosts, Carl
and Virginia Ponder and Ray and Ruth Hemphill have planned an exciting time for one and all. For those who are
interested in genealogy, Carl is hosting a trip to the Georgia State Archives for the afternoon of Thursday, 5th June.
Then on Friday morning 6th June the Federal Archives will be visited for which reservations will be required. Carl and
the Archives’ personnel will be available to assist those who need help in using the facilities. The method of
transportation (bus or car pool) to the Archives will depend on number of people going. On Friday afternoon 6th
June, a trip is planned to the Atlanta Journal/Constitution whose main founder in 1868 was William Arnold Hemphill of
the Robert Hemphill (1698*NI)(B) Alexander (1738/40 PA?/1788*SC) line. That evening, the hosts hope to combine
the Welcome Get-Together with our general business meeting and a dinner at a local restaurant.
On Saturday, 7th June, a bus will take us to Cyclorama CNN News Center and World of Coke. For those who are not
familiar with Cyclorama, it is a narrated painting that was done in 1883, measuring 358 ft. in circumference, 42 ft. in
height, that shows scenes of the Civil War battle for Atlanta. The tour at CNN does not permit children under 6, but
there are shops and food court on the site. We will have to go in two groups leaving about 15 minutes apart. The
tour lasts about 45 minutes. Across the street is the Centennial Olympic Park where the younger children can wait
with an adult. At the end of the World of Coke tour you have the opportunity to sample free the different coke
products from around the world.
At the Saturday evening banquet, our guest speaker will talk about the Battle of Atlanta. This was the last major battle
in the South.
For those who come early there is Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Fox Theater, High Museum,. Jimmy Carter
Presidential Library, Margaret Mitchell House (author of Gone With The Wind book), Six Flags Over Georgia, Atlanta
Braves & Turner Field, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and many other sites to see and things to do. In our
March Newsletter, the hosts will let us know if the Braves will be in town during our reunion.
Our Hotel, “Embassy Suites at Perimeter,” is next to the rapid rail system called MARTA. The station that is near the
hotel is called Perimeter. MARTA provides access to key areas in Atlanta and the airport.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS AT ATLANTA HEMPHILL REUNION
will be at EMBASSY SUITES at the Perimeter Center, 1030 Crown Pointe Parkway, Atlanta. GA, 30318. Ph. 770-394-
5454. DIRECTIONS from Atlanta-Hartsfield Internat. Airport — Take I-85 North to GA400 North (.50c toll) to Exit 5A
(Abernathy-Dunworthy) & GO one-half mile to Crown Point Pkwy. and turn left to Hotel. Also see info enclosed in
newsletter.
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SLATE OF OFFICERS
ELECTED 2002 - 2003
At the General Assembly Meeting June 8, 2002, nomination of officers resulted in the following:
Ray L. Hemphill — President
Gloria Rawls — Vice President
James Selwyn Hemphill — Treasurer
Carolyn Dorf — Secretary
William C. Pittman — Historian
Martha Ann Taylor — HHS History Album
Board Members — 2002-2003
Samuel D. Hemphill
Delbert Hemphill
Pauline Lunin
Samuel G. Latture
Carl Ponder
Robert Hardee Hemphill III
WEB PAGE — Beth Pendergrass
<ewp@onemain.com>
REUNION 2003— Ray & Ruth Hemphill
and Carl & Virginia Ponder — Co-Hosts.
<RayHemphill@msn.com>
<vfponder@netzero.net>
The June 8, 2002 Assembly Meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Ray Hemphill, president, and in addition to
election of officers and board members, the following items of importance were discussed: 1. Old business — The two
versions of Hemphill Coat of Arms discussed and voted on with the older Coat of Arms of James Hemphill of Camus,
as researched by Robert D. Hemphill of Orangeburg, S.C. being accepted. 2. Martha Taylor elected to take place of
Carl R. Hemphill who resigned as Scrapbook chairman which now will be referred to as HHS History Album. 3. Future
sites for 2003 selected at Atlanta, GA and 2004 at Salt Lake City, UT and other future possible sites discussed.
Tentative plans were also given about the Atlanta Reunion by the hosts. 4. Sale items discussed and prices
announced. 5. Fall board meeting decided to conduct by e-mail. 6. Meeting adjourned.
**************************************** BOARD MEMBER PASSES AWAY
Zoe Hemphill Tom sent a message on 8th September 2002 that her first cousin and one of our Historical Society’s
Board Members, Robert Hardee Hemphill III had passed away on 7th September with services being held at St. Paul’s
Episcopal Church in Summerville, South Carolina. Robert’s wife is Elaine and many of our members have met them
both at our Reunions. Robert was a board member representing the line of Hemphills
descending from Andrew (1750a*NI/1790 PA) through Matthew (1776*/1815 OH). Robert and Elaine had traveled to
Scotland and elsewhere in their enthusiasm for Hemphill history. His presence in our society will be missed. Our
condolences to his wife, Elaine, and their family.
**************************************** DEATH OF A MEMBER IN TEXAS
Your editor’s daughter Brenda Wyatt, became acquainted with Patricia Pomaro through school connection in
Dallas/Forth Worth area and learned that her father, Aloysius Leroy Hemphill, Jr., a member of our Hemphill His.
Society had passed away on 3 May 2002. He lived in Houston, Texas and his wife was Elizabeth Brown Hemphill. He
was preceded in death by a brother William Francis Hemphill and his mother Ruth Lathrop Hemphill. (His father
Aloysius L. Sr. left his family when they were teenagers and died in Silver Springs, MD in 1956.) He leaves besides
his wife, 4 daughters and 2 sons-in-law Anne Higgins of Houston,TX; Pat and Louis Pomaro in Grapevine, TX; Kathy
Hemphill of Houston, TX and Mary Jo and Marc Pearcy of Edmond, OK; 3 sisters and a brother-in-law Ola Mae
Hemphill of Ft. Worth, TX; Dr. & Mrs. R. S. Browne of Pt. Arthur, TX; and Suzanne Browne Quick of Houston, TX with
10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. The line he descended from was not listed in our 2001 yearbook. Our
sympathy is extended to the family.
**************************************
HEMPHILL QUERIES
Jim Jobe, a descendant of James Hemphill, sent a e-mail to James & Martha Hemphill about his family and a idea
about a “movie” on John Hemphill, First Chief Justice of state of Texas which sounds interesting but costly. His mother
is Audalene Lake Hemphill Jobe, daughter of Audie Taylor Hemphill. Her maternal grandfather owned land on which
James is buried. As a young girl she would pass within 25 feet of his grave everyday as she walked to her grandfather’
s house to shell a sack of corn to feed the chickens. Jim read the book about John Hemphill by Rosalee Curtis which
his mother owned and praises the author for doing an excellent job and suggests that it would make a good movie.
<FireChild221@aol.com>
* * * * * *
Mary Hemphill of North Carolina called editor Weir in July 2002, and said her husband’s brother Joe Hemphill, Jr.
belongs to National SAR #153909 of Revolutionary ancestor Capt. Thomas Hemphill who was honored with a
ceremony at our Reunion in Asheville in 1999. If anyone wishes more info on this line for SAR contact Mary at area
828-669-8509. Perhaps she can help you or give you additional info.
* * * * * * *
A Betty Walker in Hallettsville, Texas with an e-mail address of <bwalktx@txcr.net> is trying to find the parents of a
John Hemphill born 1774 in SC who married a Margaret Bates Clarke who had at least 5 children.
* * * * * * *
A Cheryl Hemphill Corman from Clearfield Co., PA is trying to find the line of Clarence Hemphill who married a Jane
Watson who apparently was not raised by his parents. He appears at age 8 on the 1860 census of Clearfield Co.
with a woman by name of “Ellen” whose last name is unreadable. He had a son Daniel Washington which Cheryl is
descended from. Cheryl’s e-mail address is <corman@pennswoods.net>
**************************************** CHANGES IN E-MAIL ADDRESSES
Stan & Mary Hemphill —
< wsmjhemphill@earthlink.net>
* * * * * * *
Milford & Rosa Lee Prichard —
<rlprichard@cox.net>
* * * * * * *
Robert & Jeanine Martin —
<JeanineMartin@cox.net>
* * * * * * *
James R. Wills —
<jwills@charter.net>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CARMEL PECAN PIE RECIPE
(A SOUTHERN FAVORITE)
3 EGGS
2/3 CUP SUGAR
1 CUP (12 oz. jar) CARMEL ice cream
topping
1/4 CUP BUTTER melted
1½ CUPS PECAN HALVES
BEAT eggs, ADD sugar& STIR, STIR IN Carmel Topping and Butter, ADD pecans & POUR INTO a large pie shell.
BAKE at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. COOL & STORE in refrigerator.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SOME ATLANTA ATTRACTIONS
Atlanta Botanical Garden $7. (Srs. $5.) Atlanta History Center Archives $10. (Srs. $8.) High Museum of
Arts $6. (Srs. $4.) Jimmy Carter Pres. Lib. & Mus. $5. (Srs. $4.)
Margaret Mitchell House & Mus. $12. (Srs. $9.)
Stone Mountain Park $7. Entrance Fee Six Flags over Georgia $40. (Srs. $25) Zoo
Atlanta $11.50 to $16.50
Rapid Transit Sytem MARTA $1.75 fare one way Fernbank Museum of Nat. History FREE
***************************************
NEWS FLASH — Re-enactment of the “Palmyra Massacre” was held at Palmyra, MO the weekend of Oct. 19th &
20th, 2002 which coincided with the 140th anniversary of what Abraham Lincoln reportedly called “the blackest day of
the Civil War.” Look in your Reunion Book of 2001 for article on “Palmyra Massacre.”
**************************************
NEXT REUNION IN 2004 — Scheduled for
Salt Lake City, Utah — “Genealogy City” and where the 2002 Olympics were held. Hosted by Wm. Stan & Mary
Hemphill.
* * * * * * * * * 2005 REUNION — Scheduled for ????????
NEED VOLUNTEERS !!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
Membership dues are $20.00 per household running from June 1 to May 31 of following year which includes 2
newsletters, annual reunion meeting expenses and reunion booklet. The newsletter only is $5.00 per year.
Send dues to treasurer: James S. Hemphill
264 Patrick Rd., Fayetteville, TN 37334.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SALE ITEMS — STILL AVAILABLE
For those who might be interested in purchasing the following items which are still available.
CANVASS TOTE BAG $15.00
T-SHIRTS $12.00 to $14.00
HEMPHILL CAPS $12.50
GROUP PHOTOS $5.00 (mail add $1.50)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
************************************** HEMPHILLs IN THE NEWS
Jamie Hemphill of Clarksville, MO, has been accepted to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum on
Medicine to be held June 23-July 2 in Chicago. NYLF/MED is a career development program for high school students
who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and an interest in medicene. (From The Quincy Herald-
Whig newspaper of Sunday, June 9, 2002, p. 15A — This is the daughter of Louise Anne Hemphill whose grave many
of us visited at the cemetery in Clarksville, MO at our Reunion 2001 where also Robert Hemphill, early ancestor of
Jamie and of your editor was buried. NOTE -- Jamie’s picture was also shown in the article -- a very attractive girl.)
************************************** HEMPHILL ASSOC. PROFESSOR
Zoe Hemphill Tom sent an e-mail stating that her cousin Lowry Hemphill is now an Associate Professor at Wheelock
College in Boston. She previously taught at Harvard which is nearby. It was Lowry’s ancestor that wrote the first book
on the Andrew Hemphill line. Her e-mail address is <lhemphill@wheelock.edu>
************************************** HEMPHILL COAT OF ARMS
The Hemphill Coat of Arms accepted by our Historical Society General meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida was
registered probably by 1811 by James Hemphill, Esq. (1764-1821) of Camus/Flowerfield, County Londonderry, North
Ireland. Also possibly by the 1600 Hemphill of County Ayr, Scotland or Camus, County Londonderry, North Ireland.
A field Or, on a fesse Gules, between two chevrons and a star Azure, three escallop shells Argent. Crest, on a helmet
and wreath of its colors, a greyhound courant Proper, collored Gules. Motto, “Honour is the Reward of Virtue.” This
information came from Mr. Adam M. N. Dickey of Culleybackie in his manuscript of 28 June 1863. His brother married
into this Hemphill family. He states that this James Hemphill was Head of the Hemphill Family, a title handed down to
him in this family for over 200 years. We have no document on the date. Family tradition is that this Coat of Arms was
registered to James in 1811. If this is true, the first coat of arms was registered to the Hemphill family before 1611. In
the Chester County (Pennsylvania) Historical Society there is a letter from a Thomas Wills Hemphill stating his family
came to the Colonies in 1678 and that, “the year was 1600.” We do not know if the 1811 Coat of Arms is identical or
a modified version of the 1600 Coat of Arms. The registration dates are unknown, probably 1600 and 1811.
The field “Or” is gold; the “Gules” is red; the “Azure” is blue; the “Argent” is silver, Helmet also silver; and the “Proper”
is a natural color.
***************************************
SEND news items to editor Roma I. Weir
3423 So. Glendale Dr.
Quincy, IL 62301-4433
ph.217-223-8281; e-mail <riweir@adams.net>
SEE “YOU ALL” IN ATLANTA
***************************************
Letters From Our Members
Jane Hemphill Williams writes — that she and husband, George, were extremely disappointed that they were unable
to attend the Hannibal Hemphill Reunion as they were going to the British Isles with their church. But they plan to be
in St. Petersburg with her cousins, the host families of 2002 reunion.
* * * * * * * *
A letter sent to Pres. Samuel D. Hemphill in April 2001 by Herschel & Anne Hemphill regretting that they, at age 90s,
were unable to attend the 2001 Hemphill Reunion in Hannibal. Herchel’s grandparents, Isaac and Rebecca (Eberhart)
Hemphill were both natives of Butler Co., PA and married in Kansas in 1872. The Eberharts originated in Germany
and the Hemphills came from Ireland so its very likely that there is a connection to some of our Hemphill members.
Isaac was the second child of John and Elizabeth (Barnhart) Hemphill. Listed are the names and spouses given to
Herschel some years ago by a Mrs. Ray Randall Hemphill of Chicora, Butler Co., PA. — Abraham Hemphill m. Jenny
Shannon; Isaac Hemphill m. Rebecca Eberhart; Martin Hemphill m. Emma Clark; Chambers Hemphill m. & di-vorced
(?); Rachel Hemphill m. a Doshamer; Jeremina Hemphill m. Paul Barnhart; and Mary m. Peter Kaylor. Children of
Isaac: Mabel, Harrison (Herschel’s father), Edward, Mary, Samuel, Frederick, James and Ida, all deceased.
Editor’s note — Wonder if this family has any connection with the picture I have of the early Hemphill Brothers Ranch
in Conway Springs, Sumner County, Kansas showing several team of horses and gang plowing?
* * * * * * * *
Another letter from one of the founders of the Hemphill Assoc., Simpson Hemphill, from Greenwood, MS, sent his
regrets to Pres. Sam on not being able to attend 2001 reunion. He had some eye surgery which prevented driving
and another member, Ruth DeBuys of Birmingham, AL, who had planned to come with him also couldn’t make the
trip. However, Simpson plans to attend the 2002 reunion in St. Pete and bring his extensive research on the Hemphill
Coat-of-Arms for the group to review and decide on the most suitable and authentic Coat-of-Arms. We hope to see
Simpson in 2002.
* * * * * * * *
Editor Weir received e-mail from Elwin Hemphill in Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada. He received info from Margaret
(Hemphill) Wysong of Columbus, OH who had attended reunion and found “a James Hemphill” listed in my Hemphill
Family Book. They trace their Hemphills back to a “James Hemphill” who came to Ulster, IRE, from Ayshire, Scotland,
at time of plantation settlements near Ballymoney. Appearing on Hearth Money Rolls, Groves Documents #7813 —
“Protestant house-holders in 1748 in Dunluse Barony, Co. Antrim, Ballymoney Parish, Martha Hemphill, James
Hemphill.” “Protestant householders in 1760 in Coleraine Barony, Co. Derry, Ballyreshane or Ballymoney Parish,
David Hemphill.” “House-holders in Ballymoney Parish, Co. Antrim in Conner Diocese in 1766, J. Hemphill,
dissenter.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
HEMPHILLS ON GROVE DOCUMENTS
Also found on Groves Documents #7807— Only 2 Hemphill wills proved in Armagh. —
“Armagh will made 27 May 1747, proved in January 1747 (1747/8) Rev. Joseph Hemphill of the old parish of Termonm’
Gort to be buried in Clocherny Churchyard, farm of Lower Laraugh and part of it called Mullbeg tanyard. Wife
Margaret, eldest son John, son James, son Samuel to be bred a scholar, son Joseph has already got #50 which has
been paid to Mr. Boyd. The leather in my tanyard to be sold by my tanner Wm. Young and by Henry Given of
Tanteryconnaght in Kepey parish, wife to maintain the children, probably other children besides sons mentioned.
Executor’s wife, eldest son John, 2nd son James & 4th son Samuel. In January 1747 will was proved by the widow.
Probate 6 July 1751 to Margt, James & Saml Hemphill, 3 executors. Seal illegible.”
“Armagh will made 24 July 1777, proved 26
July 1781, Edward Hemphill of Derores in Termonm’Guirk Parish, Co. Tyrone, yoeman, all to children who are minors,
executors, my brother Rev. Joseph Scott, my sons Joseph Hemphill & Hamilton Hemphill. John Graham of Dervercroy
& Will Morison of Laragh. Witnesses, Robt. Semple, Angel Scott, Nancy Scott. Probate to Hamilton Hemphill,
executor. Seal & wafer.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * EDITOR’S BROTHER PASSES AWAY
It with sadness that I inform the members of our Hemphill Assoc. that my brother, Lindle Gordon McConnell passed
away on Mon., June 11, 2001, just after our successful Reunion Weekend in Hannibal, MO. He was born on
Christmas Day in 1917 in Pike Co., Illinois and was 83 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Mabel Baughman, who
he married on 6 February 1938 and one son, Ruel Leon. He had served in World War II in the Army. He was not a
member of our organization but was a Hemphill descendant. His passing leaves only myself and a sister, Wanda
Franklin, in Glendale, AZ, remaining from a family of six.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * CAN ANYONE IDENTIFY
THE HEMPHILL BRANCH?
An article and obituary was received from the mother-in-law (of Mountain Home, AR) of member Christina McVea (dau.
of editor).—
“YELLVILLE, (AK) — Services for Acel D. Hemphill of Yellville, will be at 11 a.m. Sat. at Twin Lakes Baptist Church with
Dr. Sam Bailey officiating. Mr. Hemphill died Wed. (May 16, 2001) at Baxter Medical Center. He was 64.
He was born Dec. 19, 1936, at Marshall-town, Iowa, to the late Joseph J. and Belle Coolidge Hemphill. He was a U.S.
Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He married Linda Roper on Sept. 1, 1962. He was retired from maintenance with
the National Park Service. Mr. Hemphill lived in Marion County for 24 years, moving from California. He was a
member of the Yellville Masonic Lodge 117, Diabetic Support Group and Twin Lakes Ostomy Association. He was a
member of Twin Lakes Baptist Church where he was a head usher. His hobbies included clowning, balloon art, and
spoon playing.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Hemphill of Yellville; a son, Greg Hemphill and wife, Chris, of North Little Rock;
brothers LaVerne Hemphill of Medford, Ore., Merle Hemphill of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Kenneth Hemphill of Yellville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and four sisters.
* * * * * * * * * * * * DATE A TOMBSTONE?
One way to figure out “era” your ancestor was buried is to examine the material the tombstone is made from. If
ancestor has a stone of slate or com-mon fieldstone (except for wooden--used by pio-
neers), chances are stone dates from 1796-1830. If stone is flat topped hard marble--dates are about 1830-1849. If
your mystery stone is round or pointed soft marble with cursive inscriptions-- look for a date of 1845-1868. Masonic 4-
sided stones began in 1850 and are still in use today. Pylons, columns and all exotic-style monuments usually date to
1860-1900. Zinc monuments date from 1870-1900. Granite, now common, came into use about 1900. -Rock
Mountain Buckeye & Columbine Gen. & His. Soc.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DONATION TO SOCIETY
A generous donation was received from Cal and Carolyn Luker of Atlanta, Georgia, who were unable to attend the
2001 Hannibal Reunion. The Hemphill Society certainly appreciates their gracious gift and hope that they are able to
make our 2002 reunion in Florida.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE — Anyone wishing to make a gift or a memorial of a loved one, please send your contributions to Treasurer,
Selywn Hemphill, 264 Patrick Road, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE — Sam & Marlene Hemphill’s new E-mail address <samarleneh@aol.com>
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE FROM YOUR NEW SECRETARY
Please notify secretary (as well as treasurer Selwyn Hemphill) of any changes in your address. Thanks!
Carolyn Dorf, 1965 Honesuckle Rd., Coulterville, IL 62237 E-mail <cdorf@accessus.net>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * SEND news items to editor Roma I. Weir
3423 So. Glendale Dr., Quincy, IL 62301-4433
Ph. 217-223-8281 E-mail <riweir@adams.net>
“Happy Thanksgiving Holiday”
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