April 2009

Greetings –

THANKS again to all who attended the 2008 Ward – Riley Family Reunion last year. As you know, the reunions each year are held at the Echo United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. This is with the generous help of Nina McDaniel, who is a member of the church and the Ward family.

Our family history book of the Wards and Rileys, being compiled and written by Manonia Snell, well known genealogist and author, will NOT be ready in time for a June 2009 Reunion. It is taking more time to get everything compiled and get all updates for the most recent years. Make sure you get your history updated from the last time you submitted information a few years ago. Remember -- this book will be used as reference for generations. Please -- send any updates immediately to Manonia Snell, P. O. Box 233, Skipperville, AL 36374. Hopefully they can be included. The book will be well worth waiting to read and see the extensive family tree.

We are still trying to locate a copy of the old tin type picture of Elender Riley Ward in full Indian regalia, as a number of people have seen.

Since the book will not be ready in June 2009, the next family reunion will be the 4^th Saturday of June 2010 -- June 26, 2010. It will be at the Echo United Methodist Church, Echo (near Ozark ), AL. It was decided in 2008 that we would not have another reunion until we have the book published and ready to purchase, even if we have to skip 2009. This is the case now presented.

Please read the August 2008 letter about the 2008 reunion.

There is a website, maintained by Pete Unger, with a great deal of the history, pictures and numerous other items -- www.johnriley-sr.net. There are a number of contributors to the website.

Any comments or suggestions, please contact Bob White at bob@fsuinsurance.com or 1-800-881-1046, ext. 106 or fax 407-260-1275.