June 2007 | |
An Apple a Day (From the Spiker Family Tree) Keeps the Doctor Away???
- Introduction to our new family website, the Spiker Gazette & the Gazette staff.
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July 2007 | |
Family Records Tombstone Etchings
- Dean Spiker, Cathy Gregis & Melanie Fouse went "grave hunting" to record the location of family graves.
- Chris & Renee Chambers had a baby girl, Ella Brooke, on June 13th.
- Keri Gregis Hurst & family moved to their new home in Oxford.
- Haley Conley wins award for her fiction writing published in FGCU's student-edited literary & arts magazine.
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August 2007 | |
It's no Bull -- John Bob Spiker Risks Life & Limb
- Details of the First Annual Championship Bull Riders event on the John Spiker Farm in Jane Lew, WV.
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September 2007 | |
A Family Birthday Celebration for Paul Miller's 90th
- Week-long celebration in the beautiful Rocky Mountains to celebrate Paul Miller's 90th birthday.
- Melanie Fouse shares a touching sibling love story about her grandchildren.
- Larry & Cathy Gregis took a trip to New York. Cathy shares the highlights.
- Central Florida is the "lightning capital of the U.S." -- the Conley's felt the power when it struct at their home.
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October 2007 | |
Melinda Spiker Chambers' Journey from Inspired Writer to Published Author
- Our interview with Melinda Spiker Chambers about the children's books she has authored.
- What do you get when a mother of three children marries a father of three children? The "Curry Bunch," of course. Meet mother Shelly (Gregis,) father Rob & their six energetic children on the Curry Farm.
- Yvonne Haines submits a story about her grandfather's (Felix Brigham Wood Zinn) life in WV.
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November 2007 | |
Sunny Pointe Guesthouse, a Quiet, Peaceful Farm of Hospitality
- Introduction to the Sunny Pointe Guest House owned by John & Sue Spiker. Includes link to their new website.
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December 2007 | |
History of the Spiker Farm from 1768 to Present
- Mike Spiker submits an excerpt from his publication "Spiker / Zinn Farm History."
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January 2008 | |
2007 - A Year in Review
- A review of the year's family events.
|
February 2008 | |
Searching for Peace
- Paul Miller discusses his involvement in the Faith and Education Collaborative.
- Evan & Jennifer Thrush have a son, Liam.
- Dean Spiker's annual winter vacation in Florida at the Conley's home is shortened.
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March 2008 | |
Taxing the Brain
- A look at our ancestors and the tax man.
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April 2008 | |
Watching our Garden Grow
- Editors of the Gazette will be canvassing for stories at the family reunion next month.
- Haley Conley graduates with honors from Florida Gulf Coast University.
|
May 2008 | |
The Ritchie County Flood of 1950
- Newspaper article remembering the "Flood of 1950."
- Evan Thrush accepts new position with John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland.
- Ryan Thrush completes further law enforcement training in his job as park ranger for the National Park Services.
- Updates about Shelly Curry's sons, Clayton & Robbie's, involvement in high school sports.
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June 2008 | |
Family Garden at the Spiker Family Farm - The 2008 Reunion
- Highlights of the 2008 Spiker Family Reunion.
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July 2008 | |
Generations of Understanding
- Editor requests copies of old family letters.
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August 2008 | |
Celebrating Dean Spiker's 80th Birthday
- Surprise party for Willa Dean Spiker's 80th birthday
- Editor requests documentation of the Spiker men in the military.
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September 2008 | |
The Mother of Seven and Two -- Lillie Missouri Gay Spiker's Personal Diary
- Introduction to Gay Spiker's personal diary.
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October 2008 | |
Alison Spiker Goes to Guatamala
- Highlights of Alison Spiker's mission trip to Guatamala.
- Responses were received about Gay Spiker's diary.
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November 2008 | |
A Neighbor, Mary Lucille DeBerry, Drops by the Farm
- Mary Lucille DeBerry reminisces about how important education has been to the families living near the Spiker farm.
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December 2008 | |
No News is Good News
- No news to share - just wishes for the Happiest of Holidays and all the best in the New Year.
|
January 2009 | |
All Around the House at the Spiker Family Gathering Place
- Navigating our website is like going from room to room at the Spiker farm. Here's how it works.
- Rachel Fouse delivers fourth child, Caden Scott, on December 9.
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February 2009 | |
Questions are the Wrapping Paper, Answers are the Gift
- Exploring the connections of Bradford Spiker's manuscript, "The Good-Will Community," with Barr Wilson, John M. DeBrular, Port DeBrular, Geneva Haught, Gay Spiker, Orville & Gerry Bonnell, Mary Grace Maxwell, Ed Haught, and Sue Ann Maxwell Spiker.
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March 2009 | |
All in the Family Name
- Our family's efforts to record some of the Spiker names in our history are sometimes hindered by conflicting "sources."
- John Bob Spiker was selected to fight the Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association Finals & is elected "Bullfighter of the Year."
- Chris & Jenny Nolan have a little girl, Alexis.
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April 2009 | |
Spiker Family Auction Supports South Fork Cemetery
- Reunion schedule is announced. Requests made for auction items to benefit the South Fork Cemetery.
- Evan & Jen Thrush welcome son, Logan Paul, on March 27.
|
May 2009 | |
Family Reunion Schedule of Events
- Bobbi Conley looks forward to attending the family reunion for the first time in years.
- Reunion schedule is confirmed.
- Shawn Gifford & Rikki had a son, Alexander Douglas, born on May 11.
- Black bear spotted at the farm (from where Bear Run gets its name.)
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June 2009 | |
Family Gathers at the Spiker Family Farm - The 2009 Reunion
- Highlights of the 2009 Spiker Family Reunion
- List of the attendees at the 2009 reunion.
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July 2009 | |
Third Annual Championship Bull Riding at John & Sue Spiker's Farm
- Announcing the Third Annual Championship Bull Riding at John & Sue Spiker's farm.
- John Bob & Lisa Spiker welcome their third daughter.
- Angela & Rob Benson welcome son, Blake Alan, on July 11.
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August 2009 | |
Spikers Host Bull Riding Event / Spiker Buggy Makes its Debut
- Recap of the Bull Riding event at John & Sue Spiker's farm.
- First peek at the restored Spiker buggy.
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September 2009 | |
Family Wills & Estate Auctions
- Review of Quilly Manley Zinn's Will & the Estate Sale of John Zinn.
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October 2009 | |
Spiker Buggy Comes to Life
- The Spiker Buggy has been restored to it former glory. Photos included.
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November 2009 | |
South Fork Baptist Church - Rules of Decorum
- Examining hot the South Fork Church's "Rules of Decorum" may have shaped some of Bob Spiker's expectations for his children's behavior in church.
- Obituary of Genevieve "Jenny" Stout Summers.
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December 2009 | |
Christmas at the Spiker Farm
- An interview with twins Boots & Ann about what Christmas was like when growing up at the Spiker farm.
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January 2010 | |
An Ocean Apart - Letter from Alice to Brad, Christmas 1944
- The love letter Alice Spiker sent to husband Brad has a very special place in the hearts & homes of their descendants.
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February 2010 | |
"Fraidy Cat" Wins Mom's Choice Award
- Children's book written by Melinda Spiker Chambers & illustrated by Sue Ann Maxwell Spiker wins Mom's Choice Award.
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March 2010 | |
The Alphabet Name Game
- Census reveals Burns Harlan's slightly unusual way of naming his children.
|
April 2010 | |
Getting Ready for the Spiker Family Reunion
- Preparing for the 2010 Reunion.
- Pete Deremer will graduate from WVU College of Engineering and Mineral Resources next month.
|
May 2010 | |
Reunion Schedule of Events
- Sarah Smith reminds everyone to look through boxes of letters and post cards from the Spiker family that she dropped off at the farm.
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June 2010 | |
Family Gathers at the Spiker Family Farm - The 2010 Reunion
- Highlights of the 2010 Spiker Family Reunion.
- Melanie Fouse distributes bookmarks she designed by incorporating pictures taken at the Spiker farm.
- Introduction to Guy Zinn's professional baseball cards.
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July 2010 | |
Remembering Francena Miller
- In Loving Memory of Francena Miller 1919-2010
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August 2010 | |
Fourth Annual Championship Bull Ride at John & Sue Spiker's Farm
- Recap of the Bull Riding event at John & Sue Spiker's farm.
- A bull named Super House, calved by John Bob Spiker, had his first out in the PBR Ford Tough Series and is still unridden.
- Robby Currey III elected to WV State FFA Secretary Office.
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September 2010 | |
My Husband's (Ryan Nolan) Life as a National Park Ranger
- Barbara Thrush shares her thoughts & family photos about her husband Ryan's career as a National Park Ranger.
|
October 2010 | |
Breaking through the Brick Wall
- Requests for sources about David Spiker & his father that will help us positively identify the family connection.
|
November 2010 | |
Friends are a Wonderful Thing
- Wayne Struzik shares his adventures of meeting up with an old military buddy that he hadn't seen in 50 years.
- YouTube videos of Appalachia base player, Chris Chambers, and of Bullfighter, John Bob Spiker.
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December 2010 | |
Happy Holidays
- No news to share - just wishes for the Happiest of Holidays and all the best in the New Year.
|
January 2011 | |
New Year Resolutions for the Spiker Family
- Resolve to scan, document, organize and share all those family photos you've been saving.
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February 2011 | |
The Spiker Family History Interview
- Why it's so important to talk to our families before they leave us. Includes easy ways to interview them.
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March 2011 | |
Growing Healthy Family Trees
- It's important to document our family's living history, but it is even more important to be aware of our family's medical history.
- Brad Stotts became a father in February to daughter Kista.
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April 2011 | |
Author Melinda Chambers is Interviewed on Lifetime Channel
- Melinda Spiker Chambers tells what it was like to be interviewed on "The Balancing Act," a nationally televised weekday show on Lifetime Television.
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May 2011 | |
Spiker Reunion Schedule Announced for May 2011
- Schedule announced for 2011 Spiker Reunion.
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June 2011 | |
Spiker Auction Sets Record in 2011
- Haley Conley's cross-stitched wall hanging sets Auction record for an individual item of $550.
Highlights of the 2011 Spiker Family Reunion. - Alice Spiker passed away on May 25 at age 94.
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July 2011 | |
The Buzz Around Town
- Lisa "Kate" Spiker sets up a website detailing the goings-on at John and Sue Spiker's farm in Jane Lew, WV.
- Christ Chambers' bluegrass band, Appalachia, is also busy updating their website.
- Jonelle Swiger reserves spot for use as a Farmer's Market.
- Haley Conley & Pat Cloughessy became engaged on July 1.
- Robby Currey III completed first year as a WV State FFA Secretary & runs for National FFA office.
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August 2011 | |
The Descendants of Isaac Monroe Spiker & Catherine Bradford Spiker
- Introduction to the descendants of Isaac Monroe & Catherine Bradford Spiker, including photos & memorials.
- Jonelle Spiker Swiger wins Grand Prize in WV Living Magazine's second annual photo contest.
- Surprise party for Ryan Thrush's 40th birthday.
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September 2011 | |
Always Carry Cash in the Country
- Marty Spiker tells us about the good, and the not so good, times daughter Alison Morris & her husband had while staying a spell at the Spiker farmhouse.
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October 2011 | |
Black Sheep in the Family Tree
- An excerpt from "Ritchie County Crimes & Calamaties" tells the tale of counterfeiters William and Emmanual Alkire (in our family tree by marriage.)
- John Bob & Kate Spiker welcome fourth daughter, Katelyn Fay.
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November 2011 | |
A Southern Sympathizer?
- Brad Spiker's manuscript "Good-Will Community" hints that George Farley Bush was a Southern sympathizer.
|
December 2011 | |
Newspaper Delivery Changes
- No news to share - just wishes for the Happiest of Holidays and all the best in the New Year.
|
January - March 2012 | |
Announcing Release of the 1940 Census
- The US government releases the census to the public exactly 72 years after it was taken. Announcing the release of the 1940 census.
- Cathy & Larry Gregis take an extended vacation to Florida & share emails of their adventure.
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April - June 2012 | |
The 6th Annual Bull Ride / Spiker Family Reunion
- The 6th Annual Bull Ride moves to June.
- Adelene Spiker passed away in Mar.
- Sarah Smith sells framed & matted photos of her photography of the Spiker Farm.
- Zach Gifford becomes a father in April to daughter Hailey Jade.
- Article with Del Monte's Chris Struzik appears in Progressive Grocer magazine.
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July - September 2012 | |
Fun Facts about the Spiker Family / Reunion Contest Results
- Haley Conley shares some fun and interesting facts that she has been collecting about the Spiker family.
- Highlights of the 2012 Spiker Family Reunion
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October - December 2012 | |
Remembering Willa Dean Bonnell Spiker
- Remembering Willa Dean Bonnell Spiker 1928-2012
- Haley Conley and Pat Cloughessy get married on 10-11-12 at Sanibel Island, Florida.
|
January - June 2013 | |
Husband & Wife Earn Medical Degrees
- Husband & wife, Alison & Grant Morris, earn their medical degrees.
- Twins Delene (Boots) & Delane (Ann) celebrate 80th birthdays in February.
- Clayton Yeager graduates high school
- Morgan Hurst graduates high school.
- Chris Chambers releases new solo music album titled "Weathervane."
|
July 2013 - December 2013 | |
Introducing the South Fork Cemetery Association
- Mike Spiker reveals the establishment of the South Fork Cemetery Association and Uncle Paul's generous contribution to the fund.
- RC Brunstetter will be going to NC State in January to play football as a Long Snapper.
- Jonelle Spiker Swiger appears in singer Gary Allan's music video titled "It Ain't the Whiskey."
- Haley & Pat Claughessy announce they're having twins.
|
January 2014 - December 2014 | |
None Published. Announcements Only.
- Haley & Pat Cloughessy's twin sons, Greyson Patrick and Logan Andrew arrive on May 20.
- Boots, Ann and Paul all celebrate birthdays, as did Coon, who turned 90 on September 10.
|
January 2015 - May 2015 | |
"Home" Renovations Almost Complete - Introducing our NEW Website.
- Introduction to the "home renovations" being made to our website.
- Schedule announced for the 2015 Spiker Reunion
- Peyton Grett graduates from Olathe High School
- Devon Yeager graduates from Doddridge County High School
- Robby Currey III graduates from Marshall University
- Pete Deremer & Stephanie McGowan announce engagement
- Kari Deremer & Dustin Duda announce engagement
- Brock Stotts & Missy Spangler got married in September 2014
- Drew Spiker & Katie Onachila got married in November 2014
- Katie & Christian Shaffer announce they are expecting their first child in August
- Brock & Missy Stotts are expecting their first child in October
- Twins Greyson & Logan Cloughessy celebrate 1st birthday with a touching video.
- Melinda & Sue Ann's newest books has been published.
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June 2015 | |
Family Gathers at the Spiker Family Farm - The 2015 Reunion
- Highlights of the 2015 Spiker Family Reunion
- John Bob & Kate Spiker welcome fifth daughter, Caroline.
- Cruz Hayes graduates high school
- Remembering Paul Ausborn Miller 1917-2015
|
July 2015 | |
The Grey-Haired Guy in the Yellow Shirt
- We can always find Mike Spiker at the reunion, he's the grey-haired guy in the yellow shirt.
- Pete Deremer takes trip to Italy.
- Katie & Christian Shaffer welcome daughter Adalyn.
|
August 2015 | |
Home Sweet Home - A Photo Scrapbook
- Photo scrapbook of the Spiker Farm.
- Mark Spiker takes Medical Mission trip to Ecuador.
|
September 2015 | |
Spiker Cousin Joins WVU Football
- RC Brunstetter transfers to WVU.
- A few photos reinforcing that Spikers love everything Blue & Gold.
- Kari Deremer opens Etsy store.
|
October 2015 | |
Introducing Catherine Gay Spiker Miller
- Paula Kay Miller Nolan introduces us to her mother, Catherine Gay Spiker Miller.
- Brock & Missy Stotts welcome son Beckett Terry on September 22.
|
November 2015 | |
Introducing Grace Gurdle Spiker
- Joan Struzik Cerney & Ruth Strauss Stahl introduce us to Jake's sister, Grace Gurdle Spiker.
|
December 2015 | |
Remembering Christmases Past
- Bobbi Conley reflects on Christmases at Bob Spiker's home.
- Sue Ann Spiker and her farm are seen in an episode of DIY Network's show, "Barnwood Builders."
|
January 2016 | |
The Spiker/Zinn Farm History
- Mike Spiker's outline of the Spiker / Zinn Farm History - Union District, Ritchie County, West Virginia.
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February 2016 | |
Our Link to Phebe Tucker Cunningham
- Family photos suggest a possible relationship with Phebe Cunningham
|
March 2016 | |
Mourning the Loss of our Dear Aunt Ann
- Delane King - affectionately known to us as Aunt Ann - has passed away.
- Ryan and Barbara Thrush's eldest son graduates with Double-Major.
|
April 2016 | |
Spiker Sports
- We can't get enough of these videos of some of our youngest players.
- Grant & Alison Morris reveal they're expecting their first child.
|
May 2016 | |
Spiker Family Reunion 2016 - Schedule of Events
- A special memorial gathering will be held at the farm house on Saturday to remember Paul Miller.
- The Schedule of Events is revealed.
- A family video - Spikerhendge - is released.
|
June 2016 | |
Highlights from the 2016 Spiker Family Reunion
- Memorial service for Paul & Francena Miller
- Currey family travels to Washington D.C. to remember & honor Veterans.
- While on vacation, Angie Benson helps save a life.
- Coon Larew has a fun time riding in the Farmer's Day Parade.
|
July 2016 | |
Welcome to our Family's General Store
- We are a family of painters, sculptors, and authors, of ranchers, gardeners, and apiarists. So it makes sense that the virtual "inventory" consists of items that family members have made with their own hands.
- We complement our "family line of goods" with products or services that reference our family and the communities in which they live and toss in a few genealogy-related elements to balance everything out.
|
August 2016 | |
Treasured Family Photos
- Prevent memories from being lost and make them easily available to the rest of the family.
- Discover options for scanning photos & documents.
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September 2016 | |
Treasured Family Heirlooms
- Preserving the stories behind our family heirlooms.
- Print out our Heirloom Inventory Form
|
October 2016 | |
Treasured Family Records
- Proving we didn't make all this stuff up.
- Locating important family records.
- Print out our Family Group Sheet
- Print out our Source Checklist
|
November 2016 | |
Political Persuasion ???
- We go back 100 years to see how much - or how little - political views have changed in Ritchie County.
- Drew & Katie Spiker become parents.
- Rob & Shelly Currey are honored as Doddridge County 2016 Outstanding 4-H Volunteers
|
December 2016 | |
They Call it Christmas Creep
|
January 2017 | |
Introducing: Jacob Verlynne "Lynn" Spiker (part 1 of 2)
- Save the Date - 2017 Reunion
- Sarah's photo of the South Fork Baptist Church appears in Charleston newspaper.
|
February 2017 | |
Gay Spiker Organized First 4-H Club in Ritchie County West Virginia
- Introducing: Jacob Verlynne "Lynn" Spiker (part 2 of 2)
- Gracie Spiker mentioned in friend's 1966 Will.
|
March 2017 | |
What Should I Bring for the Auction
- Project ideas for the auction.
- Sarah Spiker Smith offers photos for sale.
|
April 2017 | |
The Ledger, The Lumber Company, and the Diary
- Bobbi Spiker Conley announces the discovery of a new family heirloom -- a business ledger/diary written by members of Granville Preston Zinn's family.
|
May 2017 | |
What's the Forecast?
- Some reunion activities could be affected by weather.
- Cousin Stanley Wolfe's family, Minard's Spaghetti Inn, celebrates 80 years in business.
|
June 2017 | |
Our Website Celebrates 10th Birthday
- Highlights of the 2017 Spiker Family Reunion
|
July 2017 | |
Cleaning Up the Gardening Tools
- Focusing on links and tools that are more specific to OUR direct ancestors and the communities in which they live(d).
- Resources broken down by Country, State, County, City/Township/Community, Surname
- It's time for the 11th Annual Spiker Farm Bull Ride.
|
August 2017 | |
Crowdsourcing - Cemetery Transcription
- Photos of ancestors involved in cleaning and erecting monuments.
- Printable Cemetery Survey Templates
- Requesting volunteers to help document ancestor memorials.
|
September 2017 | |
Old Barn / New Art
- The old barn gets a facelift with the addition of new artwork -- a barn quilt painted in traditional Mountaineer blue and gold.
- Introducing Melanie Fouse's newest grandson, Leland.
- Drone images of the 11th annual Spiker bull riding event.
|
October 2017 | |
Saving the Cellar House Stones
- When one wall of the old Cellar House fell, Mike and others repaired the damage with modern blocks, saving the ancient sandstone blocks for other purposes:
- Grandmother Gay's Lily Pond
- Spikerhenge
- Fire Pit
|
November 2017 | |
Introducing Robert Bradford
- An introduction to our 5th great-grandfather from Ireland.
- Visiting the Bradford Farm Family Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
- Christian and Katie welcome their 2nd daughter to the family.
|
December 2017 | |
Merry Christmas 2017
- Aerial view of the Spiker Family Farm
- Morgan Hurst becomes a mother.
- John Bob & Kate welcome daughter number six.
- Announcing the marriage of Cole and Kylie Grett.
|
January 2018 | |
Family Tree Reboot/Rebuild for 2018
- Some call it a "do-over" or a "start-over" but ours is more of a "reboot" or "rebuild" - see what that means for our family tree.
|
February 2018 | |
Recent Library Additions
- Cousin Gary W. Zinn introduces himself to the family.
- Two new articles have been uploaded to our Library.
- South Fork Church announces bus tour to see the Ark in Kentucky.
|
March 2018 | |
The Horn Creek Baptist Cemetery
- Photos of the church and cemetery.
- Lumber from Marion Bukey Zinn's farm was used to build the church.
- The leftover lumber was used to build Gay Spiker's sister & brother-in-law's home.
- EVENT in April -- the Annual Ramp Dinner at Berea's South Fork Grange
|
April 2018 | |
Catherine Zinn's Diary Reveals Sad History
- Two die and two are injured in Oxford, WV fire.
- Newspaper articles provide details.
- RC Smith and Mikayla Yeager are graduating
- EVENT in April -- The Ritchie County Historical Society Genealogy & History Fair
|
May 2018 | |
One Hundred Years at the Spiker Family Farm
- Construction of the Spiker family's home was completed in 1918. Here's a little history.
- Barbara Thrush sends us a pic from Kylie and Cole Grett's wedding.
|
June 2018 | |
Highlights of the 2018 Spiker Family Reunion
- The OLD family pictures are here.
- The NEW family pictures are here.
- The CREEPY family pictures are here.
|
July 2018 | |
Introducing Marjory Fay Spiker
- We reveal the identities of the women in the "Creepy Photo" -- they are William Buckner & Anna Marie (Ward) Zinn's daughters, Ila Ota Zinn and Eliza Jane Zinn.
- It's time for the 12th Annual Spiker Bull Ride!
- Gary Zinn submits two more stories for our Library.
- Spiker cousins recreate an old family photo.
|
August 2018 | |
Getting to Know the Radcliffe Kids
- Gay Spiker's sister, Ethel, married Clyde Radcliffe. In this edition, we remember their children.
- Includes a Photo Album of several of the descendants of Isaac Monroe and Catherine Zinn Bradford Spiker.
- Cole and Kylie Grett are expecting their first child in February 2019.
- Remembering cousin Joan Struzik.
|
September 2018 | |
History of the South Fork Baptist Church Part I
- Three buildings, one church, and the cemetery - from 1841 to present.
- Grant, Alison & Zelia are moving to Ohio.
|
October 2018 | |
History of the South Fork Baptist Church Part II
- Photos of the 12 stained glass memorial windows.
- Introduction to those memorialized.
|
November 2018 | |
Education - Part I
- From Robert Raikes to Robert Spiker - the Sunday School Movement
- Little "Bobby Spiker's" readers
|
December 2018 | |
Education - Part II
- From Bradford Spiker to Robert Spiker - brother teaching brother
- Introducing the Sunny Point School
- Harvey Shepler salvages the lumber; Brad Spiker rescues the outhouse
|
January 2019 | |
Education - Part III
- From Gary Zinn to Elma Mae Leggett
- Introducing the Summers School - What is was REALLY like walking to school
- Remembering Aunt Boots - Delene Winew Larew
|
February 2019 | |
Education - Part IV
- From Elma Mae Leggett to Cathy Spiker Gregis
- Introducing the Point Pleasant School
- Grant & Alison Morris welcome their second child, a daughter.
- Cole & Kylie Grett welcome their first child, a son.
|
March 2019 | |
Pending publication
|
April 2019 | |
The Spiker Reunion is Next Month
- Schedule of Events
- John Hicks Sets All-Time Best State Record
|
May 2019 | |
Get Ready to Meet our "New Cousins"
- Introducing James & Caroline Spiker of Indiana
- Introducing Ken & Georgia Ann (Spiker) Varner of Iowa
- Peyton Grett earns Sociology Degree
|
June 2019 | |
Photo Highlights of the 2019 Family Reunion
- List of who attended the festivities on Sunday (well, most of them.)
- Fishing Contest winners
- John Hicks signs Letter of Intent
|
July 2019 | |
Pending publication
|
August 2019 | |
Announcements - Doddridge County Fair
- Cheyenne Curry wins three Banners
- Mikayla Yeager crowned Queen
|
September 2019 | |
Announcements - Anniversary
- Mike & Marty Spiker celebrate at the Greenbrier in WV
- 1979-2019 -- their 40th Wedding Anniversary
|
October 2019 | |
Announcements - Boy Scouts
- Derek Gifford reacts quickly to safeguard those in his care.
- Receives award in recognition of his courageous and potentially life-saving actions.
|
November 2019 | |
Pending publication
|
December 2019 | |
Pending publication
|
January 2020 | |
An Ancient Tortoise...or Two
- Bob Spiker and his father left their marks on a box turtle's shell.
- News article from The Ritchie Standard reveals that cousin William "Buckner" Zinn may have started the tradition.
-
Update to original article: 13-year-old boy from Washington County, PA is part of the tradition as well.
|
February 2020 | |
Introducing William Buckner Zinn
- Several stories about our cousin Buckner Zinn
- Civil War Pension Index for the 6th WV Infantry, Company E
|
March 2020 | |
The Influenza Pandemic
- Overview - COVID-19 Timeline
- Overview - N1H1 aka "Spanish Influenza" Timeline
- Transcription from local newspapers reveal some of the impact of the 1918-1919 "Spanish Flu" on our ancestors in Ritchie County.
- An old Spiker remedy for preventing the flu (and maybe COVID-19)
|
April 2020 | |
Announcements - 2020 Family Reunion
- This year's reunion has been POSTPONED.
- The "next generation" is encouraged to write their "Memories of the Spiker Farm"
|
May 2020 | |
Decoration Day, Memorial Day, and the Family Reunion
- Decorating the graves of the Civil War dead
- Memorial Day becomes a national holiday
- Honoring fallen members of the American armed forces from all wars
|
June 2020 | |
Stories from the Next Generation
- Melanie Fouse challenges the next generation to write their family stories.
- Katie Spiker Shaffer submits her story titled My Farm Memories
- Remembering the late Tom "Buzz" Kuhn.
|
July 2020 | |
Introducing Jacob Bradford
- Our 2nd great-grandfather and his family
- His march in the Tennessee & Virginia Railroad Campaign
- His death in the Battle at Cloyd's Mountain
|
August 2020 | |
Battle at Cloyd's Mountain - The Other Stories
- Jacob Bradford's widow remarries
- Mentions of other ancestors in the battle
- Two future Presidents
- Killed in Battle - living to tell the tale
|
September 2020 | |
Company F, Fourteenth Regiment of WV Volunteers
- The flag carried by the 14th infantry
- The records of Company F are preserved
- A consolidated list of the solders of Company F
- Unclaimed Civil War Medals
|
October 2020 | |
Announcements - American Flag Installed at South Fork Cemetery
- Funded by members of the Spiker family.
- Installed by members of the South Fork Church
- See photos
|
November 2020 | |
The Courting Letters
- Letters sent to our grandparents Jake Spiker and Gay Zinn
- Where they came from; how we got them
- Majority are "Courting" letters dated 1905 through 1907
|
December 2020 | |
Holiday Greetings
- Gay sends first Christmas Greeting Card to her sweetheart, Jake Spiker
- Merry Christmas!
|
January 2021 | |
The First Letters
- Gay and Jake begin writing letters almost daily.
- Gay "quits" her former beaus
- Letters mention: Goldie Ward, Alco Zinn, Otley Zinn & others
|
February 2021 | |
The Valentines
- The valentines that Gay and Jake mailed to one another weren't what we were expecting.
- Their quirky senses of humor played out like a romantic comedy.
- Photos of the "Vinegar Valentines"
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March 2021 | |
Untangling the Hidden Meanings
- From the "courting letters," we learn when the couple met and decipher the meaning of "bringing in the wood," among others.
- YES! A reunion is being planned for May 2021.
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