Keeping the Connections
Once upon a time, it was easy to get together with your relatives. After all, everyone lived close by. This was certainly true for the Cobles and the Meckleys in Pennsylvania.
As I stated in my blog post of January 13, 2023 https://journeyingwithjacque.com/favorite-picture-month-1-of-12-ancestors-in-12-months/, it all began with Christian Schneider (Gary’s 5th great grandfather) who was born in Holland and immigrated to America in 1736. He obtained land in Pennsylvania where he raised his six daughters. According to Christian’s will, Christian left his youngest daughter, Veronica (Feronica) his “plantation and tract of land” for her and her heirs.
At the time, Veronica was the only daughter who had not married. Veronica later married Jacob Kobel (Coble) in 1795. Veronica and Jacob’s descendants have resided on and operated this property ever since:
- Christian Schneider
- Jacob Kobel
- Christian Coble
- John H. Coble
- Amos G. Coble
- John Ira Coble
- David S. Coble
- Jonathan Coble
- Jonathan’s children
John Ira Coble and Anna Mae Meckley were married on March 16, 1931.
They had 5 children. Throughout the years, the family would get together. In 1976 the whole family gathered to celebrate J. Ira’s 81st birthday. Beginning in 1989 Grandma Coble organized yearly family reunions on the homestead. It was very important to her to get as many members of the family together as was possible. Grandma Coble died in 2007 and the descendants of J. Ira and Anna Mae now try to get together every other year.
Reunions provide an opportunity to connect and share our history through activities. We create shared memories. This collective memory for the Cobles is based on food, softball, golf, the candy toss, museums, and shopping as well as lots and lots of talking, sharing stories of the past.
Ah, we’re home from the latest Coble Family Reunion in Ohio. We had a chance to connect with about 65 of our Coble relatives. It was really nice to catch up with all the relatives. It’s fun to see the next generation of cousins grow up.
We’re all scattered throughout the country now, from Alaska to Pennsylvania and all parts in between (and occasionally throughout the world). It’s important to have our shared activities and enjoy our memories. Until we meet again…..
