Thirty-six descendants of John and Emma Mason Abbott and four guests gathered at the pavilion in Naples, IL on Saturday, September 27 to celebrate the immigration of their ancestors to Illinois in 1835.
Visiting and looking at a photo display of previous generations was followed by a cold buffet lunch catered by Classee Catering of Bluffs with dessert furnished by Helen Wankel who baked and decorated a cake featuring the Abbott family crest, and Donna Rohwedder who prepared a fruit salad.. Lunch was followed by a short meeting which included introductions, discussion of future reunions, thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Jim Bruner, current owners of the Abbott House in Naples, and an explanation and awarding of a traveling reunion gift. Zaelon Rohwedder was the first recipient of a quilted wall hanging featuring the names of John and Emma Abbott and their children, Henry, John H., Emily, Washington, Sarah, Ella, Jane, and Cato. Before passing it to the next recipient, Rohwedder will add his name and the year 2003. The wall hanging was made by Donna Rohwedder.
The afternoon was highlighted by tours of the newly renovated Abbott House and visits to the Naples cemetery where many of the early Abbotts are buried. Jim and Kaye Bruner graciously conducted tours of the beautiful old house which was owned by Abbott family members for over 100 years. The home, which was built in 1832, was purchased by John Abbott, Esq. in 1879 and was continuously occupied by Abbott descendants until the 1940’s. It was rented out as a residence for a number of years and finally abandoned and stood empty. While standing vacant for many years, the house fell into disrepair and became the victim of vandalism. Repairs and renovation were done by Jim and Theresa Twyford, who is also an Abbott descendant, when they purchased the house in 1989. The Bruner’s acquired the house several years ago and have done extensive research and renovation to make it a show place of the area while maintaining the history and integrity of the original house. From all appearances, the 171 year old house, barring natural disaster, will remain standing as a majestic Naples landmark for another 170 years.
In the late afternoon, many family members met in the breakfast room at the Comfort Inn to share more photos, computerized information, and view the Abbott Genealogy website (abbott.splashweb.net) which is hosted by Dave Abbott, of Los Angeles County, CA. He invited all who had additions or corrections to contact him. His email address is included on the website. At 7 p.m. 18 participants enjoyed dinner at Lonzerotti’s Restaurant in Jacksonville.
Those attending the reunion were: From California, Dave Abbott and daughter, Kelcee and nephew, Michael Abbott; Robert Abbott; and Phil Abbott. From Nebraska, Kathy Rohwedder and guest Janice Ross. From Creve Coeur, IL, Virginia Saylor, Rhonda Poff and daughter Allison, Donna Vaupel and daughter Alexandria Muir; From Pekin, IL, Terri Montgomery; From Glen Carbon, IL Keith and Mary Gauen; From Mason, IL, Randy, Kara, Lee and Kelsey Haarmann, Zale, Paula and Emily Rohwedder; From Teutopolis, IL, Hank and Donna Rohwedder; From Beecher City, IL, Kandi Durbin and children, Alex and Abby Hall and stepdaughter, Sammi Jo Durbin; From Springfield, IL, Mike and Linda Luepke; and From Jacksonville, IL, Helen Wankel, Gerry Lahey, Mark and Jackie Haggerty and children Christy and Ian, Bud and Pat Abbott.
Regrets were received from: Kelli and Kendall Abbott, Christine Bedford, Pat Finnegan, Olive Garman, Susan Gordon, Marie Luepke, Norma and Howard Robertson, Theresa and Jim Twyford.
Births Since last Reunion: None Reported
Marriages Since last Reunion: None Reported
Divorces Since last Reunion: None Reported
Deaths Since last Reunion: Paul S. Abbott, 14 February 1946 -- 21 Jan 2003
Joseph J. Luepke, 15 December 1910 -- 27 May 2003
(Please submit any additions or corrections to Donna Rohwedder, PO Box 452, Teutopolis, IL 62467, email: donnar@effingham.net)
