James C. "Jim" Spires and Related Families Reunion Saturday, May 29, 2004 Jay Bird Springs, Chauncey, Telfair Co. GA Lunch about 12:30 Come anytime. People will be there about 10am on. Jim Spires was married three times and had a total of 18 children. 1) Mary Ann Rawlins b 16 Nov 1840 Telfair wed 27 July 1878 d 9 Jan 1878 due to horseback fall buried Sandhill/Bethlehem Meth, Telfair Co.GA. They had no children. 2) Mary Jane McDuffie b 16 May 1842 Telfair wed 27 July 1860 d 9 Jan 1878 buried Sandhill/Bethlehem Meth, Telfair Co. Ga. They had 9 children. 3) Rebecca Jane Pitts b 22 Mar 1863 Dooly Co Ga wed 13 Nov 1884 Telfair d 13 April 1949 Telfair Co buried Midway Methodist, Telfair. They had 9 children. [Rebecca later wed Wm M. Fletcher. No children.] At one reunion Celestine Spires Smith brought a painting of Jim Spires which is in the possession of Oakley Selph. This was the first time any of us had seen what our ancestor looked like. Other photos/items brought was a shawl and apron of Rebecca's. A photograph of Willie Marion Spires brought by Vester Spires, a grandson. Willie was the husband of Alice Towns. I have a tiny sewing basket Rebecca gave my mother, Rebecca Martin Johnson, when she was very young which I plan to bring. I can't tell if it was made or bought. I think made for who had the money to buy such things. Maybe someone can tell me. Larry Spires of Macon will have his lap top and will be able to give you information on your line, I'm sure, so bring pen and paper! I'll have a few blank forms of Family Group and Ancestor Charts for you, also some copies of Jim's marriage certificates and a few photocopies of Jim's photo. So, come join us and share with us. Jim left many descendants and we'd like to meet as many as possible and share information. We want to meet the descendants of his siblings: John Thomas, Henry H. and Elizabeth C. Spires. June Selph Adams is of Elizabeth's line and has compiled a book on the Selphs. I'm hoping she comes with her books. This annual reunion embraces ALL Spires of whatever family line and their related families. We'll eventually find a common ancestor. The air-conditioned building by the swimming pool has been reserved. Bring a covered dish and come enjoy the day with family and friends. Plates, cups, forks, spoons, and ice will be provided. We realize that this is Memorial Day Weekend, but it was a time that we ould get the air-conditioned building, which is very nice and comfortable. There is a swimming pool with water slide. Bring any family pictures (old or recent), old family recipes or anything you'd like to share with others. Our crowd seems to have gotten smaller and smaller each year, so please let all of your family know so we can continue having our reunion. For more info, please contact: Celestine Spires Smith Phone 229-362-4736 Route 2, McRae, Georgia 31055 --------------------------------- Jay Bird Springs Resort, Inc. On Jay Bird Springs Road Route 2, Box 45 - Chauncey, Telfair Co. Ga 31011 Phone: 912-868-2728 Located: 10 miles SE of Eastman on Hwy 341. 30 miles s of Dublin - Interstate 16 on Highway 441. 8 miles n of McRae on Highway 341. They have cabin accomodations, RV & Camping facilities, pool & waterslide, snack bar, skating rink, arcade, train ride, putt-putt gold, country store. So anyone who wants to stay overnight, call them. [In 1997 we had more than 100 Spires decendants. Hoping to outdo that this year Jeanette]