The Farquhar Family Reunion The 3rd Annual Gathering at E. Beth E. Bethlehem, Jul 18 - a reunion of the Farquahar families was held Sat., Jul 13, in the grove adjoining the burial place of the Friends, who once worshipped in the West Land mtg. house. Many of the descendants of this, one of the earliest families to settle in W. Penn., assembled to renew the acquaintance of the other members and form new acquaintances among the younger generations. At this, the 3rd annual gathering of this family, several states were represented, Iowa, Ill., OH, and Penn., the western part of the last named having representatives from Allegheny, Westmoreland, Fayette and Wash. Co's. It was a most delightful day, the sun being obscured just enough to protect from the heat, and a pleasant breeze, refreshing and pure, delighted all with its fragrance. Uncles, aunts, and cousins met "and kissed and kissed again", as with pleasant words of welcome, tender memories of the past were awakened. 57 people were there, which meant' more than 3 times 57 handshakes. Those present asked for the absent and with joy heard of the others who were expected. Hearts ached as familiar names were mentioned and softly, for we would m__t them no more until the day of eternity dawned. The shadow of a cloud was upon us when it was learned that the youngest of 3 sisters who were expected, was too ill to be present. She had traveled several miles the day before and her strength was not equal to the effort she made to meet with her people. These 3 sisters, whose combined ages number 269 years, are the daughters of Robt. Farquhar, brother of Thom. Farquhar, who built the homestead of the family near Centreville. All spoke with regret of the enforced absence. Her 2 sisters were present, in remarkably good health of body and mind. Several times ___ wonderful memories corrected date and circumstances which had been in question by the younger persons and they were able, of course, to recall scenes and incidents of former years, even in the early days of the present century. They have lived cheerful, happy lives and their days are passing in sweet peace. May we have them long to grace and dinify our happy reunions. The Farquhars have been a strong and long lived people, the found of the race having come from Scotland early in the 17th century. He was a minister in the Society of Friends and grandfather of the brothers, Robert and Thom. Farquhar. Many of his descendants have been members of that society and have shown that they were inbued with his strength and character, and his impress was felt on the entire community where he ministered. After an hour or so of social converse the announcement was made that dinner was ready. We found a long table fairly growning under the wgt. of substantial refreshment, and all was greatly enjoyed by a happy people. The inner man being refreshed, Joseph Farquhar was called to preside over the mtg., and made an interesting talk to the people of his name, upon the ground of his forefathers and near where they are sleeping their last sleep. A record of those belonging to Thom. Farquhar's family was read; also one of Robt. Farquhar's descendents, which made very one present akin, directly in the line by birth or marriage. >From the history we note that the Farquhars have been people of long life, many of them having lived 80 years, some 90, one almost 100, while one died in the 104th year of her age. Those aged ones have retained their faculties in a remarkable degree, Mary Talbot having spoken of her life in a mtg. assembled to celebrate her 100th birthday, and Thom. Farquhar having studied Algebra after he was 95 years of age, studied and understood it too. After hearing of these, our ancestors, whom we are proud to claim, speeches from the people were in order, and many interesting and amusing incidents were recalled and related. The shadows lenghtened and all felt that the parting time was at hand. Committees were appt'd to attend to arrangements for the next yearly mtg. We trust that in the Providence of God we may be all permitted to renew the acquaintances so recently made and strengthen those of longer standing, and that our loyalty to our name of Farquhar will only be excelled by our faith in the Brotherhood of Christ and the Fatherhood of God. Cousin Thanks for bringing this to our attention Carol! nacs/cahs, inc.