This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: lksears Surnames: Sears, Dickens, Stone, North, Houston, Dykeman, Belts Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.walworth/2453/mb.ashx Message Board Post: >From the Janesville Daily Gazette, Thursday, September 26, 1889 ---Pioneer and family reunions are becoming quite in vogue the present season. The latest to note was a gathering on the sixth inst., of the four remaining member of the Sears family, who came to this vicinity way back in the forties - it being the first meeting in thirty-one years. The family now consists of Mrs. J.S. Dickens, on the Darien road; Thomas Sears, of Chamberlain, Dakota, and Mrs. J. Stone and Mrs. Frank North, of Syracuse, New York, each of whom will be remembered as among the early settlers of Johnstown. A remarkable feature of the event was, that it was a general surprise all around. Mrs. Dickens was calling on her niece, Mrs. David Dykeman, and had been there but a short time when her two sister arrived from the east, and in less than two hours her brother from Dakota arrived, none of the company expecting to meet each other at that time or place. It is needless to say that the surprise was enjoyed by all. Sept 11th being the 75th birthday of Mrs. Dickens, a! large company gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dickens to celebrate the occasion, when she was made the recipient of a fine easy chair. Another pleasant gathering was held at the home of their nephew, H. C. Houston. Thus a week was spent renewing old acquaintances, and will be remembered with pleasure by themselves as well as their many friends. Mrs. J.S. Dickens - Jane Sears (John) Mrs. J. Stone - Lois Sears (John Marvin) Mrs. Frank North - Fanny Sears (husband's name was actually Charles) Mrs. David Dykeman - Frances Addie Houston H. C. Houston - Henry Both were children of Hannah Sears & Robert A Houston. Frank Dickens is the son of Jane. The families lived in both Rock and Walworth counties over the course of time. There were two more sisters. Charlotte who is still a complete mystery to me. The last info I have on her is the boat trip over from England in 1833. The family live in Herkimer New York until coming to Wisconsin in the 1840's. The youngest daughter Henriette (Hetty) married Lewis Belts Jan 7, 1857 in Rock County. And that's the last place where I found her. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.