CONTRIBUTED

The Hartsell family gathered on Sunday, Oct. 16, for their annual reunion at the Marvin Hartsell Barn, in Roseland.

More than 145 family members representing five generations of descendants of Nancy (Eudy) and Columbus Hartsell were on hand to enjoy the food, fellowship and fun. This year's event was hosted by family matriarchs Carrie Hartsell Campbell and Mabel Hartsell Carter, daughters of Nancy and "Lum."

Nancy and Lum Hartsell left Stanly County and moved to Moore County during the 1920s. Lum, with sons Willie, James, Melvin and Earnest, traveled the 60 long rural miles by mule-driven wagon. Nancy, with young Arthur, infant Marvin and daughter Edna, traveled by train to Jackson Springs. Together they set down roots in the good farming soil of the Sandhills, adding Ruth, Sam, Carrie and Mabel to their family. The Hartsell homeplace stands today near Foxfire.

Many years have passed since that time, and much has changed. But one thing remains constant - the Hartsells join together every October to celebrate their rich heritage, remember those who have passed, and welcome those who have joined their family.

This year, the family congratulated newlyweds Shane and Rebekah Williams, Michael and Rebekah Hall, and Chris and Brook Goodrum. Three babies born this summer were introduced to the family.

Anna Rae Kemp, daughter of Brook and Jonathan Kemp, granddaughter of Diane and Danny Aldridge, was born July 4. Anna is a fifth-generation Hartsell; her great-grandparents are the late Pauline and Lannie Garner, and her great-great-grandparents are the late Willie and Hessie Hartsell. In August, Emma Rae Lyn Carter, daughter of Eddie and Nikki Carter, and Hayden Cayne Rush, son of Kyle and Rebecca Rush, were born. Emma and Hayden are the grandchildren of Tommy and Pam Carter and great-grandchildren of Mabel Carter and the late John Carter.

This year's high school graduate, Callie Collins, daughter of Susan and Owen Collins, granddaughter of Larry and Marie Hartsell was acknowledged. Tommy and Pam Carter's son Charlie graduated magna cum laude from East Carolina University with a bachelor's degree in health education.

Lillian Prete, family friend, mother of Frank Prete and mother-in-law to Sandra Hartsell Prete, died in November at the age of 91.

Before asking the blessing, Jonathan Maness surprised his mother, Gail Carter McBride, with a birthday corsage. Everyone enjoyed a buffet of favorite family foods prepared by talented Hartsell chefs. There was something for everyone under the tin roof of the barn, from homemade chicken and dumplings and barbecue to turtle cheesecake and persimmon pudding. The family ended the day with games and face-painting for the children and picture-taking for everyone.