Reddin Y. Rasberry left Greene County, Alabama sometime late in 1837 or early in 1838. Anecdotal evidence says he swam across the Tombigbee River ahead of a posse and was later joined by his wife, Martha Ann Garrett Rasberry, and two children in Marion in Lauderdale County. Reddin died in Kemper County, Ms in December of 1964.
Reddin and Martha had seven more children after moving to Marion, one of which was James A. Rasberry who married Nancy Ann Powell, who was born in Alabama, in March of 1872 in Lauderdale County, MS.
James A. and Nancy had four sons, William Edward, Joseph Leondis, Lonny Lafatte, and Ollie Madison.
Each year on the third Saturday in October the descendants of William Edward who lived most of his life in the Stonewall and Quitman areas of Clarke County host a Rasberry Reunion at Clarkco State Park. It is held in the air-conditioned meeting room adjacent to the Park Office.
Extended family, Rasberry cousins, bring a covered dish, or two, and enjoy re-connecting with cousins scattered across the continent and around the world.
William Edward had twelve children, ten with Annie Laura Martin Rasberry who died within weeks of giving birth to a son, and two with Leila Josephine Anderson Rasberry.
Purpose now, cousins, to join us on Saturday, October 15th at Clarkco State Park. Coffee will be on by 10:30 and Lunch will begin about Noon.
Looking forward to seeing you.
