The annual luncheon honoring the First Families of Morrow County, sponsored by the Morrow County Genealogical Society, was held April 22 at Trinity UM Church. This year we honored 4 new candidates, having proved 13 new ancestors and.25 total ancestors.
Candidate Sharon Bogner Coffey, of Florida, had 13 ancestors living in Morrow County by 1850 or prior. Included were Zephaniah Mitchell of Congress Twp, a farmer, carpenter, harness and shoe maker by trade.
Candidate Terry Breeze, now living in Florida, proved 8 ancestors including Nehemiah Miller who arrived in Gilead Twp in 1837 and along with his brother William, began building homes in Mt Gilead. Candidate Richard C Sears proved 3 ancestors including Enoch and Laura (Marvin) Sears who arrived in South Bloomfield Twp in 1834 and began farming the land around Bloomfield.
Candidate Luke Swetland proved 5 ancestors including Artemas Swetland who immigrated from Pennsylvania to South Bloomfield Twp in 1818. Artemas Swetland was a farmer and stock-raiser on the land that is still farmed by the Swetland family today. .
Entertainment for the afternoon was provided by Mark Twain, sharing humorous short stories and life experiences. Mr. Twain was portrayed by Ken Barnett. In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Morrow County Genealogical Society, cake was served.
Pictured below are candidates Richard C Sears and Esther Swetland, representing Luke Swetland.
