2016 Reunion - Arnold, MO, June 24-25, 2016
Once again the descendants of Dixon Lewis Wilson and Frances Elizabeth Biddle Wilson gathered, this time hosted by Bill and Helen Thompson and their daughter, Holly Middleton, and her husband Tom.   We traveled from Missouri, Mississippi, Georgia, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Texas.

Arnold, MO is a suburb of St. Louis, which gave us the opportunity to visit several popular attractions including the Gateway Arch and Grant's Farm (home of the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses).    The Clydesdales are magnificent horses which most of us had only seen on TV commercials until now.   In the Gateway Arch area of St. Louis we also visited the Old Courthouse history museum and the Basilica of Saint Louis (the Old Cathedral).   We enjoyed dinner Friday night at Helen Fitzgerald's Irish Grill & Pub, which has a diverse menu including unusual items such as shark and shark tacos!  

Saturday night was a special treat as we were hosted for dinner by Holly and Tom Middleton at their home in nearby Imperial, MO.   Their unique and very beautiful five-level home on a hillside was designed by Holly and Tom themselves!    Tom is quite skilled at woodworking and their home features many well made items he built in his shop on the lower level.   The meal was fantastic, consisting of three meats and many side dishes, topped off by a local delicacy: Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.    Most importantly, we enjoyed being able to gather again as "kinfolks" and reminisce about the family and those from past reunions who are no longer with us.  We appreciated having some of the younger family members with us and wish for them the opportunity to carry the tradition on to the next generations.  After a very enjoyable evening, we ended the reunion with our traditional singing of Amazing Grace.

The group discussed next year's reunion and voted to have it in the Chattanooga, TN area after a phone call to Katie Campbell (daughter of Sue Barton Thomas) who lives in the area.

Group Picture

                                  Standing: Tom Middleton, Gerald Strickland, Holly Middleton, Butch Hand, Judy Hand, Shirley Strickland,
                                                  George Thomas, Donny Barton, Bill Thompson, Richie Thompson, Joy Still, Lydia Middleton
                                  Seated:    Sue Thomas, Madelyn Ball, Gina Wilson, Helen Thompson

John Wilson Group

Descendants of John Wilson:
Judy Hand, Butch Hand, Bill Thompson, Helen Thompson, Richie Thompson & Joy Still (fiance), Lydia Middleton,
Tom Middleton, Holly Middleton, George Thomas, Sue Thomas, Donny "Sonny" Barton
Abijah Wilson Group

Descendants of Abijah Wilson:
Madelyn Ball, Gina Wilson

Helen Wilson Group

Descendants of Helen Wilson:
Shirley & Gerald Strickland
At the Gateway Arch

At the Gateway Arch
 With Drew the Clydesdale

With one of the Budweiser Clydesdales ("Drew")