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    Sarah Ann Oxford had two brothers--Alfred and Dennis Shepherd. I remember grandmother Sarah speaking fondly about her younger brothers on many occasions, but I never recalled meeting either of them. Recently, Loverture Carter called and informed me that he had located and contacted some of the descendants of Alfred Shepherd. The following report is based on information that Loverture discovered and contacts that he has made.

    Alfred Shepherd was born April 15, 1895 in Terrell County Georgia to Mr. and Mrs. Abe Shepherd. (In addition to Sarah Ann, Alfred, and Dennis, the other Shepherd child was Emaline Shepherd [married name was Moon]). According to his obituary, Alfred was a soldier in the Army during the First World War. After the war, in 1918, he married a Miss Pennie Grady. The couple produced four children. Alfred was described as "quiet in his manner, pleasant toward everyone, [and] enjoyed talking about the Lord's goodness." Alfred Shepherd died on September 9, 1968 in the V.A. Hospital in Dublin, Georgia.

    His wife of 50 years was Mrs. Pennie Grady Shepherd. Mrs. Shepherd was born December 12, 1899 in Coffee County Georgia to Mr. Cato Grady and Mrs. America Friar Grady. Mrs. Shepherd died on June 15, 1991 in Douglas, Georgia. Her obituary states that "at an early age she saw the need for God in her life and joined the family of Hightower Memorial Temple Church, where she served faithfully."

    Both Alfred Shepherd and his wife were remembered as active and faithful Christians. Their only son, Willie Lee "Buster" Shepherd, died on January 26, 1993. Only one of the children of Alfred and Pennie Shepherd is still living--Mrs. Ruby Moffett is 73 years old and lives in Danbury, Connecticut. Mrs. Ruby Moffett has a son--William Moffett, who lives in New Milford, Connecticut. William has two daughters--Jennifer a high school student, and Erika Moffett who is a senior at the University of Connecticut.

    We are in the process of contacting the descendants and relatives of the Alfred Shepherds and inviting them to the Oxford Family reunion in Albany in 1994. We are also following some leads on the descendants of Dennis Shepherd. It could be a step toward bringing the descendants of Abe Shepherd back into contact with each other.

    Information about the Alfred Shepherds reinforces the notion that there is a common thread that runs through the disconnected units of our extended family. That thread suggests that our ancestors were strong and faithful believers in God. Today, we live in a culture where the belief in God, and traditional family values are rapidly becoming less evident. Let us search within our own extended family to re-discover the models of faith and perserverence that inspired our ancestors to work, pray, and hope for a better and more prosperous future for us--their descendants.

    Family reunions have always been important in African-American life and culture. There is nothing like returning to the South or to the old homestead. The Oxford Family reunions must continue to blossom. There have already been several spin-offs from our reunions. The family newsletter, and the Mance and Sarah Oxford Scholarship were also intended to bring our family closer together. As coordinator of next year's reunion, I want to invite anyone with ideas for activities and programs to contact me. Working together, we can make the reunion in 1994, "A Family Reunion You Will Never Forget." Give me a call if you have suggestions. 912-472-6304.

Cynthia Carter Bulger

    The Oxford Family reunion is scheduled for July 1-3, 1994. The reunion headquarters will be the Holiday Inn Motel, 2701 Dawson Road, Albany GA. For those who will be staying at the Holiday Inn, the room rates are $55 per night. Each room has two double beds. You should make your own room reservations by calling the Albany Holiday Inn (912-883-8100). Be sure to tell them that you are with the Oxford Family Reunion.

    The total cost of the family reunion sponsored activities package is $48 per person if you want the official Oxford Family Reunion T-shirt. If you don't want the T-shirt, the cost of the package is $38 per person. The package includes the following: (1) Saturday picnic on the grounds of Macedonia Baptist Church, Parrott, GA., (2) Saturday night banquet and family talent show, (3) Sunday morning family breakfast, and (4) Sunday family dinner after church. (5) T-shirt if you choose that option. All of the sponsored meals will be served at the Albany Holiday Inn.

    Reggie Carter has opened an "Oxford Family Reunion" bank account. You should send your checks or money orders directly to Reggie to cover the costs of the sponsored activities. Make your $38, or $48 per-person checks payable to "Reggie Carter-Oxford Reunion". You can begin sending your money as soon as possible, but no later than the end of May in order to insure places for you and your family. If you want T-shirts, please indicate the size desired for each shirt. Send your orders to the following address:

Reggie Carter

Rt. 1 Box 69

Butler GA 31006

phone 912-862-3837

    The children, grandchildren, and great-children of the late Arie D. Fordham Jackson got together for a "Thanksgiving" weekend in Orlando, Florida. The wife and descendants of the late Otis Oxford also attended the Thanksgiving fest. The Thursday afternoon Thanksgiving dinner was served in the home of Evelyn Fordham Williams. The thirty-six persons in attendance included representatives of families of the five Fordham children, plus representatives of the late Otis Oxford family. The Thanksgiving day activities included eating, watching football games on TV, eating, family talk and trading old stories, eating, watching the children and grand-children play and get to know their cousins, eating and more eating. It was truly a memorable occasion.

On Friday, a group of the out-of-town family members and the children and grand-child of Evelyn Fordham Williams spent the day at Disney World.

On Saturday morning the children of the late Arie Fordham Jackson met at the old family home for a traditional breakfast of bacon, eggs, and grits, which was prepared by Monroe, Lawrence, and Mancefield Fordham. After breakfast, the Fordhams visited the grave sites of their parents. They then spent the afternoon shopping at the Florida Mall. Everyone agreed that it was a wonderful and memorable weekend. Most of those attending stated that they plan to be in Albany for the Oxford Family reunion in July, 1994.

    In the past five years $3,000 in scholarships have been awarded from the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship fund. The fund was established as one means of encouraging family members and relatives of the Oxford clan to stay in school. Each year grants of $500 are awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend college or a trade school. The awards are made possible through the generous contributions of members of our extended families. Since the last newsletter, Cynthia Carter Bulger has contributed $100 to the scholarship fund, and Cynthia Fordham contributed $50. Persons who wish to contribute to the scholarship fund should make checks or money orders payable to the "Mance and Sarah Oxford Scholarship Fund." Contributions should be sent to the following:

Monroe Fordham

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

phone 716-694-5096

    This is to announce that the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship for 1994 is now open for applications. The scholarship awards, in the amount of $500 each will be made at the family reunion in July, 1994. The purpose of the award is to encourage and assist high school graduates who are relatives of, or members of families related to the Oxford clan.

1. Applicant must be a relative of, or a member of a family related to a descendent of the Oxford clan.

2. Applicant must be a high school senior who plans to attend college or a trade school following high school graduation.

(Letter of application must include the following)

1. Name, address, phone number, etc.

2. Statement explaining your relationship to the Oxford clan or related families.

3. Statement explaining your vocational or professional goals in life, and listing the college or trade school that you plan to attend.

4. A copy of your high school transcript.

5. The application deadline is June 1, 1994.

Mance & Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 1415

    Gwen Jenkins (daughter of Reginald and Naomi Carter), Butler Georgia, received her Specialty Degree in Education from Troy State University, Phoenix City, Alabama. The graduation was attended by her family and friends. Gwen has been teaching kindergarten for nine years. She is the wife of Amzie Jenkins of Butler, GA., and the mother of two children--fourteen year old Larone and three year old Amzie, II. We are all proud of Gwen's accomplishments. She is truly a role model for the young men and women in our family. Congratulations Gwen!!!

    We have been informed that Aunt Nannie Mae Telafare has been ill. She cannot have phone calls, but a card or letter of encouragement will certainly be appreciated. Aunt Nan's address is:

Nannie Mae Telafare

74 Stafford Street

Atlanta, Georgia 30314

    Miss Katrina Nichole Carter, the daughter of Charlene Carter and Clarence Davis of College Park, Georgia, is a senior at West Lake High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Katrina plans to enroll next fall as a freshman at Fort Valley State College. Katrina's aunts Cynthia Carter, and Gwen Jenkins, and uncle "KK", as well as her grandfather Reginald Carter, are all graduates of Fort Valley State.

Katrina has career interests in marketing and fashion design. She recently completed a 10 month program with the John Cashbalanc Modeling School in Smyrna, Georgia. Katrina has modeled trendy clothes for Sears as part of their Northlake Mall Model's Club. Katrina has a B+ average and plans to graduate from high school in June.

    Mrs. Beulah McCloud's husband, Thomas McCloud, passed away a year ago (January, 1993). They had been married for 16 years. Mrs. McCloud is the grand-daughter of Mance Oxford's sister--"Aunt Hun." Mrs. McCloud, who currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, says that she is looking forward to seeing everyone at the family in Albany Georgia in July, 1994.

    Anthony "T.Y." Oxford, of Hartford, Connecticut, died on November 11, 1993. Anthony was the son of Rosebud Oxford and the late Adell "Sam" Oxford. Anthony was the grand-son of the late Jess Oxford.

1. High school seniors - Don't forget to submit your application for the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship. The deadline if June 1, 1994.

2. Don't forget to send your reunion activities money to Reginald Carter. Reggie's address was given earlier.

3. If you want to contribute to the Oxford Scholarship Fund, send your check/money order to Monroe Fordham. His address was given earlier.

Monroe Fordham

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

Date Of Reunion Changed To

    After numerous phone conversations with our relatives in Georgia, Florida, Hartford, and New York, we have decided to move the Oxford Family Reunion up from 1995 to 1994. The reunion will be held in Albany, Georgia (and Parrott) on Friday thru Sunday, July 1 - 3, 1994--next year. By popular request, we are also changing motels. We will be meeting at the Holiday Inn, 2701 Dawson Rd., Albany Georgia (phone 912-883-8100). The Holiday Inn is located near the Albany Mall, just as you get into Albany coming from Dawson. We will be about 10 minutes closer to Parrott.

    Since Mckinley "Brad" Bradley and his family have moved to Atlanta (more on that later), Cynthia Carter-Bulger will coordinate all of the local arrangements. Cynthia has reserved 20 rooms for our family reunion at the above mentioned Holiday Inn. The room rates are $55 per night and each room has 2 double beds. As in the past, persons who plan to attend the reunion should call the Albany Holiday Inn and make their own room reservations--the phone number is listed above.

    We have not worked out all of the details for a program and list of activities. If you have ideas and suggestions, please feel free to give Cynthia a call--her home phone number is 912-472-6304. So far, we have scheduled the regular Saturday evening banquet, and the Sunday afternoon family farewell dinner. The total costs of all of our sponsored events will be about $40 - $50 per person. We will have a definite figure and a list of sponsored events in our December, 1993 newsletter.

    So begin now to schedule your 1994 vacations and make plans to attend the Oxford Family Reunion in Albany and Parrott, Georgia next July 1 - 3, 1994. Lets plan to make this the biggest and best reunion thus far.

    The Mckinley and Essie Bradley family (son-in-law and daughter of Arcola "Teck" Myers) have left Dawson and moved to the Atlanta area where "Brad" has taken a new job. Essie sent the editor a picture of their beautiful home in Powder Springs, Georgia, however, I was unable to reproduce a "print quality" copy of the picture for the newsletter. We wish the Bradley family well in their new location and we look forward to seeing them next year at the reunion. We will miss the outstanding work that they did in taking care of local arrangements at our previous reunions. We pray that God will bless and keep their family in his care.

    Calvin Carter (son of Reginald and Naomi Carter), a 1982 graduate of Fort Valley State College, was promoted to the rank of Major in the United States Army at a ceremony held at Great Lakes, Illinois on September 3, 1993. Calvin formerly held the rank of Captain. The ceremony was attended by his parents and other relatives and friends. Calvin is married to Avondale Dixon Carter, the granddaughter of Mrs. Mamie Dixon of Butler, Georgia. The couple has two children, nine year old Kayla, and four year old Corlin. While stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base, Maj. Carter has earned a dual Master's Degree from Webster University of Chicago, IL, in Management and Human Resources Development. We are all proud of "KK"'s accomplishments. He is a true role model for other young men in our family.

    The descendants of the late Arie D. Fordham-Jackson are planning a get-together during the Thanksgiving holidays in Orlando, Florida. In addition to sharing in a thanksgiving dinner, they will no doubt visit with other members of the Oxford Clan who reside in the Central Florida region. A report on the all the happenings will be included in the next issue of the newsletter.

    By the time you get this newsletter, Angela Alexander (daughter of Ozzie Mae Alexander and granddaughter of Nannie Mae Telafare) will be Mrs. Angela Renae Allen. Angela was scheduled to wed Mr. China Lee Allen on September 4, 1993. The couple was united in marriage at the West Hunter Street Baptist Church, in Atlanta GA. We pray for God's blessings on Angela and her husband. We wish them happiness, prosperity, and a long life together.

    (The following report was submitted by Mrs. Cynthia Carter-Bulger. The report highlights a weeklong trip in which Cynthia, her husband SSG James Bulger, and Reginald and Naomi Carter, were on the road visiting relatives.)

    I make time for my family. I thank God for making quality time enjoyable and educational. My respect and confidence in my parents and family have persuaded me not to take them for granted.

One for the road....during July 31 through August 8, 1993, Cynthia Carter-Bulger and husband SSG James A. Bulger via Delta Airlines, travelled with Reginald and Naomi Carter to Hartford, CT. Extremely warm hospitality was provided by Uncle Robert Carter; and much laughter from Uncle Loverture. Family visits with Aunt Martha Oxford, Coot, June Carter, LC Carter, "Tip" Thelma Walton and sister-in-laws, Steven/Sandra/Kevin Brown, Aunt Winifred, brothers Michael and Reggie Carter; and Lee....were all times well-shared, and to be remembered.

    The road trip began with a drive up to Bronx, New York to visit granddaddy "Major Wade Carter." Tiny prepared grilled steak, collards, and the works. Good times with all...Toussaint and son, Nannette and her busy daughters, Jackie, Walon', Aunt Marie, and others...not to mention SSG James Bulger's recruiting efforts for the U.S. Army! (in a place like Bronx, New York..be for real).

    I could not have driven through Buffalo/Tonawanda, New York without seeing Monroe Fordham and wife. Hot buffalo wings are a must! Although the visit was short, thanks for being there!

    It is difficult to put in words the beauty of Niagara Falls (from the Canadian side). The gardens are breathtaking. A must--see in ones life-time. The four of us thoroughly enjoyed the mist---without a doubt.

By way of Hertz Rental, daddy and mommy continued enjoying the scenery while SSG Bulger took the wheel for a 12 hour drive to Detroit, MI/ While there we spent time with Tony Carter/Genie/and the 3 boys. It was then on to Ann Arbor, Michigan where we were well received by Naomi's brother (Charles Carter and Family.) The guys went in the opposite direction while the ladies spent time at the Dearborn, MI shopping Mall.

    Upon our return trip to Hartford, Cynthia and James spent the day with his first Cousin (Julius Pertillar and family; Leroy Smith). Strolling Main Street during the West Indies weekend festivities. While daddy and mommy enjoyed in the comfort of Uncle Robert's home and many visitors. The BBQ ribs and spirits were great..tab picked up by Uncle Loverture during festivities at the Masonic/Shriners event. Met several O.E.S. sisters too!

    Finally, remember that there is nothing like FAMILY. Things happen best when we work together; we must do the best we can, and strive for excellence; we care for each other and demonstrate mutual support and respect.

submitted by Cynthia Carter-Bulger

    There were no applicants for the 1993 Oxford Scholarship. Perhaps there were no college or trade school bound high school graduates in the family last year. Remind all of our high school aged relatives that the Oxford Scholarships are intended to encourage all of them to stay in school and plan to continue their education beyond high school. Encourage our prospective high school graduates to apply for the scholarships. Each scholarship is worth $500 cash and the 1994 awards will be made at our family in July, 1994 in Albany, Georgia.

    The next issue of the newsletter will be published in December. We will include more details about the family reunion scheduled for July, 1994. If you have news items that you wish to be included in the newsletter, please call me or send the material to the following address:

Monroe Fordham

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

(716) 694-5096

Don't Forget

Local Coordinator: Cynthia Carter-Bulger

Home phone: (912) 472-6304

Call Cynthia if you have ideas or suggestions for the program. And remember to call the Albany Holiday Inn to make your own room reservations - (912) 883-8100.

    On February 21st, 1993, Aunt Nan (Nannie Mae Telafare) celebrated her 91st birthday. (Aunt Nan was born February 12, 1902). We are told that Aunt Nan's children and their families held a birthday celebration with "plenty of food, tall tales, games, a sing-a-long and loads of best wishes." They also brought lots of gifts. The family also presented Aunt Nan with a special card which included a poem that was written for the occasion. The poem reads as follows:

'Tis wonderful to celebrate valentine with a lovely date.

We forsake all others for a-while,

to spend some time with a 91 year old plus smile.

Her name is Nannie Mae Telafare,

but at this time you should be aware.

It's up to you to choose a name,

no matter which, the person is the same.

Mama or Grammama will do.

Miss Nan, Nannie Goat and Miss Nancy are a few.

Oh! Dr. Nan and Snuffie fit.

Wait just a minute I gotta go spit.

Look at Mama Telafare now,

look at Aunt Nan cook, clean, wash, iron,

plant, mow, shop and dip Nancy can.

Her work is done and she's in the bed.

All covered up except her head.

Don't you dare ring her number or knock at the door,

because she is dipping and resting at half-past four.

Miss Nancy, God has blessed you to reach 1991 plus two.

So have a Happy Birthday is our special wish to you.

Happy Birthday Aunt Nan!! From the entire Oxford Clan. WE LOVE YOU.

    Mrs. Annie Lee Oxford informs us that the Macedonia Church family has embarked on an ambitious campaign to improve the church and grounds. They have already put carpet in the church and built a "Deacon Board Room" as an annex to the church. Their next project is to purchase a new refrigerator for the kitchen/dining hall. By September they hope to raise enough money to brick the exterior of the church. By the time we get back to Parrott for our 1995 reunion, all of the work should be completed. Persons who wish to assist in the renovation campaign with financial contributions, should send checks or money orders made out to "Macedonia Baptist Church" to; Mrs. Annie Lee Oxford, 1342 Augusta Alley, N.E., Dawson GA 31742. Several members of our family have already sent contributions. We hope others of you will do the same.

    We have received notice that Mrs. Redessa Oxford Powell died on February 5, 1993. Mrs. Powell was born on September 1, 1926 in Terrell County, Georgia, and was the daughter of the late Otis Oxford. She had been ill for some time and at the time of death she was a patient at Dawson Manor Nursing Home.

    Survivors include her husband, Mr. Henry B. Powell (Dawson, GA), twelve children, Henry Lee, Johnny, Bernice, Richard, Alice, Eldora, Willie, Gladys, Shirley, Glenn, Robert, and Gregory Powell; twenty grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

    Theodore Dixon III was born on March 28, 1993. Theodore is the son of Angela Young (grand-son of Mrs. Vera Mae Thomas, and great-grandson of the late Arie D. Fordham Jackson). Angela and her family live in Orlando, Florida.

    McKinley Bradley "Brad", son-in-law of Arcola Myers "Teck", has moved from Dawson to Atlanta after accepting a new position. "Brad" is now the account manager for two warehouses that distribute Proctor and Gamble detergent products.

    "Brad" has been in Atlanta since January and he plans to move his wife and children from Dawson after school closes in June. Congratulations and Best Wishes!

    Leon Perry (son of Vera Mae Thomas and grandson of the late Arie D. Fordham Jackson) has been hired as a full-time football coach at Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia. Leon will coach the running backs. Leon played college football at the University of Oklahoma, where he was the starting full-back for four years. Leon plans to move to W. Virginia with his wife and daughter from Miami, Florida, the family's present residence.

    Two of Adolphus Oxford, Jr.'s daughters are pursuing degrees in higher education. Phyllis Oxford is a student in nursing school, and Edith Oxford is in college. Adolphus lives in Dawson, Georgia and is the son of Adolphus, Sr., and Annie Lee Oxford. He is the grandson of the late "Dock" Oxford.

    Angela Alexander (daughter of Ozie Oxford Alexander and granddaughter of Mrs. Nannie Mae Telafare) has announced plans to be married in the fall, 1993. We will have more information about the event in a future newsletter.

    Elgin Rucker, a recent college graduate, is now teaching 5th grade at Long Street Elementary School in Datona Beach, Florida. Elgin is the son of Harry Rucker, II, and Rose Mary Oxford Rucker. (Rose Mary is the daughter of Rose and the late Otis Oxford).

    We encourage everyone to send us news and announcements about family or other relatives. We care about the things that you and your family are doing and we want to share it through the newsletter. Sharing through the newsletter will also help our family to maintain intellectual contact between "Family Reunions."

    It's not too early to start making preliminary plans to attend the Oxford Family Reunion which will be held in Albany and Parrott, Georgia, in July, 1995. We will have more details about specific plans in upcoming issues of the newsletters. This is just a reminder so that you can plan your vacations around those dates if you have to travel.

    This is to announce that the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship for 1993 is now open for applications. The scholarship award, in the amount of $500 will be made in August, 1993. The purpose of the award is to encourage and assist high school graduates who are relatives of, or members of families related to the Oxford clan.

1. Applicant must be a relative of, or a member of a family related to a descendent of the Oxford clan.

2. Applicant must be a high school senior who plans to attend college or a trade school following high school graduation.

(Letter of application must include the following)

1. Name, address, phone number, etc.

2. Statement explaining your relationship to the Oxford clan or related families.

3. Statement explaining your vocational or professional goals in life.

4. A copy of your high school transcript.

5. A copy of your letter of acceptance from the college or trade school that you plan to attend.

6. The application deadline is July 1, 1993.

Mance & Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

    Josie and Charles Johnson recently contributed $100 to the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Scholarship.