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    Because of the promise of Jesus, we can look to the future with hope and optimism. In spite of all that is going on in the world around us--war, destruction, crime, greed, corruption, unbridled materialism, and selfishness; believers can put their trust in God and discover inner peace, tranquility, and gain victory in a sinful and confused world. Thank God for Christmas!!

    Christmas is a time for family gatherings--a time for reflecting on the meaning of family values and closeness. It is a time for remembering the truly good things from our past that have bonded us together; the singular moments and experiences that, if taken collectively, are responsible for the best side of our personalities.

    My earliest recollections of Christmas are about life with my grandparents--Mance and Sarah Oxford, and my Aunt Ozzie and her three boys--Loverture, Reggie, and Robert. We all lived with my grandparents on their farm in Parrott, Georgia. I remember tagging along behind my older cousins as they went hunting for a Christmas tree in the woods near our house. Once the tree had been cut and mounted, it would be placed in the "special" room in my grandparent's house. I thought of the room as "special" because grandma never allowed anyone to go in the room unless she was present. It was the room where she and the other older ladies did their quilting; it was the room where she kept "special" things. It was also a room where the pies and cakes were kept during the Christmas season. Whenever other relatives and friends would come by and yell "Christmas Give!!", Grandma would unlock the room and share some of her baked goods and exchange presents with them. Gifts were always simple--a package of fish hooks for Grandma, a cake of "Brown Muel" chewing tobacco for Grandpa, and a piece of peppermint candy for each of us boys.

    I can still remember the smell of the "special" room at Christmas time. The aroma of fresh baked goods--rolls, cakes, pies, and crispy peach turnovers (made from dried peaches), merged with the strong scent of freshly cut pine. Sometimes Grandma would forget to lock the room and when no one was around, I would slip into the room and take several deep breaths (and grab a few slivers of coconut from one of the cakes).

    My grandfather had a cane mill which he operated in the fall during sugar cane harvesting season. Other nearby farmers would bring loads of sugar cane, and feed the stalks of cane between two stone rollers which squeezed the juice from the cane. The cane grinding machine was powered by an old mule that walked in a circle, hooked up to a long wooden pole, causing the heavy cylinders to rotate. The cane juice was collected and poured into a large vat where it was boiled until it became cane syrup. The syrup would then be poured into metal containers and would be used by the farmers for table syrup and a sweetening agent during the next year.

    One of the by-products of making syrup came from the foam that was skimmed from the boiling cane juice. The "skimmings" from the boiling juice was placed in a large oak barrel that was left at the cane mill after syrup making season ended. By Christmas, the "skimmings" had fermented and turned into a strong alcoholic beverage called "bulk." Most of the men visitors who came to our house at Christmas time would be invited to take their fruit jars down to the cane mill to get their annual quart of "bulk".

    Christmas during those years was truly a time of giving and sharing. The things that I remember vividly were lots food, and lots of visitors giving and exchanging simple (sometimes home made) gifts. And of course there was the long day at Macedonia church on Sunday (sometimes the Sunday before Christmas, and sometimes the Sunday after). To me the food and sharing were the highlights of the day long fellowship that included two religious services, sometimes a children's program, and a potluck afternoon meal. The conclusion of the Sunday service was followed by the long ride home in the wagon. During the ride home, my Grandma would wrap me in a quilt and I would fall asleep with my head on her lap.

Those were slower and simpler times. We did not have an abundance of material wealth, but as a child I experienced the warmth and security that a strong loving family offered. In those days, mine was not a "traditional" nuclear family, but a strong loving family none-the-less.

    Today's world is different, many of the rural experiences of the past cannot be duplicated. But there are important things that can be duplicated. Whether we live in a big city housing project, the suburbs, or a small town, we can still offer our children a religious upbringing--there are lots of churches all around, and we can teach religious doctrines and values in the home as well. Moreover, we should strive to make every youngster feel the warmth and security, and the sense of being part of a strong family. In the final analysis, the experiences of the formative years of early childhood may hold the key to determining whether our children succeed or fail in their later life endeavors. Thank God for Christmas, and thank God for loving families!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

    Our contact person, Brenda Washington, of Branwood Georgia, sent me a packet of information on the Oxford Family's "1st Thanksgiving Fest." The following report is based on Brenda's information packet.

The Thanksgiving Fest was held on November 24, 1994 in Dawson, Georgia. The program theme was "Branching Out: A Family That Prays Together, Stays Together." The printed program included a tribute to the late Nannie Mae Telafare--"This year God picked one of our flowers. Aunt Nan will always remain in our hearts. On July 14, 1994, she waved good-by to the Oxford family on earth, to say hello to our father in Heaven."

    The program included, Devotion - which was led by Deacons Leonard Myers and Reggie Carter; Welcome - by Rosemary Oxford Rucker; Scripture - by Vera Thomas; Instrumental song - by Katrina Jordan, Arvelta Washington, and Raven Dorns. The program also included "Reflections, Memories and Lighting of Candles for departed family members." The Invocation was given by Darious Eugene Myers, followed by the thanksgiving dinner. The Benediction was given by Adolphus Oxford, Jr.

Brenda sent the names of the more than 90 persons who attended the dinner/program. Most of those attending were residents of the southwest Georgia area. There was also a large delegation from Orlando, Florida. Brenda offered a special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Mckinley Bradley of Atlanta, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Clay, Sr. of Sasser, Georgia.

    On December 16, 1994, the descendants of Barney and Emmaline Shepherd Moon (Sarah Oxford's sister) held a Christmas party at the Government Building in Dawson, Georgia. Our contact person--Mrs. Emma K. Lewis Holloway, informed the editor that it was a gala affair attended by over 100 relatives. The program included a "Welcome" by Jo Ann Lewis; the "Occasion" by Emma K. Holloway; "Prayer and Scripture" by Lucious Holloway, husband of Mrs. Emma K. Holloway. Mr. Holloway was recently elected to the Terrell County Commission (congratulations!!).

    The Moon family Christmas party also included a family talent show, a family fashion show, dinner, and an after dinner dance. Mrs. Holloway also reported that those attending included college students who were home for Christmas. Robert Lewis, Jr., and Garneisha Lewis (both students at Albany State) were present. A more complete list of Moon family college students will be included in future newsletters.

The oldest daughter of Barney Moon and Emmaline Shepherd Moon--Mrs. Carrie Mae Moon-Lewis was also present. She is in her 80s and enjoyed the party. Uncle Barney and Aunt Emmaline's other living children included Vera Moon Green, Ethel Moon Brack, Beatrice Moon Collins, Charley Will Moon, and Alma Lee Moon Goolsey.

    In future issues of this newsletter, we will set aside a special section of the newsletter for news pertaining to the Moon branch of the family.

    Since the last newsletter, Cynthia Ann Fordham contributed $50 to the Mance and Sarah Oxford Scholarship Fund. We also received a very nice letter and a $50 check from Calvin Carter and his family. Calvin is stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. We send our best wishes to Calvin and his family. We ask all to pray for their protection and safe return home. Persons who wish to contribute to the scholarship should should make checks payable to "The Mance and Sarah Oxford Scholarship Fund" and send to: Send newsletter items to that address as well.

Oxford Scholarship Fund

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

    Cynthia Y. Bulger-Carter was selected by Leadership Georgia to participate in the Leadership Georgia Class of 1995. The program offers selectees an opportunity to "learn more about the challenges facing Georgia and Georgians," and to prepare those persons for "a more active role in the affairs of Georgia."

Ms. M. Callye Burk (daughter of Robert and Winnie Carter) received a Certificate in Management from Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, GA, in conjunction with the American Management Assoc. for Continuing Education. Her son, Daron Anthony, graduated last May from Benedict College, Columbia, S.C. with a B.A. in Media Arts. Ms. Burk has also launched her own business--CAI's Specialties & Stuffs. (Congratulations and Best Wishes).

THE OXFORD FAMILY NEWSLETTER

    Mrs. Nannie Mae Telafare, the third child born to the union of Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford, died on July 14, 1994. "Aunt Nan" died peacefully in her home surrounded by members of her immediate family. She was funeralized at the West Hunter Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia on July, 18. Her funeral was attended by many relatives from the "Oxford clan." The body was interred at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. The following statement was made at the funeral by Monroe Fordham on behalf of the "Oxford clan."

    Aunt Nan, as she was affectionately known throughout our family, was our oldest living relative. She was one of the two remaining children of Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford at the time of her death. Born in 1902, Nannie Mae Telafare was one of our few remaining direct links to the era of the turn of the 19th century. She was the product of a simpler place and time--a time before our moral and spiritual values became tainted by the influences of the post-industrial culture. In spite of the encroaching erosion of our cultural values, she was able to maintain a level of immunity and personal tranquility that has eluded most of us. Through her strong and quiet faith in God, she discovered a way to insulate herself from many of the worst effects of the modern world.

    To the outside observer, Aunt Nan sometimes appeared to be what we would call "old fashioned." She was soft spoken, yet strong willed. She did not exhibit her religious values and beliefs in a holier-than-thou manner, yet she was almost puritanical in her demeanor. She was straight-laced and no-nonsense, yet she exuded a kind and loving spirit, and a special gentleness to all who knew her. Somewhere along her life's journey, Aunt Nan discovered the true meaning of God's purpose for her life. That discovery provided the underpinning for the quiet confidence and serenity that she exhibited in her daily life. That purpose certainly included a loving concern for her family; and that love and concern was returned in kind. We all loved her, and we recognized and appreciated her special qualities. Young parents in our family wanted their children photographed with Aunt Nan. At our family reunions, relatives wanted her autograph. She was special, and her presence among us made our family seem special.

    Members of her biological family, her church family, and her friends are assembled here this morning not to mourn the passing of Nannie Mae Telafare, but to celebrate and commemorate the meaning of her life. If we are to truly prosper beyond the narrow material and cultural meaning of the term; and if we are to prevail in what the Scriptures describe as the "war of principalities," and eventually find inner peace and tranquility, we too must follow the path of spiritual discovery that Aunt Nan traveled. We must embrace her legacy and pass it on to our children. All of our lives are richer because we had the opportunity to know her.

    The Oxford Family Reunion of 1994 was everything we expected it would be, and more. The weather was perfect (unfortunately, the rain and the flooding began the following week). Cynthia Carter-Bulger and her father Reginald Carter are to be commended for the outstanding job they did in organizing the eventful two days. Everything was so well organized--you can see the military influence and discipline on that family. They have agreed to plan and coordinate the next reunion in July, 1997. As usual there was an abundance of good food, the talent show following the banquet was entertaining, the bus-ride to the old plantation areas where our forebearers live was educational, and there was a packed house at the Sunday services at Macedonia Baptist Church. This year there was an added feature--the Holiday Inn where we were headquartered was right across the street from the popular Albany Mall. Needless to say, there was lots of shopping and browsing between the reunion events. Then, there was the standard feature of all of our reunions--it provided an opportunity for the next generation of Oxford descendants to get more acquainted and bond. All in all, it was a reunion that will be hard to beat in 1997.

(Held in the Macedonia Baptist Church)

    We always open our Oxford Family reunion officially with devotion in this (Macedonia Baptist) church. I'll try to explain the reason for our doing that.

A major purpose of a family reunion is to inspire the younger and upcoming generation with a sense of purpose and self-worth, and with the values and confidence that will enable them to continue to perpetuate the best of the traditions of their forebearers. As planners of family reunions, we should try to identify the sources of strength and resilience that enabled our forefathers and mothers to overcome the worldly obstacles that confronted them. We want to pass that source of power on to our children and their children.

    Our forebearers came to the area of southwest Georgia as slaves. Grandfather Mance and grandmother Sarah Oxford often told stories about the "old times" that would lead to that conclusion. When slavery ended in 1864, our forebearers and the others in their community had to re-group and face an uncertain future as a free people. Even as free people, their prospects for the future didn't offer many options.     Actually they had two options: They could have accepted their lowly social status, and lack of a formal education and economic opportunities, and the hostility from the white world as inevitable. They could have simply resigned themselves to being the footstool of other people. They also had a second option. They could put their faith and trust in God, and work hard to overcome the obstacles that they faced. Our forebearers were builders and they chose the second option. One of the first things that they built was a church.

    According to the cornerstone of this church, they established Macedonia Baptist Church in 1881. This particular building was re-built in 1941. Almost half of the names on the church cornerstone are our relatives. I remember reading that cornerstone as a youngster growing up in this church. All of my life I have been armed with the knowledge that my forebearers were builders--people with vision, and people with a clear understanding that God was important in their lives.

    To me, this church has symbolized what makes our family special. We are the descendants of builders, of strong people, of positive thinkers. We are the descendants of farmers, of simple, hardworking people whose values were anchored in the belief that with God's help anything is possible. With God's help there are no problems that can't be solved, there are no goals that can't be achieved. All things are possible for those who love the lord. That is the promise of our heritage. If you put your faith and trust in God and take care of your family, it is a promise that will not fail. That is the reason we open our reunion with devotion in this building. We want to pass that promise on to the descendants of the people who established this church.

    During the reunion several people contributed to the scholarship fund. Mrs. Winifred Carter contributed $25, and Mr. Curtis Telafare and his wife Dorothy Telefare contributed $50 each. In the last newsletter we announced that the 1994 scholarship recipients were Katrina Carter and Shandra Bradley. Both young ladies are preparing to enter college this fall. They promised to keep us informed of their progress.

Demetrius M. Smith, son of Cynthia Carter-Bulger and grandson of Reginald and Naomi Carter, will be receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with minors in Public Administration and History, during the December 10, 1994 commencement exercises at Valdosta (Georgia) State University. Demetrius is listed in "Who's Who Among American College and University Students," and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International. Last spring Demetrius represented Valdosta State University at the National Association of College and University Residence Hall Annual Conference, held in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Demetrius was a 1991 graduate of Macon County High School and a recipient of the Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford Memorial Scholarship.

I    t was suggested at the recent reunion that we should do more to encourage regional branches of the family to get together more often. We will continue to have the major family reunion in Terrell County Georgia once every three years. During the other years, regional branches could share Thanksgiving dinner, or summer picnics, and such. Essie and McKinley are planning a regional family "traditional" Thanksgiving dinner for Thanksgiving day, November 24, 1994. The dinner will be held in the "Government Building" in Dawson Georgia from 2 P.M. to 7 P.M. They are urging family members in the Terrell County Georgia region to attend. Each family is urged to bring two food dishes and hearty appetites. It will be an old fashioned thanksgiving dinner like they used to have back in the country. Families who plan to attend should call the Bradleys so that they can coordinate the varieties of food that people plan to bring. The address and phone number of the Bradley family is:

Essie and McKinley Bradley

4521 Legend Hollow Lane

Powder Springs, GA 30073

(404) 943-2786

We hope to have a story about the "goings-on" at that event in the next issue of the Newsletter (which will be published in December).

The Fall of Mr. O.J. Simpson: Or,

The Real Significance of Fame & Fortune

    Prior to the series of events in June, 1994, O.J. Simpson was the perfect embodiment of all of the symbols of success and greatness as defined by our culture. He lived an affluent and glamorous life style--he dined in the best restaurants, traveled first class and in the best circles, he had personal relationships with many of the wealthy and famous "beautiful people" of the entertainment and sports world; he was a Heisman Trophy winner and a "hall-of-famer", easily the greatest football player of all time; and his name and face had instant recognition throughout the world and that had translated into tens of millions of dollars in market value, he was the hero that millions of people literally worshiped. O.J. Simpson was the purest personification of what our materialistic culture defines as success and greatness. He had earned a seemingly secure place at the very pinnacle of that culture. Yet, all of O.J.'s worldly achievements and all of his fame and material assets were rendered virtually meaningless in "less than an instant." The fruits of a lifetime of work were eroded within the span of several days.

    Following the brutal and senseless murders of Mr. Simpson's ex-wife and her male acquaintance, and with the discovery of an increasing volume of evidence connecting O.J. with those murders, O.J.'s life was symbolically pulled down to the depths of hell. As the evidence against him continued to mount, his future became more uncertain. However, it was clear that O.J. had fallen from the culture's pinnacle of success and greatness. The occasional film footage that was taken by TV cameras during the several days between the murders and Mr. Simpson's arrest showed a man that was emotionally distraught and disoriented. The confidence and self-assurance of the "glory" days was replaced by the image of a broken and desperate man with his back against the wall, and he knew that his days of freedom were coming to a close.

    The final level of degradation and humiliation came on the day of Mr. Simpson's arrest. His acts of panic and sheer desperation shocked a nation that had worshiped him as one of the most popular hero figures of our time. The announcement that O.J. had reneged on his agreement to surrender to authorities and that he had become a fugitive brought a public response of disbelief. The high drama surrounding the statement by his attorney implying his client's impending suicide, and O.J.'s "suicide" letter, read by his friend on national television all pointed to a tragic end to an American success story. But there would be more--the most bizarre was yet to come. The desperate and pointless flight to avoid prosecution, the televised chase/motorcade along the freeways of Los Angles, with Mr. Simpson holding a gun to his own head threatening suicide, was an inglorious end to one of the great American heros of the 20th century.

And yet in the midst of tragedy, there is a great potential for triumph. For hours, perhaps days, O.J. Simpson stood at the brink of self-destruction. The forces of Satan and evil were bent on destroying him. However, the power of God protected him. Perhaps that protection came as an answer to the millions of prayers that been offered in O.J.'s behalf. Perhaps God intervened because he had a greater mission in mind for O.J.

    The events of June, 1994 stripped away all of the veneer of the greatness that society bestowed on O.J. In the eyes of our culture, he was brought down low. In the final stages of the drama, his attorney stated that O.J. was downstairs in the dwelling where they were meeting "wailing" in despair. O.J. Simpson stood on the brink of hopelessness and self-destruction but God almighty intervened and snatched him from the clutches of Satan.

    During the low points in our lives, we are sometimes forced by circumstances to consciously place our fate in God's hands. Ironically, at the point when man recognizes his powerlessness and helplessness and turns his life over to God, that's when man achieves true power. In the coming months, and during his incarceration, if O.J. can reflect on his life and place it in a spiritual context. And if he can understand and appreciate the need for God's continued presence in his life. And if he can discover some larger spiritual purpose for his existence, then he would have put his life on a course for achieving true greatness.

Monroe Fordham,

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

July, 1994

    The Oxford Family Reunion is less than a month away. We will be meeting in Albany/Parrott, Georgia, July 1 - 3. This is the last newsletter we will send prior to the reunion, so hold on to this newsletter because it contains important information about the general schedule of events.

July 1 - 3, 1994 (Friday evening - Sunday afternoon)

Albany Holiday Inn

2701 Dawson Road

Albany, Georgia

(912) 883-8100

Reggie Carter

Rt. 1 Box 69

Butler, GA 31006

(912) 862-3837

Location: Albany Holiday Inn...Library

Registration & Dist. Packets 5:00 - 9:00 P.M.

Welcome & Reception (Hospitality Room) 9 - 10 P.M.

Location: Macedonia Baptist Church, Parrott, GA

10 A.M. Opening Devotion

11:30 - 1:30 Old Fashion Church Picnic

*(included in registration fee)

1:30-3:00 Bus Tour of Old Homesteads

(tentative)

3:00-6:00 Free Time

Location: Albany Holiday Inn (Ballroom)

BANQUET, PROGRAM, TALENT SHOW

*(included in registration fee).

Time: 7:30 - 10 P.M.

(Program Committee - Rosemary Rucker, Vera Thomas, & Evelyn Williams). A detailed printed program will be distributed at the event.

 

7:30 - 9:15 A.M. Family continental breakfast buffet (included in registration). Albany Holiday Inn Ballroom

 

10:30 - 2:30 Attend worship service at Macedonia Baptist Church in Parrott, GA. A special collection will be taken in memory of family members buried in the church cemetery.

 

3:00 - 5:00 P.M. Family buffet style dinner and closing ceremonies. PLACE: Albany Holiday Inn Ballroom. *(included in registration fee).

 

 

    Although the target date for getting the registration fee to Reggie was the end of May, if you act immediately you can still send in your registration money. The total amount is $50 per person (includes Saturday's church picnic, T-shirt, Saturday banquet, Sunday continental breakfast, and Sunday afternoon farewell dinner). If you don't want to get the T-shirt, substract $10. Make room reservations by calling the Albany Holiday Inn (912)-883-8100. Be sure to mention that you are part of the Oxford Family Reunion. If you have questions about the arrangements, call Reggie (912)-862-3837.

    During 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 our extended family members. This year there are two recipients: Ms. Katrina Nicole Carter, and Ms. Shandra Yvonne Bradley.

    Katrina Carter is the daughter of Charlene Carter and Clarence Davis of College Park, Georgia. She is the granddaughter of Reggie and Naomi Carter of Butler, Georgia. Katrina will graduate from West Lake High School in June.

    Katrina submitted the following as her professional goal in life; "To become a fashion model. Modeling is a highly competitive field, it seems glamorous and exciting but it is difficult and demanding. I enjoy a real challenge, having successfully completed a rigorous one-year program with the Casablanca Modeling Academy. My personal aspiration is to become a successful fashion model identified with a single company in New York City, for national advertising. Also, I see a modeling career as a stepping stone to some other interesting profession. I will do the best I can, and strive for excellence....being my own success story." Katrina plans to attend the Fort Valley State College to pursue a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Public Relations.

    Shandra Bradley is the daughter of McKinley and Essie Bradley. She is the granddaughter of Arcolia Oxford Myers (Teck) and the late Love Meyers. Shandra has maintained a "B" average through high school. She will graduate from McEachern High School in June. She submitted the following statement; "My hobbies are talking on the phone, eating, reading my favorite books, working, and most of all working on my computer. I plan to attend college in Atlanta, GA at Clark University or in Fort Valley, GA at Fort Valley State College. I have career interests in computer technology and computer science."

Congratulations to Katrina and Shandra, they will receive their awards at the Banquet during the Oxford Family reunion. We also want to commend their families. We pray that God will continue to bless and keep them.

    On May 8, 1994, Ms. Sonya Letitia Hill received her B.S. Degree in Social Work from South Carolina State University. Ms. Hill is the daughter of Ernest and Barbara Hill, and the granddaughter of Rosetta and the late Otis Oxford. Sonya was also inducted into the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. A delegation of her family made the trek to South Carolina to attend the graduation. The delegation included; mom and pop (Barbara and Ernest), both grandmothers (Mrs. Rosetta Oxford and Mrs. Lessie Smith), two sisters, a brother, and a host of cousins and nieces. Congratulations to Sonya and her family.

    The next issue of the newsletter will be published in the late summer. That issue will include reports on the family reunion. We also want to hear about important events or achievements that take place in your immediate family. Please submit stories that you want included in the newsletter to:

Monroe Fordham

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

(716) 694-5096..

    Grandmother Sarah Ann Oxford-Shepherd had two brothers and a sister. In the last Oxford Newsletter we reported on the descendants of her brother--Alfred Shepherd. Since the last newsletter we have followed up on some of the leads provided by Loverture Carter. Specifically we have been attempting to locate relatives of the other brother--Dennis Shepherd.

    Dennis Shepherd and his wife Rosie, lived most of their lives and died in Douglas, Georgia. Dennis and his wife had six children. Two of those offspring are deceased--Bennie and Truly. (Bennie had three children and Truly had eleven children). Four of the offspring of Dennis and Rosie Shepherd are still living--Mrs. Essie Mae Green (lives in Marion, Ohio and has no children); Mrs. Lillie Cockfield (lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has seven children); Mrs. Estelle Lewis (lives in Milwaukee and has four children); Mrs. Vera Goodman (lives in Milwaukee and has thirteen children).

    The above information was provided by Mrs. Estelle Lewis. Mrs. Lewis also has a picture of Dennis. If she can send me a reproduction of that picture, we will publish the picture in a future issue of the Oxford Family Newsletter. Mrs. Lewis has also promised to send the names and addresses of all of the living descendants of Dennis and Rosie Shepherd. We will add their names to our extended family database. Hopefully the descendants of Alfred and Dennis Shepherd will begin sending stories and information to the newsletter. Over the next few years we can begin the process of rebuilding the bridges that connect the families and descendants of all of the sisters and brothers of Mance and Sarah Oxford. That process will certainly add a new dimension to our sense of family. Some of us "older heads" may not be around to see it, but I can envision a grand reunion of all of those families as our first family reunion of the 21st century. Wouldn't that be something!!

    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 $50 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 $40 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 $40, or $50 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

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. Persons who wish to contribute to scholarship fund should make checks or money orders payable to the "Mance and Sarah Oxford Scholarship Fund." A finance report on the scholarship fund will be made at the family reunion. 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

    Recently the editor received a request for back issues of the Oxford Family Newsletter from Kimmetrice Oxford (granddaughter of Adolphus Oxford, Sr., and Annie Lee Oxford. Kimmetrice is the daughter of Marilyn Oxford Elliott). Kimmetrice is preparing an oral report on the "Oxford Heritage." Good luck Kimmetrice--if possible, send us a copy of your finished paper.

    On January 28, Terri Rucker of Orlando, Florida, gave birth to a 9lb 5oz baby boy. Terri is the daughter of Rose Mary Oxford Rucker. Terri named her new son Elgin Otis (named for her brother Elgin and grandfather Otis). Terri will resume her college education at Bethune-Cookman College this summer.

    Congratulations to Demetrius M. Smith on being named to "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges" for 1993. Demetrius is a student at Valdosta State University. He is the son of Cynthia Carter-Bulger, and the grandson of Reggie and Naomi Carter.

    Loverture Carter was appointed "Ambassador of Goodwill" for Bethel A.M.E. Church of Bloomfield, CT. Loverture has been a member of Bethel for 44 years. Rev. Alvan N. Johnson is his pastor. Loverture was also elevated to "Past Worshipful Master of Excelsior Lodge #3, Prince Hall Affiliation, Hartford, CT.

    We send out our best wishes to Aunt Nannie Mae Telafare. We ask that you remember Aunt Nan in your prayers.

    The next issue of the Oxford Family Newsletter will be published in early June. That issue will contain information and final instructions concerning the reunion. Responses for reservations at the reunion has been very good. All of the arrangements have been set. Don't forget to make your reservations at the motel. In addition, send in your activities reservations to Reggie Carter as soon as possible. See you in Albany. Send material for the next newsletter to:

Monroe Fordham

49 Calvert Blvd.

Tonawanda, NY 14150

716-694-5096