Published: August 20, 2008 01:09 am            

Club News

James Blair Chapter, DAR

At the Pannill family reunion on July 20 in Orange County, Va., a headstone was erected for American Revolutionary patriot William Pannill by his direct descendant, Mrs. Robert N. (Frances Hodge) Jones Sr. Jones is a member of the James Blair Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of Corsicana.

A DAR member by virtue of Pannill’s contributions in the Revolution, Jones attended the biennial Pannill family reunion in Virginia in 2006 and discovered that her ancestor’s grave never had been marked. Pannill died about 1806 and was buried on his Orange County plantation, “Green Level.” In the 200 years following his death, the exact location of the grave in the family cemetery had been lost.

Jones had a grave marker inscribed with his birth date, year of death, and service as a member of the Orange County Committee of Safety. Descendants from throughout Virginia and from several other states were present as the monument was placed in the family cemetery at “Green Level.”

According to Jones, William Pannill, a patriot in the American Revolution, was born in Orange County, Va., on Oct. 30, 1738, to William and Sarah Bayley Pannill. He inherited his father’s plantation, “Green Level,” and continued the prominent role in county affairs begun by his father.

He married Ann Morton on March 30, 1762, and they became the parents of 14 children while living at this Orange County property. In 1774, when trouble arose between the American Colonies and Great Britain, local Committees of Safety were organized throughout the colonies to organize resistance to the tyranny of the British government. Pannill was elected with other planters on Dec. 22, 1774, to the Orange County Committee of Safety. Among those on the committee with him were James Madison Sr. and James Madison Jr., the latter better known for his service as “Father of the Constitution” and fourth president of the United States.

It is believed that Pannill died about September 1806 as his will was probated Sept. 22, 1806.



Woman’s Club House Association

The last Wednesday of each month is traditionally designated as “Dutch treat games day” and thus Aug. 27 is so named with Patsy Wylie as hostess. Members are cordially invited to make reservations for a table of cards, dominoes or other board games (bring your own) and for a time of fellowship, pleasant conversation and a delicious lunch. Members should make reservations by noon Aug. 25 by calling (903) 874-5791. Also, members are reminded that they can pick up new year books at Kinsloe House.



Corsicana Newcomers Club

Corsicana Newcomers Club will meet Aug. 28 at Kinsloe House. Social time will be at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Instead of a speaker, there will be a special program with Zanada Tally singing.

The Road Runners will go to Grapevine Mills Mall Aug. 21. They will meet at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church parking lot and will return at about 4 p.m. They will have lunch and do some shopping. If you are interested in this fun day trip, call Peggy Dixson at (903) 874-8316.

For information about Corsicana Newcomers Club, call Jane Sanders at (903) 874-0808. Everyone is welcome — newcomers to the area or people who have lived here their entire lives.

        

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