Annual Family Reunion Held at Bluebank on Reelfoot Lake, August 23, 1929
(The Commercial, Union City, Friday, August 30, 1929)

The Calhoun-Gracy family reunion met at Bluebank on Reelfoot Lake at their annual meeting with about 100 relatives and some dozen Confederate Veterans on Friday, August 23, 1929.

It certainly was an enjoyable occasion.  Of the great number of relatives, but one had passed to his heavenly home, Wm. Barnett Gracey of Lakeland, Fla, born 1841, died in June, 1929.  “Uncle Barnett,” as he was affectionately called, had been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church nearly 70 years and was a Confederate soldier a little over three years.  He was a typical Gracey, a sober, hard working, benevolent, charitable, christian gentleman, was a father of a large family, all of whom were well educated and good christian citizens.

Many from a distance were missed, having been detained because of sickness or otherwise.  The family historian, Mrs. J. D. Sandifer, of Abilene, Texas, the Gilberts, of Columbia, Tenn., H. O. Calhoun, of West Plains, Mo., Miss Margaret Walters, of Bald Knob, Ark., and W. B. Simpson, of Friendship, Tenn., were some who were kept away.   The last two have received their Master of Arts degree from the University of Missouri and the University of Tennessee.

Our historian reports about fifty ministers of gospel and about 100 teachers in the Calhoun-Gracey family.

Representatives of the family came from Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia, District of Columbia and six counties of Tennessee.

The Calhoun string band furnished music for the occasion.

The best part of the day is always the church service in the afternoon.   This was conducted by Revs. Cunningham, Clayton, Calhoun and Joyner.  W. B. Cunningham preached the sermon, assisted by other ministers.  Our next reunion meets at Bluebank Friday, Aug. 29, 1930, at which time we hope to have five hundred present.

Will N. Calhoun, president association.