WILMINGTON — The Clinton County Genealogical Society held their Annual Banquet at the First Christian Church on Monday, Nov. 25.

Members and guests were greeted with music from the “Friends of Caesar Creek Dulcimer Group,” comprised of Pat Gilbert, Gary Hillard, and Travis Lunken.

President Susan Henry welcomed members and guests. Christine Snyder gave the invocation prior to the delicious meal by Shoelaces Catering.

President Susan Henry gave a recap of 2019. During the year we welcomed Shelby Boatman as the new Director of the Clinton County History Center and enjoyed a wide variety of programs.

In January, Michael and Rebecca Cooper presented “Fashion in the New Republic.” In February, Susan Henry, Christine Snyder, and Gene Snyder spoke of their ancestors from Nantucket Island. Chuck Muchmore spoke on the history of Clarksville in March. In April, we learned about the Mayflower Society. Christine Snyder presented a Power Point on interesting people buried in Springfield Friends Cemetery in June.

The annual picnic was held in June at the Clark Lodge at Quaker Knoll with presentations about the history of the Lodge and Lake Cowan. In August Shelby Boatman gave the group a tour of the Downton Abby collection at the History Center. Dana Palmer talked about Researching in Southwest Ohio in September. In October, Nancy Ottman gave an program based on the diary of a German lad’s trip to America.

The awards portion of the evening started with induction of the First Families of Clinton County award comprising of ancestors who lived in Clinton County prior to 1820.

Frances Sharp honored Susan Gregory Henry with a supplemental award for her ancestor Latham Starbuck. Jonathan Chase McKay was inducted with ancestors George Haworth, Susanna Dillon, Phebe Frazier, and Mahlon Haworth. Both members received a certificate and a first families pin. Beth Mitchell honored Jonathan Chase McKay with Civil War Families award for his ancestor, Daniel Foland. Jonathan brought the medical box that Daniel used as a medic during the war to share with the group. Beth Mitchell, Susan Neuhart, and Frances Sharp gave the Genealogist of the Year award to Susan Gregory Henry.

The Clinton County Genealogical Society is open to anyone who is interested in history and genealogy. The meetings are held the last Monday of each month at the Clinton County History Center.