On Saturday, June 29, 2002, the descendants of James McCuskey and Nancy McCombs McCuskey met in Wheeling, W.V. for the first McCuskey family reunion since the one held in Wheeling Park on June 25,1939.

The reunion began at 10:00 a.m. at Stone Church Cemetery located on Stone Church Rd., Elm Grove, W.V. A grave side service was held at the new tombstone of James and Nancy McCuskey and a floral wreath was placed by Jane Olson in the names of all who were present. The memorial service was conducted by Rev. Jay McMillen of Rony’s Point United Presbyterian Church. Rev. McMillen was dressed in traditional formal Scottish attire and carried a hand-forged iron Celtic cross mounted atop a staff of red juniper wood. He doused the new tombstone with water from a silver quaich (quake) cup, a traditional Scottish cup of parting. Rev. McMillen’s sermon and dedication of the tombstone was the highlight of our reunion. The bagpiper could not attend due to a personal emergency so Todgie played a tape recording of "Amazing Grace" to conclude the service.

Further festivities were held at the Sonneborn Pavilion located in Wheeling Park, W.V. Mr. & Mrs. Charles and Patricia Whitlatch of West Finley, PA. planned the menu and prepared the home cooked food that was delicious and enough to feed an army. This labor of love was on their 34th Wedding Anniversary.

James "Todgie" McCuskey DeWolf was the emcee and the following were guest speakers:

Rev. Jay McMillen: A brief history of the Scotch-Irish and their migration to America. He had changed from formal clothes to the normal daily attire worn by Scotsmen of the Revolutionary War era. He carried Scottish armament and explained the origin and use of the weapons. A complete description of his attire and armament is located on page seven. Rev. McMillen is now a honorary member of our McCuskey clan as his contributions to our family reunions have been invaluable.

Dr. Robert Scott McCuskey: The McCuskeys of Ireland and migration to the United States. James McCuskey emigrated to this country about the year 1779 from Tyrone County, Ireland. James married Nancy McCombs in the year 1792 and settled the following year on a farm near "Coffee-Town" out on the "Clay Pike", a few miles from what is now Elm Grove, Ohio County, West Virginia. A tape recording was played made by Elbert Scott McCuskey on May 9, 1983 during his trip to Ireland to visit our Irish cousins.

Susan McCuskey Campbell: The McCuskeys of West Virginia and their western migration to Ohio, Illinois and beyond, first to Ohio about 1824 - then Minnesota and Illinois - then Missouri or Kansas. It is documented that the living descendants of James and Nancy McCuskey are now scattered into all parts (44 States) of the United States and in some foreign lands.

Jane Nikstad Olson: On August 18, 2001, several McCuskey relatives visited the grave site of James McCuskey and Nancy McCombs McCuskey. All present agreed that something should be done to restore the tombstones or future generations would never be able to locate the site. Jane Olson volunteered to take charge of a restoration project and four months later a new tombstone was set in place. Jane signed a contract with Randall Gallagher Memorials, Inc. on October 11, 2001 for $3,993 with only half the money collected relying on good faith of our McCuskey relatives for the remaining amount. A sad note is that Dr. Dorothy McCuskey, the largest contributor to the tombstone project, died the same day, December 24, 2001, the new tombstone was set in place. I know that Dorothy would have been very happy, as the new tombstone is a work of art. Jane completed her restoration project at the reunion when she took a vote and all present agreed the old tombstones should be inserted at grass level in front of the new tombstone.

James "Todgie" McCuskey DeWolf: Distribution and discussion of our McCuskey Family Tree outline. Rev. Roy McCuskey mentioned in the notes of the 1939 Wheeling reunion that someone should put together a history of the family, based upon the record published by Rev. W.H. McCuskey in 1916. His wish was partially fulfilled 63 years later when a family tree outline was distributed at the 2002 reunion containing 4,004 relatives. That number has increased since the reunion and still requires a lot of research. Names on a piece of paper are just that without some background. Please send any obituaries, photographs, and old letters so they may be entered into our family history.

Military service has and always will be a very important part of family history. It all started when William McCuskey enlisted as a soldier in the War of 1812 and never returned. Elbert Scott McCuskey was a Navy pilot and downed 14 enemy planes during World War II and flew in the Battle of Midway, considered the turning point of the conflict in the Pacific. Vernon Razak piloted a P-38 Lightning over Belgium during World War II and was shot down, killed and buried in Belgium. Sgt. Wayne Homer McCuskey, U.S.M.C., was killed in action in Korea on November 29, 1950. "Everyone gave a little, some gave more, and some gave everything." It was noted that there were two career military officers present at the reunion. Dr. (Col.) Samuel Roy McCuskey, Jr., retired after 30 years active service as a dentist in the U.S. Army and Commander Robert Gene Charles retired after 22 years of active service in the U.S. Navy. They received an applause from our relatives for their dedicated service.

There were approximately. 80 relatives and guests attending the reunion from 13 States and I fear a few who were present did not sign the Registration Book. This book will be passed on from reunion to reunion. I have arranged the names by the children of James and Nancy and then by families as they appear in our family tree outline.

GEORGE (1796-1876)

James "Todgie" McCuskey Dewolf...............................................Eastlake, Ohio

+ Gloria (Chetnik) DeWolf " "

Ray Nickerson..............................................................................Wellsburg, WV

+ Kay (Ernest) Nickerson " "

David Nickerson " "

Jody Nickerson " "

Dr. Robert Scott McCuskey...........................................................Tuscon, Arizona

Robert Pattison..............................................................................Fairfax, Virginia

+ Marie (Middleton) Pattison " "

MARGARET J. (1797)

Thomas Whitlatch, Sr. (father of Charles Whitlatch)......................West Finley, PA

Charles Whitlatch " "

+ Patricia Kay (Adams) Whitlatch " "

Tyler Craig Whitlatch (grandson) " "

Natalie (Whitlatch) Amos.........................................................Graysville, PA

Kayla Dawn Amos " "

Nicole (Whitlatch) Pettit...........................................................Holbrook, PA

Sierra Noelle Pettit " "

Savannah Pettit " "

JOHN (1804-1878)

Marjorie "Marge" (Morgan) Meils.....................................................Roanoke, IL

Susan (McCuskey) McGhiey Campbell...........................................McNabb, Illinois

SILAS (1810-1879)

Dr. Samuel Roy McCuskey, Jr.........................................................Harker Hts., Texas

+ Nancy Lou (Zircle) McCuskey " "

Stephen "Mike" McCuskey (grandson) " "

Joseph Robichaud (grandson)........................................... .Salado, Texas

Samuel Roy McCuskey III................................................... .......Escondido, CA

+ Andrea (Naso) McCuskey " "

Samuel Roy McCuskey IV " "

Robert James Naso McCuskey " "

Sandra "Sandy" McCuskey.........................................................Kileen, Texas

Stewart Carl Zircle McCuskey ....................................................Temple, Texas

+ Rony Leiona Joann (Ladesma) McCuskey " "

Stephanie McCuskey " "

William Paul McCuskey.....................................................................Morgantown, WV

Robert G. McCuskey....................................................................Cordova, TN

+ Dorothy (Smith) McCuskey " "

John T. Friend, Sr....................................................................... ......Morgantown, WV

+Jessie Mae ( McCuskey) Friend " "

David Nine............................................................................................ " "

+ Georgeann (McCuskey) Nine " "

Mary (McCuskey) White....................................................................... " "

Dr. Carol Ann White " "

William "Bill" Almasy................................................................ ...Mt. Morris, PA

+ Cheryl Ann (White) Almasy " "

Gerald Griffin.....................................................................................Wheeling, WV

+ Joan (Zoeckler) Griffin " "

Diane (Griffin) Donley..................................................................Morgantown, WV

Stephanie Donley " "

David Donley " "

Dr. Patricia A. McCreary....................................................................Wellsburg, WV

Richard F. McCreary " "

Margaret (McCuskey) Nikstad............................................................Superior, WI

Jane (Nikstad) Olson " "

Sandra Jo (Nikstad) Rutheford................................................... ..Wausau, WI

Barbara Ann (Nikstad) Obester......................................................Ft. Collins, CO

James William Crawley.......................................................................Prairie Grove, AR

+ Betty (Erickson) Crawley " "

Rachel (Crawley) Dixon (granddaughter) " "

Justin "Charity" Tyree (granddaughter) " "

Richard "Dick" Nielson........................................................................Chisolm, MN

+ Ida (McCuskey) Nielson " "

John MacDougal.................................................................................Hermantown, MN

+ Mary Lou (McCuskey) MacDougal " "

Jan (Anderson) Menze........................................................................Holyoke, WI

Richard C. Bennett...........................................................................Cuyahoga Falls, OH

+ Sarah Jo (McCuskey) Bennett " "

Robert Gene Charles, Sr.....................................................................Melbourne, FL

+ Mary Jo (McCuskey) Charles " "

Robert Gene Charles, Jr................................................................Pataskala, Ohio

+ Dianna (Lilly) Charles " "

Matthew Thomas Charles " "

Johann (Charles) Leathers............................................................Gahana, Ohio

GUESTS: Rev. Jay A. McMillen & wife Anna ....................................Triadelphia, WV

Mr. & Mrs. Carl & Audra Paul.............................................Wheeling, WV

Bill Almasy..........................................................................Mt. Morris, PA

Barbara Almasy..................................................................Wellsburg, WV

Charles Steonbay...............................................................Morgantown, WV

Everyone attending was individually introduced and joined in a sing-along to a tape recording of "Danny Boy" and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling."

Dr. Samuel Roy McCuskey, Jr, and wife Nancy were celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary and received a round of applause.

Dr. Patricia McCreary, Richard McCreary and Joan (Zoeckler) Griffin were present and also attended the 1939 McCuskey Reunion in Wheeling Park,WV.

DOOR PRIZES: "Tommy Hilfiger" baseball caps embroidered with "MCCUSKEY (shamrock emblem) REUNION" were awarded to the following:

Robert Gene Charles, Sr.................Oldest - 83 years of age

Robert James Naso McCuskey.......Youngest - born Aug. 8, 2001

Samuel Roy McCuskey, III...............Farthest - Escondido, California

Joan (Zoeckler) Griffin.....................Closest - Wheeling, West Virginia

Dr. Samuel Roy McCuskey, Jr.........Most present -12 immediate family members

PICTURES: I noticed a lot of pictures being taken. If each would send one or two of their best pictures to me with names on the back, we could have a montage for the next reunion.

MAILING LIST: It has been requested that I create a mailing list of McCuskey relatives. If you will furnish the names and addresses of your immediate relatives, then I will purchase a software program and create a mailing list that will be provided to all included. We also have a McCuskey Internet Association (MIA) of approximately 100 relatives. Please send a confirmation e-mail to me if you or any of your family is interest in joining. I will then add your name to our members’ list and e-mail same to you. The members’ list ony contains your name, e-mail address, State of residence and ancestor’s name. Our MIA is to be used only for notifications, exchange of family information and personal correspondence - no junk mail is permitted.

FUTURE REUNIONS: At the 1939 McCuskey Reunion in Wheeling Park, WV, "The clan voted to meet every three years as a whole group, the various groups within the clan to meet as often as they cared to. It was decided that the group should meet again at Wheeling as a matter of tradition and sentiment as that is near the the place where the original family settled." These plans were canceled due to the beginning of World War II. With this tradition in mind, I hope that we can meet again in Wheeling, WV in the year 2005.

Several of our relatives from Wisconsin have requested that there be a reunion in or near Superior, Wisconsin next year. I believe this reunion is now in the planning stages and I will keep you informed.

The second McCuskey Reunion is over and I hope those present had a good time. We were sorry all could not attend. So, until our next meeting:

May your days be many and your troubles be few

May all God’s blessings descend upon you

May peace be within you and your heart be strong

May you find what you’re seeking wherever you roam

Your Cousin,

"Todgie"

James McCuskey DeWolf

37360 Green Dr.

Eastlake, Ohio 44095

(440) 942-9389

E-mail: gloryus654@aol.com

Rev McMillen has joined the McCuskey clan for the last three summers to add prayers and Scottish history to our reunions. His participation requires more than just a few words. The following information is from the notes of Susan McCuskey McGhiey Campbell:

"Rev. McMillen conducted the dedication service of the James and Nancy McCombs McCuskey’s new cemetery marker in Stone Church Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. During this service he wore the formal, small kilt and inserted a large, Celtic cross, draped with a plaid cloth, into the ground to add a Scottish religious symbol to the ceremony.

Later at the picnic, Rev. McMillen had changed to the hunting or fighting clothes that the Scotsmen of James & Nancy’s era or the Revolutionary War era would have worn. This consisted of the great kilt, a kilt of much more fabric that was a single piece of plaid fabric several yards long belted around the wearer. This kilt could double as a coat or blanket as needed. Rev. McMillen also wore a loose linen shirt with a large collar. This large collar covered his shoulders. The Scotsman could dip the collar in beeswax to create a waterproof rain cape.

The Glenderry was the Scottish bonnet Rev. McMillen was wearing. It was decorated with a cockade. It should be black if a supporter of King George and white if a Jacobite.

Some other Scottish history about the era included the information that about 9/12’s of George Washington’s troops at Valley Forge were Scotsmen. Just as we understood about the bugler’s ability to communicate with the cavalry, the bagpipes had been used to communicate with the Scotsmen fighters. If two clans were fighting, it was illegal to kill the piper. If the English were fighting a clan, they killed the piper first. As a result, the English had outlawed the kilt and bagpipes as weapons of war.

Rev. McMillen also wore a sporran. This bag that would carry food & flask - not of water. It was probably the utilitarian leather pouch and not the decorative hair bag worn with the formal small kilt. Another smaller bag called a "possibles bag" contained ammunition - balls & wadding.

Weapons carried during this era included a Reever sword. This sword would be a cut down claymore. The claymore was originally used against knights. It should be twice the size of the one wielding it. The claymore was used to cut off the knight’s horse’s legs. Another knife was the kidney dirk, a knife used where the knight’s armor had a weakness. A tomahawk was also carried and is not an indian invention. Finally there was a standood, a knife worn in the sock. This knife could also be a symbol of whether the Scotsman was friendly or ready to fight. Friendliness was when the knife was in the sock.

This Scotsman would also be carrying a long rifle as a weapon during this era. The Scottish already had it before the American Revolution. It came to the U. S. from the Jacobite Wars. Rev. McMillen demonstrated how to load this single firing weapon with powder from his powder horn, and balls and wadding from the possibles bag. One way to speed up the loading of another shot was to create a twist and ram it into the long rifle. The twist was a pre-made ball and wadding twisted together.

During this era, the settlers were expected to carry guns and protect themselves. Adults were to carry their guns and 40 rounds of ammunition -even to church and school. Boys and women usually carried a squirrel rifle - a 32 caliber rifle. Boys twelve years old and older were required to bring guns and 12 rounds of ammunition to school.

Other comments: Only the rich had standard plaids. Others wove colors based on what natural dyes were available."

(Download a RTF version of this page Notes of the 2002 Reunion..rtf )