The purpose of this page is to create a contact for the
Eddie Hildrey Rankin & Callie Michael Whitesell family
for upcoming family reunions.Eddie Hildrey Rankin Whitesell was born on March 26, 1876 in Guilford County, NC. Eddie was the son of Daniel Rankin Whitesell and Barbara Livinia Matilda Thomas Whitesell.
Callie Alventine Elizabeth Michael was born on September 24, 1880 in Guilford County, NC. Callie was the daughter of Alpherd Alexander Michael and Margaret Ann Barber Michael.
Eddie married Callie on Dec 18, 1901, in Guilford County, NC. Eleven children were born from the marriage of Eddie and Callie, and three are still living today.
Callie Alventine Elizabeth Michael died on June 21, 1959 at the age of 78. She is buried in Bethlehem Christian Church cemetery, Altamahaw, N.C.
Eddie Hildrey Rankin Whitesell died on August 5, 1960 at the age of 84. He is buried in Bethlehem Christian Church cemetery, Altamahaw, N.C.
June 28, 2003 - The grandchildren of Eddie and Callie Whitesell first met for a family gathering at the home of a grandson, for hamburgers and hot dogs. Everyone had a great time of fellowship and the food was overflowing. Terry presented each grandchild a pedigree chart showing the family line, and requested family information to add to the family's tree. After many comments and interest from the folks at this gathering, a family reunion was organized.
August 6, 2005 - First Annual Whitesell Reunion - A group of 120 descendants and relatives of this family met at Bethlehem Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Altamahaw, NC for a hot dog and covered dish supper.
Everyone had a great time and fellowship with family members that they have never met before. A register of names, addresses and phone numbers was complied for future contact. Family members have volunteered to organize another reunion for next year.
September 30, 2006 - Second Annual Whitesell Reunion - There was 70 descendants that attended the reunion at Bethlehem Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Altamahaw, NC for a covered dish meal. We met new faces that had attended the reunion for the first time and learned a lot about each other.
Terry gave an update of the family information that he has in the family tree file. We have 1610 known relatives of Callie; 7830 known relatives of Eddie; Eddie and Callie have 274 known descendants.
November 3, 2007 - Third Annual Whitesell Reunion - A reunion with a covered dish meal was held at Bethlehem Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Altamahaw, NC. There were 73 of the descendants present.
Every one enjoyed a time of fellowship and sharing the old family stories from the "good ole days". Several folks stayed after the clean up and enjoyed some inside scoops from one of the children of Eddie & Callie. All three of the living children of Eddie & Callie were present for this gathering.
The family decided that an annual reunion would be held on the 3rd Saturday in October at 5:30 PM. As an added surprise, next year's reunion will be a catered meal sponsored by a family member.
October 18, 2008 - Fourth Annual Whitesell Reunion - This year's reunion was held at Bethlehem Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Altamahaw, NC. A catered meal was provided by members of the family, and served by Hurshey's BBQ. There were 124 of the descendants present.
We were welcomed this year by Ricky, a grandson, that encouraged us all to "spark" some conversation with family members that we have not had the opportunity to meet. Each family was recognized as a group, and a member of that family introduced their family members.
This year we were all surprised to receive a reproduction print of the original photograph of Eddie and Callie's family which was taken in approximately in 1934, from Raymond, a grandson! See a black & white copy here. Family stories were shared, some so surprising that everyone had a huge laugh.
Terry provided a photo slide show of pictures taken in previous reunions, and a pedigree chart of Eddie for all to enjoy. He also gave a short family history. Callie has 1834 known relatives; Eddie has 11,152 known relatives; and Eddie and Callie have 278 known descendants. Everyone was encouraged to submit information to update the family tree.
October 17, 2009 - Fifth Annual Whitesell Reunion - This year's reunion was held at Bethlehem Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Altamahaw, NC. A surprise catered meal was provided by some members of the family, and was served by Hurshey's BBQ. Donations were accepted for the costs of the meal and the use of the building. If you were not there, you missed a treat! There were 90 descendants present for the meal and fellowship that followed.
Ricky exchanged some family stories with the group, and we all had a good laugh. Everyone was encouraged to share any stories that they remember or have been told for next year's reunion. Each clan was recognized for their attendance.
Terry provided a photo slide show of pictures taken in previous reunions, and a relationship chart. Now, we all can determine what relationship we really are to each other. The family is still growing. Callie has 1901 known relatives; Eddie has 11,771 known relatives; and Eddie and Callie have 305 known descendants. Everyone was encouraged to share their own family genealogy so the tree can be documented and continue to grow.
October 16, 2010 - Sixth Annual Whitesell Reunion - Attention all family members!
We need a volunteer to arrange for this year's reunion and meal.
If no one volunteers for the task, we will assume that the meal will be a covered dish.
If you or someone that you know are related to the Whitesell family, and would like to attend the next family reunion,
Please contact me at the contact email address below.
We hope to see you at the next family reunion!!!
This page was updated on:
Thursday, 22-Oct-2009 18:45:54 MDT
Visitors Since September 23, 2005.
Thanks for stopping by!