Cox Family Virtual Reunion

July 10, 2021

Welcome to the Cox Family Reunion!

11:00am (central)

Upon joining via computer/phone we will have an open gathering in a virtual break out room.

Please raise your hand if you need tech support

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Chat is available to send a message to “everyone” or direct message to an “individual.” Double check name selected before sending. It will default to last name used. Direct messages between family members are recorded.

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Please Mute the Zoom screen on your phone/computer when the program starts.

Family Gathering

& Kick off Room

11:00-11:30 am (Central)

Chat is available to send a message to “everyone” or direct message to an “individual.” Double check name selected before sending. It will default to last name used. Direct messages between family members are recorded.

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Only registered families will be able to play the virtual games later in the program. Computers must have Google Chrome, MS Edge, or FireFox software. Internet Explorer is not supported.

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Please make sure your microphone is muted when the program starts.

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Please feel free to say hello and greet family on Zoom.

If necessary, update your name (or rename) on the Zoom screen view settings and include your state initials: e.g. OH

Opening Prayer (RaDenna Cox Funderbirk)

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Memorial for Cox Family Members (Karen Cox)

Memorial Poem for the Ones We Have Lost Since The 2019 Cox Reunion

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A precious one from us is gone,

A voice we loved is still.

A place is vacant in our home,

Which never can be filled.

And, after a lonely heartache,

And many silent tears;

There’s always a beautiful memory,

Of one we loved so dear.

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What is a Family Reunion?

Usually a large gathering for family members

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But what is its Purpose:

1. To gather generations of family members to honor the past, celebrate the present, and prepare for the future.
2. To reconnect relatives and friends for fun, food, fellowship, and strengthening the ties that bind.
3. To give young members a chance to meet and know their cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives.
4. To give new members - like new spouses and others - a chance to meet the extended group.

And for older relatives or those in poor health, one last chance to see everyone.

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merriam-webster.com

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Presenter: Maurice Cox

What’s in a Name:

Or Why Did My Mother Have to Change Her Name?

What is a Family?

The basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children.

or any unit regarded as equivalent to the traditional family such as:

1. a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head.
2. a group of persons of common ancestry or deriving from a common stock

3) a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation

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In other words You and Me, “Us’es”

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merriam-webster.com

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Presenter: Maurice Cox

In the Beginning – there were 2 ????

Mathew (Matt) Cox

1844 - 1912

Frances Durden - Johnson – Cox

1845- 1920

Mathew (Matt) Cox & Frances Durden-Johnson-Cox Family

6 Boys

2 Girls

2 Boys

Edward D COX/

Emma Hunter

Born: 24 Aug 1864

9 kids

5 kids

8 Kids

Birth: Unknown

Frank COX /

Janie Hunter

Born: 1 Apr 1880

James COX

(Ida Reese + 2 wives)

Born: 1 Jan 1874

3 kids

William L COX / Hattie Black

William L Cox /

Hattie Black

Born: 15 Oct 1888

9 kids

Generation 0

Matt and Frances Johnson-Cox Descendant Family Surname Chart

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Maggie Cox – Colquitt

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1 Son + 2 Daughters

Exa (Exis) Cox – Preston

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No Children

Boggs, Doyle, Espy, Hunter, Jackson, Kilgore, Lee, Moon, Randolph, Thomas, Walker, Young

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35 Sons + 32 Daughters

Bell (James), Edwards

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4 Sons + 3 Daughters

Boggs, Bush, Espy, Graham, Morrow, Pirkle, Thompson, Thurmond

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25 Sons + 20 Daughters

Generation-0

G1

G2

Matt and Frances Johnson-Cox Descendant Family Surname Chart

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Maggie Cox – Colquitt

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1 Son + 2 Daughters

Exa (Exis) Cox – Preston

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No Children

Boggs, Doyle, Espy, Hunter, Jackson, Kilgore, Lee, Moon, Randolph, Thomas, Walker, Young

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35 Sons + 32 Daughters

Bell, Edwards

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4 Sons + 3 Daughters

Boggs, Bush, Espy, Graham, Morrow, Pirkle, Thompson, Thurmond

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25 Sons + 20 Daughters

Generation-0

G1

G2

G3

Matt and Frances Johnson-Cox Descendant Family Surname Chart

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Maggie Cox – Colquitt

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1 Son + 2 Daughters

Exa (Exis) Cox – Preston

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No Children

Boggs, Doyle, Espy, Hunter, Jackson, Kilgore, Lee, Moon, Randolph, Thomas, Walker, Young

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35 Sons + 32 Daughters

Bell, Edwards

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4 Sons + 3 Daughters

Boggs, Bush, Espy, Graham, Morrow, Pirkle, Thompson, Thurmond

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25 Sons + 20 Daughters

Generation-0

G1

G2

G3

G4

Matt and Frances Johnson-Cox Descendant Family Surname Chart

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Maggie Cox – Colquitt

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1 Son + 2 Daughters

Exa (Exis) Cox – Preston

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No Children

Boggs, Doyle, Espy, Hunter, Jackson, Kilgore, Lee, Moon, Randolph, Thomas, Walker, Young

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35 Sons + 32 Daughters

Bell, Edwards

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4 Sons + 3 Daughters

Boggs, Bush, Espy, Graham, Morrow, Pirkle, Thompson, Thurmond

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25 Sons + 20 Daughters

Reese

Crum

Azama, Bradley, Edmond, Hayes, Sims, Thomas, Tidwell

Generation-0

G1

G2

G3

G4

G5

?? Questions or Comments ? ?

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Family Growth SCORECARD - Where are You?

Should I try to connect with lost family members?

NO

Perspective Clues (THINK about the circle that fits you)

Am I part of the Native American Family if my ancestor wore braids?

If my estranged family wants nothing to do with me, should I quit trying?

Does blood makes you Family?

If I have step, adopted, out-of-wedlock brother/sisters are they still Family?

Can a group of caring individuals not related be a Family?

Should I be embarrassed if this was my first family reunion?

If my heritage is mostly European, Latinx, African, Asian, etc.; am I Family?

Can I date someone without worrying about how close a family they are?

I now understand why I attended this reunion when my last name isn’t __________?

*Do do a self-test, print this slide and complete it for your own benefit OR tally on paper your YES/NO/MAYBES

THE CHALLENGE GOING HOME

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Family Introductions & Sharing

Presenter: Adrienne Azama

Video produced by: Kelsey Cox

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Family Video Here!

Family Question & Answer Session (Bruce Cox)

Family Facts, Fiction, and Folklore

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Note: If you have any additional questions or know the answer to a question asked, please respond in the Zoom Chat message field.

Questions, Questions, Questions ?

1. What is the folklore on where & when our African ancestors came from Africa?
2. On what slave ship did the Cox family arrive?
3. What plantation(s) were the Cox family members held pre-emancipation (1865)?
4. Did any Cox family or extended family members fight in the Civil war or were Buffalo soldiers?
5. Did any Cox family or extended family members fight in World War 1?
6. Were any of the Cox family or extended family members part of an Indian tribe?
7. Were any Cox family of extended family members on the Trail of Tears?
8. Are there still any Cox family members who are still farmers? Who are they?
9. Were any Cox family members or extended family members professional athletes?
10. What are some of the notable achievements of the Cox family or extended family?

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Questions, Questions, Questions ?

What is the folklore on where & when our African ancestors came from Africa?

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Clues:

Look to our DNA mixture for information on our African origins. Mine seems to center around west Africa. In available census information, our oldest known American ancestor (Frances Durden, born 1845 and Matt Cox, born 1844) state they were born in Georgia as were their parents. So likely came to America 1825 or earlier. Available information on Frances Durden says she was born in Savannah. Slaves imported there from Africa mainly came from west Africa. I have no information on Buck Johnson’s origins.

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Questions, Questions, Questions ?

On what slave ship did the Cox family arrive?

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Clues:

This information seems to be unknown. Georgia began directly importing slaves in the 1760’s. Savannah, Georgia was a major port and georgiaencyclopedia.org report the majority of the slaves landing there came from Angola, Sierra Leone, and Gambia.

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Questions, Questions, Questions ?

What plantation(s) were the Cox family members held pre-emancipation (1865)?

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Clues:

The family is centered around Georgia and there were a number of Cox plantations in Georgia before emancipation. It seems likely it was one of those. Someone at the reunion may have more details.

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Questions, Questions, Questions ?

Did any Cox family or extended family members fight in the Civil war or were Buffalo soldiers?

Clues:

Civil War: Timeframe (4/1861 - 4/1865), age of known family members, condition of servitude all make it highly unlikely.

Buffalo Soldiers: Physical location of know family members (American South vs American West) make it unlikely during the early start (1861-1900) of the Buffalo soldiers, but perhaps some may have served within the segregated units associated with the Buffalo soldier units (9th and 10th Cavalry) before they were inactivated.

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Questions, Questions, Questions ?

Did any Cox family or extended family members fight in World War 1?

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Clues:

Per available enlistment records one family member served during World War 1. Harrison (Jack) Johnson, a farmer and son of Morgan Johnson and Frances Jordan was enlisted in the army in 1917 at the age of 27 for 1 year. Served within the U.S. Other family members were registered.

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Questions, Questions, Questions ?

Were any of the Cox family or extended family members part of an Indian tribe?

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Clues:

I have no definitive information of tribal membership, but family folklore and pictures suggest that some family members were closely associated with or members of Native Americans living in the south during the 1800s. The Hunter family comes to mind. Do we have DNA evidence? Native Americans did allow some African Americans to associate with the tribes and in addition some did own slaves. Someone at the reunion may have more details.

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Questions, Questions, Questions ?

Were any Cox family of extended family members on the Trail of Tears?

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Clues:

I have heard stories of a small number of family members who accompanied Native Americans on the Trail of Tears but came back home at some point. Someone at the reunion may have more details.

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Questions, Questions, Questions ?

Are there still any Cox family members who are still farmers? Who are they?

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Clues:

At one point we were a family of farmers. I don’t know of any remaining farmers. Someone at the reunion may have more details.

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Questions, Questions, Questions ?

Were any Cox family members or extended family members professional athletes?

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Clues:

I don’t know that we had any professional athletes in the family at any time. Someone at the reunion may have more details.

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Questions, Questions, Questions ?

What are some of the notable achievements of the Cox family or extended family?

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Clues:

I am sure there are many! We are a talented family. Feel free to type in the Chat or leave a note on the Cox Family Reunion website.

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Time for a polling question on family DNA!

Has anyone in your household had a DNA test performed? (Yes or No)

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BREAK

1:03-1:18pm (Central)

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Stay connected, but feel free to turn video off.

Please return by 1:18 pm (central)

We will break into virtual breakout groups when we return.

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Virtual Family Games in Breakout Rooms (Karen Cox) (1:25-2:25pm Central)

MODERATORS: Greg Johnson, Karen Cox, McAlister Cox, Jonathan Cox

Drawasaurus Game

(Virtual Pictionary)

https://www.drawasaurus.org/

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(For Moderator use Only)

Time Limit to Play: 20 MINUTES

Note: Your Moderator will explain the game and add your unique internet link and password via a Zoom Chat message so you can join this game. The game is limited in participation. Only pre-registered family members will be able to play. Your computer must have either Google Chrome, MS Edge, or FireFox software to play this game. Internet Explorer is not supported.

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Scavenger Hunt

Items found earn either 1 or 5 points.

Moderator will explain game, set time limit, request Participants total points and display on Zoom camera:

Time Limit to Find items: 10 minutes

Total your points: 3 minutes

Points/Item List: See next slide

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VIRTUAL SCAVENGER HUNT GAME POINTS

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Family Business: Agenda

• Discussion: our next family reunion
• Committee volunteers - determine now (enter name/interest/contact in chat)

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• Year
• Location
• *Volunteer Reunion Committee will meet determine the final location of next family reunion considering resources and budget needs. To be announced at a later date.
• Donation Funds
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Moderators: Jade Alma & Adrienne Azama

If needed, please raise your hand to be called on

Family Business: Committee Volunteers

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Moderators: Jade Alma & Adrienne Azama

enter your name/ interest/contact in chat

Family Business

Vote/Poll in Zoom

• When should our next in person reunion be:
• 2022 or
• 2023?
• Where should our next reunion be?
• Georgia
• Cincinnati
• Nominated City: please type nominations to be included in poll in the chat
• Will need volunteers willing to host/join committee to support planning

(*Final location decision made by Volunteer Reunion Committee considering expenses and budget needs)

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Moderators: Jade Alma & Adrienne Azama

If needed, please raise your hand to be called upon

Vote Results: When - 2023

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Vote Results: Where - Cincinnati, OH

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Final location decision made by Volunteer Reunion Committee considering expenses and budget needs

Family Business

• Donation Funds: Thank you to all who donated helping make this and future activities possible!
• Cox Family Website (annual subscription maintenance fee)
• Thank you to all who donated to fund tech today ($300) & ongoing maintenance of website ($299/3yrs)
• Family Quilt of Past Reunion T-Shirts - Vendor has been identified (20 shirts $250; we have 15 shirts currently and will update website with shirts we have)
• Funds Raised to Date: $122.55
• Discussion
• Winder, GA Cemetery - Current State (2019)
• Emma Harris reported previous donations of $300 (2019) supported grounds care
• Address/Owner: Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church, 2141 Hwy 82, Stataham, GA
• Family decided to start a fund to help restore family cemeteries that are similar in state - more to come with how to donate on the website.
• New Business? (please note in chat questions, comments) - no additions

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Farewells

Moderator: Bruce Cox

Thank you for joining us!

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Stay Connected:

https://coxfamilyreunions.com/

Facebook group: Cox Family Reunion

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Presentation from today will be shared by email following the reunion

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