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The second modern Dreisbach Family Association Reunion was a huge success. Happening three years after the first Reunion, as planned, this time the family met during June 26-28, 1998 in Chillicothe, Ohio, where many of the more adventurous Dreisbachs eventually settled. Chillicothe became somewhat of a center of the Martin family. Rev. John Dreisbach, a grandson of Martin, Sr., liked the area around Chillicothe and eventually built a church in the early 1800's. Many of his descendants changed the name to Dresbach or Dresback and we found this name common in the telephone directory as well as the cemeteries we visited.
The Christopher Conference Center at Chillicothe was chosen as the meeting site.
We began Friday with walking tours and shopping in the downtown area, golf and swimming, and some even toured the Adena House at Ohio State. Friday evening, many attended the Tecumseh Indian Pageant, a local attraction. The program was held in an open air theater, and weather cooperated beautifully. The Hospitality Room was also open at the hotel.
Ralph Woolever led a tour of Cemeteries on Saturday: Reverend John, Salem White Church, and Hallsville. At our Saturday afternoon meeting, we were treated to a video tour from Germany in 1996 and we learned a lot about our Dreisbach heritage. On Saturday night, almost 100 of us feasted at a banquet in the Ballroom of the Conference Center.
A church service was held at on Sunday at Braeburn Farms, Pickaway Co., Ohio. Braeburn Farms were built by Isaac Dreisbach, son of Rev. John, and are located near Rev. John's home and grave. Mr. Higgins addressed us on the topic of early religions in the area. A box lunch followed the meeting.
At this Reunion, more genealogical information was shared, and a good time was had by all present. This Reunion was especially important because it heralded the publication of the first Dreisbach Family history since Laura Helman's 1924 genealogy: The Dreisbach Book.
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