Bluford Family Reunion

Trotwood was the site of the Bluford Family Reunion, September 13 to 15, hosted by
Dr. Gladys Turner Finney. Organized around the theme, "Cousins United," the goal
was to unite first cousins of the children of James "Jimmy" Bluford and Chester Lee
(Johnson) Bluford of Jefferson County, Arkansas. Of the 19 original first cousins,
13 still survive, and 8 were able to attend the reunion along with children and grandchildren.

This was the first Bluford Reunion. The majority had never met. They came from
Arkansas, California, Indiana, and Illinois. The oldest cousin, Dr. Finney, presented
the Bluford Family History. The family is now centered in Chicago.

The Bluford Family traces its origin to James/ Jim Bluford, born enslaved about 1830
 in South Carolina. James/Jim Bluford and his wife, Mary Simkins Bluford had six
 children when the 1870 Census was taken in Saluda, Edgefield County, South Carolina:
Jessie (14), Harry (12), Emmer (10), Jim (8), Will (6), and George (4).

 After emancipation, James' son, George, the progenitor of this branch of the Bluford
 Family, moved to Madison Parish (Tallulah) Louisiana where his two sons, Ebbie
 and James "Jimmy" Bluford were born. George and his two sons migrated to Linclon County, Arkansas around 1908.

A picnic was held at John Wolfe Park. Reverend Doctor Darryll Young gave the invocation. Recognition was given to the following category: Traveled the farthest, Most grandchildren,
The youngest. Those born in September were saluted with a Birthday Cake. Community
activities were planned.