The 2009 Caudle Reunion was held at the First Baptist Church Activities Building in Mount Vernon.  It was a successful event with 65 attendees. Several were attending our Caudle Reunion for the first time.  Those attending were descendants of James and Mary Caudle and two of their sons, Mark and Bennett Caudle. Family members came from California, New Mexico, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Franklin County Historical Association, First Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, Franklin County Genealogical Society and Mount Vernon Optic-Herald newspaper were very helpful with arrangements and support for our reunion.

Friday and Saturday activities included family and individual pictures taken by Michelle Mudryk; sharing of family tree information, pictures, and family histories; and getting reacquainted with each other. Several people participated in guided tours of historic sites of Mount Vernon provided by members of the Franklin County Historical Association.

On Saturday morning, the program began with a welcome from Mr. J.D. Baumgardner, the Mayor of Mount Vernon.  He was followed by Mr. B. F. Hicks, a local historian and President of the Franklin County Historical Association, who gave a presentation about the early history of the Mount Vernon area. His presentation included specific information about the land grants awarded to James Caudle and Mark Caudle.   He provided everyone with copies of a pamphlet “Mount Vernon and Franklin County, A History in Maps.” 

Mr. Hicks also presented us with several copies of two books about the history of the local area.  Later in the day, a drawing was held and the books were given away as door prizes to the lucky people whose names were drawn.  Martha Hare, a visitor who has ties to the Caudle family, attended the reunion on Saturday and recorded the presentations with a video camera.    

Dan Caudle, President, discussed the Texas First Families and Gone to Texas certificates for which we are eligible. He proposed a Caudle Family Project, to consist of stories about your ancestors which you would like to share. A handout was available for this project. The stories will be published on a C.D. and available prior to the 2011 reunion.  

Janice Thomas of Artesia, NM, and Donna Caudle of Weatherford, TX proposed a Caudle Family Cookbook to include family recipes. They will be soliciting recipes from family members.  Details will be provided at a later date. Dan reminded everyone of Bill Caudle’s website, which contains information, stories and pictures of our ancestors.

We were unable to go to Providence Cemetery as a group due to the recent heavy rains, but some small groups were able to the cemetery. Mae Tanner reminded the group of the Glade Springs Cemetery which has graves of Bennett’s family and other related Caudles. Dan commented about the need to replace the faded and torn American flag at the Providence Cemetery. 

The Caudle Cemetery located on the Mrs. Brannon’s ranch in Erath County, TX was discussed. Mrs. Brannon is ill and the land will likely be sold upon on her death. There is a concern that our access to the cemetery will be limited when there is a new owner of the ranch. Kathy Ray is going to explore alternate routes and other possibilities to ensure continued access for our family to be able to visit and maintain the Caudle Cemetery.

It was suggested by Mae that a committee representing all descendants of the family and different areas of the country be responsible for the next reunion. Those selected to serve on the committee include Kathy Ray of Pauls Valley, OK; Dottie Caudle of Katy, TX; Mary Cofer of Winnsboro, TX; Gary Ayers of Humansville, MO; Rhonda Caudle of Maud, TX; Bill Caudle of Shoreview, MN; Dan Caudle of Weatherford, TX; Jean Munoz of Spring, TX; Randy Jones of Dallas, TX; Bruce Cunningham of Decatur, TX; and Shonda Jenkins of Holly Lake Ranch, TX. Kathy Ray will serve as the leader of the committee. It was decided the next Reunion would be held in Dublin, TX in 2010.

Mae stepped down as Secretary/Treasurer after many years of service to the family. We all owe her our deepest gratitude for her untiring efforts for the reunion and the Caudle Cemetery. Dan was chosen as the new Secretary/Treasurer. Any contributions to the Caudle Cemetery Fund should be sent to Dan Caudle at 3406 Cliff View Loop, Weatherford, TX 76087.  

Dan recognized Cheri and Michelle Mudryk from Bakersfield, CA for having traveled the farthest to attend the reunion. He presented the Elder Statesman Award to the eldest Caudle descendants in attendance. They were Kathleen Petty from Greenville, TX and Jerome “Red” Caudle from Holly Lake Ranch, TX.  They are both 92 years young.  Our two youngest attendees were Kellie Cunningham of Decatur, TX and Ella Shirley of Venus, TX.  They are both 3 years old.  Our reunion truly spanned the generations.

John Nichols and the East Texas Caudle’s brought the BBQ wagon and prepared a delicious meal for all.  John is carrying on the tradition started by his uncle, the late Luther Caudle.  John promised to do it for us again at future reunions. 

Dan thanked John and his crew for the great meal.  He also thanked Michele Mudryk for serving as the “official photographer” for the reunion, and Shonda Jenkins, who served as the secretary and handled registration for the meeting.

At the conclusion of the meeting, several people made generous donations to the Caudle Cemetery Fund.  Billy Flowe from Mesquite, Brian and Dottie Caudle from Katy, Martha Hare from Sulphur Bluff, and several others contributed to the fund during the reunion. Others who have made donations to the cemetery fund recently include Dewey Meeks from North Carolina, Bill Caudle from Minnesota, Mae Tanner from Conroe, and Dan & Donna Caudle from Weatherford. 

Since the reunion, Frank Caudle of Maud, TX purchased a new American flag and put it up at the cemetery.  Thank you Frank.   

Submitted by Shonda Jenkins and Dan Caudle