THE
MONTICELLO
ASSOCIATION

1976 Annual Meeting Minutes

Editor's Page
Minutes of the Business Meeting
Secretary's Report
Treasurer's Report
Custodian's Report
Finance Report
Membership Report
Nominating Chairman
President's Report
New Business

EDITOR'S PAGE

The story of the first burial in the graveyard at Monticello is familiar to most of us -Thomas Jefferson buried his friend and brother-in-law, Dabney Carr, on the mountain under an oak tree where they had liked to study together during their boyhood. One of the first tasks of the Monticello Graveyard Association after it was formed in 1913 was to take down what remained of that tree -a fairly tall stump. As mementoes, a member of the Edgehill family had little cups made from the wood. (See "History of the Graveyard at Monticello" by Robert H. Kean, in Collected Papers of the Monticello Association, 1965.) In 1975, another oak tree, which had been a sapling when the old stump was removed, had to be taken down after being struck by lightening. Frank Walker , with the help of his lathe and his wife, Bernice, has made five little cups and a gavel from this wood. The gavel is for the use of each President of the Monticello Association. Frank has asked the Executive Committee to distribute the cups from time to time as it deems appropriate.

During this year's reception at Monticello on May 1st, one of these cups was presented to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation, to be kept at Monticello. The Honorable Frederick E. Nolting, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, accepted the cup with thanks. This simple ceremony was witnessed by most of the approximately 150 persons who attended the reception. Another notable ceremony during the reception was the banding together of the large contingent of Eppes to follow behind Cousin Bancroft Eppes as he came up the path to the house --a touching tribute to the man who has held the well-being of the Association so close to his heart for many years, and who served as its president in 1959-1960 and 1960-1961.

Our heartfelt thanks again go to the Monticello Staff, and to our Hospitality Committee Chairman, Anne Barnes, for making possible our gathering in the house on the mountain.

The 1977 Annual Meeting will be on Sunday, May 1st, to be preceded by some activity on April 30th, probably a reception at Monticello. Notices announcing final plans for that weekend will be mailed in mid-March. The Executive Committee will meet on October 30th to plan the meeting; anyone wishing to contribute help or suggestions should write to President Taylor between now and October.

The Historian and the Secretary need full names of new children and of brides and grooms, with dates of births and weddings. The report of a death should include the date of death and the place of interment. The appropriate family connection should accompany the complete name of a deceased Associate member. The reporting of address changes is always important, but especially so before the Annual Report goes to press in June. June 15th is the deadline for receipt of information to be included in the Annual Report.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING
OF
THE MONTICELLO ASSOCIATION
May 2, 1976

When the sun shines on the Monticello graveyard, that spot is indeed a beautiful and happy place. It shone this year. Family and friends gathered there at 11:15 to greet each other, and to remember those who have gone. President Leigh Taylor called us to gather near the oldest graves, welcomed everyone, and read the names of those who have died since our last meeting. They are: Charles Archie Bankhead, Ellen Coolidge Burke, William Carroll Chewning, Edith Lawrence Coolidge Miles, Nancy Clifton de Marclay Randolph, Signorney Bond Romaine, Edgar Stedman, and Herbert Bruce Whitmore. (For details, See DEATHS, p. 20) Mr. Taylor then read several selections from the Book of Common Prayer, asking everyone to join in saying the Lord's Prayer. Following that, the children carried flowers to the base of the monument marking Mr. Jefferson's grave.

The scene then shifted to the Keswick Hunt Club where buffet luncheon was served. Mrs. Malone and Dr. Dumas Malone, Honorary Member of the Association and after-luncheon speaker, were luncheon guests. After lunch, President Taylor told these guests of our particular pleasure in their presence because Dr. Malone undoubtedly knows Mr. Jefferson better than he is known by anyone else alive today, and probably better than anyone ever knew our x- great -grandfather, Dr. Malone spoke informally,*.adhering strictly to his chosen subject -"Mr. Jefferson as a Family Man." He feels that the domestic aspect was by far the most attractive facet of Thomas Jefferson, and this in spite of the fact that, like all men of great achievement, T. J. had above average energy and was for that reason not easy to live with. Jefferson was a very private man, a man always loyal to less distinguished members of his family, a man full of advice for his daughters before their marriages, but careful not to press too much upon them thereafter. When grandchildren arrived, he enjoyed each young person, wrote them charming letters, and looked forward to their replies. Jefferson's attitude toward marriage was that it was indissoluble; like all family ties, it must be preserved. He wrote "It is only in the love of one's family that heart felt happiness can be found."

The talk was recorded on tape in the hope that it may be possible to print a transcription at some time in the future.

Dr. Malone was thanked and assured of the family's gratefulness for having had his company and heard his remarks. One of the little oak cups (see p. 6) was then presented to Dr. Malone, who appeared to be, and stated that he was, most happy to possess one.

* We are indebted to Dr. Malone for editing a transcription of the tape recording made during his talk. The edited version is appendixed to this report, pp. 43-47.

There was a brief recess, in order that the Malones might leave, before the business meeting was called to order at 2:23 P.M.

It was especially gratifying to see cousins who were attending the meeting for the first time. They had come from England and from California and from points in between.

A motion was made, seconded, and passed to omit reading the minutes of the 1975 meeting. The President then called for reports.

SECRETARY'S REPORT

The Secretary told of her pleasure in having had several members of the family telephone or write to say they would like to join the Association and make attendance at this year's meeting their special Bicentennial celebration. A special welcome was extended to them and to several others who, though not new members, were with us for the first time. Another special welcome was extended to cousins, who though not descended from President Thomas Jefferson, are descended from some one of his ancestors and who came as sort of paying guests because they wanted to celebrate this year with us.

The following part of the Secretary's report was not read on May 2nd. Based on information from the Treasurer, and corrected through June 26, 1976, numbers of members are as follows:

The following table shows the changes in numbers among the several classes of members:

The Association extends a warm welcome to all new and reinstated members and will miss all those who have been lost.

You are reminded that although the Constitution provides for a generous period of grace before a member is dropped for non-payment of dues, delay in this matter is costly in time to the Treasurer and Secretary, and in postage to the Association. If each member had had a turn at collecting dues, every member would pay by April first the bill received in January. The Association's first Constitution specified that for a member to remain in good standing dues were to be paid by April 13th, Mr. Jefferson's birthday.

TREASURER'S REPORT

The Annual Report of the Treasurer for Fiscal Year 1975 appears on page 17 of this report. Fiscal year 1976 is well under way, and although a number of dues were still unpaid on May 2nd, Mr. Hubard had received sufficient funds to cover the 1976 budget. He made a plea for more prompt payment of dues, emphasized the fact that dues and contributions are deductible for income tax purposes, suggested that the Monticello Association is happy to receive bequests, and indicated that there are mutual benefits when people pay the $100 for Life Membership.

Commenting on the finances of the Association, Robert Kean recalled that certain Corcoran funds were willed to the University of Virginia for the express purpose of caring for the Monticello graveyard. Because the University has never increased its annual check to the Association above $50, in spite of increased interest rates, Mr. Kean suggested that our President ask the President of the University t~ review the terms of the Corcoran bequest. Harold Coolidge asked whether the recent increase in Association dues had reduced the amount of contributions or the number of members. The answers were "No."

CUSTODIAN'S REPORT

Jane Rotch said that Madeline Whitmore had really attended to everything, including the taking down of the oak, before Jane returned to Virginia. The arrangements made with the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation, whereby its men cut the grass and rake leaves in the graveyard, are working satisfactorily. The cost of taking down the oak was paid for from the Custodian's budget.

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Chairman Bill Randolph proposed the following budget for 1977:

A motion for approval of the budget was then made, seconded, and passed.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT

Chairman John Taylor asked the Secretary to read the names of those nominated for Associate Membership, and to indicate the regular member through whom each is connected with the family. The regular member is a spouse unless otherwise indicated. She read:

Charla Marie Rockett Bankhead -(Lowell Carey Bankhead, Jr.)
Erma Lee Green Bankhead -(Lowell Carey Bankhead)
Claire Juliette Geszty Gardiner Burke -(Nicholas Randolph Burke)
Jane Randolph Burke -(adopted daughter of Nicholas Gordon Trist Burke)
Joan Ruth Arnold Burke -(Nicholas Gordon Trist Burke)
Susan Louise Campbell -(Thomas Jefferson Eppes, VII)
Jack Stacy Clancy -(Edna Epps Lattimore Clancy)
Lorraine Glenys Lawson Clancy -(Jack Stacy Clancy, Jr.)
Martha Thayer Henderson Coolidge -(Harold Jefferson Coolidge, II)
Kathryn Mae Hoon Erickson -(Charles Ansel Erickson)
William Joseph Ermisch-(Katharine King Hutchens (Wiley) Ermisch)
Bruce Lucas Gaede -(stepson of Jane Colston Taylor Gaede)
Marie Varn Gillespie -(Clark Patton Gillespie)
Teresa Marie Gillespie -(stepdaughter of Clark Patton Gillespie)
Robert Sander Hinton, Jr. -(Margaret Page Miller Hinton)
Phillip Jewett Markert -(Caroline Eppes Clancy Markert)
Raymond Earl (John) Tillery -(Mary Hubard (Williams) Tillery)
Paula Ellen Scott Turner -(Joseph Eppes Turner)
Janice Virginia Duffie Waring -(Thomas Waring)
Louis Ruben Wegner -(Jean Fairfax Rufin)

The motion was made, seconded, and passed that these persons be elected Associate members.

The Honorable Frederick E. Nolting, Jr., was then nominated and elected to Honorary Membership. Mr. Nolting holds the newly created office of Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation, and replaces Walter Muir Whitehill as the ex officio member from the Foundation.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT

Jaquelin Lamond presented the following slate of officers:

A move to accept the slate was made, seconded and passed. It was then moved, seconded, and passed that the nominations be closed. The slate was elected without dissension.

The President then introduced the newly elected Historian, saying how fine it is that Bob Coolidge is willing to take on the job and to come from Quebec in time to spend many hours meeting with the Executive Committee.

PRESIDENTS REPORT

OLD BUSINESS: Sidney Ruffin was asked to report concerning the status of Graveyard Extension. He informed us that the lawyer for the Trustees of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation is not satisfied that the Association's claim to a certain unfenced portion of the graveyard constitutes a title. All eleven Trustees are ready to make the proposed exchange of unfenced Parcel" A " for unfenced Parcel "B" if the Association will include some statement in the agreement to cover the point that we do not, in their opinion, have a title to Parcel" A ". (Mr. Ruffin commented that it is better to be a mouse in the mouth of a cat than a man in the hands of a lawyer!} He asked that the Association give authority to the Executive Committee to consummate an exchange agreement if the Foundation can find a way to satisfy its lawyer concerning the questionable title. A motion to give this authority to the Executive Committee was made, seconded, and passed.

The President announced that the amendment to Article III, Section C, of our Constitution was approved by written ballot by a majority of the regular adult voting members of the Association with only five dissenting. " Article III. Membership" now reads: "

"(C} Associate Members. Adopted children, step-children and spouses of regular members, including widows and widowers of regular members, who assist the Association and show interest in furthering its aims, as evidenced by making contributions to the Association or by attendance at its meetings, or by correspondence with the Secretary of the Association, may be elected Associate Members by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at any duly called meeting at which a quorum is present."

This amendment becomes effective July 1, 1976, three months after the necessary majority of affirmative votes were registered. The Constitution requires three months delay; it was understood that the three Associate members elected today under the new amendment would become members July 1st.

Comments were made from the floor pointing out that we still have no category of membership for people who want to share in the work of the Association either because of pure friendship or because of collateral descent from Jefferson's ancestors. Frank Walker moved that the Executive Committee study the possibility of a "Friends" category .He was reminded by several members of that Committee that the question had been discussed on October 18,1975 (as requested during the 1975 Annual Meeting -see Annual Report for 1975, p.13) and the conclusion reached that such a class was not needed. Further discussion brought out the following points:

1. Membership in the Monticello Association is an inherited right, not an honor to be bestowed.
2. The purposes of the Association are to take care of the graveyard, to protect and perpetuate the reputation and fame of Thomas Jefferson, and to exchange bonds of association and friendship among his descendants.
3. Friends and collateral descendants do not have to become members of the Association to share in these aims.
4. Members of the Association are entirely free to invite, either as personal guests, or as "paying" guests, individuals who wish to be with us at Annual Meeting time. The Association does not officially extend such invitations.

During the discussion, various motions were made. John Byrd Taylor moved that all motions be tabled. This motion to table was seconded and passed by a vote of 28 for and 6 against. This ended the discussion.

The President then exhibited the gavel given him by Frank Walker to be passed on to future Association presidents. As noted earlier (see p. 6), it was made by Frank from a descendant of Mr. Jefferson's favorite shade tree.

NEW BUSINESS: The President asked that By-Law 8. (D), which he read, be deleted and replaced by the following:

"8. -Committees.

(D) A Membership Committee; to consist of a Chairman, the Secretary (ex officio), the Treasurer (ex officio), the Historian (ex officio), and such other members as may be necessary ." It was moved, seconded, and passed that the deletion and this replacement be made.

Mr. Taylor then announced the following committee appointments:

  The President regretted that he had overlooked asking that guests be introduced earlier. The one remaining guest, Mr. Sheridan Logan, was introduced by his host, Roger Coolidge. He is to be commended for having survived the proceedings!

Anne Nowlin spoke of her conviction that because ten percent of this meeting's attendants were "children", some special plans should be made for them. She was told that any plan involving a special tour through Monticello would have to be worked out with the Foundation. Volunteers are needed to plan for and execute the entertainment of children during lunch and the Annual Meeting. The President asked everyone to remember that there are very few members of the family now living near Charlottesville who have the stamina to work for the success of our meetings. Anyone who has suggestions as to how to run the Association by remote control, as it were, is urged to communicate with Leigh Taylor. Anne Barnes was thanked for carrying her heavy load.

Several announcements were made concerning summer activities that are scheduled to occur before this Report is published. One was that the "Rat Gang" hopes to finish painting the graveyard fence in August. Another was that everyone should make an effort to see the National Gallery of Art's The Eye of Thomas Jefferson exhibition. It ends September 6th.

The Lady Reigate (Emily Redmond Cross) rose to say how much she and her husband, John, had enjoyed being in Albemarle for this meeting; they had found friendliness and welcome everywhere. Mr. Taylor thanked her, and said it had been our pleasure to have them (from England), as well as cousins from far and near in the United States and Canada, gather to do honor to Mr. Jefferson in this 200th birthday year.

 Mrs. James Bancroft Eppes, Jr., then took a few moments to comment on the fact that Cousin Bancroft Eppes, her father-in-law, was deeply gratified that he and his great-grandson, Thomas Edward Eppes, aged three months, attended this meeting together. Young Thomas's parents and grandparents came too, to make the four generations complete. (See p. 6 for a further note concerning this special gathering of the Eppes "clan".)

Following the President's announcement that the next meeting of the Executive Committee will be on October 30, 1976, and that the 1977 Annual Meeting will be on May 1st, this meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Martha J. Taylor Stedman, Secretary