“The 2nd CRAYTON-MILLETT-MULKEY- Annual Family Reunion. Held at Q-Hill Top Bar & Grill. Saturday – October 3, 1992 – 11:00am – Until? Gave away gifts for the oldest member of the family- Plum Mulkey was given a picture frame for the oldest. James Jackson was given a Texas T-shirt for the one who traveled the furthest. A children bean toss was given. The three winners were – Rebecca Metters – first place, she received $4.00. Aja Spears – second place, she received $3.00. Isaiah – third place, he received $2.00. A dance contest was given. Winners were…”
– Lillian Jackson, Daughter of Oda Lee Crayton Jackson and James Jackson Sr.
The Crayton Family Reunion is a celebration of generations of Craytons mainly from South Texas. Today members of the family travel from all around the nation to celebrate the annual reunion with family, friends and loved ones.
The first reunions were organized by Carrie Lee [Crayton] Porter, daughter of Ed and Eliza [Millett] Crayton. Porter believed in family and brought relatives together to celebrate the cause. These family gatherings were frequently held at Max Starke Park and were filled with family, food and fun. It is said that Porter was so passionate about keeping family together that she made special trips between Seguin and San Marcos to make sure loved ones participated. It is her passion that has created a seed in the minds of future generations to continue bringing family together today.
In the late 80’s and early 90’s the family began to organize larger reunions that included members from the Crayton, Millett and Mulkey families. The close relationship and common kinship between these three families is rare but very real in the fact that many of us today are descendants from two or even all three of these great families. Appropriately named, the early reunions were actually called the Crayton-Millett-Mulkey Annual Family Reunion.
The first reunion was held at Nolte Island in Seguin, Texas on September 30, 1989. There was bar-b-que, volleyball and more. It was followed by a second reunion in September of 1990 at the same location. The next reunion was held at the Q-Hilltop Bar & Grill on IH-35 between San Marcos and New Braunfels, Texas on October 3, 1992. Below is a written account of the events that took place that day;
The 2nd CRAYTON-MILLETT-MULKEY- Annual Family Reunion. Held at Q-Hill Top Bar & Grill. Saturday – October 3, 1992 – 11:00am – Until? Gave away gifts for the oldest member of the family- Plum Mulkey was given a picture frame for the oldest. James Jackson was given a Texas T-shirt for the one who traveled the furthest. A children bean toss was given. The three winners were – Rebecca Metters – first place, she received $4.00. Aja Spears – second place, she received $3.00. Isaiah – third place, he received $2.00. A dance contest was given. Winners were …
– Lillian Jackson.
Despite the reunion’s success, the next family gathering would not take place for almost nine years. In 2001, interest began to build to push for a reunion. Many family members, both young and old lent their time, effort and knowledge to help find family members and organize the 2001 reunion.
Needless to say, the family’s efforts paid off and the 2001 Reunion was a huge success. Over 300 people attended the reunion, which included a live DJ, door prizes, recreational games, and lots of good food. Awards were presented in appreciation of family support. Lewis Nichols (92) and Sylona Adams (91) received the oldest male and female honor, while homegoing memorials were given to Marshall Ed Crayton and Sherman Crayton. Quintan Adams & family received the farthest traveled award from San Francisco, Ca. Lauren Holton (3 wks old) received the youngest child award, and James Jackson Jr. claimed the largest family bringing seven from Palmdale CA.
Since then, the family has continued to host the reunion and has had increasing success each year. To join our mailing click here.