Seven generations of the Robert J. and Teresa (Gill) Fennell family celebrated their 80th and final family reunion on August 3, 2024 with 170 relatives present at Shore Acres in Chillicothe. Born in Stark County, IL in 1870, Robert J. became a successful farmer and an astute businessman, owning land in Stark and Marshall counties as well as Nebraska. He also raised cattle and was involved in banking and auto businesses in Camp Grove, IL.

Teresa (Gill) Fennell, born in 1876 in Stark County, attended school at the Academy of Our Lady in Peoria and taught elementary school before her marriage to Robert J. in 1901 at St. Patrick’s Church in Camp Grove. The couple built a home in Camp Grove and guided their active lives in the community with a deep faith in church and family. To celebrate the birth of their first child, together they fashioned a baptismal gown. Robert operated the treadle, while Teresa guided the batiste fabric and hand-made lace through the sewing machine. All nine of their children and many of the 54 grandchildren wore the gown until the fabric became too delicate to use.  

When their eight living children became married adults, they organized the first R. J. Fennell family reunion at Regina (Fennell) and Don Butte’s farm home in Bradford in 1944, with 35 members attending. As the relatives continued to expand,  they chose the first weekend in August to meet at Illinois locations, including Starved Rock, White Pines Park, Glen Oak Park, and St. Bede’s Academy. Eventually, the family settled on Shore Acres in Chillicothe as the annual site. The gatherings evolved into weekend events including a mass led by Rev. Patrick Fennell,  golf outings, a cousins’ party, and other activities. Attendance grew to well over 200 at one point. Gradually, however, many of the younger offspring began locating farther away for job offers and interests. Consequently,  younger generations remained loyal to their roots, yet many did not develop deep personal relationships with their kin due to distance. Thus, attendance began to decline. Nevertheless, for the final reunion, 170 relatives gathered at Shore Acres, hosted by third generation grandchild, Jerry and Debbie (Roger) Fennell. Reunions will continue as scheduled by the living relatives of each of R. J. Fennell’s children and their families.