RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The family of the late beloved "Roosevelt and Ella Montague is honored to host the Jemison Family Reunion here in the "Windy City" of Chicago, Illinois July 24th through the 27th, 2014; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of this joyous occasion by the Honorable Emma Mitts, Alderman of the 37th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Dennis Jake Jemison, the patriarch of the Jemison family, was born three years after slavery on the Dickett Bibb Plantation near Hope Hull, Alabama; and
WHEREAS, Dennis attended school through the third grade and had to quit to help his mother work on the plantation. Later in life Dennis met a beautiful woman named Ella Felder at a picnic they both attended; and
WHEREAS, Dennis courted Ella by walking with her to church and picnics. Dennis asked Ella's brother, Billy, for her hand in marriage, and shortly after, they were joined in holy matrimony. Dennis and Ella moved to Bill Graves Plantation where they were blessed and raised 5 children; and
WHEREAS, Dennis became ill with Chicken Pox which in those days was a deadly disease. Dennis was sent to servant's quarters to be quarantined. Ella was told not to go near him but she knew no bounds, and refused to heed the warnings; Ella, concerned with Dennis's health, would go see him at night, to treat him with medicines consisting of axle grease, teas from his yard and sulfur mixed with lard and bring him food and water to build up his strength; and
WHEREAS, Ella's efforts, determination and prayers brought Dennis back to health and he resumed farming for many years; and
WHEREAS, The Jemison Family has a significant historical legacy of eighteen branches from which the siblings of their ancestors are very proud and blessed to be a part of; and
WHEREAS, Be it known to the family members who have traveled from all over the United States just to reunite with each other in this memorable occasion, corresponding to the theme, "An Intimate Family Affair in 2014"; and
WHEREAS, During this three day weekend, they will emphasize religion, unity, love and togetherness by "Remembering the Past, Living the Present, Moving toward the Future: Dedicated to the memory of Dennis and Ella Jemison," the bearers of this great family; and
WHEREAS, may God Bless each and every one that made the sacrifice to be here and likewise those who had the desire but could not come, May his face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee, may he lift you up and give you peace forever more; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, gathered here this twenty fifth day of June, 2014, do hereby commemorate the Jemison family on this wonderful occasion.
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! BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the
Jemison Family.
ima Mitts Alderman, 37th Ward
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