Old Settlers' Picnic serves as historical bond for residents of Sheldon

John and Judith Phipps on their wedding day. John is a document founder of Sheldon, Mo.

The Sheldon Old Settlers' Picnic is about more than the community members sharing food and conversation. The Settlers Picnic is "a living, breathing history" of the Settlers family, said Melissa Earll.

Earll, a five-generation descendant of John and Judith Phipps, original founders of Sheldon Missouri, said she is proud to attend this "homecoming of sorts" because it is an opportunity to see cousins and relatives she rarely sees other wise.

"The picnic is about family," Earll said. "It means that to everyone."

Earll's family is threaded strongly to Sheldon and the Old Settlers Picnic. Her grandfather, Ezra Phipps, lived in Sheldon for the entirety of his life until he had a heart attack in August 1962 as he was helping to set up the annual picnic.

Earll's passion for her family is kept in three large binders with photos, excerpts of historical books and blurbs about her family's history. One page documented by Ripley's Believe It or Not claims Sir William Phipps started as a Shepard in Maine, and found a $1.5 million sunken treasure. He turned it all in -- minus $80,000, which he gave to his financial backers -- to the King of England, King James II. Phipps' honesty delighted King James, so King James made Sir William the Governor of Massachusetts.

John Phipps, Earll's great, great grandfather, moved from Mattoon, Ill., to Sheldon after his doctor told him he needed to move to a new environment. He, and two other men -- documented as Mr. Davis and Mr. McCutchen -- are known as the original founders of Sheldon. Phipps is noted as one of the esteemed businessmen in Sheldon, according to a 1911 Vernon County History book. Earll said he was a prominent farmer and raised livestock. For the original 1904 first Old Settlers' Picnic, Phipps brought beef and served barbecue for the entire community.

"It's a rich history that I'm proud to be apart of," Earll said, "Of all the millions of people who have lived, to have someone a part of your family that is instantly recognizable, I'm happy to be a living descendant of John and Judith Longaker-Phipps."

The 2015 111th Annual Settlers' Picnic is not slowing down. Earll said she believes the picnic will never stop because it continues to change. Each year more family members create more steam, and as new family members join the family, memories continue to be created, Earll said.

"In other places you see events and festivals fade out," Earll said. "I don't see that happening in Sheldon. School isn't that far off, it was the last 'Hoo-Rah-Rah' of summer before the daily grind started."

Currently, the matriarch of the Phipps family is Wanda Arthur, who turns 94 years old next month. Her sisters Darlene and Karen, 92 and 75 respectively, are the three surviving children of Ezra and Lila Phipps. To remember Ezra and Lila's contributions, the town will announce an Outstanding Boy and Outstanding Girl award in their name. The award goes to the boy and girl who are the most involved in the picnic.

"With all the changes that happen now -- we're up to our ears in technology -- it's not all about (that). You'll see people sitting and talking like they always do," Earll said. "And for me, it all starts with my family."