Ton Family Papers

The first members of the Ton family to settle in the Calumet area were Mr. and Mrs. John Ton, who came from Holland in the fall of 1849. Along with other members of a colony of Dutch immigrants, they founded the area known today as Roseland.

The Tons established themselves as farmers, and soon began to prosper. They had nine children, all married and living throughout the area. By 1891, six brothers and sisters had come from Holland at John Ton's suggestion. Each also had very large families, and settled in Roseland and the surrounding areas. Though many stayed in the area, others soon left for places as far away as the East and West coasts.

The first reunion of this very large family was held in 1896, and it was soon decided that it would become an annual event. By 1911, due to the large number of members, the family decided to incorporate. Their objectives were to bring the members into a closer union, and to make the reunions a permanent and pleasing feature of the family. Officers were elected yearly at the annual reunion, and by-laws were established.

In 1945, the family celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. By then, the Tons had become one of the largest families in the country, with a membership of over 1500. Reporters and photographers from Life magazine were present to record the event, and gave the family national recognition.

In 1954, due to a lack of interest among the younger family members, and the inability of the older ones to attend, the family voted to make its 60th reunion its last. The papers of the Ton Family found in this small collection reflect its long and active role in the community as well as its close relationship as a family.