Re: Ben Varnell
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In reply to:
Re: Ben Varnell
Charles Varnell 7/10/11
Hi Charles,
I guess that makes us first cousins. I asked my mom about Jim Berry and Kelly and she said those names did not ring a bell. Its a long story but my mother doesn't know much. My mother had a rocky relationship with her mother (Annie Kimble).Some time after Ben's death, my grandmother sent my mom away to the country (Pointe Coupee Parish, LA) to be raised by family members. When my mom was of age and started asking questions about her father and his other children she was told by my grandmother to never look for "those" people and to leave "it" alone and so my mom did. My grandmother died two months before turning 100 in March of 2008 and when she passed, so did every truth she knew. I don't know details but their relationship started either in the late 30's or early 40's. From what we know Ben and Annie's relationship was after Emma's death but Ben and Annie were never married. You see, my grandmother is of Native American and African descent so there wouldn't have been a marriage. However, Ben did sign my mother's birth certificate and her siblings. They are as follows; Willie Mae Varnell (8/3/41), Alton B. (2/11/42), Annie Mae (10/4/44), and my mom Delores Gladys Varnell (10/8/47) all living.
The only info I have outside of what little my mom could provide is what I've gotten from the internet and census reports. I don't know anything about Francis D. Hodges but will continue to look. Somewhere there is a photo of my grandfather and I'm determined to find it. From what I can gather, Zelma Haynie was her name but Zelma 'Dora' Haynie was listed on their marriage certificate. maybe it was a middle name or a nickname. Go to link below. http://www.larkcom.us/ancestry/history/6155.cfm?&print=onhttp://www.larkcom.us/ancestry/history/6155.cfm?&print=on
I have your email address and will be sending you photos.
I am so thrilled!
-Teasa