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Bena Norine Harris

Female 1901 - 2000  (98 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Bena Norine Harris was born on 24 Jul 1901 in Texas (daughter of Robert Earl Harris and Susan L. "Sudie" Pratt); died on 5 Jan 2000 in San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas; was buried in New Hope Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas.

    Notes:

    THE SABINE COUNTY REPORTER January 12, 2000

    Bena Harris Gellatly, 98, of Milam died Wednesday, Jan 5, 2000, in San Augustine. Mrs. Gellatly was born July 24, 1901 and had been a lifelong resident of the Milam area. She was a homemaker and a member of New Hope Baptist Church. Survivors; daughters and sons-in-law, Claudia and Dan Polley of Sexton, Merle and Oscar Huff of Milam, and Bonnie and Larry Mobbs of Odessa, a sister, Elaine Brown of San Augustine; eight grandchildren a step-granddaughter; nine great-grandchildren; and four step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband D.C. Gellatly, and a son, Robert Gellatly. Funeral services were held Jan 7 at New Hope Baptist Church near Milam with Bro. Jim Moss and Bro. Lou Dane officiating. Interment followed at New Hope Cemetery. Starr Funeral Home Inc of Hemphill, Directors.

    Bena married Don Claude "D. C." Gellatly about 1918. Don (son of David Claude Gellatly and Abbie Ola Mason) was born on 21 Jun 1898 in Texas; died on 19 Sep 1976 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in New Hope Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. Robert Earl Gellatly was born on 27 Sep 1919; died in Jan 1987 in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas.
    2. Claudia Jeanette Gellatly was born on 14 Nov 1926 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 26 Jul 2020 in San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas; was buried in New Hope Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas.
    3. Billie Merlene "Merle" Gellatly was born on 13 May 1930 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 19 Dec 2012 in San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas; was buried on 21 Dec 2012 in New Hope Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas.
    4. Living

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Robert Earl Harris was born on 11 Aug 1868 in Texas (son of Judge Joseph L. Harris and Cyrenthia Collier); died on 29 Dec 1934 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.

    Notes:

    (Research):
    Census Information:

    1910 Census
    Texas, Sabine County
    Enumerated 26 April 1910
    SD 2 ED 134 Sheet 134 Sheet 5B
    Harris, Robert E 42 m1 20 Tx Ala Miss
    Harris, Sudie L 38 M1 20 8/7 Tx Al Tx (First Wife)
    Harris, Earl P 19 S Tx Tx Tx Farmer
    Harris, Mabel V 17 S Tx Tx Tx
    Harris, Wallace D 11 S Tx Tx Tx
    Harris, Bena A 8 S Tx Tx Tx
    Harris, Daisy L 5 S Tx Tx Tx
    Harris, Marie 3 S Tx Tx Tx
    Harris, Robert W 1 S Tx Tx Tx

    1920 Census
    Texas, Sabine County, JP 4
    Enumerated 21 through 26 January 1920
    SD 326 ED 171 Sheet 14B
    Harris, Robert E Hd 52 Wd Tx Alabama Mississippi Merchant Dry Goods
    Harris, Mabel Dtr 27 S Tx Tx Tx
    Harris, Wallis Son 20 S Tx Tx Tx Farmer
    Harris, Lucille Dtr 15 S Tx Tx Tx
    Harris, Marie Dtr 13 S Tx Tx Tx
    Harris, Windell Son 11 S Tx Tx Tx
    Harris, Elaine Dtr 2 6/12 Tx Tx Tx

    Robert married Susan L. "Sudie" Pratt on 1 Jan 1890 in Sabine County, Texas. Susan (daughter of Drayton Pratt and Mary Benena J. Low) was born on 30 May 1871 in Texas; died on 11 Jun 1911 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Susan L. "Sudie" Pratt was born on 30 May 1871 in Texas (daughter of Drayton Pratt and Mary Benena J. Low); died on 11 Jun 1911 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    Children:
    1. Earl P. Harris was born about 1891 in Texas; and died.
    2. Mabel V. Harris was born about 1893 in Texas; and died.
    3. Ales Blanche Harris was born on 14 Apr 1896 in Texas; died on 30 Apr 1903 in Texas; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    4. Drayton Wallace Harris was born on 16 Feb 1899 in Texas; died on 21 May 1984; was buried in South Park Cemetery, Pearland, Brazoria County, Texas.
    5. 1. Bena Norine Harris was born on 24 Jul 1901 in Texas; died on 5 Jan 2000 in San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas; was buried in New Hope Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas.
    6. Daisy Lucille Harris was born about 1905 in Texas; and died.
    7. Marie Harris was born on 13 Jul 1906 in Texas; died in Apr 1991 in Texas; was buried in New Hope Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas.
    8. Robert Wendell "Buck" Harris was born on 14 Dec 1908 in Texas; died on 11 Oct 1974; was buried in Sunset Memorial Park, Gilmer, Upshur County, Texas.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Judge Joseph L. Harris was born about 1839 in Alabama (son of Alexander Harris and Elizabeth Reeves); died on 14 Nov 1902 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Cooper-Harris Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.

    Joseph married Cyrenthia Collier about 1867 in Sabine County, Texas. Cyrenthia (daughter of George Washington Collier and Sarah Elizabeth Tatum) was born on 1 Sep 1848 in Mississippi; died on 19 Jan 1914 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Cooper-Harris Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  Cyrenthia Collier was born on 1 Sep 1848 in Mississippi (daughter of George Washington Collier and Sarah Elizabeth Tatum); died on 19 Jan 1914 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Cooper-Harris Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    Children:
    1. 2. Robert Earl Harris was born on 11 Aug 1868 in Texas; died on 29 Dec 1934 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    2. Lena L. Harris was born about 1871 in Texas; and died.
    3. Allie Bell Harris was born on 8 Dec 1874 in Texas; died on 11 Jul 1902 in Geneva, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Myrtle Springs Cemetery, Geneva, Sabine County, Texas.
    4. Joseph Gilbert Harris was born on 6 Nov 1876 in Texas; died on 3 Apr 1943 in Geneva, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Myrtle Springs, Sabine County, Texas.
    5. Daisy Florence Harris was born about 1879 in Geneva, Sabine County, Texas; and died.
    6. Eugenia "Genie" Brooks Harris was born about 1881 in Sabine County, Texas; died about 1958.
    7. Roy Washington Harris was born about 1882; died about 1948.
    8. Faye Harris was born on 26 Jul 1885 in Texas; died on 23 Nov 1964 in Rusk, Cherokee County, Texas; was buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Rusk, Cherokee County, Texas.

  3. 6.  Drayton Pratt was born on 8 Feb 1848 in Alabama (son of Hampton Pratt and Mary Lucinda Potts); died on 14 Sep 1918; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.

    Notes:

    It appears he may have remarried. Check for marriage/s and dates.

    Drayton married Mary Benena J. Low. Mary (daughter of James Low, M. D. and Susan A. Green Speights) was born on 21 Sep 1848 in Texas; died on 17 Sep 1900; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 7.  Mary Benena J. Low was born on 21 Sep 1848 in Texas (daughter of James Low, M. D. and Susan A. Green Speights); died on 17 Sep 1900; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.

    Notes:

    On the 1900 census, a widowed Eliza Pratt was living with her son, Hampton Pratt. She was born circa 1838. Is Eliza the same person as Mary Benena Low?

    Children:
    1. Anna L Pratt was born about 1869; and died.
    2. 3. Susan L. "Sudie" Pratt was born on 30 May 1871 in Texas; died on 11 Jun 1911 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    3. Mary E. "Mollie" Pratt was born about 1873; and died.
    4. James H. Pratt was born on 29 Nov 1875 in Texas; died on 23 Sep 1898 in Texas; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    5. Lena Pratt was born in Dec 1877 in Texas; died on 23 Oct 1922 in Austin, Travis County, Texas; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    6. Drayton V. Pratt, Jr. was born on 26 Apr 1880 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 12 Oct 1898 in Texas; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    7. Frank Sexton Pratt was born on 30 Oct 1882 in Texas; died on 13 Oct 1887 in Texas; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    8. Clara E. Pratt was born on 5 Nov 1887 in Texas; died on 29 Nov 1974 in Texas; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  Alexander Harris was born about 1810 in Virginia; and died.

    Notes:

    In the book "Sabine County Historical Sketches and Genealogical Records" by Edna McDaniel White and Blanche Findley (sic) Toole, it was stated that "Theophilus Alexander Harris, b. 1810, m Elizabeth Reeves, b. 1817 in S. C., and came to Texas prior to 1837. He was Justice of Peace in Milam in 1837. He was interested in civic improvement, and when New Hope Baptist Church was organized, the meetings were held in his home. He received a third class land grant in Sabine County." (p. 26).

    However, a direct descendant, Elizabeth Pate, epate2@wildblue.net, cautions that it might be possible that Theophilus Harris and Alexander Harris were actually two different men, but likely related in some fashion. Theophilus was said by some to be named William Theophilus. Census records for the family of Alexander and Elizabeth consistently show his name simply as Alex, Alexander or A. Elizabeth also noted that the Alexander and Elizabeth, along with their children, can be found in Talladega County, Alabama at the time of both the 1840 and 1850 federal census enumerations, and that their youngest daughter, Nancy, is also shown on the 1860 Sabine County, Texas census as being born in Alabama ca 1854.

    Please email strong@texas.net and/or epate2@wildblue.net if you have more information that could help us determine the exact nature of the relationship between Theophilius Harris and Alexander Harris.


    (Research):

    Census Listings:

    1850 Census
    Alabama, Talladega County, Talladega District
    Enumerated 30 Apr 1850
    1393 1427
    Alex Harris 40 M @500 Va
    Elizabeth Harris 32 F S. Carolina
    Gilbert Harris 16 M Ga
    Martha Harris 14 F Ga
    Arletha Harris 12 F Ala
    Joseph Harris 10 m Ala
    Robert Harris 8 M Ala
    Henry Harris 6 M Ala

    1860 Census
    Texas, Sabine County, Milam
    Enumerated 18 Jun 1860
    Page 7 Stamped 321
    54-54
    Hebron and Emily Harris and family
    55-55
    A. Harris 50 M Farmer 2000 5209 Va
    Elizabeth Harris 43 F SC
    Joseph L. Harris 21 M Ala
    Robert V. Harris 18 M Ala
    Henry E. (sic) Harris 14 M Ala
    Nancy Harris F 6 Ala

    Alexander married Elizabeth Reeves. Elizabeth (daughter of Richard Lawson Reeves and Alenna Rene "Allie" Bates) was born about 1817 in South Carolina; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 9.  Elizabeth Reeves was born about 1817 in South Carolina (daughter of Richard Lawson Reeves and Alenna Rene "Allie" Bates); and died.

    Notes:

    The daughter of Lawson and Alarenia Reeves.

    Children:
    1. Gilbert Harris was born about 1834 in Georgia; and died.
    2. Martha Harris was born about 1836 in Georgia; and died.
    3. Arletha L. "Lethia" Harris was born on 23 Apr 1837 in Alabama; died on 2 Jan 1904 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Cooper-Harris Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    4. 4. Judge Joseph L. Harris was born about 1839 in Alabama; died on 14 Nov 1902 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Cooper-Harris Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    5. Robert S. Harris was born about 1842 in Alabama; and died.
    6. Henry Clay Harris was born on 4 Feb 1844 in Alabama; died on 16 Oct 1907; was buried in Milam Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas.
    7. Nancy Harris was born about 1854 in Alabama; and died.

  3. 10.  George Washington Collier was born on 24 Jun 1803 in Virginia; died before 1880.

    Notes:

    Virgie Speights wrote, in a birthday sketch of granddaughter Daisy Florence Harris Wilson, that "George Washington and Sarah Elizabeth Tatom Collier came from Mississippi in a covered wagon and settled in Milam where they owned a sawmill, gristmill, store and hundreds of acres of land. Collier also was a political and civic leader, serving as tax collector among other offices." (Speights, Old Timers of Sabine County, Texas, p. 81).

    (Research):

    Census Listings:

    1850 Census
    Mississippi, Claiborne County, District 5
    Enumerated 26 Oct 1850
    639-639
    George W. Collier 47 M Planter 1800 Va
    Sarah E. Collier 31 F Miss
    Julian Collier 11 M Miss
    Lucinda Collier 7 F Miss
    Sylvanus C Collier 6 M Miss
    Gabrella E Collier 4 F Miss
    Mary C Collier 3 F Miss
    Carintha Collier 2 F Miss
    George W Collier 4 M Miss

    1860 Census
    not located

    1870 Census
    Texas, Sabine County, Hemphill Beat No. 1, PO Hemphill
    Enumerated 38 Jun 1870
    Page 19
    54-54
    Collier, G. W. 67 M W Merchant 2000 6000 Va
    Collier, Sarah E. 50 F W Keeping House Miss
    Collier, Sylvanus E 25 M W Clerk in Store Miss
    Collier, George W 15 M W Miss
    Collier, William 13 M W Miss
    Collier, Thomas J 11 M W Miss
    Collier, Sallie E 9 F W Miss
    Samuel 14 M B Servant Tx

    George married Sarah Elizabeth Tatum on 31 Oct 1839 in Copiah County, Mississippi. Sarah was born on 4 Jul 1819 in Mississippi; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 11.  Sarah Elizabeth Tatum was born on 4 Jul 1819 in Mississippi; and died.

    Notes:

    Virgie Speights shows her as a daughter of John and Sarah Tatom of Mississippi.

    Children:
    1. Julie Ann Collier was born about 1840 in Mississippi; and died.
    2. Lucinda Selina Collier was born on 24 Dec 1843 in Mississippi; died on 9 Jan 1927 in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas.
    3. Sylvanus "Sill" Edward Collier was born on 15 May 1844 in Mississippi; died on 21 Nov 1929 in Woodville, Tyler County, Texas; was buried in Colmesneil Cemetery, Colmesneil, Tyler County, Texas.
    4. Gabriella E. Collier was born on 22 Dec 1845 in Claiborne County, Mississippi; died on 4 Mar 1939 in Orange, Orange County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas.
    5. George Washington Collier, Jr was born about 1846 in Mississippi; died after 1850 in Mississippi.
    6. Mary "Mollie" Cassandra Collier was born on 9 Jun 1847 in Hazlehurst, Copiah County, Mississippi; died on 24 Feb 1934 in Milam, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Milam Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas.
    7. 5. Cyrenthia Collier was born on 1 Sep 1848 in Mississippi; died on 19 Jan 1914 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Cooper-Harris Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    8. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Katherine Collier was born about 1854 in Mississippi; and died.
    9. George Washington Collier, Jr. was born about 1856 in Mississippi; and died.
    10. William Theodore Collier was born on 27 Nov 1857 in Mississippi; died on 8 Apr 1928; was buried in Milam Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas.
    11. Thomas Jefferson Collier was born about 1859 in Mississippi; died before 1900.
    12. Sarah M. "Sallie" Collier was born on 18 Feb 1863 in Mississippi; died on 7 Sep 1925.

  5. 12.  Hampton Pratt was born on 2 Sep 1825 in Alabama (son of Hopkins Pratt and Sarah Dickerson); died on 4 Dec 1906 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas.

    Notes:

    He moved to Hemphill after the Civil War, and he and J.H. Speights were in business together. Hampton operated a store and a saloon. His two-story home was located where Perry Brothers store now is. He owned the east half of the square. He came to Hemphill with all his wordly goods tied to a kerchief at the end of a stick across his shoulder, and died a wealthy man (White and Toole, p 80).

    The first family member to settle in Saing County, (he) was one of the earliest volunteers in "Cotton's Southrons' First Unit, Hood's Brigade. This brigade was one of the hardest fighting, most famous units in the Civil War. (Sabine County Reporter, October 22, 2003, Page 1 article titled "Civil War reenactment set on November Event planned at Pratt House in Hemphill.")

    Hampton married Mary Lucinda Potts on 1 Jan 1846. Mary was born on 29 Feb 1828 in Alabama; died on 24 Mar 1908 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  6. 13.  Mary Lucinda Potts was born on 29 Feb 1828 in Alabama; died on 24 Mar 1908 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas.

    Notes:

    Parents born in Ireland per census.

    Children:
    1. 6. Drayton Pratt was born on 8 Feb 1848 in Alabama; died on 14 Sep 1918; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    2. Ella Sarah Pratt was born on 15 Jan 1855 in Louisiana; died on 18 Feb 1894.
    3. Joseph Pratt was born about 1857 in Louisiana; died in Nov 1869 in Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Low Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.
    4. Emily Elizabeth Pratt was born about 1864 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; died about 1954.
    5. George Edward Pratt was born on 11 Dec 1868 in Texas; died on 16 Aug 1921 in Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Hemphill City Cemetery, Hemphill, Sabine County, Texas.
    6. Jennie Pratt was born on 11 Dec 1868; and died.

  7. 14.  James Low, M. D. was born about 1821 in South Carolina; died before 1860.

    James married Susan A. Green Speights in 1848 in Sabine County, Texas. Susan (daughter of William Myrick Speights and Rebecca Hopkins) was born on 7 Aug 1826; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  8. 15.  Susan A. Green Speights was born on 7 Aug 1826 (daughter of William Myrick Speights and Rebecca Hopkins); and died.
    Children:
    1. 7. Mary Benena J. Low was born on 21 Sep 1848 in Texas; died on 17 Sep 1900; was buried in Speights Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas.


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