Am I the only one on this list?? Am I just typing messages to myself?? <grin> I have an obit for John Varnell...there is a 'smudge' on one part of it, but since he was one of the earlier settlers to Cleveland Co., I thought it would be interesting and helpful to someone. John Varnell was born in Alabama, Aug. 12, 1808; moved to Arkansas in 1843, and was married to Ann Williams in 1845. He joined the Methodist Church in 1840, and continued a consistent member until his death. "Uncle Jack," as everybody called him, was among the old men in our county. There are very few, if any, living here now that were here when he came. He helped to make the roads, build the school and church houses, and would go 10 miles to a house raising. As a citizen he was one of the best, and as a neighbor he was as true as any could be. He never meddled with what was not his business and was sure to attend to his own. He was a kind father and his children loved him very much. Although very old when he died, he did not grow fretful, but was in every sense a man when he died. He lived to see many grandchildren. He had ___ (10 ?)of his own, six of whom preceded him to the good world. For 50 years he was in every sense a Christian, and until his death, Sept. 4, 1890, his seat was very seldom vacant, if he was able to be there. Being one of the early settlers he was always looked on as one of the leaders. He never said much but when he did speak he was heard and his advice was good and opinions ripe. Not only was he a Christian, but he was a Methodist from_____to doxology, and he was ready to support every interest and each movement. He rests now from his labors and is reaping much reward. All of his children are in the Church and one son, a minister in the Baptist Chruch. He is dead, but his influence will be felt for years to come. His wife and children know (smudge______________}. Funeral at Moore's church and the Masonic fraternity laid his remains away. Peace to his sacred ashes. Rison, Ark. By: R.W. McKay Source: Arkansas Methodist Newspaper published at Little Rock. Oct. 22, 1890 page 7 col 3 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com