This letter was written by Hiram Sutterfield (Aug. l, 1937) to Charlie Barne's granddaughter, Mary Ellis White. Some of you might not want to read it, so please just delete it. This letter is not in it's entirity. I will try to tell you something about your ancestors, but I am sorry to say that I can't go very far back. What I am going to tell you could be told to you by people who will be living when you reach your maturity; but perhaps this letter can be treasure for you and you will enjoy reading it in your old age. You know, of course that your mother is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Barnes, who are your grandparents. Your grandfather Barnes is the son of James J. Barnes who died only a few years ago. When I was born he went for the doctor, therefore I know him from my early childhood days until his death. He was a man of wonderful character. No better ever lived than he. He of course was your great-grandfather. Your great-grandmother Barnes was also a womderful woman. Before her marriage her name was Mabrey (Josephine Mabrey). James C. Mabrey, Sam Mabrey and Frank Mabrey were her brothers. Their mother, who was your great-grandmother, was before her marriage, a Sutterfield. Your great-great-grandfather and grandmother Mabrey died when I was a boy. I remember them quiet well. They were outstanding citizens of their day. Now we go back to the Barnes's again. I want to especialy mention your great-grandfather James Jackson Barnes, who was known as "Uncle Jack". He had some of the most outstanding characteristics, and some to the most pronounced convictions regarding the Bible, politics, and manner of living, perhaps of any man who ever lived. He came to the Arkansas Territory when he was a young man. That was before Arkansas was admitted into the union as a state. He was for a long time U.S. Commissioner for a large territory embracing Searcy and other counties. In the territory for which he served as commissioner if one wanted to homestead a piece of land they had to go before him to make application, When the requirements had been take care of by the homesteader he again appeared before Co mmissioner Barnes and made their proof. All the papers would be sent to Washington by him, and in the course of time-maybe a year or two a patent for land in favor of the homesteader would be sent to Barnes for delivery. More later: