Family/Spouse: Living Neval. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living Wonsyld. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Benjamin Allen Reynolds and Bonnie Ruth Ricker Married and had one daughter, Mary Ruth Reynolds. It is believed that Benj. was married prior to Bonnie Ruth, although briefly. Benjamin and Bonnie's marriage didn't last long, and they were divorced when their daughter Mary was a small child. Her last memory of her father was at about age 4 when she was visiting her grandmother Reynolds and Benjamin offered her a "chaw". He was killed in 1938 while on a freight train. Cyclone Clyde hit the train and Benjamin was killed. Tornado Victim Is Identified: AUSTIN, June 13 (AP)--State Police anounced today identification of a Clyde tornado disaster victim as Ben Allen Reynolds, 38, of Ranger. Laboratory technicians said fingerprints received from Sheriff R. L. Edwards of Callahan county corresponds with prints in the civilian classification files made two years ago. Public safety department officials said the victim was the only of 12 who had been unidentified. Funeral for Victim Conducted at Baird. BAIRD, June 13--Funeral fro Allen Reynolds, victim of Clyde tornado whos body lay in Wylie funeral home here until late yesterday before being identified, was held at ten o'clock this morning from the Wylie mortuary with Rev. Hamilton Wright of the Methodist church officiating. Burial was in Ross Cemetery here. Reynolds was among the first victims of the tornado found. His body was in a steel box car a hundred yards out in a field where it had been blown. his body was identified yesterday by a cousin, Victor Mathena. Reynolds was born at Ranger April 10, 1900. he is survived by four sisters, Mrs. D.R. Richardson and Miss Jesse Reynolds of Dallas who were present, Miss Lillian Reynolds of Los Angeles, California and Mrs. Trulie Reynolds Price. Ranger Man Amond Clyde Storm Dead Allan Reynolds, nephew of Mrs. B.F. Ricker of Ranger, was killed in the cyclone at Clyde Friday night. Following his identification by Mr. and Mrs. Ricker, burial service was held early Monday morning at Baird. He was found underneath a box car after the cyclone had struck Clyde. His identification was unknown until Sunday. Mr. Reynolds, 40 years old, was born and raised at Ranger. He is survived by a daughter, Mary Ruth, 12, of Odessa, and four sisters, two residing at Dallas, one in California, and one in New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Graham, Sister and brother-in-law of Mrs. Ricker, of Clyde, were also victims of the cyclone. They were buried Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Graham, 58, was born and raised at Midway, Tenn. Mr. Graham,64, formerly lived at Strawn. Both are survived by seven children. Cause of Death listed as Head Injury, Killed Instantly In a letter from Johnnie Whittington to Mary Ruth Reynolds, she tells of her cousin Benjamin Allen "Wart" Reynolds. " and now we come to Allen "wart" Reynolds, your daddy who, as Bonnie Ruth told you, loved "my sugar baby" with all the loving power he had. Slight of frame, with an unruly lock of sun-blonde hair that stayed more on his forehead than his head, he played with all the kids in the family & I guess everyone of them thought he was great-- at least I did. " "he had the same Gypsy blood I have, though & became restless when tied into a place too closely. times were hard, money was scarse and "wart" often "rode the rails" he told funny stories, laughing--funny, to us about his experiences. I've long ago forgotten details of the stories but not the laughter. his eyes were clear and sparkling and he lived enthusiastically. I wasn't very old when he and Bonnie Ruth divorced (but truthfully, I had forgotten there was a divorce) & I guess about 14 or 15 the last time I remember seeing you. You were a sweet "young un" and us older kids wagged you about some what the same way we did our toys or pets. Wart kept a careful watch whenever he was there. (which was most of the time I was there) on "my sugar baby" to see no one handled you too roughly." " I don't know what happened to his and Bonnie Ruth's marriage, because even at my age, I could plainly see they were in love--clearly unashamedly and completely." Listed in 1930 Census: 729 136-140 Eastland Co, Ranger, TX Reynolds, B. A. Head 30 TX TN TN Farmer Bonnie Wife 24 TX TN GA Mary R. Dau 4 TX TX TX

Benjamin married Bonnie Ruth Ricker on 13 Jul 1925 in Palo Pinto, Texas, USA. Bonnie (daughter of Nathan Ricker and Mary Bradford) was born on 19 May 1905 in Eastland County, Texas; died on 25 Jan 1958 in Sunnyside, Clark, Washington; was buried on 28 Jan 1958 in Sunnyside Cemetery, Sunnyside, Clark, Washington. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Bonnie's mother died when she was just a young girl, she learned to cook and clean while the men were out farming. She married Benjamin Allen Reynolds and had a daughter Mary Ruth Reynolds. There marriage was short lived and soon ended in Divorce. Bonnie worked as a seamstress to help feed and clothe her daughter during the depression years. She married Guy Barnes in 1936 and had 3 more children, Guy, Janey, and June. She was entirely dedicated and devoted to her children and husband and their well being. Described as a gentile, kind and loving woman. She died of Cancer un the Upton Nursing Home in Sunnyside Washington 1958. No. 16086 Bonnie Ruth Reynolds Vs. Allen Reynolds In the 91st, District Court Eastland County, Texas. On this the 13th day of march 1936, came on to be heard and considered the above entitled and numbered cause, and came the plaintiff, Bonnie Ruth Reynolds, in person and by her attorney of record, and thie defendant, although he exectued a waver of services, which is duly filed herein, failed to appear in person or by attorney, and the plaintiff announced ready for trial, and a jury being waived, all matters of law and fact were submitted to teh court and the court, after hearing the pleading, evidence and arguments of counsel is of the opinion and finds that the law and facts are with the plaintiff and that the material allegations in plaintiff's petition are true and that the plaintiff is entitled to relief sought in her said petition. It is therefore, ordered, and judged and decreed by the court, that the bonds of matrimony heretofore existing between the plaintiff, Bonnie Ruth Reynolds, and the defendant, Allen Reynolds, be and the same, are hereby disolved and annuled and that the plaintiff be and is hereby diforced from the defendant, and is further ordered, as judged and decreed by the court that the care and custory of, Mary Ruth Reynolds, the minor daughter of the parties herto, be and is hereby awarded to the plaintiff with the right on the part of the defendant to visit the said minor daughter at reasonable and seasonable times. It is further ordered that all costs herein be taxed against the plaintiff. signed Geo. L Danefort (?) Judge presiding

Notes:

The State of Texas, to-wit: Eastland County, ss TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS--GREETING: Know Ye, That any person legally authorized to celebrate the RITES OF MATRIMONY, is hereby licensed to join in Marriage, as Husband and Wife B. F. Reynolds and Miss Flora V. Sparks and for so doing this shall be his sufficient authority IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I, Ike P Schunick (?) Clerk of the District Court, hereunto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, this 8th day of July, 1879 THE STATE OF TEXAS, to-wit: EASTLAND COUNTY,ss. This certifies, that I joined in Marriage, as Husband and Wife B. F. Reynolds and Miss Flora V. Sparks on the 16 day of July 1879 H.P. Mann Pastor Recorded this 16 day of August 1897 ****** Flora's last name is listed as Sparks on this Marriage License. That is incorrect. Her maiden name was Speck. At the time of Benjamin's death he was a Storekeeper. His grandaughter Mary Ruth Reynolds remebers him putting her inside of the candy counter where she would crawl around and pick out treats. She was only 1 yr old when he died. mothers name is listed as Jane lampkins not Jane Ray on death cert. 6. Benjn. F. REYNOLDS - 1880 United States Census / Texas Self Gender: Male Birth: <1849> TN 7. Flora V. REYNOLDS - 1880 United States Census / Texas Wife Gender: Female Birth: <1862> TN 1880 Census for Eastland Co. TX "your grandfather was a small man about the size of your father. He had sandy red hair and a red mustache. He was real kind and good, we kids just loved him. He had a small grocery store on the corner of the lot where they lived. We would go over and he would give us candy, etc. The little old house where they lived is still standing but looks like it is about ready to crumble. I asked Vic yesterday if he was sick very long befor eh died. He said No, just a week or so. he had pneumonia and of course there wasn't any medications much for it at that time." (Letter from Anna Mae and Bill from Granbury TX July 1983 to Mary Ruth Reynolds)

Benjamin married Flora Viola Frances Speck on 16 Jul 1879 in Eastland, Texas, USA. Flora (daughter of Isaac Speck and Nancey Finley) was born on 10 Mar 1862 in Overton County, Tennessee; died on 2 Aug 1937 in Ranger, Eastland, Texas; was buried in Aug 1937 in Ranger, Eastland, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Frances Father Isaac died as a prisoner by the North, in the Civil war. She saw him only once, as an infant when he was injured and returned home to heal. She was raised by her mother and step father Solomon Copeland. FORMER RESIDENT OF RANGER IS BURIED IN RANGER CEMETERY Mrs. B.F. Reynolds, former Ranger woman was buried in the old Ranger cemetery this afternoon at 1 o'clock. Rev. V.W. Becker of the Ranger Methodist church conducted the services with Killingworth, Cox & Co., in charge. The body arrived on the noon train from Dallas where teh deceaced died on August 2. Mrs. Reynolds was born in 1862 and was married to Ben Reynolds of Ranger at the age of 17 years. She was a charter member of the Methodist church. The deceased had been living with daughters in Dallas for the past two years. Those of the immediate family attending the services were Mrs. Dovie Richardson and Miss Jessie Reynolds of Dallas and Mrs. Joseph L. Price of Rhode Island, Daughters and Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Ratliff of Dallas, Grandson and wife of Mrs. Reynolds. Miss Twilight Reynolds of Los Angeles and Mr. W.A. Reynolds of West Texas were unable to attend. Others in attendance were R.W. Copeland, half brother of Mrs. Reynolds, of Mineral Wells; J.M. Mathena and son B.P. of Eastland, and r.V. Mathena and wife and two daughters. Mrs. Reynolds was a long time resident of Ranger, having reared her family in the city and will be rememberd by a host of friends who regret her passing. *** W.A.Reynolds would be Benjamin Allen Reynolds, also referred to as "Wart" flora is listed as a widow on the 1930 Census: Eastland, Ranger Twp, District 10 (Texas) 1105 146-150 Reynolds, Flora head $9800 68 TN KY TN

Nathan married Mary Bradford. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

According to Stella Baker (dbaker@tcworks.net) John Reynolds had three sons, James, William and Benjamin and a daughter that everyone called Sis. She married James Neal. They must of all lived in Van Buren or Conway Co, Arkansas. William Halbrook and several families came to Arkansas sometime after 1845. William and Judith lived near Coon Creek in Perry County, Tennessee before coming to Arkansas. On 1880 Census Benjamin lists his parents as being born in Tennessee, but on his death certificate it states both were born in North Carolina.

John married Jane Ray Lampkins on 17 Oct 1828 in Wilson, Tennessee, USA. Jane was born on 6 Feb 1816 in Bedford, Tennessee, USA; died on 22 Dec 1895 in Scotland, VanBuren, Arkansas; was buried in Scotland, Van Buren County, Arkansas, United States of America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The death certificate of Benjamin Franklin Reynold states that his mother's name was Jane Lampkins born in North Carolina. Other family records state that her name was Jane L. Ray, or Jane Barrett. At this point i'm not sure as to what her correct maiden name was. Perhaps it was Lampkins, and she married a Ray before she married John Reynolds? Perhaps someone has linked the incorrect Jane with John Reynolds? Perhaps the death certificate was wrong? Can't be sure, but I will continue to investigate this.-- RL Obit: Provided to me by Kristen plaino4@aol.com REYNOLDS- Mrs. Jane L.,nee Ray Was born February 6, 1816 in Bedford County Tenn., and departed this life December 22, 1895 at her son's home at Scotland Ark. This aged mother had been a faithful member of the M.E. Church, South, for more than sixty years, and she has now gone to reap her reward. She was the mother of eleven children eight of whom preceed her to the world beyond; three sons are still battling for the Lord, one in Arkansas and two in Texas. may the Lord bless them with all the relatives and friends and may they imitate their mother's godly example till they meet her in the skies. Sister Reynolds was a very patient sufferer being five years an invalid from paralysis, she suffered very much, yet without murmuring. Praise the Lord for a Christian mother. C.H. Nelson Jane REYNOLDS Household Female Other Information: Birth Year <1814> Birthplace TN Age 66 Occupation Marital Status W RaceW Head of Household James A. NEAL RelationMotherL Father's BirthplaceIRE Mother's BirthplaceNC Source Information: Census Place Craig, Van Buren, Arkansas Family History Library Film1254058 NA Film NumberT9-0058 Page Number434C

Isaac married Nancey Finley. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]