My Genealogy Hound

Francis H. Varner, whose extensive farm is second to but one on Buffalo Island, was born in Dunklin County, Mo., September 6, 1842, and is the son of Thomas Varner, a native of Georgia. The father’s first wife lived but a short time, and he was afterward married to Susan Moore, a native of Virginia. They were married in Dunklin County and there engaged in farming for several years, but soon after the birth of Francis H. moved to Buffalo Island, in 1844. Here the father engaged in farming, besides practicing his profession as physician and surgeon until his death, July 3, 1876. His wife survived him several years, dying January 30, 1885. Francis H. is the oldest of the family of seven children — five boys and two girls — all of whom are now living and residents of this island. He was actively employed on the farm until after his father’s death, and educational advantages being at that time very limited received but a meager education. He has improved several large farms and of 800 acres has about 175 cleared, and has also a good residence and out-buildings. In connection with his farm he has a cotton-gin and grist-mill. In the latter part of the late war he entered the Confederate service, and surrendered at Wittsburg, Ark. April 13, 1867, he married Tennie C. Lambert, who was a native of Tennessee, but was reared in Arkansas. She died June 10, 1883, leaving the following children: Mary Ann (wife of Dawson Brooks), born January 30, 1868; William T., born January 25, 1870; Corintha J., born October 23, 1873; Tabitha E., born July 28, 1876, and Ava V., born August 9, 1879. Two children died in infancy. December 24, 1885, he was married to Margaret Armstrong, nee Privett, who is a native of Alabama and the widow of W. J. Armstrong. She is the daughter of A. R. Privett, who was born in North Carolina March 19, 1806, and died in Union County, Miss., December 24, 1877. Mr. Varner is a member of the Christian Church and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal.