I found an earlier letter from Emma Mae

Laurel, Miss.
19 March 1966

Dear Cousin Ben.

We were so happy you were able to attend the centenial celebration.  We had quite a house full, Didn't we?  There would have been more had there not been so much sickness.  On that day my niece was very, very sick in a hospital in Natchez and she passed away the following Saturday nite at 9:30 oclock.

My sister, Inez come up to wtay with father and my husband and I went up to Natchez on Monday to the funeral.  She was inturned up there.  She was a wonderful sweet Christian.  She was my brother Wiley's oldest living child.  Her mother and brother, Tom King was here in the afternoon.

Thanks so much for the gift of money.  I will buy him some powder and body lotions with it.  It take a lot of those things to care for old people.  With your gift, Dad received over $50.00 in money. 

Ben it is impossible to get the folder into the package so I am putting the notes in as are along with a write up of the celebration.  Will try to get you a prent of the picture soon.  Be sure and save those family picture of Great Grandpa Wiley [King] and others for I don't have any for my book.  I would appreciate your help on the book when we get all data togather.

Best wishes to you & yours
Your Cousin, Emma Mae.

Letter from Everett & Emma Mae Barnes

Letter addressed to and received by Wiley Benjamin Hill, Jr., my father:

Laurel Miss
Feb 13, 1967

Dear Ben;

I have been thinking about you, and get myself togather to write you.  I suppose you have heard by now that my father went to be with the Lord for Christmas.  He passed away on 22nd of Dec. and we laid his body to rest in the Sumrall Cemetary at Sumrall, Miss. on Christmas Eve.

He went into a coma sitting in his chair on Dec 7th.  We took him to the hospital on the 8th and he lived two weeks but never revived.


This is the time of year when I always began to make plans for his birthday, and it is a lonely time for us.  I can't begin to tell how lonely it is here in this house, but I know God was so very good to Him and us and he lived a long and full life.  He didn't leave any worldly riches, but an abundance of worthwhile memorys, of examples of love and kindness, compassion for the poor and needy was his to bestow.


How are you doing with your book?  When I rest and get myself togather I plan to write a small memorial for my father.


I had some letter and pictures from a first cousin of Father's in  Calif Mrs Robinson who was a Bennett.  She was also a cousin of your Grandfather.  Since Aunt Lydia married a Bennett also.  However, yours was her second husband wasn't it?


Come to see us when you can and write soon.


Your Cousins, Everett and Emma Mae Barnes.


[This letter was dated 13 Feb 1967, my father's 54th birthday.  However, he probably didn't read it till some time later and didn't answer it until later, due to the injury and death of his own mother, Eunice Tucker Hill Hall.].