History of Henry and Martha Hodges Friar(Grandparents of Versie Thurmond Sanders) Starting From the 1800's Henry Friar and Martha Hodges Friar were freed from the Hodges plantation near Lexington, Mississippi around the mid-1850's. As we understand it, Henry Friar had been purchased by the Hodges to oversee their plantation because he was educated-which in those days meant that he could read, write, and count. Martha Hodges' duties on the plantation included taking care of the house, cooking, making the clothing, supervising the quilting, and making sure the plantation houses ran smoothly.
The Hodges took a liking to Henry, and he and Martha were married. When the Hodges freed their slaves, they gave a large portion of their land to Henry and Martha Hodges Friar while continuing to live on another section of their former plantation.
After gaining his freedom, Henry adopted friar-the name of his original master-as his last name.
Henry and Martha Hodges Friar were established landowners in Lebanon Community in the mid-1800s. The land that they developed-located five miles north of the city of Lexington, Mississippi on Highway 17-is now owned by their grandson Marion Friar of Oakland, California, and his family. Odessa Friar and her family presently reside on the land.
Ben Friar, the eldest son of Henry and Martha, was born on October 18, 1860 in Lebanon Community, Holmes County, Lexington, Mississippi. He live there with his brothers and sisters-Marion, Peter, Nick, George, Jack, James, HenryII, Mary, Betty, Hassie, Joanna, and Fannie.
Upon the death of his sister, Ben Friar was made guardian over his brothers and sisters at his mothers request. Ben loved his mother dearly, and remained with her to help raise, educate, and care for the children until they were grown.
Martha Hodges Friar lived to be in her early 90s, and later in life made her home with her sons HenryII and James.
(Based on narrative from the :Joe Thomas, Sr. / Ben Friar, Sr. Family Reunion" book, 1984) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
