Cousin Anna Belle

Anna Belle Burns Lytes Harris

One of the "finds" I came across when going thru a box.  I came across cousin Anna Belle's scrapbook.  I've seen this book many times over the years, but it took on a new significance this time.  As I flipped the pages I saw (for the first time ever) Anna Belle's life unfolding.  Times spent with family and friends, at home and traveling, holidays and special occasions are all right here.  In my hands I held Anna Belle and the family's history.  I have no clue who many of the folks in the scrapbook may be but I recognized known relatives.  Our own "flapper" created a book of photographs that gives a peek into a few of the many years of her full life. I'm grateful to have and share a rediscovered piece of family history.

Anna Belle

Sunday's Finest

Palm Sunday

Cousin Anna Belle and family friend Josephine

Their Special Day

It is safe to say this dynamic dual in the photograph share more than the same birthday. Anna Belle Burns was born to Victoria Cooley and Lee Burns on Tuesday, March 19, 1904 in Bevier, Missouri. J. Walter "Hague" Thompson was born to Edward and Anna (Lowery) Thompson on Sunday, March 19, 1911 in Lawrence, Kansas. Their life paths would come together in Des Moines, Iowa when Anna Belle's cousin, Veltirea Cooley married "Hague." The marriage did not last, but their friendship endured the rest of their lives. For Anna Belle's 106th and "Hauge's" 99th birthday, we honor their birthday.

Anna Belle Burns Lites Harris

On March 19, 1907, Anna Belle Burns was born to thirteen year old Victoria Cooley and thirty-eight year old Lee Burns in Bevier, Missouri. Lee was married with children and couldn't provide much help to Victoria for the care of their baby. To earn money, Victoria begin working in the kitchen of the local train station. After living with Uncle Harry and his family for three years (more on him later), Anna Belle was sent to live with her grandfather George Cooley, his wife Mary, and their three children; Edward, Curtis and Georgia Elizabeth.

By 1920, Anna Belle had moved to Des Moines with her mother and stepfather. It was about this time Anna Belle showed an interest in painting. She allowed her artistic talent to become a job for her. She found work painting china in department stores in downtown Des Moines. Anna Belle would continue hand painting china until her retirement. Anna Belle had two marriages in the course of her life. The first was to a man know only as "Lites." Mr Lites first name is unknown. For a brief time she and her husband lived in Detroit. Anna Belle had moved back to Des Moines when the marriage ended. Her second to Ike Harris lasted much longer. They stayed married until his death. Anna Belle had no children, but loved the children of cousin Edward and his wife Ethyl Cooley. Vel, Dideo, Eckie Bud, Maxine, their children and grandchildren were recipients of her love. From an early age she saw strength and unity in family. Her favorite quote was, "Don't do as I do, do as I say do." Wise words from a wise woman.