Varina Howell Davis Hayes (1879-1934), granddaughter of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, was a notable American figure. Varina was profoundly connected to her family’s post-Civil War tradition of luxury and suffering. It illuminates Varina Hayes and her family’s accomplishments and experiences.
Early Life of Varina Hayes
Varina was born in Benton, Yazoo County, Mississippi, on March 12, 1879, into a distinguished Confederate family. Her family was connected to famous people, affecting her upbringing and status.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | March 12, 1879 |
| Birth Place | Benton, Yazoo County, Mississippi |
| Parents | Margaret Howell Davis and Joel Addison Hayes |
| Notable Ancestor | Granddaughter of Jefferson Davis |
Education and Marriage
She was nurtured in school, preparing Varina Hayes for social interaction. Her family is further connected to local history by her marriage to Dr. Gerald Bertram Webb on July 30, 1904, in Colorado Springs.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Attended private schooling |
| Marriage Date | July 30, 1904 |
| Spouse | Gerald Bertram Webb |
| Children | At least four children |
The Davis Family Legacy
The Davis family struggled after the Civil War. Despite their political prominence, they struggled financially throughout Reconstruction, forcing them to change their lifestyle and expectations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Family Struggles | Financial difficulties post-war |
| Notable Events | Sold two slaves for $1,612 in Confederate currency |
| Cultural Impact | Engaged in local communities in Colorado Springs |
Varina Hayes’ Children
Varina and Gerald Webb’s children continued the Davis tradition. Their children retained familial and community ties, reflecting their complicated heritage.
| Child’s Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Joel Addison Hayes Webb | Eldest son, involved in family affairs |
| Other Children | Included two sons and two daughters |
| Family Contributions | Continued involvement in local history and culture |
Notable Relatives
Varina Hayes’ family featured some noteworthy personalities who marked American history in their own ways. Margaret and Joel Hayes, her parents, also shaped their neighborhood.
| Relative | Details |
|---|---|
| Margaret Howell Davis | Varina’s mother, active in community |
| Joel Addison Hayes | Varina’s father, notable figure in family history |
| Jefferson Davis | Grandfather, president of the Confederate States |
Historical Context
Varina Hayes witnessed major social changes in the South. The Civil War and its aftermath shaped her family’s lifestyle and social standing.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Civil War Impact | Family navigated post-war societal changes |
| Legacy Challenges | Struggled with the implications of their lineage |
| Cultural Shifts | Adapted to new realities in a changing America |
Later Life of Varina Hayes
Varina Hayes embraced her identity and family legacy in her final years. She died on February 23, 1934, leaving a tangled inheritance of privilege and adversity.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Death Date | February 23, 1934 |
| Final Years | Resided in Colorado Springs |
| Legacy Reflection | Represents the enduring story of the Davis family |
FAQ
What is Varina Hayes known for?
Varina Hayes, Jefferson Davis’ granddaughter, is remembered for her post-Civil War services.
Who were Varina Hayes’ parents?
Her parents, Margaret Howell Davis and Joel Addison Hayes, were notable persons.
Did Varina Hayes have any children?
She and Gerald Bertram Webb had at least four children.
Varina Hayes’ family faced what obstacles?
Under Reconstruction following the Civil War, the Davis family struggled financially and adjusted to social changes.
When did Varina Hayes pass away?
Varina Hayes died in Colorado Springs on February 23, 1934.
