Bennie is the son of Milton Daniel (Hayes) Harris and Georgia Anna Harris.  According to a 1900 US Census, he was born in Tennessee.  This same 1900 US Census for Memphis, Ward 7, Shelby, TN, lists the following:   Anna, widow (May 1865), Daniel (Mar 1878), Johnson (Feb 1890), Bennie (Aug 1891), Anna (Sep 1897), and Georgia (May 1899).  Every family member, including the father, was born in Tennessee, with the only except being Daniel who was born in Mississippi.  Go the Milton & Anna Harris Page

During the early 1900s, he left home and raised himself from the age of about twelve or thirteen.  He worked as a cook for railroad workers until he was gainfully employed for Iron Moutain and Southern Railroad making cross ties.  Bennie had a reputation of always being happy and accommodating to everyone that frequented his home, especially the gentlemen and their families that hitched a ride on the train.  Bennue Harris would fill their hearts and stomachs and give them shelter for the night.  He was a land owner, an excellent farmer and made his own cooking utensils and vessels.

Our grandfather, Bennie, did not hesitate to get his children up at all times of the night to feed them treats.  He would make popcorn balls and candy while they sat around the table in their flannel bed clothes.  Grandmother Elsie would tell him to let the children sleep, but according to my source, they did not mind waiting anxiously for his late night treats.