My grandfather was Samuel Bender who lived, well at least died, in Laurel, MS, Jones County around 1953. He was born in 1887, according to a bible my mother found, I'm not sure where. His second wife was Minerva Triplett from Philadelphia, MS who was born in 1897. They had two children, John D and Melvin Bender. I've met some relatives from Pachuta, MS but they were not able to tell me much. My father was a policeman in Jackson, MS and died March 12, 1995. I have cousins here in Jackson, William Bender and Zetella Bender-Donaldson. I am desperately searching for any information on my grandfather. He died when my father was 4 years old. My grandfather was quite fair skinned with light eyes (we have one picture of him). I have always been told that he was of mixed race - African American and German. It would explain the texture of my father's hair and sharp features. Any information would be helpful.