Was Andy and Barney first cousins or distant cousins?

[Tiger32]

We know that Andy and Barney were related, but I can't remember just how close of relatives they really were. I just remember them referring to each other as cousin, during one of the earliest episodes, but I have yet to determine just how close they really were. My guess is that they were distant cousins, probably by marriage or something, but I really do not know for sure.

So does anyone know whether Andy and Barney were first cousins, second cousins or just distant cousins?

[kerosenecucumberkid]

i don't think it was ever really intended that andy and barney be cousins--it's mentioned in the first episode, "the new housekeeper", and it's really a cheap-shot joke, barney is saying how he knows andy chose him because he was the best man for the deputy job and he concludes, "and i want to thank you, cousin andy."--and i think it is mentioned one other time--but of all the myriad opportunites there were to refer to their relationship as relatives it doesn't come up again.

[Scoobiedoo30]

I WATCHED THE FIRST EPISODE OF THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW
AND BARNEY CAME TO ANDY HOUSE AND SAIF THAT AUNT BEE CALLED TO SAY THAT SHE WAS ON HIS WAY AND BARNEY CALLED ANDY COUSIN ANDY ON THE ANDY GRIIFITH SHOW.

AARON

[Tiger32]

Originally posted by gmfox8@msn.com
I WATCHED THE FIRST EPISODE OF THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW
AND BARNEY CAME TO ANDY HOUSE AND SAIF THAT AUNT BEE CALLED TO SAY THAT SHE WAS ON HIS WAY AND BARNEY CALLED ANDY COUSIN ANDY ON THE ANDY GRIIFITH SHOW.

AARON

I agree that they were definately cousins, I just wished they had explained how they were related a little more clearly. Because they drop this on us early in the series, but never give us a more detailed account.

[sar]

I agree with kck, that the writers were just going for an easy joke. But it was said and never refuted so it stands.

[Tiger32]

Originally posted by sar
I agree with kck, that the writers were just going for an easy joke. But it was said and never refuted so it stands.

I disagree, because often times in very small towns like Mayberry, you have so many people related. I think that was what the writers were shooting for, but in any case, we will never know.....Unless Andy Griffith provides us with this insight.