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Click here to view profile John Henry Deaton February 14th 1902 – September 27th 1980 John Henry Deaton was born on February 14th 1902 in Robbinsville, North Carolina to Etta and John Starlin Deaton. After his father died, John's family stayed for a time with Martha Ann Wheeler. When Etta Deaton married James Meeler, times were hard for the Meeler family, so at an early age John Henry went to live with Ulysses and Rhilla Martin. There he earned his keep by working in the cotton gin. He did not have much formal education. He married Cora Jane Lawrence, (daughter of Hannah Watson and Chub Lawrence) on October 7, 1919 in Banks County, GA. They had a daughter, Ruth Deaton, born in 1923 in Banks County, GA. The family moved to Swain County, NC, where John worked in a logging camp. A son, Stark Deaton, was born there in 1925. Cora Deaton then developed TB and the family moved back to Banks County, GA. They had two daughters born there, Hazel in 1929 and Johnnie in 1933. At this time John farmed and worked in construction, often in another state. At those times he would be gone for two or three months at a time. Early in 1942, John bought a farm in Demorest, GA. He really cared about people and they always had other people staying with them. Father : John Starlin Deaton Mother : Etta Icie Davis Brothers : Harve Wesley Deaton , Jacob Leander Deaton Half Brothers : Reuben Deaton , David Deaton , Isaac Deaton , Robert Lee Deaton , Charlie Meeler , Robert Lee Meeler Half Sisters : Odell Meeler , Elsie Meeler ____________________ Wife : Cora Jane Lawrence Children: Ruth Deaton, Stark Deaton, Hazel Deaton, Johnnie Deaton L to R: Harve Deaton, Etta Meeler, John Henry Deaton L to R: Hazel, Stark, Cora, John Henry, Johnnie, Ruth John Henry with Wife Cora Birth of John Henry On a trip to the Robbinsville courthouse in 2023, I noticed that John Henry had returned to his birthplace in 1943 to obtain a delayed birth certificate. The doctor that delivered John Henry in 1902 was named S.F. Howell. John Henry was the first child of Etta and John Starlin. He was born almost a full year before they got married in December of 1902. Dr. Swinfield Howell making his rounds Dr. Howell came to Graham County from Yancey County in 1901. He began the practice of medicine while living near what is now the Thunderbird boat dock, and later moved to what is now known as Howell Gap in the Yellow Creek Township. Later he moved to Robbinsville and opened an office. For several years he was doctor for the Kanawah Hardwood Lumber Company. He used a four-wheeled pedal cycle equipped with flanged wheels to run on the narrow gauge Snowbird Valley railroad. Dr. Howell, in addition to a large practice, was official doctor for the prison camp established at Harris Creek (a road building operation). Dr. Howell's wife, Margaret, often capably assisted Dr. Howell as a nurse. Early Years Living during the Prohibition era in the United States, a period marked by the nationwide ban on the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. It was a time when speakeasies thrived, and individuals sought inventive ways to skirt the law to quench their thirst for alcohol. John Henry was no exception, and he ventured into the world of bootlegging as a means of supporting his family and making ends meet. John Henry used his knowledge of corn to make moonshine along with his brothers, Harve Deaton, Robert Lee Deaton, and Charlie Meeler. One day, the law caught up with the gang and the local sheriff, armed with information about bootlegging activities, embarked on a mission to apprehend him and put an end to the moonshining operation. Harve and Charlie would go on to serve six months in jail for trying to outrun the law. Robert Lee and John Henry Deaton managed to stay out of jail. A story told by Roy Gibson, nephew of Cora Deaton: In 1929, Harve Deaton, John Henry Deaton, Owen Gibson, and Ralph Waters were all together. There was a dispute and Owen allegedly hit Ralph in the head with a 2x4 which fractured his skull and killed him. Owen went to prison for manslaughter. He tried to pin the murder on the Deaton's, in particular, John Henry. It is unsure if Owen was the real killer but he had no evidence that it wasn't him so he served several years for it and worked on the chain gang. Later in Life 1941-1942 were bad years for the Deaton family. In 1941, John's half brother, Robert Lee Deaton died of a heart attack. In 1942, John Henry's brother, Jacob, died and three weeks later his daughter Hazel drowned. Hazel was only thirteen years old. She was at a school picnic and the children were playing at the edge of the water at Soque River. A girl was swept under the water by a swift undercurrent, and a boy went in to help her. He was swept under. Hazel, being an excellent swimmer, went in to save them. All three died on May 19, 1942. (John's brother, Harve Deaton never got over this accident for Hazel was his favorite niece.) Everyone loved Hazel, as she was very outgoing. Savannah Morning News, 5/42 Funeral of Robert Lee Deaton John Henry and his wife, Cora John Henry's house in Georgia In 1948, John Deaton began his career in law enforcement. He served as a policeman and sheriff's deputy until he retired. He died in September 27, 1980 in Habersham County, GA. He is buried beside his daughter Hazel in the Demorest Cemetery in Demorest, Habersham County, GA. His wife, Cora Deaton was also buried beside him on February 25, 1993. WW2 Draft Registration Card John Henry's daughter, Hazel Deaton Funeral of Hazel Deaton Funeral of Jake Deaton John Henry Deaton as a Police Officer L to R: Harve Deaton, John Henry Deaton L to R: Cora, Ruth, John Henry, Johnnie John Henry with Wife Cora Every Photo I have seen of John Henry Deaton All Census Records

Click here to view profile Etta Icie Davis 10 May 1888 – 15 February 1970 Etta Icie Davis was born on May 10th 1888 to Leutica Carver and James Davis in Robbinsville, North Carolina. Leutica and James were never married but had two children, Etta and Cena. The 1890 census would have been helpful in determining where Etta lived between 1888-1891, but I presume, it was with her mother or maternal grandparents, Azor and Lucinda. Etta's son, Robert Meeler always said that she was raised by her grandprarents. Starting in 1891, Etta lived with her mother and new step father, John Starlin Deaton. Upon this marriage, Etta gained four half-brothers: Reuben, David, Isaac, and Robert Lee. Etta in her middle age Deaton Marriage and Living in NC In December of 1900, Etta's mother, Leutica passed away, presumably due to child birth. That same year both her grandparents, Azor and Lucinda had also passed away. They were buried at Lone Oak Cemetery in Robbinsville. Leutica is also buried in Lone Oak Cemetery beside her infant child. Etta's only full sibling, Cena, also passed away. Cena cause of death is currently unknown. It is suspected that she died sometime between 1900-1908. She was listed in the 1900 census and then suddenly disappears from all records with no named headstone. Etta was now alone with no direct blood relatives besides her father who was not apart of her life. On February 14th 1902, had a child with her step-father, John Starlin Deaton. The child was born near Santeetlah Lake in Robbinsville, North Carolina. The doctor that helped deliver the baby was S.F. Howell. Etta named her first child, John Henry Deaton. Etta had two more children, Jacob Leander Deaton on March 8th 1904 and Harve Wesley Deaton on November 14th 1907. Both born in Robbinsville, North Carolina. Fa ther: James Davis Mother : Leutica Carver Sister : Cena Davis Half Brothers : Reuben Deaton , David Deaton , Isaac Deaton , Robert Lee Deaton _______________________ First Husband : John Starlin Deaton Children : J ohn Henry Deaton , Jacob Leander Deaton , Harve Wesley Deaton Second Husband : James Meeler Children : Charlie Meeler , Odell Meeler , Robert Lee Meeler , Elsie Lucille Meeler _______________________ Dr. Swinfield F Howell making his rounds Dr. Howell came to Graham County from Yancey County in 1901. He began the practice of medicine while living near what is now the Thunderbird boat dock, and later moved to what is now known as Howell Gap in the Yellow Creek Township. Later he moved to Robbinsville and opened an office. For several years he was doctor for the Kanawah Hardwood Lumber Company. He used a four-wheeled pedal cycle equipped with flanged wheels to run on the narrow gauge Snowbird Valley railroad. Dr. Howell, in addition to a large practice, was official doctor for the prison camp established at Harris Creek (a road building operation). Dr. Howell's wife, Margaret, often capably assisted Dr. Howell as a nurse. Leaving North Carolina In February of 1908, Etta's husband, John Starlin Deaton was shot and killed while clearing new land near Hanging Dog, North Carolina. It is unknown whether Etta was with him at the time but her half-brother, Isaac, followed the river thirteen miles to Tellico Plains to try and get help. John Starlin passed away and was buried in Garrett Cemetery while their was snow on the ground. Etta was now by herself again having to care of a six year old, three year old, and three month old. Her half-brothers were also still teenagers at the time. She decided to go someplace where she knew some people. John Starlin's sister, Martha Ann Wheeler, lived in Towns County, Georgia which was forty three miles away from where John Starlin was killed. Etta loaded everything they owned onto a wagon pulled by an ox and made the trip. With her was children, John Henry, Jacob Leander, Harve Wesley, and half-brothers David and Robert Lee Deaton. Isaac and Reuben decided to stay behind and fiend for themselves. The trip was a rough one and it took several months to arrive to the household of Martha Ann Wheeler. They often had to camp out over an open fire. Etta in Georgia Meeler Marriage Etta married James W. Meeler on August 22nd 1910. Rev. Robert Freeman Rice performed the ceremony. James Meeler was thirty years older than her, he was born in 1858. Meeler was a sharecropper and farmed on other peoples land. Etta and James Meeler had five children, Charlie, in 1912. Odell in 1916, Annie Mae in 1920, Robert in 1923, and Elsie in 1927. Etta's two year old daughter, Annie Mae, passed away in 1922 due to pneumonia. James Meeler was said to have been very mean to Etta's Deaton children. John Henry, Jake and Harve frequently huddled up outside the house in the chimney corner to stay warm. Etta would secretly slip them in through the window at night after Meeler had went to sleep. During the day they stayed in the barn and Etta had to slip them bread out of the house in her apron in order to feed them. Things continued to get worse and Etta had to start begging the neighbors to raise the older children. James Meeler had cancer that had started to rot his eye out. During the night, he used a net to cover his face to keep the bugs off it. James Meeler died in 1928. Times were hard for Etta once again, she was alone having to care for 4 children. She begged her son, Harve, to stay with her and help her with the crop instead of going back to the mountains and working in the logging camp. He agreed to stay until he got married in 1935. Etta holding grandchild, Carole Meeler L to R: Etta, Robert, Elsie, Charlie, Odell Top (L to R): Harve, John Henry Middle (L to R): Etta, Elsie, Odell Bottom (L to R): Robert, Charlie Later Years L to R: Eddie Daniel, Etta, Earl, Carrie, Martha Ann, Ophelia Etta and son, Robert Meeler Etta and daughter-in-law, Lonie Lilly Etta with granddaughter Carole, and great granddaughter Angelina. After the Meeler children was grown, Etta eventually moved in with her daughter Odell and her husband E.C. Gerrell. In 1970, Etta had Cervical cancer that had kept her in the bed sick. The last time her granddaughter, Martha Ann Deaton, saw her, she apologized for being in the bed. She said her grandchildren had never saw her in the bed sick before. Etta passed away on Feburary 15th 1970. She was buried beside her daughter, Annie Mae Meeler at Damascus Cemetery. Etta's Death Certificate Etta's Luggage Briefcase L to R: Harve Deaton, Daryll Duncan, Etta Meeler L to R: Odell, James Meeler, Etta Meeler, Charlie Meeler, lonie-lillie Kelly L to R: Elsie, Odell, Etta, Robert L to R: Lee, Anita, Etta, Elsie L to R: Etta, Carrie, Martha Ann Deaton, Odell, Eddie Daniel Deaton Etta and great grandchildren Stories Etta had no schooling. She could not read or write. My grandmother, Martha Ann Deaton, said she always had to listen to the news on the radio everyday at noon when she would go and visit her. She would always listen to the local obituaries this way. Etta's grandson, Thomas E m ory Deaton told me that grandma Meeler would get so mad at him when he was playing in her fig tree. Etta's granddaughter, Ophelia Deaton told me that when Etta was sick and near the end of her life, Ophelia gave Etta a kiss on her cheek, and Etta responded with "Don't you get enough sugar at home?" Etta's grandson, Lee Looney described Etta as a "pistol", meaning that she had a strong personality. He said that he would go eat dinner with her all the time. Etta Meeler in the 1960s Etta and granddaughter, Carole Meeler Etta at her well Etta and grandsons, Lee and Edwin Looney Etta and Pearlie M. Armour Wiley Every Photo I have seen of Etta Meeler All Census Records

Click here to view profile Charlotte Ann Parsons July 20th 1857 - 1913 Into the Life Charlotte Ann Parsons was born July 20th, 1957 to Duncan Livingston Parsons and Miranda Poole in Montgomery County, North Carolina. On January 19th, 1887, she married David Zebedee Poole. Charlotte's grandparents were Zebedee's great grandparents. They had four children together: Johnsie A Poole (born 1888), Annie Belle Poole (born 1889), David Franklin Poole (born 1993), Horace Ceaser Poole (born 1895). Charlotte, died in 1913 due to an unknown cause (Death Certificates weren't required in NC until a few months after Charlotte passed). She is buried at Parsons Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery in Candor, Montgomery County, North Carolina. Father: Duncan Livingston Parsons Mother : Miranda Poole ________________ _______ Husband: David Zebedee Poole Children : Johnsie A Poole, Annie Belle Poole, David Franklin Poole, Horace Ceaser Poole Charlotte's Headstone at Parsons Grove United Methodist Cemetery

Click here to view profile David Deaton 25 November 1894 – 30 March 1921 David Deaton was born in November of 1894 in Graham County, NC. He was the second son of Leutica Carver and John Starlin Deaton. After his father died he went with his half-sister, Etta Carver Davis Deaton to Martha and James Wheeler's home in Towns County, GA. In the 1910 Census of Towns County, GA, he is listed as still living in the home with them. We have no knowledge of the year he left there. Harve Wesley Deaton, his half-brother, said he developed Tuberculosis and moved to New Mexico for his health. Photographic enlargement of David Deaton and friend. I have the original picture of this in a frame. Fa ther : John Starlin Deaton Mother : Leutica Carver Brothers: Reuben Deaton , Isaac Deaton , Robert Lee Deaton Half Brothers : John Henry Deaton, Jacob Leander Deaton , Harve Wesley Deaton ____________________ David Deaton is on the far right. It is unknown who the other men are.

Click here to explore the life of Horace Poole from Randolph County, North Carolina in the 1900s! Horace Ceaser Poole November 11th 1895 - December 27th 1988 Into the Life Horace Ceaser Poole was born on November 11th, 1895 to David Zebedee "Zeb" Poole and Charlotte Ann Parsons in Candor, North Carolina. He grew up in Cheek Creek Township in Montgomery County, North Carolina with his 3 siblings. His mother, Charlotte, died when Horace was 17 years old due to unknown cause (Death Certificates weren't required in NC until a few months after Charlotte passed). Horace worked at the Russell and King saw mill as a young adult in Candor, NC. In 1918, Horace Poole and his cousin, Fannie Mae Livingston, had a child named Annie Rachel Livingston. It is unknown if Horace and Fannie were in a relationship. Horace's grandmother, Flora Livingston, was Fannie's aunt. Horace did not meet his daughter, Annie, until 1984, after Fannie had passed away. Shorty after Annie's birth, Horace was inducted into the military on August 25th, 1918. He served at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, which was a training center and demobilization camp during World War I. Father: David Zebedee Poole Mother : Charlotte Ann Parsons ______________________ Child with Fannie Mae Livingston : Annie Rachel Livingston 1st Wife : Minnie Ella Harris Children : Verta Mae Poole, Ethel Elenor Poole, Roy Kenneth Poole, Alma Elizabeth Poole 2nd Wife : Dorothy Everheart WW1 Service Card Horace (middle) and his sisters, Annie Belle Poole (left), Johnsie Pool (right) Horace (left) and his brother-in-law, Oliver Pressley Harris (right) Horace's WW1 Registration Card Horace's Birth Certificate Minnie Ella Harris Montgomery Herald: February 9th, 1922 - Page 1 Horace Poole's 91st birthday with his wife, Dorothy Everheart Annie and father Horace Poole WW1 P assanger List First Wife On January 17th 1922, Horace Poole married Minnie Ella Harris in Troy, North Carolina. They had four children together: Verta Mae Poole (born 1924), Ethel Elenor Poole (born 1926), Roy Kenneth Poole (born 1928), and Alma Elizabeth Poole (born 1931). Minnie passed away in 1957 from uremia due to pyonephritis. Second Wife Horace Poole second marriage was to Dorothy Everheart, whose previous husband was Minnie's brother, Bethel Letlow Harris. Horace stayed married to Dorothy until his passing in 1988. Meeting daugter Annie Out of respect for her mother, Fannie Mae, Annie never met her father, Horace Poole, while her mother was alive. However, in 1984, after Fannie’s passing, Annie’s granddaughter, Shelia, set out to find him. When they finally met, the reunion was cordial, and Annie was able to meet her half-sisters as well. Though she had spent most of her life without knowing him, this meeting brought her a sense of closure and connection to a family she had never known. Annie and father Horace Poole

Click here to view profile Mittie Lou Ausburn November 27th 1897 - July 6th 1941 Mittie Lou Ausburn was born to Benjamin Ausburn and Mary Louise Caudell on November 27th 1897 in Banks County, North Carolina. Mittie's mother, Mary, died when she was only 15 years old. Father: Benjamin Ausburn Mother: Mary Louise Caudell Brother: Grant Wilmer Ausburn Sisters: Essie Ausburn , Maud Ausburn _______________________ Child with Unknown Father: B ertie Mae Ausburn Children with Luther Watson: Boyd Jackson , Lucille Jackson Husband: Claude Homer Jackson L to R: Benjamin Ausburn, Mittie Lou Ausburn, Essie Ausburn holding Bobbie Jean Lewallen Sensitive Content Unknown Father of Child When Mittie Ausburn was 18 years old, she had a daughter named Bertie Mae Ausburn; however, it is currently unknown who the father is. This was not talked about by the family and the information may have been lost through time. Mittie's great grandson told me that when Harve (Mittie's son-in-law) was in his older age and had suffered many strokes, he had brought it up and mentioned the name of the man. Unfortunately the name that was told to him has become a blur, he believes that Harve told him that it was a Charles "Langley" or "Langtree" or "Langford". Hopefully one day this will be revealed through lots of DNA testing. Marriage Mittie married Claude Homer Jackson on April 28th 1921. It was originally believed that they had three children together: Laurene Jackson born October 9th 1925, Boyd Jackson born August 11th 1929, and Lucille Jackson born May 1st 1932; however, after DNA testing, through the son of Lucille Jackson, it has been determined that Claude Jackson was not the biological father of Lucille, rather it was a man by the name of "Luther Huttie Watson". This was apparently known to a select few, including Boyd Jackson's son, Ronnie Jackson, who told me that Luther "Luke" Watson, was his biological grandfather and that his father, Boyd Jackson, always knew this. It is unknown why or how the relationship between Luther and Mittie came to pass, but it is speculated that Claude Jackson may have been unable to have children. On June 8th 1927, Mittie lost her two-year old baby Laurene due to Bronchiolitis. Top Row (L to R): Bently Lewallen holding Bobbie Jean Lewallen, Benjamin Ausburn, Bertie Mae Ausburn, Claude Homer Jackson Bottom Row (L to R): Benny Euline Lewallen, Mittie Lou Jackson, Lucille Jackson, Boyd Jackson Mittie's father, Benjamin, died on September 13th 1937. He developed sepsis due to cellulitis in the right axillary region. Mittie at her fathers funeral Claude Jackson and Mittie's granddaughter, Martha Ann Deaton Death Mittie Lou Ausburn Jackson died on July 6th 1941, the day after her first grandchild was born. She had a gastroenteritis infection. Before she died, she asked her son-in-law, Harve Deaton, to take care of her two children, Boyd and Lucille for her when she was gone. Harve told her he would take care of them for as long as they would stay with him. The Banks County Journal Newspaper from July 18th, 1941 Death Certificate of Mittie Ausburn Mittie's Headstone Every Picture I Have Seen of Mittie Lou Ausburn All Census Records

Click here to view profile Johnnie Deaton Johnnie at her house in Demorest with father John Henry Deaton Johnnie Deaton was born in Homer, Banks County on November 18th 1933. She was the first descendant of John Starlin Deaton to graduate from college. She married Joe Downer in 1954. They had two daughters. Deborah Diane Downer was born in July of 1958 and Hazel Joann Downer born in September of 1963 in Habersham County, GA. Deborah Dianne Downer had two daughters. Hannah Erin Cunningham was born July 21, 1983 and Leah April Cunningham was born April 29, 1986. Hannah Erin Cunningham married Dustan Wilbanks in November of 2001 in Habersham County, GA. Hazel Joann Downer (Named Hazel because the first time her grandfather, John Deaton, saw her he thought she looked just like her Aunt Hazel did when she was born.) married Johnny Loudermilk in September of 1981 in Habersham County. They have a daughter, Melody Anna, born April 4, 1995, and a son, John Mark, born December 23, 1996 in Habersham County, GA. Johnnie passed away from cancer on September 2, 2003. Father: John Henry Deaton Mother : Cora Jane Lawrence Sister : Ruth Deaton, Hazel Deaton Brother : Stark Deaton ________________ _______ Husband : Joseph Tillman Downer Children : Deborah Dianne Downer, Joann Hazel Downer November 18th 1933 - February 2nd 2003 Johnnie and sister Ruth Deaton L to R: Cora, Johnnie, John Henry, Ruth Johnnie and husband Joseph Downer Johnnie (Far Right) with her family L to R: Cora, Ruth, John Henry, Johnnie L to R: Johnnie holding daughter Joann, beside her is daughter Dianne Downer Johnnie at her house in Demorest L to R: Martha Ann Deaton, Ernest Lee Deaton, Johnnie Deaton, Joseph Tillman Downer

Click here to view profile Bertie Mae Ausburn July 24th 1916 - June 16th 1957 Bertie Mae Ausburn was born on July 24th 1916 in Banks County, Georgia. She grew up in a household with her mother, Mittie Ausburn, and her grandfather, Benjamin Ausburn, who she looked up to as a father. She always said that she was raised by her grandfather and that she loved him dearly. When Benjamin was plowing the fields, he would gladly stop when Bertie Mae would bring him a glass of water. Bertie Mae (Right) and her Aunt Maud (Left) Father: Unknown Mother: Mittie Ausburn Half Siblings: Boyd Jackson , Lucille Jackson ________________ _______ Husband: Harve Deaton Children: Wayne Deaton Child with Jack Peyton: Martha Ann Deaton , Sensitive Content Unknown Father When Bertie's mother, Mittie Ausburn, was 18 years old, she had a child out of wedlock. It is currently unknown who the father of Bertie Mae Ausburn is. This was not talked about by the family and the information may have been lost through time. Bertie Mae's grandson told me that when Harve (Bertie's husband) was in his older age and had suffered many strokes, that he had brought it up and mentioned the name of Bertie's father. Unfortunately the name that was told to him has become a blur, he believes that Harve told him that it was a Charles "Langley" or "Langtree" or "Langford". Hopefully one day this will be revealed through lots of DNA testing. Early Life Bertie Mae was an active member at Damascus Church in Homer, Georgia. when she was five years old, Harve Deaton, had said she would be his wife some day and apparently Bertie Mae had cussed him out for it. Bertie Mae grew up with two aunts and one uncle. Maud, Essie, and Grant Ausburn . 1920 Census showing Bertie Mae Ausburn living with her grandfather, mother, and aunt In 1921, Bertie Mae's mother, Mittie, got married to Claude Homer Jackson. This would be her new step father. Mittie had two more children, Boyd and Lucille. Bertie Mae loved those children with a passion. Bertie Mae in her teenage years with unknown children Bertie Mae standing with step-son, Fred Gibson Top Row (L to R): Bentley Lewallen, Bobbie Jean, Benjamin Ausburn, Bertie Mae Ausburn, Claude Homer Jackson Bottom Row (L to R): Benny Lewallen, Mittie Ausburn, Lucille Jackson, Boyd Jackson L to R: Harve Deaton, Bertie Ausburn, Odell Meeler, Robert Meeler, Charlie Meeler This picture was taken when Ben Ausburn died. The Ausburn family is well represented here. The children on the front row left to right are Ruby and Rudolph Ausburn, Boyd Jackson and Eulean Lewallen. The second row: Bertie Mae Deaton, Belle Ausburn, Vassie Lewallen, Montene Ausburn, Marie Ausburn and Bentley Lewallen. Back row: Hubert Ausburn, Harve Deaton, unknown, Daisy Ausburn, Duck Ausburn, unknown, Grant Ausburn, unknown, Ralph Lewallen and Claude Jackson Bertie Mae Ausburn is on the right. She is with an unknown friend. Working for the Garrisons Bertie Mae Ausburn completed school up to the 7th grade and at age 16, she went to Cornelia and stayed with the family of Brawner Martin and Fletcher Garrison. She kept the house, cooked, and took care of the children. The children were Oland and Jacqueline. Bertie Mae stayed there until she got married at the age of 19. In 2023, I contacted Jackie Garrison at the age of 94. When I asked about Bertie Mae, she said that she remembered that Bertie was a "really country girl" and that "she was really poor". L to R: Brawner Martin, Jackie Garrison, Bertie Mae Deaton L to R: Jackie Garrison, Bertie Mae Deaton Marriage Bertie Mae Ausburn married Harve Wesley Deaton on February 21st, 1935 in Banks County, Georgia by Rev. Freeman Rice. Bertie's mother, Mittie, became very sickly. Bertie and Harve would pick Mittie's children up on Sunday afternoon and keep them at their house until Friday afternoon so they could go to school. Bertie got pregnant and they welcomed their first child, Martha Ann Deaton on July 5th 1941. Bertie's mother, Mittie, died the next day on July 6th 1941. Other people worked the farm to keep it going while Harve was busy building military equipment during WW2. It was a sharecropper's farm. There was always someone staying with them that worked for a room. Everyday there was someone at the door asking Harve and Bertie for food; they were always fed leftovers and given water while sitting on Harve's backdoor step. Bertie got pregnant once more but they had to bury their baby boy, Kenneth Wesley Deaton on March 13th 1943. He arrived too early and wasn't strong enough to make it. Bertie Mae was pregnant once more and Harry Wayne Deaton was born on July 29, 1946 and the war had ended. Headstone of Infant Kenneth Deaton L to R: Harve, Martha Ann, Bertie Mae L to R: Harve, Wayne, Martha, Bertie Bertie Mae holding Wayne Deaton and standing with Martha Ann. Bertie Mae holding daughter Martha Ann and standing with husband Harve L to R: Lucille Jackson, Bobbie Jean Lewallen, Bertie Mae and Harve Deaton holding Martha Ann Bertie Mae holding daughter Martha Ann Postcard send from cousin Ralph Lewallen to Bertie Mae Deaton while he was overseas in Africa during the war. Bertie and Harve's marriage certificate (Picture taken from Banks County Courthouse) Jack Peyton In August of 2023, a seemingly routine decision led to a profound discovery that would reshape the understanding of one family's history. It all began when my mother decided to take a DNA test through Ancestry.com. Little did we know that the results of this test would unravel a hidden chapter in our family's past. As the test results arrived, we were met with a shock that left us bewildered. Contrary to our expectations, the DNA analysis revealed that we did not share any DNA connection with the "Deaton" family, despite our longstanding belief that we were firmly rooted in this ancestral line. Even more bewildering was the fact that we shared 0% DNA with many of my grandmother Martha Ann Deaton's first cousins, individuals who were assumed to be close relatives. We were at a loss for what to make of this unexpected turn of events. However, as we delved deeper into the test results, another name emerged as a prominent clue. We noticed a significant number of first cousin matches with individuals bearing the surname "Peyton." The name struck a chord for my mom and I because we have a photograph from 1941 depicting a man named Jack Peyton holding a baby Martha Ann. Jack Peyton holding Martha Ann Deaton With newfound determination, we embarked on a quest to uncover the truth behind the connection between the Deaton and Peyton families. Our journey led us to uncover a crucial piece of evidence in the form of Jack Peyton's World War II registration card. It revealed that Jack Peyton had been the farmhand for Harve Deaton, Martha Ann's father, back in 1940. The card listed Bertie Mae Deaton, Martha Ann's mother, as someone who would always know Jack Peyton's address. With this newfound information in hand, our quest led us to the last living link in the chain, Jack Peyton's only son, Ronald Peyton. At the age of 77, Ronald was surprised to receive our call, as he had always known about the existence of a half-sister living in North Carolina. However, he had never known her name or her identity. Our call offered him the long-awaited answers he had sought for many years. To confirm the connection, we convinced Ronald Peyton to take a DNA test. The results of the test confirmed our suspicions, as it revealed that he shared 9% DNA (634 centimorgans) with my mother, which is consistent with the genetic relationship of a half-uncle. It became increasingly clear that Jack Peyton was likely the biological father of Martha Ann Deaton. The revelation of this hidden family secret left us with a profound sense of empathy for Martha Ann and Harve Deaton, who possibly lived their entire lives without ever discovering the truth. The circumstances of how Bertie Mae Deaton became pregnant by Jack Peyton remain unknown, buried in the annals of time, and lost to history. Living in Cramerton The family eventually decided to move to Cramerton, North Carolina on March 10th, 1950. Bertie's husband, Harve, had already been working in the Mill there because farming was not productive enough to support a family of four. While working in the mill, Harve was living with Bertie's cousin, Vassie Lewallen and her husband Garnett Smith. Harve was eventually offered a job to be the caretaker for the Cramer farm and a house came with the job; therefore, Bertie and the children made the full time move to Cramerton. Their house address was 583 Mountain Road, Cramerton NC. This was the first house Bertie Mae had with a bathroom, running water, and electricity. Bertie Mae and Harve Deaton at their Cramerton House Bertie Mae with her children, Wayne and Martha Ann Deaton Deaton Family in the yard of Stuart Cramer at the Maymont Mansion The family loved going to Friendship Baptist Church, this is where Bertie Mae's cousin, Vassie and Garnett Smith attended church. Harve and Bertie had became good friends with the preacher, Albert Pressley Millen, and his wife, Nellie. When attending a church dinner at Friendship Baptist Church in Belmont, the family got red measles (also known as rubeola). Everyone had gotten better except for mother Bertie Mae. Her measles turned into spinal meningitis. She laid in the hospital and went into a coma for 42 days. When she awoke, she was never quite right again and suffered physically and mentally. Things did not get better for Bertie Mae as there were instances where she had attempted suicide by trying to drown herself in the lake and her husband Harve jumped in and pulled her out. Harve had her committed to Broughton Mental Hospital on May 3rd 1954 and was she discharged on June 30th 1955. I was able to obtain Bertie's admission card to Broughton Hospital through the Broughton Hospital Library, everything that I was told was confirmed to be tru e about her medical conditions. On Sunday, June 16th 1957 at 9:15 pm, Bertie Mae Deaton, had gotten her husband's .32 pistol and shot herself in the right temple outside of the garage of her house . She was followed by her son Wayne outside and she told him, "Do your mother a favor and go back inside the house". Wayne ran back inside the house and told his sister, Martha. Martha replied "She's not gonna do it" and then the gun shot went off. Shortly before Bertie's death, her daughter, Martha Ann, had apparently been sneaking out of the house at night and was forming relations with the black folk down the road in "Baltimore Village". The town of Cramerton had assumed that Martha was dating black men. The local Ku Klux Klan heard about this and burned a cross in the Deaton's yard. Before Bertie Mae's death, she wrote a letter to her half brother, Boyd Jackson , which read "Make sure Blackie takes care of my flowers". According to Boyd's son, Ronnie, Boyd held onto this letter for a long time but that it was eventually burned in a house fire. Bertie Mae and friend Nellie Millen. Bertie Mae's Broughton Hospital Admission Card. Bertie Mae after contracting Spinal M eningitis The Gastonia Gazette June 18th 1957, Tue · Page 9 According to members of the family, there was a post-mortem photograph of Bertie Mae, but as of this writing, I have never seen the picture and it is unknown if it still exists today. Death Certificate of Bertie Mae Deaton Memory of Bertie Mae Deaton Written by Daughter, Martha Ann Deaton Bertie Mae was an excellent seamstress. She could cut a pattern out of a newspaper and it would look great. She made her daughter's fourth grade school teacher a velvet dress with sequins all over. She was a very good cook and loved all the Ausburn generation. As a child I remember a death in the community and the family was very poor. Mama went over to the house and each neighbor gave what they could to help out. Mama took chickens, eggs, ect. to the country store and traded them. She was so proud she was able to get each child and the father in the family a new set of clothes. She pruchased cloth and went home. She procceeded to make the mother a new dress. By late afternoon she delivered the clothes and had cooked their dinner as well. She always tried to help others. A message written by Bertie Mae in Martha Ann Deaton's 1956 yearbook Bertie Mae (Right) with brother-in-law, Isaac Deaton (Left) Extra Stories about Bertie Mae Ausburn In 2023, I visited Baltimore Village (African-American Community) in Cramerton with my mother. Baltimore Village is directly across the street to where Bertie and the family lived in Cramerton from 1950-1962. When knocking on the door of the oldest living locals in Baltimore Village, I told them that my great grandparents lived across the street in the 1950s. Immediately, I got the response, "Martha Ann Deaton?". All 3 locals that I spoke to, remembered Bertie Mae and the family like they spoke to them yesterday. One lady told me that she remembered Bertie Mae sitting on the porch of the house and when the children from Baltimore would walk to the store and pass the Deaton household, Bertie Mae would look out for cars to make sure no one got hit. One man told me that he remembered Bertie Mae coming over to help the people in Baltimore sew some clothing and that she was a very friendly woman. In 2023, I also spoke with a classmate of Martha Ann Deaton, she said she remembered Bertie well and that she had a real country voice and that she was always real friendly to her. She said she does remember Bertie Mae having breakdowns when she came to visit them and she would sometimes see Bertie cry for no reason. She also recollected the goodie bags that Bertie would sent her home with, filled with cake and cookies. Bertie Mae Deaton's Social Security Card Bertie Mae with children and famous Cherokee Indian, Molly Runningwolf Sequoyah In 2023, Roy Gibson (Brother of Fred Gibson) told me that he remembered walking down Baldwin mountain when Bertie Mae recognized him and picked him up in her and Harve's Ford A model coupe. He said she was driving with Martha Ann and Wayne in the car. Linda Deaton (Earl Deaton's daughter), told me the story that when Bertie Mae passed away, her glasses were left on the right side of the fireplace in their Cramerton home. When the family decided to put them away, the next day they suddenly reappeared right back on that mantle and the family decided to just leave them be and the glasses stayed their until they moved out. Every Picture I have seen of Bertie Mae Ausburn All Census Records

Click here to view profile David Zebedee Poole May 15th 1867 - April 18th 1935 Into the Life David Zebedee "Zeb" Poole was born May 15th, 1867 to David Wilson Poole and Flora Livingston in Montgomery County, North Carolina. On January 19th, 1887 he married Charlotte Parsons. They had four children together: Johnsie A Poole (born 1888), Annie Belle Poole (born 1889), David Franklin Poole (born 1993), Horace Ceaser Poole (born 1895). His wife, Charlotte, died in 1913 due to an unknown cause (Death Certificates weren't required in NC until a few months after Charlotte passed). He remarried Hannah Bell Freeman on March 7th, 1916 in Randolph County, North Carolina. Zeb passed away on April 18th, 1935 due to arteriosclerosis. Father: David Wilson Poole Mother : Flora Livingston ________________ _______ 1st Wife : Charlotte Parsons Children : Johnsie A Poole, Annie Belle Poole, David Franklin Poole, Horace Ceaser Poole 2nd Wife : Hannah Bell Freeman The picture to the left is believed to be Zeb Poole (right) making moonshine. It is possible that the man to the left is Zeb's son, David Franklin Poole. Having multiple conversations with Zeb's grandchildren, he was often reported being a mean man with a big mustache.

Click here to view the Deaton Family Tree! Originated in the rocky mountains of North Carolina, foothills of Banks and Towns County, Georgia. Deaton Family Tree Click a profile and learn more!

Click here to view profile James Thomas Davis November 23th 1866 – February 25th 1904 James Thomas Davis was born on November 23rd in Robbinsville, North Carolina. He is understood to be the father of both Etta and Cena Davis but there is no hard evidence of this. The mother was Leutica Carver. It is unknown whether James Davis had a relationship with these children. But Etta always said James Davis was her father. I currently have not seen any photos of James Thomas Davis. It is unknown if one still exists today. James Davis married Mahala Jane "Billie" Cooper on Jan 14th 1889 in Robbinsville. They had six children. They stayed married until his death in 1904. He is buried several feet away from his parents and the Carver family; consisting of Leutica, Azor, and Lucinda Carver. Fa ther: John Robert Davis Mother : Annie Starkey ____________________ Children with Leutica Carver : Etta Davis , Cena Davis Wife: Mahala Jane "Billie" Cooper Mahala Jane "Billie" Cooper Headstone of James Thomas Davis

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