Search Results

Click here to view profile Eliza Cantrell October 1838 – around 1897 Eliza Cantrell was born in 1838 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She was the daughter of William Lanceford Cantrell and Martha Patsy (Cantwell) Cantrell. Little is known about Eliza. Eliza was married to Joab M. Deyton/Dayton/Deaton on or about 22 March 1860. Her husband, Joab M. Deyton died on 22 July 1862 while in the service with Company D, of the 24th Regiment, of the Georgia Volunteers (CSA). He died of Fever in the hospital located in Richmond Virginia. He is listed as Joal M. Dayton on the CSA military roster. Eliza received a pension from the Widows' Pension in the State of Georgia from 1891-1897. Eliza had four children total: Silas L. Dayton born 1861 (Lived with his paternal grandparents after father died in Civil War). John Starlin Deaton born 1868 (Headstone is incorrect) and father is unknown. Martha Ann Deaton Wheeler born 1870 (Death Certificate says 1869) and father was Jeremiah Marion Osborn. James Wesley Dayton born 1873 and father was Wyle Trusty. The 1870 Census for Towns County Georgia shows Eliza living with her mother, Martha Patsy Cantrell, with three children in the house: Francis 13 years, John S. 3 years, and Martha A.E. 9 months. The same census shows Silas living in the household of John and Sarah Deaton, who were parents to Joab M. Deyton. The 1880 Census for Towns County Georgia shows Elizer Denton as head of household with three children in the house: John S. 13 years, Martha A. 10 years, and James W. 6 years. No mention of Eliza Cantrell Deyton/Denton/Deaton can be found in the Census of 1900. It is presumed she passed away sometime between 1897, the last recorded year of her receiving a Widows' Pension, and 1900 when the Census was taken. Eliza's parents and some siblings are reported to be buried in the Upper Hightower Cemetery, Hiawassee, Towns County, Georgia. It is believed by the Towns County Historical Society, Eliza is also buried in the same cemetery, but no record of her burial there can be found. Most probably one of the graves with crumbled headstones. Fa ther: William Lanceford Cantrell Mother : Martha Patsy Cantwell _______________________ Husband: Joab Dayton Children : Silas Dayton Children with unknown father: John Starlin Deaton Children with Jeremiah Marion Osborn : Martha Ann Deyton Children with Wyle Trusty : James Wesley Dayton _______________________ All Census Records

Discover the family story of Mary Ann Murray. Learn about Mary Ann Murray's heritage, including her parents and husband, on our family website. Mary Ann Murray January 6th 1832 - June 26th 1899 Mary Ann 'Polly' Murray was born in Franklin County, GA to John and Sarah Caudell Murray. She was born January 6, 1832. She married Hugh Ausburn o n December 28, 1850 in Franklin County, GA. They had ten children. She died June 26, 1899 in Banks County and is buried in the Damascus Church Cemetery in Banks County, GA near her son, Joseph B. Ausburn. Picture of Mary Ann Murray Father: Thomas Ausburn Mother : Virginia Jane Brown ____________________ Husband: Hugh B. Ausburn

Click here to view profile Carvin Eugene Eury August 29th 1939 – December 6th 1958 Early Life Carvin Eugene Eury was born 1939 in Stanly County, North Carolina to Hugh and Annie Eury. He was their third child and the youngest of his three brothers, Alvin (born 1934) and James (born 1936). Carvin went to school at Hartsell in Concord, North Carolina. He lived just down the road from Hartsell school on Swink Street. He met Joyce Elaine Lee (1939-2000), who would become his wife on March 23rd, 1957. Carvin decided to enlist in the military in 1957. L to R: Alvin, Carvin, James L to R: Hugh, Carvin, James, Alvin, Annie L to R: Alvin, Hugh, Carvin, Annie, James Carvin Eury Father: Hugh Kennie Eury Mother : Annie Rachel Livingston Brothers : Alvin Eury , James Eury Half Brother : Malcom Tucker ________________ _______ L to R: Alvin, Carvin, James Carvin School Photo L to R: Carvin and Alvin L to R: Joyce Elaine Lee and Carvin Eury Carvin (Right) with friend in the Military Carvin's Death In 1958, Carvin Eury passed away in an automobile accident while overseas in Germany serving in the military at the age of 19. Carvin in his military uniform Obituary, December 18th 1958, Charlotte Observer, Page 12 Carvin and girlfriend Joyce Elaine Lee in Germany (Electoral Palace Fountain in Trier) a few months before Carvin's death L to R: James, Charles Vest (Carvin's friend), Alvin, Hugh

Discover the family roots of Elsie Lucille Meeler. Explore her lineage, including parents, siblings, and half-brothers. Learn about Elsie Meeler now! Elsie Lucille Meeler February 23rd 1927 - March 7th 2020 Elsie Lucille Meeler was born February 23, 1927 in Banks County, GA. She was the last child born to James W. Meeler and Etta Davis Meeler. Growing up, she attended Damascus Baptist Church in Banks County, Georgia with her mother, Etta, and siblings, Robert and Odell. Daniel Deaton told me, that when Elsie was a child, she would often brag and quote, "I am going to marry a rich man, so I don't have to work!" Elsie married Verner Daniel Looney, born March 30, 1922, on November 1, 1946 in Habersham County, Georgia. Elsie retired from Grady School, in Homer, GA as cafeteria supervisor, and Verner retired from construction work. They had two sons, Verner Lee Looney and Edwin Dillard Looney. Elsie Looney passed away on March 7th, 2020. She is buried at Franklin Memorial Gardens in North Lavonia, Georgia. Father : James Meeler Mother : Etta Davis _ ______________________ Brothers : Robert Meeler, Charlie Meeler Sisters : Odell Meeler Half Brothers : John Henry Deaton , Jake Deaton , Harve Deaton ________________ ______ Top (L to R): Harve, John Henry Middle (L to R): Etta, Elsie, Odell Bottom (L to R): Robert, Charlie L to R: Etta, Robert, Elsie, Charlie, Odell L to R: Harve Deaton, Elsie Looney, Etta Meeler, Charlie Meeler, Robert Meeler L to R: Odell Meeler, Bertha Smith Deaton, Elsie Meeler L to R: Elsie Meeler and Odell Meeler L to R: Martha Ann Deaton, Odell Meeler, Elsie Meeler Elsie and husband, Verner L to R: Edwin, Verner, Elsie, Lee R to L: Elsie Looney, Etta Meeler, Anita Looney, Lee Looney Elsie and her husband, Verner, can be seen at several different points of this 1987 video of her brother, Harves', birthday L to R: Elsie, Verner, Odell, E.C. Gerrell L to R: Elsie, Odell, Etta, Robert

Click here to view profile Share Your Memories I'm a shared gallery. Here you can upload photos and videos, tag people in them, and include written descriptions. Be sure to encourage others in your community to do the same. You can set permissions to control what different members can do.

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

Click here to view profile Jack Peyton May 23rd 1916 – December 24th 1989 Jack Peyton 1940s Jack Peyton holding Martha Ann Deaton Banks County Jack Peyton was born in May 1916 in the Washington District of Banks County, Georgia to Dover and Nancy Peyton. In his teenager years, he had a falling out with his father Dover and left home. He found work in the same district for a man named Harve Deaton who took him in as a farmhand. Harve Deaton's wife, Bertie Mae Ausburn, knew Jack as they were distant cousins and grew up near one another. On Jack's WW2 registration card, he lists his cousin, Bertie Mae, as someone who would always know his location. In 1941, Jack Peyton and Bertie Mae Ausburn, had a daughter named Martha Ann Deaton. The circumstances of this event are unknown. DNA Testing Father : Dover Peyton Mother : Nancy Segars Brother: John Sisters : Lela, Emma, Sally, Mollie, Julia ________________ _______ Child with Bertie Mae Ausburn: Martha Ann Deaton Wife : Annie Ruth Tipton Child : Ronald Peyton Jack Peyton's paternity was not discovered by Martha Ann Deaton's family until 82 years later, in August of 2023, when Martha Ann Deaton's daughter took a DNA test that revealed Jack Peyton as her grandfather instead of Harve Deaton. It is likely that Martha Ann Deaton never knew, as she passed away in 2020, three years before the DNA test was taken. It is also unknown if Harve Deaton ever knew of this. After receving the DNA results from ancestry.com, it was readily apparent that there were no "Deaton" surname DNA matches, even while knowing many of Martha Ann's cousins had taken the same DNA test. It did however show many matches with the name "Peyton", which was familiar due to the fact that Bertie Mae kept two photos of a man named Jack Peyton, one in which he was holding one-year old Martha Ann. After researching Jack Peyton, it was found that his only other child, Ronald Peyton, was still alive and lived in Albany, Georgia. Having contacted Ronald, he told us that he always knew he had a half-sister that lived in North Carolina but did not know who she was. He said he was told this by his uncle John after his father had passed away in 1989. Ronald agreed to take a DNA test and results showed that he is the half-uncle of Martha Ann Deaton’s daughter and son, confirming that Jack was Martha Ann's biological father. L to R: Carl Maney, Hoyt Moss, Unknown, Jack Peyton Jack Peyton WW2 and Marriage Jack Peyton served in WW2 and was awarded a purple heart and a bronze star. After the war, he married a woman named Annie Ruth Tipton. They had one child together in 1946, named Ronald Peyton in Greenwood SC. December 22nd 1944 The Greenville News- Greenville SC December 16th 1944 The Index Journal- Greenwood SC Jack Peyton with wife, Annie Ruth Tipton

Click here to view profile John Robert Davis December 18th 1840 – June 24th 1928 John Robert Davis was born on December 18th 1840 to father Thomas Davis and mother Arabella Burchfield. Around 1863, John Davis married Anna Starkey and they had many children together. John Robert Davis is buried in Lone Oak Cemetery in Robbinsville, North Carolina beside his wife, Anna, and son, James Thomas Davis . Headstone of James Thomas Davis Fa ther: Thomas Davis Mother : Arabella Burchfield ____________________ Wife: Anna Starkey Death Certificate.

Click here to view profile Maud Ausburn November 17th 1908 - February 20th 1991 L to R: Maud and niece, Bertie Mae Ausburn L to R: Maud Ausburn, Claude Jackson, Lucille Jackson, Harve Deaton holding Martha Ann Deaton Maud Lee Ausburn was the youngest child of Benjamin and Mary Caudell Ausburn. She was born November 17, 1908 in Banks County, GA. She died February 20, 1991 in Banks County, GA. She never married. She is buried at Damascus Church Cemetery, Banks County, GA. Memories of Maud Ausburn written by Martha Ann Deaton: "As a child I loved Aunt Maud. She kept house for Mallory Scoggins after his wife died and took care of his daughter, Ruby. I would spend the weekend with them. It was a great big white two-story house with a tremendous porch. It was about the nicest house I remember at the time. Aunt Maud would give me a dime to go to the store across the road that Mr. Scoggins owned in Hollingsworth, GA. He would feed me all kinds of junk, then give me candy to take back to the house with me. He would tell me not to tell Maud. He was a great person! He always told me about the girl that had twenty-five names and he could rattle them off so very fast. I almost believed him. Aunt Maud always fried chicken for Sunday morning breakfast. I enjoyed those visits, except for them insisting that I sing the latest song I had learned. My great-aunts were a very special part of my life." L to R: Maud and Martha Ann Deaton Father: Benjamin Ausburn Mother : Mary Louise Caudell Brother : Grant Wilmer Ausburn Sister : Mittie Lou Ausburn , Essie Ausburn ________________ _______ L to R: Martha Ann Deaton, Maud holding Wayne Deaton Mallory Scoggins house where Maud Ausburn worked L to R: Maud Ausburn and Fred Gibson

Click here to view profile John Murray December 10th 1803 - September 24th 1885 John Murray was born December 10, 1803 in NC and died September 24, 1885 in Banks County, GA. He was the son of James Murray and Anna Murray. He married Sarah Caudell about 1826 in Franklin County, GA. She was born March 26, 1807 in NC and died January 10, 1871 in Banks County, GA. She was the daughter of Benjamin Caudell, Jr. and Francis 'Fannie' Caudell. John and Sarah Murray are buried at the Murray Family Cemetery, Banks County, GA. There are other tombstones in that old family cemetery but all the names on them are illegible. They are Ben Ausburn's maternal grandparents. There is a deed recording the sale of 80 acres of land on December 28, 1833 to John Murray. He paid one hundred dollars for the tract of land. One day before John Murray's purchase, his brother, Josiah bought one hundred acres for two hundred dollars. Both parcels of land were bought from William Catlett. The land was described as being on Webs Creek in Franklin County. The land owners next to them were Benjamin Caudell, David Caudell, Crawford, and James Murray. Father: James Murray Mother : Anna Hamilton ____________________ Wife: Sarah Jane Caudill Copied as written is a letter John Murray wrote to his daughter, Elizabeth, in Saline County, AR. Banks County, Georgia August 6, 1876 Dear daughter I seat my Self to write to let you know that I am in common health at this time hoping these lines may come safe to hand and find upon all well my arme is not improved much Sence I wrote to you. I can rest better I can't doo no hard labor the conection is ginerele well at this time I received your letter in dew time and was glad to here from you and here that you was all well. I wood have wrote Sooner but I have neglected William Floyd Murray was born Feb. 20th 1828 Tanna Malinda Murray was born Feb. 19th 1830 Maryan Murray was born January 6th 1832 James T. Murray was born July 29th 1834 Sarah Jane Murray was born March 4th 1837 22

Click here to view profile Martha Ann Deaton July 5th 1941- November 13th 2020 Martha Ann at three and a half months old Martha Ann Deaton with her aunt Lucille Jackson Top Row (L to R): Maud Ausburn, Claude Jackson, Lucille Jackson Bottom Row: Harve holding Martha Ann Claude Jackson and Martha Ann Deaton Martha Ann Deaton and father, Harve Growing Up in Banks Martha Ann Deaton was born in Banks County, Georgia on July 5th, 1941 to Harve and Bertie Mae Deaton. Growing up in the 1940s, nestled in the quiet landscapes of rural Georgia, my grandmother came of age in a world quite different from today's modern comforts. She fondly recounted stories of her upbringing in a simple wooden-built home. Her everyday life also bore witness to challenges that are now distant memories. The absence of indoor plumbing meant that a trip to the outhouse was a regular excursion. Toilet paper was a luxury not readily available in their wooden-built home, leading to an ingeniously simple alternative: newspaper. When Martha was twenty months old, her newborn brother passed away the day he was born. Kenneth Wesley Deaton arrived too early and wasn't strong enough to make it. He died on March 13th, 1943 and is buried at Damascus Cemetery. She attended Grady Elementary School from 1947 to 1950, located in Homer, Georgia. The school is no longer standing. She also regularly attended Damascus Baptist Church with her family. At some point in the early 1940's, the family decided to move to a new house a little closer to the church. This house was the only one that Martha Ann said she remembered in Georgia. In 1946, Martha's younger brother was born, Wayne Harry Deaton. Martha Ann's childhood home in Banks County, Georgia L to R: Martha Ann, Maud Ausburn, and Wayne Martha Ann with her dog L to R: Harve, Martha Ann, Bertie Mae Martha Ann in the early 1940s L to R: Martha Ann Deaton, Fred Gibson, Wayne Deaton Martha Ann Deaton (left) and friend L to R: Martha Ann, Harve, Wayne Father : Harve Wesley Deaton Mother : Bertie Mae Ausburn Brother : Wayne Harry Deaton ________________ _______ 1st Husband : Stephen Duncan Children : Daryll Duncan 2nd Husband : James Phillip Eury Children : Angela Eury 3rd Husband : George Nural Sheppard Martha Ann and father Harve Deaton Martha Ann Deaton feeding her little brother Wayne Bertie Mae holding Martha Ann in 1941 Martha Ann Deaton and cousin, Earl Deaton Martha Ann Deaton (right) and friend Meeting Molly Runningwolf Martha's uncle Reuben died in 1932 after getting hit in the head. It was speculated that the son of Molly Runningwolf was the one who did it; however, Molly Runningwolf took the blame and served 21 months in prison for it. In 1947, Martha's father went to Big Cove in Cherokee to find out who really killed his brother. Molly Runningwolf had thought he had come to kill her. In reality, he just wanted the truth. Molly begged him to believe her, explaining that it was not her or her son, but that it was a member of the Swayney family that did it. The meeting ended cordially. Harve brought along his wife Bertie Mae, his children: Fred, Martha Ann, Wayne, and his wife's half brother, Boyd Jackson. In the interview below, there is a audio recording mentioning the killing of uncle Rube. Click here to listen to Molly Runningwolf interview L to R: Bertie holding Wayne and Molly Runningwolf with her arms on Martha Ann Deaton L to R: Martha Ann, Boyd Jackson, Fred Gibson Recollections of Grady School written by Martha Ann Deaton "I loved Miss Margie Caudell. She taught me in the first grade. She was our neighbor and gave me a little feist dog when I was born. Her name was Penny and I had her until I was eleven years old. When the Damascus road flooded near the old covered bridge, Monroe Boling would bring "Miss Grace" on the tractor through the water and meet us on the other side. Then Dad and I would take her to school with us. In the middle of the classrooms stood wood heaters. One of the older boys that lived near the school always started a fire in both rooms. No one used the upstairs then. Miss Winnie taught grades 1, 2, and 3, and "Miss Grace" taught grades 4, 5, 6, and 7. Parents would bring veggies to school and Miss Winnie would cook them on the old wood heater. We brought a bowl and spoon from home so we had something hot to go with our bagged lunch. The big boys took turns drawing a cool fresh bucket of water." Martha Ann Deaton Grady School Picture Martha Ann Deaton with her aunt Lucille Jackson Grady School building in 2003 Mrs. Grace Boling Mrs. Winnie Brown Kessee Martha Ann Deaton with her grandaunt Maud Ausburn L to R: Lucille Jackson, Martha Ann Deaton, Geraldine Watson L to R: Martha Ann, Wayne, and Bobbie Jean Lewallen Martha Ann Deaton L to R: Harve, Wayne, Martha Ann, Bertie Mae L to R: Martha Ann, Bertie Mae, Wayne Martha Ann with her dogs (holding Penny) L to R: Lucille, Bobbie Jean, Bertie Mae, Harve, Martha Ann 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. The photo I have of Jack Peyton holding Martha Ann Deaton (Writing on the back by Bertie Mae Ausburn) 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. Jack Peyton is on the far right. Also shown are friends Hoyt Moss and Carl Maney Jack Peyton WW2 picture; where he earned a purple heart The Move to Cramerton The family eventually decided to move to Cramerton, North Carolina on March 10th, 1950. Martha's father, Harve, had already been working in the mill there because farming was not productive enough to support the family. While working in the mill, he was living with his friend, Garnett Smith. He 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. Martha was almost 9 years old and this was the first house she had lived in with a bathroom, running water, and electricity. Harve was working directly for Rebecca Cramer, Stewart Cramer's third wife. Stewart Cramer was the founder of Cramerton and lived in the famous Maymont Mansion on the top of Cramer mountain. Harve took care of Rebecca's land, surrounding the mansion. In the mornings, he would give a daily report to Mrs. Cramer, often when she was sitting on the toilet. Martha Ann and Wayne loved to go up to the mansion and visit. Every easter, Mrs. Cramer would make them Easter baskets and in return they would take Mrs. Cramer's brother, Mr. Tinkham, a dyed easter egg. Before Rebecca passed in 1957, she told Martha Ann she could have any piece of furniture from the mansion that she wanted. She picked a dining room chair, which is still in good condition today. Martha Ann in her Cramerton Yard Martha and cousin at the New Cramerton Home L to R: Wayne and Martha Ann at the Maymont Mansion Pool L to R: Martha Ann, Boyd Jackson, Ronnie Jackson, Wayne Deaton L to R: Martha Ann, Harve, Wayne, Bertie Mae L to R: Wayne, Harve, Martha Ann Martha Ann Deaton Wayne Deaton Cramerton Presbyterian Church Camp in 1950 L to R: Wayne Deaton and Martha Ann Deaton Martha Ann on back porch steps L to R: Betty Louise Smith and friend Martha Ann Deaton L to R: Wayne Deaton, Ronald Jackson, Martha Ann Deaton L to R: Martha Ann Deaton and Betty Louise Smith L to R: Betty Louise Smith, David Smith, Martha Ann Deaton L to R: Martha Ann Deaton, John Henry Deaton (uncle), Wayne Deaton Cramerton High School 8th Grade Cramerton High School 9th Grade Family Struggles and Engagement Even though the quality of life had improved, life was still difficult for her and the family. On Christmas Eve of 1953, while 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. This caused a lot of tension between Bertie Mae and her daughter, Martha Ann. She would frequently tell her daughter that she is her father's child and Wayne was hers. On January 16th 1957, the Charlotte Observer announced that Martha Ann and Tommy J Cabe were engaged. This is something she never told anyone so it was a shock to find this in the newspaper. I spoke to Tommy in August of 2023, he told me that they neutrally decided to break off the wedding due to them being too young at the time. There was a point where Martha had enough of Bertie being so mean to her. While Martha was ironing, Bertie had made a very rude remark to her. She had enough of it and told Bertie Mae off. This caused Bertie Mae to get a kitchen knife in attempt to attack her daughter. Martha said that she was so skinny and weak at that point due to her sickness, that she was able to simply take the knife away. Things did not get better for Bertie Mae; there were two instances where she had attempted suicide by drowning herself in the lake and Harve jumped in to pull her out. Harve had her committed to Broughton Mental Hospital on May 3rd 1954 and she was discharged on June 30th 1955. 1957 was a difficult year for the Deaton family. The tension between Martha Ann and her mother had heightened. Martha Ann, seeking solace, would frequently leave the house at night, reportedly visiting acquaintances from Baltimore Village, an African-American community in Cramerton. When I visited Baltimore Village on December 6th, 2023, locals who had resided there in 1957 instantly recalled Martha Ann's presence. On Sunday, June 16th 1957 at 9:15 pm, Martha's mother, Bertie Mae Deaton, got a .32 pistol and shot herself in the right temple outside of their garage. Martha was 15 years old at the time. Martha's brother Wayne saw Bertie Mae take the gun outside and she told him "Do your mother one last favor and go back inside the house.” Wayne rushed in and told Martha Ann and she replied "She isn't going to do it.” According to Roy Gibson (Fred Gibson's younger brother), a few weeks prior to her death, Bertie Mae wrote a letter and gave it to her half brother, Boyd Jackson. The letter read, "Make sure Blackie takes care of my flowers.” An African-American man whose father worked for Carothers Funeral Home, was supposed to be cleaning the hearse but instead took it out for a joy ride. This man and his four friends offered Martha Ann and her friend a ride. There was a routine traffic check but the man driving did not stop. This led to a high speed car chase with Martha Ann and her friend in the car. They ended up getting into a wreck. Martha Ann was 16 years old at the time while her friend was 15; therefore, Martha Ann was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She was then sent off to training school. The town of Cramerton assumed that Martha and her friend were dating those black men. The local Ku Klux Klan heard about this and burned a cross in the Deaton's yard. Libby Gunter (Cramerton Local), vividly recalls that day. She told me that her dad was good friends with Martha's father, Harve Deaton, and when her father heard the news, he went to show him support; however, upon arrival in his truck with his daughter Libby, the KKK threatened to kill them if they didn't leave. Libby said it was the biggest cross she had ever seen and that the it was a very frightening moment. According to the recollections of several 2023 residents of Baltimore Village, Martha Ann had accused the men of rape, leading to their imprisonment. The men they mentioned to me were: Clifford Hill, Bobby Shanks, and AC Anderson Sensitive Content Martha Ann standing in the front yard of the Deaton household in Cramerton Martha Ann on the front steps of the Deaton household in Cramerton L to R: Martha Ann and Wayne Deaton Martha and Wayne at Kings Mountain U.S. Monument Charlotte Observer- January 16th 1957 L to R: Martha Ann Deaton, Odell Meeler, Elsie Meeler Martha Ann Deaton (Left) and her friend Betty Louise Smith (Right) L to R: Wayne, Bertie Mae, Martha Ann Deaton Page 1 of The Gastonia Gazette December 7th 1957 Cramerton High School Transcript L to R: Martha Ann Deaton, JoNell Deaton, Carrie Deaton, Ruth Deaton, Johnnie Deaton Bertie's Death Cramerton High School 10th Grade Martha Ann Deaton as High School Secretary St. Euphrasia School for Girls In 2024, it was discovered that the whereabouts of Martha Ann Deaton between 1958 and 1960 remained a mystery. There were no photographs, yearbook entries, or any evidence that she had been living in Cramerton with her father and brother during that time. Though she appeared in both the freshman and sophomore yearbooks of Cramerton High School, she was noticeably absent from the junior and senior editions. When family members were asked about this missing period in her life, they only recalled that she had been “gone,” but no one knew where. However, former classmates recalled hearing that she had been sent to a training school after what they vaguely referred to as “the scandal” involving the incident with the African American men. The first concrete clue emerged in 2024 when a request for her high school transcript revealed that Martha Ann had been transferred to a training school in 1957. This discovery led to further investigation, but official records provided no additional details. The breakthrough came when a family member uncovered an old photograph of a sign reading “St. Euphrasia Training School”—accompanied by a picture of Martha Ann from that same time period. St. Euphrasia’s Training School for Girls was founded in 1947 by sisters from the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd near Batesburg, South Carolina. While no official documentation has been found confirming her enrollment, the photographic evidence strongly suggests that this is where she was sent. It remains unknown whether her placement at St. Euphrasia Training School was court-ordered or arranged by her father. Picture found attached to St. Euphrasia School photo shown above Tragedy in 1960 Tragedy continued to loom. On February 13th, 1960, a man by the name of John Robert Kendrick was attempting to break into the screen door of the Cramerton home of Harve, Wayne, and Martha Ann Deaton. At about 1:30 am, Martha Ann alerted her father that she heard a noise outside. Harve quickly got his .32 pistol and shot John Robert Kendrick in the head. Kendrick fell on the steps, the police were called and he was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Charlotte, where he was pronounced dead. Kendrick lived at 553 Baltimore Street with his mother, Sallie, and step-father, Jessie Williams. Prior to this incident, John Robert Kendrick was sentenced to state prison on October 1953 for two counts of burglary. He was then transferred to Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro, North Carolina in April 1956 until being released. Harve was quickly acquitted for the killing as it was an act of self defense. This is something Martha Ann never spoke about. It is believed she was partly traumatized by this and scared it would bring shame to the family. According the residents in Baltimore Village, they believed that John Robert Kendrick was drunk at the time and had just wandered to the wrong house that night. They also mentioned he had serious mental problems. The Gastonia Gazette Thu, Feb 18, 1960 · Page 4 Gastonia Gazette February 13th, 1960 Page 1 John Robert Kendrick's Death Certificate Duncan Marriage In 1963, it was time for the Deaton family to leave Cramerton. Rebecca Cramer had passed away, and Martha's father, Harve, was wrapping up his work, as he no longer had anyone to serve. Before Rebecca’s passing, one of the Cramer children told Martha Ann that she could choose anything from the Maymont home—Stuart Cramer's estate at 600 Maymont Dr, Cramerton, NC—as a keepsake. Martha Ann selected two identical, uniquely designed dining room chairs. Unfortunately, one of the chairs was damaged in the mid 1960s, but the other remains in good condition and is still in my possession today. Given that President Herbert Hoover and Dwight Eisenhower attended parties at Maymont, it is possible that one of them once sat in this very chair. Martha Ann married her first husband, Stephen Benjamin Franklin Duncan, on December 8th 1962 in South Point Township, Gaston, North Carolina. Martha Ann was 21 years old, Stephen was 19. The best man was Harold Wayne Hanna (1931-2010). The matron of honor was Betty Jean Davenport Best (1928-2009). Mary Bollick Stowe Dellinger was the organist. Stephen became abusive and gave Martha a black eye on two different occasions. It is said that after the first one, Martha's father, Harve, gave him a warning. But after it happened again, Stephen was ran off at the end of Harve's pistol. Before the divorce finalized, Martha welcomed her first child, Daryll, on December 11th 1963. Martha and her son Daryll moved back in with her father, Harve, who was living in Concord at the time. Stephen and Martha at the Wedding The Gastonia Gazette- December 9th, 1962 Page 23 Bridal shower hosted by Roxie Clark (A friend of Martha's who worked at the beauty shop with her) L to R: Mary Bollick Stowe (Organist), Albert Pressley Millan (Preacher), Harve Deaton, Martha Ann Deaton, Stephen Duncan, Betty Jean Best, Harold Hanna, Wayne Deaton, David Ross Dellinger (Singer) Harve Deaton with daughter Martha Ann Martha Ann with son, Daryll Duncan Stephen and his father, Manus Duncan Martha and Stephen's mother, Lillian Odell Duncan Harve Deaton with Grandson, Daryll Duncan L to R: Lucille Jackson , Martha Ann Deaton, Daryll Duncan, Roger Gibson Wedding Guest List Preacher AP Millen marrying Martha and Stephen Martha Ann Deaton on a Bison Martha Ann Deaton and son Daryll Duncan Martha Ann Deaton and son Daryll Duncan Eury Marriage One day after experiencing some issues with the sewing machine in the hallway of her fathers Concord farm house, Martha Ann, called Sears for a repair service. A man showed up in a Sears & Roebuck repair van. This man was James Phillip Eury. After quickly fixing the sewing machine, he asked if it would be acceptable for him to take Martha out on a date sometime. Martha agreed. When the first date was coming up, it just so happened that Martha's son Daryll, got sick and threw up all over the living room rug right before he got there. Martha wasn't going to go but her father Harve said, "Sis, I'll look after the boy, go out and have fun.” The rest was history as James and Martha were perfect for one another. They got married on December 27th 1968 in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Things were going well and James bought a piece of land to build a house on. James and Harve had already started clearing the land to build, but when Martha got pregnant, they decided to buy a house already built at 129 Autumn Lane, Harrisburg, North Carolina. James and Martha welcomed their first daughter, Angela Renee Eury, on August 13th 1970. They also decided to accept a foster child into their home, Nora Biggers. The Eury's had a full house! L to R: Wayne, Daryll, Harve, Martha, James The Wedding of James Eury and Martha Ann Deaton The year was 1975 and James started to feel very sick. After going to the hospital, the doctors decided to do an exploratory surgery. During the surgery, there were complications and James went into a coma. James never woke up and died on November 17th 1975 from Hepatic Failure. Martha Ann was single yet again but this time with two children to care for. Top (L to R): Martha Eury, James Eury Bottom (L to R): Nora Biggers, Daryll Duncan, Angela Eury Martha and James with newborn daughter, Angela Eury. Voicemail of Martha Ann Deaton Martha Ann Deaton Eury with husband, James Phillip Eury Final Marriage and Later Years Getting over the death of James Eury was quite difficult for Martha and the family. He was a good man that was loved by everyone that knew him. Martha had plenty to occupy herself through the difficult times. She was working to support her two children and also volunteering on the Harrisburg rescue squad. While on the rescue squad, she met a man named Joe Miller Morris. He was born July 3rd 1929. Joe and Martha started dating and things became very serious until Martha decided to break it off before marrying. The children were devastated because they really liked him. It is unknown the reason for breaking it off but it may have been because she felt he had a mean streak to him. He always drove really fast in the ambulance and slung Martha around in the back. Joe ended up dying just four years later. Martha then began dating the captain of the rescue squad, George Nural Sheppard. He was born December 21st 1931 in Forest City, North Carolina. They got married on March 17th 1977. They were together for 41 years until his passing in 2018. Martha in the Rescue Squad Yearbook Now that Martha's family was stable, I wish I could say all the trials and tribulations were over; however, in early 1997, Martha discovered that she had stage four colon cancer. Around the same time, her father, Harve, passed away. Harve was buried on her birthday. A few years later, her younger brother, Wayne, died of heart failure. Despite all this, she was able to beat cancer and continue to persevere through the difficult times. I would like to say that the next 20 years were the best years of her life (2000-2020). This always reminds me that when you are upon bad times, sometimes the best thing to do is to wait it out. The bad times will pass and the best years of your life may still be ahead of you. Martha Ann Deaton died on November 13th 2020 near the beaches of North Carolina in Onslow County. She authored cookbooks and genealogy books. She loved crafts, cooking, canning, gardening, and sewing. Martha Ann was adored by her children and grandchildren. She will always be remembered as an exceptionally selfless and giving person. She is buried at the Salisbury National Cemetery beside her husband, George. George and Martha Sheppard Martha and George Sheppard celebrate Christmas with their children and grandchildren Every picture I have of Martha Ann Deaton All Census Records

Explore the life of Isaac Deaton, his family, and legacy. Discover Isaac Deaton's story through photos and family ties. Isaac Abraham Deaton July 10th 1897 – April 9th 1988 Isaac Abraham Deaton, known as Ike, was born July 8, 1897. He was the third son of Leuticia Carver and John Starlin Deaton. After his father was killed he chose not to go with his half-sister, Etta Davis Deaton, to Georgia. So he lived with Dr. Leonard at first and later with several other families in Telico Plains, TN growing up. When he was nineteen years old there were no jobs to be found. He said he was hungry and saw a sign that read, "THE MARINES ARE LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN". He went in, joined and stayed thirty-four months. He spoke Spanish fluently, even though he only finished the second grade. All of the Deaton men had very little formal education but had excellent minds. He married Phebie Ellis on August 24, 1922. Phebie was born June 29, 1905. Her parents were John Ellis and Cordelia Kilby Ellis. Ike and Phebie had thirteen children but four of them died as infants. When Rueben Deaton's wife died, Ike went to Cherokee and got his brother's son, Johnnie, and brought him home to live with the family. Johnnie stayed with them until he married. Ike spent most of his life working in logging camps. He owned a farm in Madisonville, TN. His wife, children, and hired hands worked the farm. He had a small house on the farm and usually there was a family living in it that helped with the work. (Lucille Deaton Roberts, Robert Lee Deaton's daughter, has fond memories of living in that house for about four years when she was very young. She enjoyed the time spent with Uncle Ike's children.) He would be gone for long periods of time working at the logging camp. His specific duty was keeping the saws sharpened. The story goes that often the younger children would forget who he was during the absences. Murlon, one of the younger children, was outside playing when Ike returned home one day from the logging camp. He asked the child if he could speak to his mother. He immediately ran inside and told his mother some old man outside wanted to speak with her. He was a hard-working man who loved his family. The Deaton's were notorious for making and drinking whiskey. Yet here was a man that only had whiskey touch his lips one time which was enough for him. Isaac during his time in the Military Fa ther : John Starlin Deaton Mother : Leuticia Carver Brothers: Reuben Deaton , David Deaton , Robert Lee Deaton Half Brothers : John Henry Deaton, Jacob Leander Deaton , Harve Wesley Deaton ____________________ Wife : Phebie Ellis Children : Edia, James Jurlon, Inis, Clarence Murlon, Arthur Starlon, Inez, Farley, Robert Earl, Lavonda Isaac and his wife Phebie Front row (L to R): Farley, Murlon, Edia Second row (L to R): Phebie, Starlon, Ike, Inez Back (L to R): Inis, Jurlon Isaac's wife, Phebie, died September 23, 1980 and Ike died April 9, 1988. They are buried at Big Creek Cemetery in Monroe County, TN. Marie McDonald, his granddaughter, said he was a very stately man, and reminded her of Abraham Lincoln. She remembers her grandmother as being a very kind person and the best fisherman in the world. Christine Pressley remembers as the oldest grandchild, she played with her aunts and uncles. The house was always full of neighborhood children. She remembers that her grandmother always swept and mopped the kitchen every morning after breakfast. Karen Palmer has fond memories of visiting on the farm with her grandparents in Lenoir City, TN. She would help her grandfather mend the fences and plant tobacco. She remembers helping her grandmother taking care of the chickens and storing canned items in the cellar. Since they lived in Army housing it was a huge treat to go to the farm to visit. Every Photo I have seen of Isaac Deaton