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Click here to view profile James M. Eury March 30th 1850 – December 30th 1921 Into the Life James M. Eury was born on March 30th, 1850 to Abraham Eury and Nancy Hitchcock in Stanly County, North Carolina. In 1867, he married Sarah Honeycutt. They had 6 children: Amanda Elizabeth Eury (born 1868), William Henderson Eury (born 1873), Eva Helen Eury (born 1882), Josephus Sanford Eury (born 1884), Mary Jane Eury (born 1889), Lela Pearl Eury (born 1890). James' wife died in 1909 due to unknown reasons (Death certificates in NC weren't required until 1913). Through 1910-1920, he lived with two of his daughters. In 1909, James had his foot amputated likely due to complications with diabetes. He died on Friday Decemeber 30th, 1921 due to complications with his foot. Father: Abraham Eury Mother : Nancy Hitchcock ________________ _______ Wife: Sarah Honeycutt Children : Amanda Elizabeth Eury, William Henderson Eury, Eva Helen Eury, Josephus Sanford Eury , Mary Jane Eury, Lela Pearl Eury Stanly News and Press Thu, Sep 09, 1909 ·Page 2 Stanly News and Press Fri, Jan 07, 1921 ·Page 6 James and Sarah's headstone at Cottonville Baptist Church Death Certificate James brother, Adam Edna Eury

Click here to view profile Mary Louise Caudell July 17th 1872 – July 3rd 1913 Mary Louise Caudell was the husband to Benjamin Ausburn. She was born on July 17th 1872 in Banks County, Georgia. She had four children: Grant Wilmer Ausburn on September 17th 1889. Mittie Lou Ausburn on November 27th 1897. Essie Ausburn on March 17th 1904. Maud Lee Ausburn on November 17th 1908. She died on July 3rd 1913 for a currently unknown reason. I have never seen a picture of Mary Louise Caudell but hoping to find one someday. Father: Wilborn Mickel Caudell Mother: Lucinda Edna Ausburn ________________ _______ Husband: Benjamin Ausburn Children: Grant Wilmer Ausburn , Mittie Lou Ausburn , Essie Ausburn , Maud Lee Ausburn All Census Records

Click here to view profile Mary Velma Eury 13 July 1910 – 19 February 1974 Mary Velma Eury Into the Life Mary Velma Eury was born on July 13, 1910, in Stanly County, North Carolina, to Josephus Sanford Eury and Rosa Agnes Hill. She grew up alongside her many siblings and spent most of her life in Stanly County. In 1930, Mary was residing in Center Township, Stanly County. She spent many years working in the local yarn mills, a common occupation in the region during that time. She continued to live in Norwood, North Carolina, for the remainder of her life. On February 19, 1974, Mary Velma Eury passed away in Norwood. She was buried at Cottonville Baptist Church alongside most of her family. Mary Velma and her niece, Mary Mary Velma Eury 1960 Father: Josephus Eury Mother : Rosa Agnes Hill Brothers: Leonard , Lester , Hugh , Paul , Willie , Joe Jr , Edward , Lawson , Craig Sisters: Nannie (died at age 2), Lela ________________ _______

Click here to view profile Annie Starkey July 14th 1839 – October 20th 1913 An article in the files of the Polk County Historical Society Library, written by former county historian J. D. Clemmer, says Kit Lowery shot and killed Annie's father, John Starkey after an all day shooting match held on the north side of the Hiwassee River at the mouth of Spring Creek. " . . . after the day's match, they started home. Starkey and another one of the boys crossed the river first in the bateau. When they landed, Starkey yelled back across the river that he was not going to let Lowery across, to which Lowery declared he would shoot Starkey if he didn't come back for him" - and he did. John, Milly, and the children (Anna, Elizabeth, Malinda, Thaney and Mahaley E.) are listed as Duggans in the 1850 Polk Census, and then they all go by Starkeys from 1860 on. Why he goes by two different surnames is not clear. It says he was born in North Carolina. John's widow, Milly Clayton, daughter of Elijah Clayton and Betsy Webb Roach, appears in the 1860 census of Polk County, Tennessee with children Ann, Betsy, Mary, Thanie, Mahaly, James, Robert, and Florence. Names in the 1870 are Elizabeth, Malinda, Emeline, James, Robert, and Florence, so the middle name of the girls may be used here. Since the last child was born about 1855, we can conjecture that John was killed 1856-'58. There is no record that we know of as to where John is buried, but considering the difficulty in crossing the Hiwassee River in a boat with a casket, family, and mourners, it is assumed he is interred in the closest cemetery to where he lived, which would be the Hiwassee Union Cemetery, later called the Reliance Community, accessed without crossing the river. That burial ground is known to have at least 150 or more graves either marked with fieldstones and no names, or no markers at all. If other information becomes available we will gladly move the memorial, but feel it important that he at least has one. Note: The article says that Kit Lowery left that night and was never heard from again. The only Lowery who lived in that neighborhood appears to be a fisherman, Christopher and Matilda Lowery from Jefferson Co., GA who are in the Polk 1840-1850 census. Whether him or related is not known, but it did say he lived on the south bank of the Hiwassee on what was later called Hiwassee Beach, and there are remains of an old rock house right there on Lowry Branch. Annie passed away due to known reasons in 1913 and is buried in Lone Oak Cemetery in Robbinsville, North Carolina beside his wife, John, and son, James Thomas Davis . Fa ther: John Duggan-Starkey Mother : Millie Clayton ____________________ Husband: John Robert Davis Annie Starkey was born on July 14th 1839 to father John Starkey and mother Millie Clayton. Around 1863, she married John Davis and had many children together. Headstone of Annie Starkey Davis

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 Grant Wilmer Ausburn September 17th 1889 - September 20th 1968 Grant Ausburn was the son of Benjamin B. and Mary Louise Caudell Ausburn. He was born September 17, 1889 in Banks County, GA and died September 20, 1968 in Jackson County, GA. He married Daisy Pressley August 13, 1908 in Banks County, GA. She was the daughter of Jack and Sally Pressley. She was born March 25, 1891 and died September 29, 1979 in Banks County, GA. They are buried at Damascus Church Cemetery in Banks County, GA. Grant was a farmer. They had six children. They also raised two grandchildren, Rudolph and Ruby Nell Ausburn. Father: Benjamin Ausburn Mother : Mary Louise Caudell Sister : Mittie Lou Ausburn , Essie Ausburn, Maud Ausburn _______________________ Wife : Daisy Pressley Children : Dora Belle Ausburn, Plummer Ausburn, Hubert Everadge Ausburn, Mary Monteen Ausburn, Mary "Marie" Ausburn, Zinebell Ausburn This picture was taken when Ben Ausburn died. The Grant 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

Click here to view profile Jacob Leander Deaton March 8th 1904 – April 23rd 1942 Jacob Leander Deaton was the second son of John Starlin Deaton and Etta Icie Davis Deaton. He was born March 8, 1904 in Graham County, NC. After John Starlin Deaton was killed Etta Deaton and her family lived with James and Martha Ann Wheeler in Towns County, GA for a few years. Etta Deaton married James Meeler and there were hard times. Etta’s children from the Deaton family were sent out to work for other families. Jacob stayed with Ulysses and Rhilla Martin where he worked in the cotton gin. John Deaton, Jacob’s brother, also stayed with this family. He farmed most of his life in Banks and Franklin Counties. He also worked on the WPA and cut cross ties in the winter for the railroad. He married Bertha Cornelia Smith on August 24, 1924. Bertha Smith was born on September 26, 1907 in Hart County, GA. Her parents were Earl and Millie Mae Saylors Smith. They had six children: Carrie Mae, Earl Starlin, Eddie Daniel, Ophelia Henrietta, Thomas Emory, and Ernest Lee Deaton. When he was going to the hospital with pneumonia he told Carrie, “Sis, you are the oldest. Take care of the little ones”. He was not to come home again for he died of kidney failure on April 24, 1942. He is buried in Fairfield Cemetery in Demorest, GA. Carrie took this challenge seriously. She went to Belmont, NC to stay with her Grandmother Smith. She lied about her age and got a job in the cotton mill. She sent her mother every penny that she did not need to live on. Fa ther : John Starlin Deaton Mother : Etta Icie Davis Brothers : Harve Wesley Deaton , John Henry Deaton Half Brothers : Reuben Deaton , David Deaton , Isaac Deaton , Robert Lee Deaton , Charlie Meeler , Robert Lee Meeler Half Sisters : Odell Meeler , Elsie Meeler ____________________ Wife : Bertha Cornelia Smith Children: Carrie Deaton, Earl Deaton, Eddie Daniel Deaton, Ophelia Deaton, Thomas Emory Deaton, Ernest Lee Deaton Jacob "Jake" Deaton L to R: Jake, Carrie, Bertha Jake and wife Bertha Jake is on the far left L to R: Earl Deaton, Ernest Lee Deaton, Robert Meeler, Daniel Deaton, Jacob Leander Deaton Later in Life Jake was six feet seven inches tall. He was a hard working man who taught his children to work hard. On Sundays he liked to play with the children. He made toys for the children using tall round trees to saw wheels and using hot iron rods to burn holes in the wheels. With these wheels he made wagons, wheelbarrows and cars. The family was very happy. He liked to rabbit hunt and fish. He loved his family. On his birthday his wife always made him a huge chicken pie. All of his family would come by to see him that day. When any of his brothers visited the children would gather around to hear all the jokes, hunting tales, and laughter. Jake holding niece, Ruth Deaton L to R: Eddie Daniel, Thomas Emory, Earl, Jake, Bertha, Ernest, Ophelia, Carrie Jake Deaton Carrie Deaton's Recollections of her Father Death One day when plowing the fields, Jake hit a rock and the plow came back and hit him in the chest. As a result of this, he had to go to the hospital with pneumonia and he told his daughter, Carrie, “Sis, you are the oldest. Take care of the little ones”. He was not to come home again for he died on April 24, 1942. He is buried in Fairfield Cemetery in Demorest, GA. Carrie took this challenge seriously. She went to Belmont, NC to stay with her Grandmother Smith. She lied about her age and got a job in the cotton mill. She sent her mother every penny that she did not need to live on. Location of where Jake Deaton was plowing that caused his death. Coordinates: 34.60791° N, 83.63753° W Homes Jake Deaton's Baldwin home in the 1930s. Coordinates: 34.42173° N, 83.46785° W Jake Deaton's house was in location of white car pictured. Oak tree was still there and Jake once killed a hen in the same oak tree pictured on the right and ate it for dinner. Jake Deaton's Baldwin home in the 1940s. Coordinates: 34.60791° N, 83.63753° W Jake Deaton's house was in location of red circle. This was his last home and the land in which he died. Every Photo I have seen of Jake Deaton All Census Records

Explore the life of James Phillip Eury through family stories, marriages, and cherished memories. Discover James Phillip Eury's legacy today. James Phillip Eury October 5th 1936 – November 17th 1975 James Phillip Eury was born in 1936 in Stanly County, North Carolina, to Hugh Eury and Annie Livingston. He had three brothers: an older brother, Alvin Eury (born in 1934), a younger brother, Carvin Eury (born in 1939), and a half-brother, Malcolm Tucker, (born in 1933) who was conceived before Hugh and Annie were married. Among family and friends, James was affectionately known as "Brother," a nickname that stuck with him throughout his life. Father: Hugh Kennie Eury Mother : Annie Rachel Livingston Brothers: Alvin Eury , Carvin Eury ________________ _______ 1st Wife : Dorothy Newell Children : Cynthia Eury, Sheila Eury 2nd Wife : Martha Ann Deaton Children : Angela Eury The Eury Family in early 1940s. Top Row (L to R): James and Alvin Eury Middle Row (L to R): Hugh and Annie Eury Bottom Row: Carvin Eury L to R: Alvin, Carvin, James L to R: Alvin Eury, Hugh Eury, James Eury L to R: James and brother Alvin with their cousins James is on the far left L to R: James and brother Alvin L to R: James and brother Alvin with their cousins L to R: James and brother Alvin with their cousins L to R: Alvin, Carvin, James James This is what the classrooms looked like when James attended Hartsell School. This picture was taken Dec. 22nd, 1948, in one of the science classrooms of Hartsell School Hartsell School James attended Hartsell School in Concord, NC. The school is no longer operating but its former site now houses the Hartsell Recreation Center. Located at 60 Hartsell School Road in Concord. James and his family were living on Swink Street, which was just a short walk away from the school so it was quite convenient for James and his brothers to get to school. His parents ran a small grocery store which was directly beside their home on Swink Street. James is in the middle with his brothers and cousins standing in front of Hartsell School James Phillip Eury's School Pictures L to R: Alvin, Hugh, Carvin, Annie, James First Marriage When James was in school, he met a girl named Dorothy Newell. Their young love led him to leave school to marry her, and together they had two children: Cynthia Dianne Eury born March 16th, 1954 and Shelia Ann Eury born February 14th, 1956. However, their marriage ultimatley ended in divorce. Carvin's Death In 1958, James and his family received devastating news that James' brother, Carvin, had 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 2nd Marriage James built a career as a skilled repairman, working for Sears and Roebuck. One day, a service call took him to the Deaton family farm in Concord, where Martha Ann Deaton needed help fixing her sewing machine. Martha, a single mother, lived with her father, Harve. After quickly repairing the machine, James took a chance and asked Martha if she’d like to go out sometime. She agreed. On the evening of their first date, Martha’s young son, Daryll, unexpectedly fell ill and threw up all over the living room rug. She was ready to cancel, but her father, Harve, reassured her: "Sis, I'll look after the boy—go out and have fun.", James and Martha married on December 27, 1968, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. A few months after the wedding, James' father, Hugh Eury, died of a heart attack at his home. Wedding Photos L to R: Susan Deaton, Karen Deaton, Martha Ann Deaton, James Eury, Wayne Deaton L to R: Lois Eury, Martha Ann Deaton, James Eury, Roger Eury, Alvin Eury L to R: Annie Eury, Martha Ann Deaton, James Eury, Hugh Eury L to R: Cynthia Eury, Daryll Duncan, Martha Ann Deaton, Shelia Eury, James Eury Martha Ann Deaton and James Eury L to R: Wayne Deaton, Harve Deaton, Daryll Duncan, Martha Ann Deaton, James Eury L to R: Nora Biggers, Martha, Daryll, James, Angela L to R: James, Martha, Angela, Daryll L to R: Martha and James James at his grandmother's (Fannie Mae Livingston) 82nd birthday Later Years James purchased land with plans to build a home, and he and Harve had already begun clearing it. However, when Martha became pregnant, they decided to buy a house instead, settling at 129 Autumn Lane in Harrisburg, North Carolina. On August 13, 1970, they welcomed their daughter, Angela Renee Eury. Wanting to give more children a loving home, James and Martha also took in a foster child, Nora Biggers. James had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed camping in his camper whenever he could. He would go on deep sea fishing trips once a year with his friends. James and daughter Angela James and daughter Angela James and his family L to R: Martha, Angela, James James and daughter Angela L to R: James with daughter, Shelia, in Georgia James and Martha at Valley Courts Motel in Tryon, NC L to R: Fred Gibson and sons, with James in Georgia L to R: James, Martha, Etta Meeler , Daryll, and Harve in Georgia James and daughter Angela James and Martha Cynthia's Wedding James and daughter Angela L to R: Martha, Angela, Daryll, James, Cynthia, Shelia Death James Phillip Eury's Death Certificate James in his Garden Funeral Tribute In 1975, he began feeling unwell. After seeking medical attention, doctors decided to perform exploratory surgery. Tragically, complications arose, and James fell into a coma. He never regained consciousness, passing away on November 17, 1975, from hepatic failure. Though his life was cut short, James Eury left behind a legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to family. L to R: Nora Biggers, Martha, Angela, James The only known existing video footage of James Phillip Eury

Click here to view profile Odell Meeler November 6th 1916 - January 29th 2000 Odell Meeler was born November 6, 1916 in Banks County, GA. She was the second child of Etta Davis Meeler and James W. Meeler. She married E. C. Gerrell December 26, 1946. E. C. was born December 16, 1920. Etta Davis Meeler made her home with them as long as she lived. They had no children but they are remembered as being a very special "aunt" and "uncle". E.C. Gerrell retired from the hardware store. Odell Gerrell retired from a sewing factory. Odell died as a result of diabetes on January 29, 2000. Her husband E.C. was in a nursing home due to strokes and passed away July 8, 2000. They are buried at Yonah Memorial Gardens in Habersham County, GA. Father : James Meeler Mother : Etta Davis _ ______________________ Brothers : Robert Meeler, Charlie Meeler Sisters : Elsie Meeler Half Brother : John Henry Deaton , Jake Deaton , Harve Deaton ________________ ______ 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 L to R: Martha Ann Deaton, Odell Meeler, Elsie Meeler L to R: Harve Deaton, Bertie Mae Ausburn, Odell Meeler, Robert Meeler, Charlie Meeler L to R: Elsie and Odell Meeler L to R: Odell, James Meeler, Etta Meeler, Charlie Meeler, lonie-lillie Kelly L to R: Elsie, Verner, Odell, E.C. Gerrell L to R: Odell Meeler, Bertha Smith Deaton, Elsie Meeler L to R: Elsie Meeler, Odell Meeler, Etta Meeler, Robert Meeler

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

Click here to view profile Joab M. Dayton/Deyton/Deaton 1837 – July 22th 1862 Joab M. Deyton/Dayton/Deaton varied to was the son of John N. Deaton and Sarah "Reed" Deaton. Joab M. Dayton was married to Eliza "Cantrell" Deyton on 22 March 1860, in Georgia. Joab M. Dayton served with Company D, of the 24th Regiment, of the Georgia Volunteers (CSA). He died of Fever in General Hospital #14 (which is still standing today) at 16 N 20th St Richmond, Virginia on July 22nd, 1862. He is presumed to be buried with the CSA war dead at Oakwood Cemetery in Richmond. (No Headstone) Joab M. Deyton/Dayton/Deaton married Eliza Cantrell on March 22nd, 1860 in Towns County, Georgia. When Joab died in the war, Eliza received a pension from the Widows' Pension in the State of Georgia from 1891-1897. Eliza and Joab are presumed to have had only one child together: Silas L. Dayton (born 1861), who lived with his paternal grandparents after his father, Joab, died in Civil War. Eliza had four children total (all of whom took Joab's last name): John Starlin Deaton born 1866 and father is unknown. Martha Ann Deaton Wheeler born 1869 and father was Jeremiah Marion Osborn. James Wesley Dayton born 1873 and father was Wyle Trusty. Fa ther: John N. Deaton Mother : Sara "Reed" Deaton _______________________ Wife: Eliza Cantrell Children : Silas Dayton Step Children (postmortem): John Starlin Deaton, Martha Ann Deyton, James Wesley Dayton _______________________ General Hospital #14 (Joab's death location) at 16 N 20th St Richmond, Virginia Clipping saying Joab died at Second Georgia Hospital (which was considered #14 General Hospital )