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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

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The Family Heritage Website includes hundreds of our family members and their memories dating back to the early 1800s to present day. View family members from the past and learn more about them by clicking their profile. Our Family History Website includes many different families such as the Deatons, Ausburns, Livingstons, Eurys, and more! https://www.thefamilyheritage.com The Family Heritage Website Including hundreds of family members and their memories dating back to the early 1800s to present day About the Website Welcome to our family history website, a digital treasure trove that chronicles the rich tapestry of our lineage. Within these virtual pages, you'll discover a captivating journey through time, tracing the footsteps of our ancestors and the stories that have shaped us into who we are today. Immerse yourself in the vivid narratives of generations past, illuminated by a collection of meticulously preserved photographs, documents, and firsthand accounts. Explore the origins of our family name, uncover the tales of triumphs and trials that have been passed down through the ages, and gain insights into the cultural, historical, and geographical contexts that have molded our heritage. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or a curious newcomer, our family history website invites you to bridge the gap between past and present, fostering a deeper connection to our roots and a greater appreciation for the incredible journey that has paved the way for us. Click Here To Search For Ancestors The importance of documenting our history It was important for me to acknowledge and account for both the joys and tragedies of the past, even when some may be inclined to ignore or omit them. These tragedies represent pivotal moments that have shaped not only the narrative of our family but also the broader historical context in which we exist. By acknowledging the darker chapters, we honor the resilience and strength displayed by our ancestors in the face of adversity. Moreover, a holistic representation of our family's history allows for a more authentic and complete understanding of who we are and where we come from. Ignoring these tragedies would be akin to omitting essential pages from a book; the resultant narrative would be incomplete and ultimately misleading. By openly addressing the challenges and hardships endured by our family members, we embrace a more truthful and compassionate perspective that not only fosters empathy but also underscores the importance of learning from the past to create a better future. Our ancestors endured some very difficult times; hopefully this will teach us that when times are hard, we should never give up. The best moments of our lives may still be upon us and future generations are counting on us. About me Me inside Odell Meeler's 1959 Ford Galaxie Fairlane 500 Hello! My name is Tyler Johnson. I was born on January 4th, 2002 in Charlotte, North Carolina. I am the son of Ray Johnson (son of Billy Ray Johnson and January Bass) and Angela Eury (daughter of James Phillip Eury and Martha Ann Deaton). Creating this family history website was born out of a profound desire to honor the legacy of our ancestors and preserve their remarkable stories for generations to come. My grandmother was the author of the Deaton Heritage Book . Her dedicated work in researching our family's history served as a wellspring of inspiration that ignited my own passion for this endeavor. Her tireless commitment to unearthing forgotten tales, meticulously cataloging old photographs, and piecing together the puzzle of our lineage showcased the power of connecting with one's roots. Her research not only enriched our understanding of our family's past but also instilled in me a profound appreciation for the significance of heritage. By continuing the work she started, I hope to pay homage to her memory while also forging a path that allows our entire family to delve into our shared history, fostering a stronger sense of unity and a deeper appreciation for the intricate threads that bind us together. Johnson Family in 2003 Me in 2023 at the grave site of John Starlin Deaton Me (Left) and brother Caleb (Right) Me (Right) and my grandmother, Martha Ann Deaton (Left) Contact Contact Questions? Concerns? Something I should add? Feel free to contact me! Submit Thanks for submitting!

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 Lucille Mary Jackson May 1st 1932 - June 7th, 2017 L to R: Harve Deaton, Martha Ann Deaton, Boyd Jackson, Lucille Jackson, Bobbie Jean Lewallen L to R: Lucille Jackson, Martha Ann Deaton L to R: Martha Ann Deaton, Lucille Jackson Lucille and Fred Gibson Growing Up in Banks Lucille Mary Jackson was born in Banks County, Georgia to Mittie Jackson. It was believed by most that Claude Jackson, husband of Mittie Ausburn, was the father of Lucille; however, after DNA testing, through the son of Lucille, it has been determined that Claude Jackson may not have been 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. She had one older brother, Boyd Jackson, and an older half-sister, Bertie Mae Ausburn. Lucille's mother, Mittie, became very sickly. With Claude working the farm, she wasn't able to take care of Boyd and Lucille by herself. Lucille's sister, Bertie Mae, would pick up Boyd and Lucille on Sunday afternoon and keep them at their house until Friday afternoon so they could go to school. So Lucille was essentially raised by Bertie Mae and her husband, Harve Deaton. Lucille became very close with her niece, Martha Ann Deaton, who was born on July 5th, 1941 to Harve and Bertie Mae Deaton. Lucille's mother died the next day on July 6th, 1941. Before she passed, she pulled Harve Deaton aside and asked him to take care of her children. Harve promised that he would take care of them as long as they would stay with him. Father : Luther "Luke" Huttie Watson Mother : Mittie Lou Ausburn Brother : Boyd Jackson Half Sister : Bertie Mae Ausburn ________________ _______ Husband : Fred Gibson Children : Roger Carroll Gibson, Eddie Randall Gibson L to R: Lucille Jackson, Bobbie Jean Lewallen, Bertie Mae Ausburn, Harve Deaton, Martha Ann Deaton Lucille in the 1940s Lucille's infants funeral Lucille's childhood home in Banks County, Georgia Top Row (L to R): Maud, Claude, Lucille Jackson Bottom Row: Harve holding Martha Ann Lucille with her two children Lucille married Fred Gibson on Dec. 4, 1948. They had three children, Roger Carroll Gibson, Eddie Randall Gibson, and Patsy Jean Gibson. Roger Carroll Gibson was born January 5, 1950 in Jackson County, GA. Eddie Randall Gibson was born February 17, 1952 in Jackson County, GA. Patsy Jean Gibson was born October 5, 1953, in Habersham County, GA, and died January 9, 1954 in Banks County, GA. She is buried at Damascus Church Cemetery, Banks County, GA. Lucille holding her child L to R: Lucille, Martha Ann holding Daryll Duncan, Roger Gibson Lucille holding her child L to R: Lucille, Fred, Roger, Randy Lucille and children Martha Ann Deaton and Lucille Gibson

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 John Starlin Deaton October 1865 – February 1908 John Starlin Deaton was born to Eliza Cantrell and an unknown father in Towns County, Georgia. Eliza gave John the last name "Deyton" in honor of her deceased husband, Joab M Deyton, who had died on July 22nd 1862, while in the service with Company D, of the 24th Regiment, of the Georgia Volunteers (CSA). Joab died of Fever in the hospital located in Richmond, Virginia. It is unknown who John's father at the time of me writing this, but hopefully the answer will become clear through a lot of DNA testing. (NOTICE: the spelling of Deaton varied throughout John Starlin's life, it is someitmes spelled "Deaton", "Deyton" or "Dayton") John Starlin had 3 half siblings, Silas L. Dayton born in 1861 who lived with his paternal grandparents after his father, Joab, died in Civil War. A sister named Martha Ann Deaton who was born in 1870. Her father was Jeremiah Marion Osborn. And another brother named James Wesley Dayton born in 1873. His father was Wyle Trusty. Father: Unknown Mother : Eliza Cantrell Half Brothers : Silas Dayton, James Wesley Dayton Half Sisters : Martha Ann Deyton ____________________ First Wife : R.L. Murphy Second Wife : Leutica Carver Children : Reuben Deaton , David Deaton , Isaac Deaton , Robert Lee Deaton Third Wife : Etta Icie Davis Ch ildren : Jo hn Henry Deaton , Jacob Leander Deaton , Harve Wesley Deaton Photographic enlargement of John Starlin Deaton Towns County, Georiga John Starlin Deyton grew up living with his mother Eliza Cantrell, grandmother Martha Cantrell, and sister Martha Ann Deyton. Who are all listed with him in the 1870 census. In 1880, John Starlin Deyton was living with his Eliza, Martha Ann, and James Wesley Dayton. Based on compiled marriages records in Towns County, Georgia. John Starlin married "R.L. Murphy" on March 21st 1886. Nothing is known about R.L. Murphy but the marriage apparently did not last long as John Starlin soon moved to Robbinsville, North Carolina sometime between 1886 and 1891. Click Here to View Records of Towns County, Georgia Marriages 1855-1900 Living in North Carolina John Starlin Deaton was prone to fighting and drinking, he was often known as "Fighting John Deaton", he was considered the strongest man in two different counties. It is said that he helped build the second ever courthouse in Robbinsville, NC and got into a fight with another worker. This made him the first case trialed in the new courthouse. A story told by Farley Deaton: (Grandson of John Starlin Deaton) John once made a bet in which his friends said they would give him a dollar for every foot he carried a metal railroad track. He ended up carrying it twenty feet and made twenty dollars. This is equivalent to over 700 dollars in 2023. Farley also told me that John Starlin was so strong that he picked up a giant concrete stone and moved it all by himself while working on the courthouse, leaving everyone in awe. This is a picture of the second courthouse in Robbinsville, North Carolina shortly after completion in 1895. It is unknown if John is in the picture or not. Second Marriage On August 8th, 1891, John Starlin Deaton married Leutica Candis Carver in Robbinsville, North Carolina. They were married by Justice of the Peace, TJ Wakefield. Witnesses were William Carpenter, R.L. Carver, and Elizabeth Carver. Through the marriage, John Starlin received two new stepchildren. Etta and Cena Davis, who were the children of Leutica and James Davis of Robbinsville. John and Tishie had four boys together. On April 28th 1891, Reuben Deaton. On November 25th 1894, David Deaton. On July 10th 1897, Isaac Deaton. On December 31st 1899, Robert Lee Deaton. Then in December of 1900, it is suspected that Leuticia died during childbirth, as she is buried in Lone Oak Cemetery with an "Infant Deyton" beside her. Justice of the Peace: Thomas Jefferson Wakefield The fate of John Starlin's step daughter Cena, is currently unknown. Is 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. Mysterious Disappearnce of Cena Headstone of "Infant of John & Leutica Deyton" Headstone of Leuticia Deyton Third Marriage On December 23rd 1902, John Starlin married his stepdaughter, Etta Icie Davis. They were married by Justice of the Peace, W.M. Flemming. Witnesses were C.M. Pittman, B.C. Deyton, and John Deyton. They had their first child on February 14th 1902, John Henry Deaton. During a trip to the Graham County courthouse, I received John Henry's Delayed Birth Certificate. He had gone back to Robbinsville to obtain a birth certificate in 1943. It says the doctor that delivered the child was S.F. Howell. Dr Swinfield F Howell making his rounds Delayed Birth Certificate of John Henry Deaton On March 8th 1904, John Starlin and Etta had their second son together, Jacob Leander Deaton. On November 14th 1907, the youngest son of John Starlin and Etta was born Harve Wesley Deaton. Killing of John Starlin Deaton It is belived that John Starlin was shot and killed by his cousin, Grayson Garrett, near Hanging Dog, North Carolina. The story goes, "While clearing logs off a new ground with his son, Isaac, John Starlin was ambushed from behind and shot in the back of the head. Isaac Deaton followed the river all the way to Tellico Plains, TN to get help. He walked 13 miles and did not arrive until 7pm that night. When they returned it was too late and John Starlin Deaton had passed away." For a long time, no one knew who the killer of John Starlin Deaton was. One day, Isaac's son, Jurlon Deaton, was in the hospital. A nurse came into his room with tears in her eyes and confessed that her uncle, Grayson Garrett, had killed John Starlin. Apparently, Garrett was a good friend of John Starlin's. Garrett wanted a man killed in Georgia and one of Garrett's friends wanted to John Starling killed, so Garrett killed John Starlin and the friend of Garrett, killed the man in Georgia for him in return. John Starlin Deaton is buried in the Garrett Cemetery. He is understood to be one of the first people buried here. His original headstone was falling apart so it was replaced with a new headstone in the late 1990s or early 2000s. In a book called Coker Creek by Fred Brown, the author talks about Grayson Garrett and his life as an outlaw. He went to prison for killing another man. The author also mentions that stories were passed down that Grayson Garrett had also killed his cousin (he couldn't remember the cousins name), which would be John Starlin Deaton. Second Headstone of John Starlin Deaton in August 2023 First Headstone of John Starlin Deaton Picture from Coker Creek Book by Fred Brown William Grayson Garrett John Starlin's wife, Etta, packed up everything they owned onto a cart pulled by an ox to take her and her children all the way to Towns County, Georgia. Etta's half brothers, David and Robert Lee Deaton went with them too. They had to camp out over an open fire, while it tooks months to arrive in Georgia. They were welcomed by John Starlin's sister, Martha Ann Wheeler. Whom they lived with for a while until moving to Banks County, Georgia. It is understood that Etta did not talk about John Starlin in her later years. There is only one picture that exists of John Starlin, that my great grandfather, Harve Deaton, kept in his house for as long as he lived. This original picture and frame is now in my possession. It is a photographic enlargement that was retouched with artist’s crayon (circa ≈1900). Polaroid picture believed to have been taken sometime in the late 50s of the original photographic enlargement of John Starlin Deaton Half Sister of John Starlin Deaton, Martha Ann Deyton Wheeler All Census Records

Click here to view profile Charlie Meeler August 21st 1912 – March 13th 1972 Charlie Meeler was born August 21, 1912 in Banks County, GA. He was the oldest child of Etta Davis Meeler and James W. Meeler. He farmed for a living. When Charlie was young, he would attend church with his father, James Meeler. His mother and siblings would attend Damascus Church. He was known to participate in bootlegging with his Deaton half-brothers in the 1930s. Father: James Meeler Mother: Etta Davis _ ______________________ Brother: Robert Meeler Sisters: Odell Meeler , Elsie Meeler Half Brother: John Henry Deaton , Jake Deaton , Harve Deaton ________________ ______ H e married Lonie Lillie Kelley on April 21 1946. They were married by B.S. Peyton in Homer, Georgia. Lonie's parents were Mary Blackburn and Thomas Kelley. They had two children, James Thomas Meeler and Elsie Louise Meeler, who were so precious to them. Charlie died March 13, 1972 and Lonie died April 7, 1974. They are buried at Lamar Church Cemetery, Banks County, GA. Lonie Lillie Kelley a nd Etta Meeler L to R: Odell Meeler, James Thomas Meeler, Etta Meeler, Charlie Meeler, Lonie Meeler 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 Charlie Meeler's WW2 Draft Registration Card. In 1940, Charlie was listed as 5'11 and 146 pounds. L to R: Harve Deaton, Bertie Mae Ausburn, Odell Meeler, Robert Meeler, Charlie Meeler L to R: Lonie and Charlie Meeler

Click here to view profile Sarah Honeycutt 1853 – 18 May 1909 Into the Life Sarah Honeycutt was born in 1853 to George and Mary Honeycutt in Stanly County, North Carolina. In 1867, she married James M. Eury. 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). Sarah died in 1909 due to unknown reasons (Death certificates in NC weren't required until 1913). Father: Rueben George Hiram Huneycutt Mother : Mary Louise "Polly" Brooks ________________ _______ Husband: James M. Eury Children : Amanda Elizabeth Eury, William Henderson Eury, Eva Helen Eury, Josephus Sanford Eury , Mary Jane Eury, Lela Pearl Eury James and Sarah's headstone at Cottonville Baptist Church

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

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