Search Results

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

Discover the intriguing story of Harve Wesley Deaton and his family's journey in Banks County, Georgia and Robbinsville, North Carolina. Explore the life of Harve Wesley Deaton today! Harve Wesley Deaton November 14th 1907 - July 3rd 1997 Harve Wesley Deaton was the youngest son of John Starlin Deaton and Etta Icie Davis. He was born on November 14th of 1907 in Robbinsville, North Carolina. He was only three months old when his father was shot and killed near Hanging Dog, North Carolina. Harve's mother, 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. Father : John Starlin Deaton Mother : Etta Icie Davis Brothers : John Henry 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 : Bertie Mae Deaton Children : Martha Ann Deaton , Harry Wayne Deaton Child with Dicey Lawrence: Fred Gibson L to R: Harve Wesley Deaton, Etta Meeler, John Henry Deaton They were welcomed by John Starlin's sister, Martha Ann Wheeler. Harve loved Martha Ann Wheeler; so much so that he eventually named his first daughter after her. She was very outspoken and Harve loved to ask her questions about the past. Martha Ann Wheeler (Harve's Aunt) John Starlin Deaton (Harve's father) Growing up in Banks County Etta and the children eventually moved to Banks County and Etta remarried to James W. Meeler. He started to become very mean to the 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. At the age of 9 years old, Harve went to live with Robert "Chub" and Hannah Lawrence, who also took care of the elderly. Harve really liked Hannah Lawrence and helped her take care of the old folks. Harve went to school to the 3rd grade, so he had to teach himself how to read, write, and do math. His teacher was Tom E. Anderson at Grady Academy. He lived with Hannah and Chub until he was 16 years old and then decided to go work in the logging camp of the mountains of North Carolina, where his brothers had worked. Hannah Elizabeth Watson Lawrence Harve's first child, Fred Gibson When he first arrived at the logging camp he was the cook's helper. He had to prepare the meals and clean the mess hall. Later, he graduated to logging with the horses. He sent all the money he could to his mother back home to help her with the Meeler children. Around 1926, Harve must have returned to Banks for a visit. He ended up having a relationship with one of Chub and Hannah Lawrence's daughters, Dicey Jane Lawrence. She was also the sister of his brother's wife, Cora Jane Lawrence (John Henry's wife). Harve and Dicey had a child together named Fred, but Dicey did not tell anyone that the child was Harve's and made people believe that Fred was the son of Owen Gibson, Dicey's soon to be husband. The relationship was later confirmed after Ancestry DNA testing of Fred's son, Eddie Randall Gibson. Harve at 19 years old (1926) This was the same year Fred was born. A group picture of the Logging Camp Harve worked at. (Harve is not pictured here) In 1929, when Harve learned of his step father's passing, he sent his brother, John Henry, a letter from Tapoco NC, stating how he plans to come back home and take care of his mother while sending all the money he can for now. (I have this letter to this day, attached below). He agreed to stay and help raise the Meeler children like they were his own. Harve's 1928 letter from Tapoco NC when he was working for the logging camp- addressed to John Henry Deaton in Baldwin Route 1. He talks about the death of his step father, Jim Meeler. 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. Harve was no exception, and he ventured into the world of bootlegging as a means of supporting his family and making ends meet. Harve used his knowledge of corn to make moonshine along with his brothers, John Henry 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. Fueled by adrenaline and the fear of losing his freedom, Harve's actions took an unexpected turn. With a burst of strength, he managed to pull the sheriff's arm out of place trying to get away. 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, son of Dicey and Owen Gibson: 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. Dicey (Left) and husband Owen Gibson (Right) The Death Certificate of Ralph Waters Harve (left) and his brother, John Henry (Right) 1932 Title Note where Harve and brother John Henry cosigned to pay for a mule. Harve (Right) and his Logging Buddy (Left) I believe the years of 1932-1942 were very hard for Harve. He lost three of his brothers within that ten year span. Reuben Deaton died in 1932, Robert Lee Deaton died in 1941, and his full brother, Jake Deaton, died in 1942. Harve (Left) and John Henry (Right) at brother Jacob Deaton's funeral Harve (standing in the back) with his mother and siblings Harve Deaton at a Smoke House at Isaac Deaton's home. First Marriage Harve married Bertie Mae Ausburn on February 21st, 1935 in Banks County, Georgia by Rev. Freeman Rice. He always said he picked her out for his wife when she was five years old and she cussed him out for it. Bertie's mother, Mittie, was very sickly. She had two other children and she wasn't really able to care for them. Harve and Bertie 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. Before she passed, she pulled Harve aside and asked him to take care of the children. Harve promised that he would take care of them as long as they would stay with him. With WW2 approaching, Harve was 35 years old so he didn't have to go to war but he did go to work for R.J. Letourneau building military equipment. It took him several hours to get to work and he worked long hours to defend the country's freedom. Other people worked the farm to keep it going while Harve was busy building military equipment. 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. Harry Wayne Deaton was born on July 29, 1946 and the war had ended. First Home in Georiga Harve and Bertie Mae Deaton lived in two homes in Georgia together, both in Baldwin and only a few miles apart. The first home was right on the creek where Daniel Deaton, Harve's nephew, showed me where he, Boyd Jackson, Lucille Jackson, and Earl Deaton used to come play and try to "drown ducks". I pictured these areas in 2024. This was the location where Martha Ann Deaton was born. Coordinates to the creek: 34.42748° N, 83.45566° W Coordinates to possible house location: 34.42635° N, 83.45549° W Second Home in Georiga The second home was on Taylor Road a half mile from Damascus Church Cemetery. The images below were taken in 2010 by my grandmother, Martha Ann Deaton. I am unsure when the picture to left was taken, likely around the early 2000s. Coordinates to the home: 34.43498° N, 83.44093° W In 2023, I revisited the home place and retook some more images. Fireplace still standing in 2023. 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. Meeting Molly Runningwolf Harve's brother 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, Harve came to get answers to find out who really killed his half brother. Molly Runningwolf thought he had come to kill her. In reality, he just wanted the truth. Molly begged him to believe her, stating that it was not her or her son, but that it was a member of the Swayney family who did it. The meeting ended cordially. Harve brought along his wife Bertie Mae, children: Fred, Martha Ann, Wayne; and his wife's half brother Boyd Jackson. In the interview below, there is a audio recording mentioning her time in prison. Click here to listen to Molly Runningwolf interview The family eventually decided to move to Cramerton, North Carolina on March 10th, 1950. 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, he was living with his friend, Garnett Smith. Working in the mill was simply not for him, he enjoyed being outside and not cooped up inside a mill all day long. 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. Their house address was 583 Mountain Road, Cramerton NC. This was the first house Harve had 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. He often reported the farm's morning news while she was sitting on the toilet. Working for the Cramers The Maymont House in August 2023. The home of Rebecca Cramer, where Harve Deaton oversaw the land. Harve with his children at their home L to R: Martha Ann, Harve, Wayne, Bertie Mae at the Cramer Mansion A postcard from Rebecca Cramer addresed to Mr. and Mrs. Harve Deaton of Cramer Farms L to R: Boyd Jackson and Harve Deaton at the Cramer chicken house L to R: Wayne, Harve, Martha Ann at the Cramer Mansion L to R: Wayne Deaton, Boyd Jackson, Harve Deaton, Big John working in the Cramer hay fields L to R: Boyd Jackson and Harve Deaton at the Cramer Mansion L to R: Harve Deaton and Fred Gibson fishing in Cramerton L to R: Boyd Jackson and Harve Deaton in Cramerton Tragedies Sensitive Content 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 Bertie Mae. Her measles had 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. Albert Pressley Millen, the preacher at Friendship Baptist Church, was very helpful during these times. He and his wife, Nellie, came to visit on numerous occasions to help anyway they could. Things simply did not get better for Bertie Mae. She had attempted suicide by attempting to drown herself in the lake but Harve was close enough to pull her out. Harve had to have her committed to Broughton Mental Hospital on May 3rd 1954. She was discharged on June 30th 1955. Two years later, on Sunday, June 16th 1957, she had gotten a .32 pistol and shot herself in the right temple. This is something Harve never got over for the rest of his life. He took Bertie's death very hard and never remarried again after that. Bertie and Harve on their porch Preacher Millen and Wife Nellie Killing of John Robert Kendrick 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 altered 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 on 553 Baltimore Street, Cramerton. He had previously been 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 acquitted for the killing as it was an act of self defense. John Robert Kendrick's Death Certificate Later in Life In 1962, Harve moved to Midland to work at Jonas Pharr's farm for a short time until shortly later moving to Concord, North Carolina to work on Carl Propst's farm. After suffering a stroke in the 1970s, Harve moved in with his daughter, Martha Ann, in Harrisburg. He also lived with his nephew, Earl Deaton for some time. In the 1980s, he lived with his son, Wayne. Harve was evenutally moved to a nursing home and lived to 89 years old. He passed away on July 3rd 1997. Extra Stories about Harve Harve had always been known to be the jokester. His nephew, Lee Looney, told me the story that when he was young he had a date with this girl and on the way back home he had to travel through a graveyard. Harve felt something touch his back and he was sacred to death, he thought a ghost had came to visit him and was following him on the way back home. When Harve finally reached the house, he looked and found that it was an acorn that had fallen on top of him. Harve's nephew, Eddie Daniel Deaton, said "Harve and Bertie Mae were something else". They would go on squirrel hunting trips together and Bertie would always come back with more squirrels killed. It would seem that Bertie Mae was the better shot. Libby Gunter, a 1963 graduate of Cramerton High School, told me the story of how when she was little, she used to sneak up to the Cramer mansion with friends and Harve would find her and catch her every time . She said that he was always super nice and never got them in trouble with the police, even though they deserved it; instead, he brought them by the house and Bertie Mae brought them some punch to drink. Roy Gibson, the son of Dicey Jane Lawrence and Owen Gibson, told me the story that when he was a kid, on Christmas, Harve gave him a toy shotgun. Harve put peanuts in it and shot Roy in the eye with it. He never forgot that. He told me that story 70+ years later. Harve's WW2 Draft Registration Card In 1940, he was 6'2 193 pounds Every picture I have seen of Harve Wesley Deaton All Census Records

Click here to view profile George Nural Sheppard December 21st 1931 – March 20th 2018 Geore's parents, Nural and Glessie Into the Life George Nural Sheppard was born on December 21, 1931, in Forest City, Rutherford County, North Carolina, to Nural Hathren Shepherd and Glessie McGaha. He grew up alongside his three siblings: Imogene, Nancy, and Dorcas Naomi Sheppard. He was saved in 1940 and joined the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Forest City, NC, in 1941. During his high school years, he worked multiple jobs, starting with a paper route, followed by shining shoes at a local shoe shop, and then working as a printer at A&M Press. He graduated high school in May 1950. George Sheppard and his three siblings Father: Nural Hathern Sheppard Mother : Glessie McGaha ________________ _______ 1st Wife: Jeanne Stoffa 2nd Wife: Martha Ann Deaton Yearbook superlatives L to R: Nural and George Sheppard Marines and Living in Pittsburgh PA L to R: Jeanne Stoffa and George Sheppard George enlisted in the US Marine Corps on March 20, 1951, and completed boot camp at Parris Island in Beaufort, SC. He was then transferred to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, where he was promoted to Sergeant on March 1, 1952. Afterward, he was transferred to a recruiting station in Pittsburgh, PA. While in Pittsburgh, he met Jeanne Stoffa, and the two started a family. Their first child, Beverly, was born in McKees Rocks, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. George was honorably discharged on December 17, 1954, and returned to Rutherford County, North Carolina where he had two more children, Barbara and George Jr. However, when Jeanne left unexpectedly, George was left to raise their children on his own. Forest City House Deed George and daughter Beverly Naomi (George's Sister), Glessie (George's mother), along with his two daughters, Beverly and Barbara George and his son, George Jr. George and his daughters Hunting George in 1966 apart of the Hamlett Hunt Club Charlotte Observer - October 16th, 1966 2nd Marriage George in the Rescue Squad Yearbook After moving to Harrisburg, North Carolina, George became involved in emergency medical services as an EMT instructor. It was during this time that he met Martha Ann Deaton while serving on the local EMT squad. Their shared dedication to helping others brought them together, and on March 17, 1977, they married. Through this union, George became a stepfather to Martha’s two children. The couple built a life together in Gold Hill and later Salisbury, North Carolina, where they spent their later years. George passed away on March 20, 2018, in Salisbury, leaving behind a legacy of service, resilience, and dedication to his family. George and Martha Sheppard

Click here to view profile Annie Rachel Livingston August 14th 1918 – July 25th 2006 Early Life Annie Rachel Livingston was born in 1918 in Troy, Montgomery County, North Carolina, to Fannie Mae Livingston and Horace Ceaser Poole. She was raised by her mother and grandparents, Mary and Alexander Livingston, as she did not meet her father until she was 66 years old. She had one brother, Bradley Livingston, who also never knew his father. Annie spent the first nine years of her life in Troy, sharing a home with her grandparents, aunts, and uncles. She and her family lived in a four-room house that was never painted, had no attic, and was warmed by a wood stove. Their laundry was done in the yard using a big tub, and their home was lit by oil lamps. She shared a 12x14 room with three beds and minimal furniture. Despite the modest upbringing, Annie found joy in the simple things. She loved square dancing and playing with dolls—though she would get mad when her uncle Tom messed with them. Her family traveled by horse and buggy from Troy to Norwood, NC. With any money she had as a child, she would buy candy and ice cream, recalling that candy cost just five cents and pencils were a penny each. She never had pets but deeply admired her grandmother Mary, who she believed was the best cook. Annie especially loved her grandmother’s biscuits. The only cookies she had growing up were simple sugar cookies, and for Christmas, she would receive stockings filled with sweets and candy. They never had a Christmas tree, but sometimes, she would celebrate at her uncle Carson’s house. Father: Horace Poole Mother : Fannie Mae Livingston Half Brother: Bradley Livingston ________________ _______ Husband : Hugh Kennie Eury Children : Alvin Eury , James Eury , Carvin Eury L to R: Annie, Lillie Mae, Fannie Mae (holding baby Erion), George Richardson, James Thomas, Betty (holding baby Frances), Nancy Jane Morton (Neighbor), Mary Frances Singleton, Abbie Gale Singleton, Alexander Livingston L to R: Irene Claudia Mae Yarborough, Annie Livingston, Lillie Mae Livingston Birth Certificate Annie's original birth certificate says born on September 13th, 1918 instead of her always saying she was born on August 14th, 1918. It is unknown if this was a typo by the registration office of Montgomery County or if Annie and her family was unaware which month she was actually born in. Birth Certificate Education and Young Adulthood Annie attended Norwood Elementary School, walking to school each day. Her favorite subjects were spelling and arithmetic, while geography was her least favorite. She received plenty of homework from her teachers but never participated in school sports. She recalled attending the circus as a child but never took any major trips or vacations. She did not attend high school. Annie went on her first date at age 14 with Lacey Caudle. Annie Livingston to the Left of Teacher (2nd Grade at Norwood School) L to R: Annie Rachel Livingston and Martha Hughes Annie Rachel Livingston in Norwood Marriage and Family Annie met Hugh Kennie Eury while they were both living in Norwood, just a couple of blocks apart. Their romance moved quickly, as she later wrote: "We danced some together at a neighbor's house on a Saturday night. After that, it went fast. We ran away and got married one morning with another couple on October 4th, 1933, in Chesterfield, South Carolina. I was scared someone would find out before we could get married. I was so young, but we made it just fine. We had to sneak around to be together because my mother didn't believe in me dating. On our first date, he borrowed a car, and we went for a ride. He soon proposed to me in the living room." Together, they had three sons: Alvin (born 1934), James (born 1936), and Carvin (born 1939). Hugh and Annie did not have a honeymoon. After returning from Chesterfield, they first lived with Hugh’s uncle, Willie Hill, and his wife in the countryside. Their first home alone together was a two-room apartment above the Eddins family home on Cottonville Road in Norwood. In 1937, they moved to Concord, North Carolina, where Annie got her first job working at Cannon Mills Plant No. 10. Hugh enlisted in the Army in 1944 but was discharged after four months due to an undisclosed condition. Upon his return, the couple ran a small grocery store beside their home on Swink Street in Concord. Their home was a short walk from Hartsell School, where all their children attended. L to R: Hugh and Annie Eury L to R: Hugh and Annie Eury L to R: Alvin, Hugh, Carvin, Annie, James L to R: Hugh, Carvin, James, Alvin, Annie L to R: Annie and Hugh Eury L to R: Hugh and Annie Eury L to R: Hugh and Annie Eury L to R: Hugh and Annie Eury L to R: Annie and Hugh Eury Annie Eury in front of Hartsell School L to R: Louise Sparks and Annie L to R: Annie and Louise Sparks L to R: Louise Sparks and Annie Annie Eury in front of Grocery Store L to R: Annie and friend Annie Eury Hobbies, Favorites, and Personal Reflections Annie had a deep love for quilting and always dreamed of traveling across North Carolina to visit historic homes and antique shops. She had many favorite things that reflected her personality and interests: Favorite Colors: Green and blue Favorite Book: The Bible Favorite Movie: The Love Bug Favorite Song: One Day at a Time Favorite Sport: Baseball Favorite Vacation: Florida, January 1956 Favorite Holiday: Fourth of July Favorite Season: Spring Favorite Flowers: Tulips Favorite Candy: Fudge Favorite Cookies: Oatmeal cookies Favorite Ice Cream: Butter pecan The first thing Annie learned to cook was potatoes and beans. While she wasn’t a great cook when she first got married, she quickly learned and became skilled in the kitchen. She fondly remembered receiving a watch as a gift at age 14, which remained one of her most cherished childhood presents. Annie often reflected on the influence of her grandmother, Mary, saying she was always quiet but never idle, a trait Annie admired and carried forward in her own life. L to R: Fannie Mae and Annie L to R: Hugh and Annie Eury L to R: Hugh and Annie Eury L to R: Hugh and Annie Eury L to R: Hugh and Annie Eury L to R: Annie, Hugh, Louise Sparks L to R: Hugh and Annie Eury L to R: Hugh, Annie, Alvin L to R: Annie and Margaret Sechler Cox L to R: Barbara Livingston, Annie, Rebeth Livingston L to R: Rebeth Livingston, Annie, Viola Livingston Carvin's Death Tragedy struck the family in 1958 when Carvin, their youngest son, was killed in an automobile accident while serving in the military overseas in Germany at the age of 19. This loss devastated the family. Obituary, December 18th 1958, Charlotte Observer, Page 12 L to R: James, Charles Vest (Carvin's friend), Alvin, Hugh Carvin and girlfriend Joyce Elaine Lee in Germany (Electoral Palace Fountain in Trier) a few months before Carvin's death Carvin in his military uniform Later Years After their children had grown and moved out, Hugh and Annie relocated to 31 Barbie Road to be closer to them. In 1969, Hugh died unexpectedly of a heart attack at home. Annie and Hugh Eury L to R: Annie and mother Fannie Mae at her house L to R: Annie and mother Fannie Mae L to R: Annie and mother Fannie Mae L to R: Annie and mother Fannie Mae L to R: Fannie, Shane (Great Great Grandson), Cynthia Eury (Great Granddaughter), Annie (Daughter), Phillip (Great Great Grandson) Annie and mother Fannie Mae Annie and Hugh Eury Annie and Granddaughter Angela L to R: Annie and mother Fannie Mae L to R: Annie and mother Fannie Mae L to R: Alvin, Fannie Mae, Roger, Annie Meeting Her Father Out of respect for her mother, Fannie Mae, Annie never met her father, Horace Poole, while her mother was alive. However, in 1984, after Fannie’s passing, Annie’s granddaughter, Shelia, set out to find him. When they finally met, the reunion was cordial, and Annie was able to meet her half-sisters as well. Though she had spent most of her life without knowing him, this meeting brought her a sense of closure and connection to a family she had never known. Annie and father Horace Poole Final Marriage and Death Annie did not remarry until 1984, when she wed Gilf Carpenter (1916-1989). By the time of her passing in 2006, she had outlived both her husbands and all of her children. She was laid to rest beside Hugh at Carolina Memorial Park in Concord, North Carolina. Annie Rachel Livingston will always be remembered as a strong and loving woman, deeply devoted to her family and faith. L to R: Roger, LuAnn, Lois, Alvin, Shelia, and Annie Eury 1970's Eury Family Annie and Gilf Carpenter can be seen singing at 25:30 Annie and father Horace Poole Annie and Granddaughter Angela Annie and Gilf Carpenter Annie and Gilf's Wedding Annie with her family (Late 1970s) Annie and Gilf can be seen at several different points throughout Harve Deaton's birthday party

Click here to view profile Leutica Candis Carver November 1868 – December 1900 Leutica Carver was born in November of 1868. She was the daughter of Azor Carver and Lucinda Duncan. Leutica had two children with James Davis, Etta and Cena. To my knowledge, they were never married. Etta Davis always told her son, Robert Meeler, that she was raised by her grandparents. If we had access to the census records of 1890 we quite possibly would have a record of this but those census records were destroyed by fire. In the census of 1900 in Graham County, NC, Etta and Cena were listed living with John and "Tishie" Deaton and were listed as daughters. Leutica's parents both died in 1900. Fa ther: Azor Carver Mother : Lucinda Duncan _______________________ Children with James Davis : Etta D avis , Cena Davis Husband : John Starlin Deaton Children : Reuben Deaton , David Deaton , Isaac Deaton , Robert Lee Deaton _______________________ Marriage On August 8th, 1891, Leutica Candis Carver married John Starlin Deaton 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. 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 Justice of the Peace, TJ Wakefield Headstone of "Infant of John & Leutica Deyton" Headstone of Leuticia Deyton

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

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

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

Click here to search through hundreds of family members! Use the search bar below to find our ancestors!

Click here to view profile Hazel Deaton Hazel Deaton was born on March 10th 1928 in Banks County, Georgia. Everyone loved Hazel, as she was very outgoing and intelligent. Hazel drowned when she 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 (Sarah Jane Haslett) was swept under the water by a swift undercurrent, and a boy (Gordon Foster) 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. Father: John Henry Deaton Mother : Cora Jane Lawrence Sister : Ruth Deaton, Johnnie Deaton Brother : Stark Deaton ________________ _______ March 18th 1928 - May 19th 1942 Savannah Morning News, 5/42 Hazel Deaton L to R: Hazel, Stark, Cora, John Henry, Johnnie, Ruth Hazel Deaton Hazel's Death Location (Habersham Mill 2024) Newspaper Clip when Hazel was in Second Grade Last Book Hazel Read Hazel's Handwriting

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

Click here to view profile Harry Wayne Deaton July 29th 1946 – August 29th 2001 R to L: Harve, Wayne, Martha Ann, Bertie Mae R to L: Martha Ann and Bertie Mae holding Wayne in Banks County, Georgia Wayne Deaton was born on July 29th 1946 in Banks County, Georgia to Harve and Bertie Mae Deaton. Wayne grew up with one older sister, Martha Ann, whom he was very close with. Wayne also had an older brother who passed away the day he was born. Kenneth Wesley Deaton arrived too early and wasn't strong enough to make it. He died three years before Wayne was born on March 13th, 1943 and is buried at Damascus Cemetery. Until the time Wayne was around 3 years old, the family lived in a wooden home near Damascus Church Cemetery at coordinates 34.43498° N, 83.44093° W. As of 2024, the house is nothing but rubble. The house where Wayne was born in Banks County, Georgia Father : Harve Wesley Deaton Mother : Bertie Mae Ausburn Sister: Martha Ann Deaton ________________ _______ Wife : Karen Ruth Byrd Children : Susan Lynn, Cynthia Dawn, Wendy Renae, Andrew Wayne R to L: Wayne, Bertie Mae, Molly Runningwolf, Martha Ann Wayne in Harve Deaton's A model coupe On March 10th, 1950, the family moved to Cramerton, North Carolina. Wayne's father, Harve, was already working there in the mill because farming was not productive enough to support the family. While working in the mill, he was living with his friend, Garnett Smith. When he was eventually offered a job to be the caretaker for the Cramer farm, a house came with the job; therefore, Bertie Mae and the children made the full time move to Cramerton. Wayne was almost 4 years old and this was the first house he had lived in with a bathroom, running water, and electricity. Move to Cramerton R to L: Wayne, Harve, Martha Ann on their front porch in Cramerton 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. Both 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. Even though the quality of life had improved, life was still difficult for the family. It was 1953, during a church dinner at Friendship Baptist Church in Belmont when the family got red measles (also known as rubeola). Everyone had gotten better except for mother, Bertie Mae. On Christmas Eve, she was sent to Charlotte Memorial Hospital. Her measles had turned into spinal meningitis. Wayne was 7 years old and said, “I guess Santa Claus won’t come this year". Bertie Mae loved Wayne and demonstrated her love for him, so this all was very hard for him. Christmas Eve night, he went to bed, a very sad little boy. When he was asleep, Wayne's sister, Martha Ann, started searching in her parents’ room and at the bottom of the wardrobe, she found a watch meant for her, a gift for Harve, but nothing for Wayne. Martha's heart dropped. Then looking under the bed, there were several boxes of toys. Martha said she never forgot how excited Wayne was when he got up early and saw that Santa Claus had come. Bertie 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. Wayne's mother was sent off to Broughton Mental Institution after she tried to drown herself in the river on numerous occasions and being pulled out by Harve. She was committed on May 3rd 1954 and discharged on June 30th 1955. R to L: Boyd Jackson, Ronnie Jackson, Wayne Deaton Wayne and sister Martha at U.S. Monument in Kings Mountain R to L: Wayne, Bertie Mae, Martha Ann Harve and Wayne at their Cramerton Home Wayne and dog, Tonnie, at his new home in Cramerton Wayne at Cramerton Home Wayne playing Indians Wayne in front of Georgia Home Wayne went to Cramerton High School and then finished at Midland High. He was an extremely talented pool player. In his later years, he told his sister, Martha Ann, that the first girl he ever kissed was Louise Gillen (Carrie Deaton's) daughter. R to L: Wayne, Boyd Jackson, Ruth Jackson, Martha Ann On Sunday, June 16th 1957 at 9:15 pm, Wayne's mother, Bertie Mae Deaton, got a .32 pistol and shot herself in the right temple outside of their garage. 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.” Bertie Mae was buried at Friendship Baptist Church. Wayne and friend, David Smith Wayne and father Harve in early 1960s. Sensitive Content Wayne's high school graduation Marriage and Later Life L to R: Martha Ann Deaton, Fred Gibson, Wayne Deaton R to L: Wayne, Harve, Daryll Duncan, Martha Ann, James Eury Wayne and his Family (Early 1970s) Wayne married Karen Ruth Byrd in Swain County, NC, on March 25, 1967. Karen's parents were Carrie and Eugene Byrd. Wayne went to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO where he earned a BA in Theology. He had four children: Susan Lynn, Cynthia Dawn, Wendy Renae, Andrew Wayne. He was pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church. Wayne died August 29, 2001 while waiting for a heart transplant at Duke Medical Center, Durham, NC. He is buried at Cabarrus Memorial Gardens in Cabarrus County, NC. Wayne is remembered as a devoted brother, loving husband, proud dad, adoring grandfather, special uncle, faithful friend and dedicated pastor. Wayne and Karen's Wedding