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

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 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 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 lost her two year old daughter, Annie Mae, in 1922. ​ 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. L to R: Etta, Robert, Elsie, Charlie, Odell Etta holding grandchild, Carole Meeler 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 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" and 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

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 Deyton 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

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

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

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

Fred Gibson October 14th 1926 – July 15th 2010 Fred Gibson was born on October 14th 1926 in Banks County, Georgia. He was raised by Dicey Jane Lawrence and Owen Gibson; however, his biological father was Harve Wesley Deaton who had him out of wedlock. He married Lucille Jackson on December 4th 1948. They had 3 children: Roger, Randy, and Patsy Jean; however, Patsy Jean died at the age of 3 months. Fred passed away on July 15th 2010. Father: Harve Wesley Deaton Mother: Dicey Jane Lawrence Half Brother: Wayne Deaton , Roy Gibson Half Sister: Martha Ann Deaton , Edith Gibson, Florene Gibson ____________________ Wife : Lucille Jackson Children : Roger Gibson, Randy Gibson Fred and his wife, Lucille Gibson Fred and his son, Roger L to R: Lucille, Fred, Roger, Randy Fred and his two sons L to R: Maud Ausburn and Fred Gibson

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

Sarah Jane Caudell December 10th 1803 - September 24th 1885 Picture of Sarah Jane Caudell Sarah Caudell was born March 26, 1807 in NC and died January 10, 1871 in Banks County, GA. She married John Murray about 1826 in Franklin County, GA. She was the daughter of Benjamin Caudell, Jr. and Francis 'Fannie' Caudell. John and Sarah Murray are buried at the Murray Family Cemetery, Banks County, GA. There are other tombstones in that old family cemetery but all the names on them are illegible. They are Ben Ausburn's maternal grandparents. Father: Benjamin Caudell Mother : Francis Caudell ____________________ Husband: John Murray

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

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

https://deatonfamily.wixsite.com/my-site Deaton Family History 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. Me in 2023 at the grave site of my great great grandfather, John Starlin Deaton Johnson Family in 2003 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!