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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 had thought he had come to kill her. In reality, he just wanted the truth. Molly begged him to believe her 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 brough 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

Benjamin Ausburn December 25th 1869 – September 13th 1937 Benjamin Ausburn was born on Christmas day 1869 in Banks County, Georgia. He was a farmer. He had four children with Mary Caudell: Grant, Mittie, Essie, and Maud. ​ After his wife, Mary, died in 1913, he remarried on July 25th 1921 to Harriet Hailey Lewallen (1877-1948). They did not stay married long. Harriet had a great big furry cat and she slept with that cat. Benjamin vowed that he would never sleep in the bed with a cat. ​ Benjamin's grandson, Boyd Jackson, tells this story: Benjamin was the strongest man I had ever seen. Ben cut down trees with only an axe, never a saw. He could plow a mule all day long, stopping only for a glass of water that his granddaughter, Bertie Mae, would gladly take him. Father : Hugh B. Ausburn Mother : Mary Ann Murray ____________________ Wife : Mary Louise Caudell Children : Grant Wilmer Ausburn , Mittie Lou Ausburn , Essie Ausburn , Maud Lee Ausburn Moderee Sisk (1927-2017), great granddaugther to Hugh Ausburn (Benjamin's father) remembered Benjamin. She said that Benjamin often came over to help her family kill hogs. She called him Uncle Ben. He always picked up the hog and scalded it in a barrel. He always said he would kill the biggest hog anyone had on Thanksgiving day. ​ Benjamin Ausburn ran the Ragsdale Gristmill in the early 1930s. The mill is still in excellent condition . I visited the mill in 2023 and owner, Dock Sisk, showed me around and took me inside the Mill house where the mill workers lived. It is very possible Benjamin lived inside there at some point. Ragsdale Mill built in early 1860s Ragsdale Mill House (Possible living place for Benjamin Ausburn) Benjamin sitting at a table 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 L to R: Benjamin, Mittie, Essie holding Bobbie Jean Stories Funeral of Benjamin Ausburn Benjamin's funeral. Daughter Mittie in front of his casket. Death Benjamin Ausburn in Homer, Georgia on September 13th 1937. He developed Sepsis due to Cellulitis in the Right Axillary Region. Benjamin's post-mortem picture is attached to the left. Benjamin's death certificate Benjamin's headstone 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 Every Picture I have seen of Benjamin Ausburn All Census Records

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

Robert Lee Deaton December 31st 1899 – July 8th 1941 L to R: Marjorie, Lucille, Robert Lee Deaton Robert Lee Deaton holding his two children with his wife Robert Lee Deaton was born on December 31st 1899. He was the last son born to John Starlin and Leutica Carver Deaton. He married Marjorie Mae Taylor, born on October 19, 1900. They were married on November 9, 1922 in Toccoa, GA. and Marjorie moved to Toccoa lies in Stephens County. Robert Cherokee where he logged with Rueben Deaton, his older brother. While there they had a daughter, Lucille. Two years later the family moved back to Toccoa, GA where a son, David Lee Deaton, was born. They then moved to TN and lived on Robert's brother, Ike's, farm. While there he farmed, but Lucille, his daughter, remembers the good times she had with her Uncle Ike's children. They moved back to GA four or five years later. He operated his own taxi service. After Mittie Jackson died on July 6th 1941, Robert was at the funeral and said the words, "You never know when it's your time to go". He had a heart attack the day after the funeral while operating his cab. He died on July 8, 1941. He is buried at Fairfield Cemetery in Demorest, GA. Marjorie Deaton died May 16, 1948 and is buried beside her beloved husband. ​ He is remembered by his daughter, Lucille, as a loving and devoted father. He also loved his aunt, Martha Ann Wheeler, and all his brothers. L to R: Robert Lee Deaton and son Dave Deaton Father : John Starlin Deaton Mother : Leuticia Carver Brothers: Reuben Deaton , David Deaton , Isaac Deaton Half Brothers : John Henry Deaton, Jacob Leander Deaton , Harve Wesley Deaton ____________________ Wife : Marjorie Mae Taylor Children : Lucille Deaton, Dave Lee Deaton Robert Lee Deaton L to R: Marjorie, Lucille, Robert Landmarks Robert Lee Deaton's house in Demorest, Georgia. Address: 444 Holley St Demorest, GA 30535 United States All Deaton brothers would gather here and tell stories. (John Henry, Harve Wesley, Jacob Leander, Robert Lee, Isaac)​ Robert Lee Deaton's Death Location. Coordinates: 34.60954° N, 83.52199° W When Robert Deaton had a heart attack while driving his cab, he ran into a lamp pole on the street. The lamp pole was removed and the concrete was redone which caused a different color in the sidewalk that is still visible as of 2024. Every Picture I have seen of Robert Lee Deaton

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

James Thomas Davis November 23th 1866 – February 25th 1904 James Thomas Davis was born on November 23rd in Robbinsville, North Carolina. He is understood to be the father of both Etta and Cena Davis but there is no hard evidence of this. The mother was Leutica Carver. It is unknown whether James Davis had a relationship with these children. But Etta always said James Davis was her father. ​ I currently have not seen any photos of James Thomas Davis. It is unknown if one still exists today. ​ James Davis married Mahala Jane "Billie" Cooper on Jan 14th 1889 in Robbinsville. They had six children. They stayed married until his death in 1904. He is buried several feet away from his parents and the Carver family; consisting of Leutica, Azor, and Lucinda Carver. Fa ther: John Robert Davis Mother : Annie Starkey ____________________ Children with Leutica Carver : Etta Davis , Cena Davis Wife: Mahala Jane "Billie" Cooper Mahala Jane "Billie" Cooper Headstone of James Thomas Davis

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. ​ 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 The house where Wayne was born in Banks County, Georgia R to L: Wayne, Boyd Jackson, Ruth Jackson, Martha Ann Wayne at Cramerton Home Wayne playing Indians Wayne in front of Georgia Home 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 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. R to L: Wayne, Harve, Daryll Duncan, Martha Ann, James Eury Wayne and his Family (Early 1970s) Wayne and Karen's Wedding

Elsie Lucille Meeler February 23rd 1927 - March 7th 2020 Elsie Lucille Meeler was born February 23, 1927 in Banks County, GA. She was the last child born to James W. Meeler and Etta Davis Meeler. Elsie married Verner Daniel Looney, born March 30, 1922, on November 1, 1946 in Habersham County, Georgia. Elsie retired from Grady School, in Homer, GA as cafeteria supervisor, and Verner retired from construction work. They had two sons, Verner Lee Looney and Edwin Dillard Looney. Elsie Looney passed away on March 7th, 2020. Father: James Meeler Mother: Etta Davis _ ______________________ Brothers: Robert Meeler, Charlie Meeler Sisters: Odell 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 R to L: Elsie Looney, Etta Meeler, Anita Looney, Lee Looney L to R: Harve Deaton, Elsie Looney, Etta Meeler, Charlie Meeler, Robert Meeler Elsie and Odell Meeler

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Essie Ausburn March 17th 1904 - January 15th 1996 Essie Ausburn was born March 17, 1904 in Banks County, GA. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Mary Caudell Ausburn. She married Joseph Bentley Lewallen June 27, 1921. He was born May 9, 1902. His parents were Nancy and Jay Lewallen. His parents are buried at BC Church Cemetery, Habersham County, GA. Bentley and Essie Lewallen had four children; Ralph Mckenley, Vassie Mae, Betty Eulean, and Bobbie Jean Lewallen. Bentley spent his life as a farmer. They lived in GA, SC and NC. Bentley Lewallen died October 6, 1984 in Stephens County, GA and Essie Lewallen died January 15, 1996 in Cleveland County, NC. They are buried at Damascus Church Cemetery, Banks County, GA. L to R: Essie and husband Bentley Lewallen Father: Benjamin Ausburn Mother : Mary Louise Caudell Brother : Grant Wilmer Ausburn Sister : Mittie Lou Ausburn , Maud Lee Ausburn ________________ _______ Husband : Bently Lewallen Children : Ralph Mckenley, Vassie Mae, Betty Eulean, and Bobbie Jean Lewallen Memories of Uncle Bentley and Aunt Essie written by Martha Ann Deaton : ​ "Bobbie Jean remembers them being wonderful parents. The most enjoyable times she remembers was going home after she was married. They always had Pepsi’s there for them, their favorite drink. She liked to go to the cupboard and find homemade biscuits and country ham that were left over from breakfast. I remember loving to go to their house as a child. I, too, liked to go into the pie safe and get a snack from her leftovers or a piece of pie. Uncle Bentley carved little monkeys out of a peach seed. They had such minute details. I wore them on a ribbon around my neck. Somehow I always managed to lose them. How I wish I had one today! ​ This story goes about Aunt Essie: When Wayne was born Aunt Essie came to our house to help. She had cooked a big dinner. She knew that sweet potato pie was my favorite so this was the dessert she prepared. As you know, homegrown sweet potatoes have strings in them, or they did then. Aunt Essie had long red hair. She gave me a big helping of the pie and I did not eat it. She asked why I wasn’t eating my pie since it was my favorite. I retorted that I was not going to eat it because it had her red hair in it. She never let me forget this story as long as she lived." L to R: Benjamin Ausburn, Mittie Lou Ausburn, Essie Ausburn holding Bobbie Jean Lewallen On April 6th 1939, Essie's 5 year old daughter, Betty Eulean Lewallen, passed away from lobar pneumonia and emphysema. She is buried at Damascus Church Cemetery, Banks County, GA. Martha Ann Deaton remembered her parents, Harve and Bertie Mae Deaton , saying she was such a sweet little girl. Harve caught fish and put them in a bucket for her to look at when she was bedfast.

Lucinda Duncan 1844 – 21 March 1900 Lucinda Duncan was born in 1833. She married Azor Carver on January 22nd 1861. The minister was Jacob Weaver . "R.B Vance" was their witness. ​ ​ They had three children: Robert Lee Carver, Leutica Candis Carver, John Henry "Jack" Carver. ​ Lucinda's husband, Azor, went off to serve in the civil war. When he came back, he was able to own a fair amount of land. Azor was a farmer. Lucinda's granddaughter, Etta Davis, always said she was raised by her grandparents. This likely would have been around 1890. ​ Lucinda died on March 21st 1900 and her husband, Azor, died a few months after. Picture of Lucinda Duncan Fa ther: John Henry Duncan Mother : Matilda Owens _______________________ Husband: Azor Carver Children : Robert Lee Carver, Leutica Candis Carver , John Henry Carver Lucinda's son, John Henry Carver Headstone of Lucinda Duncan Marriage Registry of Lucinda and Azor All Census Records

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