Re: Deaton
-
In reply to:
Deaton
Gay Roden 10/24/07
Lonnie Dale Genealogy Notes are listed below.They are very good.A few errors and misspellings but all in all, I was sure to get them myself.Enjoy.
Deaton Family, book by Lonnie Deaton; Washita County, OK
Submitted by Lonnie [email protected]
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THEDEATONFAMILY
DEDICATION
Tothe memory of mygrandfather,William "Will"ShimminDeaton, who,by
disavowinghis parents and denyinghis children knowledgeoftheir
grandparents
created the " mystery" and to my daughter,Amber DawnDeaton Haas,whose
entrance
into my life provided the reason for unlocking that mystery, this history is
respectfully
and gratefullydedicated.
PREFACE
Let'sbeginwitha bit of"Deatonphilosophy."I, like you,was not
allowedto
selectmyparentsfroma list of eagerapplicants.Onthe other hand,
neither
were myparents,noryours,allowedtoselect theirchildren.The
wholebusiness
ofgetting bornand,subsequently,inheriting a genetic and cultural
background is very
mucha "grab bag" situation.Childrenandparentsalike arestuck with
whatsoever
fateaffords.Intruth, mortalsare not allowed to makesuchselections.
Neitherare
we allowedtoselectthetime and placed ofour birth, nor oursex,nor
our race,
nor our physical health,nor our intelligence.Inthis regard,life is very
much like
a game ofcards.WhentheGreat Dealer in the Skiesshuffles and deals
the cards,
He (She?) (It?) gives little or no mindfulnessas to how the cards mightfall.
Thus,
some players,simplyby the luck of the draw, are the fortuitousrecipients
of superlative
cards.Otherplayers,the unfortunate ones,againby the luck of the draw,
fallprey
tononcompetitivecards.Inthe game of poker, for example, he that is
fortunate enough
to draw a "fullhouse,"eventhough his skillsarequite pedestrian,will
consistently
win;but he thatdraws,due to no fault of his own, onlya pair of deuces is
consigned
to the anguishand frustration ofperpetualfailure no matter how cleverand
skilled at
the gamehe might be.Unlike the game oflife, in pokera player may,if
he chooses,
fold his handand await the next deal;but in life's gameeach playeris
required to
contenduntil the game's conclusion with those cards,howsoeverweak they
might be,
he received on the first and only deal.
Byreason of thisdebatablyregrettablephenomenon oflife,it wouldseem
altogether inappropriatefor the favored andwell-blessedto pass harsh
judgment uponthose whose genetic,cultural, and environmental inheritanceis
lessfortuitous.Since nonemay rightlyclaimcredit for the quality of
his/her hand, may any be properlyreproached for the weakness of the same.I
think not!!Thus, inregardto the Deatonclan,fromthe beginning of
ourmigration toAmerica,we have beena"poorbut honest"group.We
have workedhard in ourlabors (mostlyfarming)butaccumulated little in
terms ofmaterialwealth.Fewof us have distinguished ourselves;but
neither havewedisgracedourselves.CaptainWilliamDeatonwasa
"Tory"during theRevolutionaryWarand foughtadmirably for what he
believedwas right.Littleberry and Elias Deaton both wrote books (neither of
which, by any means, was a best seller). JudgeGoodinDeaton ofArkansas
administered justice evenhandedlyand fatheredtwentychildren. Bernice and
Lonnie Deatonparticipated in the great western migration of 1934-36 as
portrayed in Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." Most of ourclan, however,
lived, died, and went totheirgravesonlyto be rememberedby
genealogicalfools such as yourauthor.......a"Deaton"who believes
deeply in family,tradition,and honor.Allelse (fame, fortune,prestige,
etc.) is meaningless self-deception.So, fellowfamilymember,be not
embarrassedthatyourfamilyinheritance is a modestand unremarkable one.
We must allplaythe hand we are dealt.Yourauthorpromisesyou this,
many havebeenmore fortunate than usbut none have beenbetter than us.
(LDD)
Initially it was the intent ofthe author of this family history to locate and
identifythe originalDeatonfamilymember in the New World and,then,
provethat our families are direct descendants of that originalfamily.This
proved to be impossible.Identifyingthe originalAmerican Deatonwas not
difficultbut it is unlikelythat anyone can proveconclusively his/her
direct kinshipto that first Deatonpioneer.Withoutquestionthe original
Deatonin Americawas RichardDorchesterDeaton who is allegedto have
docked in theNew World1630-1635and liveda number of yearsaround the
Long Islandarea.Winthrop Word,author of"A GenealogicalRegistry of the
First Settlers ofNew England,"has Rev.RichardDorchesterDeaton,a
minister of Weathersfieldand Stamford,having been a minister at Halifax,
Yorkshire, England,arriving in this country 1630-1635.Heapparently wasa
lover of the sea and died while at sea in 1635.Nothing is known of his
family.This is the earliestrecord I have been able to locate of any Deaton
in America.I do not know ifMr. Word'sinformation is correct, but have no
reason to doubt the same;however,evenifRev.Deatonis the first of
his surname to land in the New World, he would not appear to be our ancestor.
Our Americanstorybegins in Virginiawith the arrival of America's first
southern Deaton.A certain WilliamDeatondepartedEngland aboardthe good
ship "Assurance" in1639/40 and landed in what is nowNorthampton Co., VA, 1-
1-1640/41.Perhapsa thirdDeaton (alsoWilliamDeaton) is recorded in
Northampton, Co., VA,7-24-1656.Again, a certainThomas Deaton Sr., born in
England, entered Virginia (in the area ofNew Kent and Essex Cos.)before
1701.He would appear to be are direct ancestor and,althoughabsolute
documentation is lacking, it is quite possible that we are related toto one
of the William Deatons ofNorthamptonCounty (perhaps they were our cousins).
Withoutquestionsomefamily members will,by mywords here recorded, find
reason for offense.I wish to emphasizethat at no timehas it been my
intention to offend;nonetheless, I have endeavored to recordthe truths about
ourfamily even when those truths cast us in a less than favorable light.The
reader may wellhave reason to question my interpretation of official
documents,family records,etc.,and certainly I am fully capable of error,
but the records themselves are, except for an occasional clerical error,
unimpeachable.They speak to us from and about the past.They tellthe "true
story" of the Deatons and our related families and are not altered by denial or
insistence to the contrary.I have consciouslystriven to avoidpassing
judgment onmyancestors,although at times the temptation to do so has been
very great.These pioneers lived in a different time,were subject to
different cultures, and danced to the beat of a different drummer.They were
not perfectpeople even as were are not perfect.The were vulnerableto their
own weaknesses as weareto ours.They behavedas they feltthey must and
attempted to justifythe same evenas we,their children, do today.We do
ourselves no honorwhen we, because of embarrassment,offense,or anger,
pass judgment on them.We only revealour ownareas of conflict when we voice
our uncomfortableness with their behavior and harshlyjudge them for the same.
Indeed, one of mygreat grandmothers may have copulatedwith a male friend
outside ofthe sanctity of marriage.She may have evenbornethis man's
children.I amneitherproudnor embarrassed by thesebehaviors.I was not
there.I know notwhat she felt nor what circumstancesmay have prompted her
to behavethusly.After all, who am I but a manfull of frailtiesand
imperfections to passjudgment on her?
Finally,some family membersand/orreaders will, nodoubt, be offendedby
my handling on these pages the subjects of "church" and "religion."Please dear
reader,do not be offendedby my lack of religiosity and I will not be
offended by your abundance of the same.I subscribe to the notion that all
persons, everywhere, have a right to professwhatsoever faith they choose,
whether in generous or miserly proportions,and I now askthat all who read
thishistory, some of whom will no doubt be horrifiedby my religious
philosophy,accept me and my valuesas valid and genuine.I canaccept you.
Can you not accept me?You may have found God in church.I am glad.I have
foundHimelsewhere.Can you not be glad for me?
You,mydearreader,are about to meet "GreatGrandfather theStory-
teller,"a fictitiouscharactermeant to represent all oursuperannuated
and hoary-headed ancestorswho, from generation to generation, have passed
down to their off-springs their family's history, legends,values,etc.,by
teaching, entertaining, and mesmerizingthe young ones with theirfabulous
stories of daysgone by.GreatGrandfather, on occasions,embellished the
factsand, to increasethe educationaland entertainmentvalue of said
stories,added his own special brand ofpicturesquespeech and humor.But
the facts and events he relates are all based on officialdocuments and family
records and at no time does he misrepresentthe family history as it is
contained in said documents.The children and grandchildren he instructs and
entertains represent all children who evergathered at the feet of one of these
marvelous old pioneers and feasted upon his/her accounts of days gone by.The
setting in which these storiesare told is rural America of the early 1900's
when the major portion of this country'scitizenrystill lived on the farm and
when sources of diversionand entertainmentwere considerablyfewer in
number,simpler in form, and less expensive in cost.An era when life was much
less complex and the paceslower.A time when Grandpa, orGreat Grandpa,
usuallyat their insistence, gatheredabout him the grandchildren, and great
grandchildren, and with considerable skill related, with his own special flair,
to his wide-eyed progenies,the heroics and adventures of their ancestors.I
envision a balding,stooped, and wrinkled,but bright-eyed and alert aged man
sitting in an ancientrocking chair in front of a fire placegreatly enjoying
every opportunity to share with his young loved oneshis fond memories and
proudrecollections ofyesteryear.He, of course, would be puffing on abig-
bowled pipe with a crooked stem and would,from time to time, pause to poke
the fireor perhapsclean his spectacles.There would be a large oval-shaped,
braided, brown rug in front of the fire place and upon the rug,taking his
regular early evening snooze, would be "Snurd,"the family's faithfulold
spotted hound.That oldhound loves GreatGrandfather almost as much as do
the children."Mama"would be sewing. or perhaps ironing, and "Papa"might be
readingthe latest edition of the almanac, or perhapscleaning his favorite
rifle.In this setting then, one ofthe childrenwould inquire of the old
patriarch if he mighthave time to relate a family story.While the fire
crackled and the flames flickered, and while occasionally rocking in his chair
and puffing his pipe, as the smokefrom said pipe spiraled upwards permeating
the room with the aroma of tobacco,Great Grandfather would commence to share
with the family, especially the children,a precious chapter of the family's
history.In this way that history was passed downfrom one generation to
another, pride in the family was built, lessons were learned, and character was
formed.
Regrettably, your authornever had the opportunity to participate, as a child,
in the scene described above, and as a resulthas felta great emptiness.I
did,however, have a great and faithful old houndnamed "Snurd."That dog
was just about the best friend I ever had; consequentlyI have taken the
liberty of inserting him in the abovescenario.
A NOTERE:GREATGRANDFATHER
(by one of his great grandchildren):
Notwithstanding the customaryfamilybiases,Ihonestlydo believethat
Great Grandfather was the most knowledgeable person I have ever had the pleasure
of meeting.It was,at least it seemedto us children, almost impossible to
make an inquiry of him to which he could not give asatisfactoryand, often,
profoundresponse.On occasion, Irecall,he would pull from his often
frequentedbookcase a tattered old tome,thumbthrough its well worn pages,
find that for whichhe searched, and with his eyes sparkling with an
anticipatorytwinkle,respond."Ah, here it whatyou younguns is wanting to
know."GreatGrandpaloved booksand loved reading.I have often heard him
say,partially in jest,when offeringadvice to the younger generations, "I
wouldrather reada good bookthan kiss a pretty girl" (a sentimentthis
great grandchild could not share with him).And as he read,he mumbled.In
fact, he was a chronicandhabitualmumbler.Irecall mymother often
chiding him for his,sometimes,disconcerting muttering.To whichhe would
invariablyrespond, "Woman!I am not mumbling.I am thinkingout loud.You
think the sayyou want to think and I will think the way I want to think!"
Second onGreatGrandpa'slist ofprioritieswas walking.He and old
Snurdmust have walked a thousand miles together.He frequently reportedthat
he,along with old Snurd'svaluableassistance,during their daily
constitutionalstogether,had solved most of the world'smore pressing
problems.Walking, reading,meditating,and recording---these wereGreat
Grandpa'spassions."Never trust your memory younguns,"he would caution.
"Write it down."And write it down he did.He had,I believe,aspirations of
writing a book about our family "someday"and I suspect he would havehad his
bodyendured the years as wellas his mind.Great Grandpawas tall,thin,
bald, and walked witha slight limp,and because of an old back injury, listed
to the left.He was approachingfour score and ten when he beganliving with
usout on the old home place;but even in those waning years he was incredibly
tolerant of our childishantics and remarkablysensitive to ouryouthful
needs.At the same time he seemed indefatigable in his dedicationto the
recording of family history.He nevergrew weary of sharingwith us
"younguns" what he called 'family heritage.'As if it wereyesterday,I
rememberGreat Grandpa's moving in with us, an eventoccasioned by the passing
of GreatGrandmother. They had been marriedfor sixty-five years and, swore
they both, eachyear was sweeter than the last.The very senior Mr.Deaton
had beena school teacher all his life and firmly believed "the only thing in
this world more importantthan learning is a man's word!"He used to say, "A
promise made is a debt unpaidand a friend in need is a thing to heed!"And
he meant those words!Inever knew him to break a promise and I never knew him
to turn his back on a friend.
MyGreat Grandfather, in my humble estimation was a man far ahead of his time
and, thus, out of step with his generation.Frequentlymisunderstood and
thought "odd" by his neighbors and community, his propensity for study and his
corresponding lack of religiosity did nothing to alter their sentiments nor
endear him to his contemporaries.And religionwas, indeed,a sore spot with
him.The only time I rememberbeing treated to a demonstration of his anger
was occasioned by a localfundamental minister who, ill-advisedly, undertook
to scoldhim for not keeping his family in church. "Don'tyou know, Sir," the
pompous pontificatorproffered, "allthese littlechildren are going straight
to hell and God will holdyouresponsiblebecause you have not kept them in
church!"Well,as that poorpreacher found out,that was exactlythe wrong
thing to say to Great Grandpa.Such a tongue-lashing I have never heard.I
rememberGreatGrandpa snapping, "Ifyour god is of the sort that he sends
innocent children to hell, then he ain't fit to beserved...Andwhoeverit
was that called you to preach, it sure enoughwas not Godbecausehe ain't
thatstupid...If you don't want my dog to chew-off apiece of your
sanctimoniousbutt,you had betterget back on your horse and make tracts!"
Needless to say,we were nevertroubled by the Reverend again.
When I was abouttwelve,GreatGrandfatherdied.I thinkhe must have made
his exitfrom this lifejust as he had planned it.One afternoon oldSnurd
came running home alone from one of their walks,barking as he ran.We all
knewwhat had happened.
THEMEANINGOFTHE SURNAME"DEATON":Thename is English in originbut
there really is no consensusas to its meaning.ElsdonSmith,author of
"New Dictionary of AmericanFamily Names,"states that "Deaton" is a variation
of "Deighton-one who came from Ditton (Homestead ofDudda'speople).Ditton
was located inShopshire, England.Some familyhistorians refer to a village
of "Deighton" (Dyghton,Dighton) inYork,the name supposedly meaning
"Dykestown,a town with a ditch."Little supportfor this notion can be found
amonghistorical scholars, but it is estheticallyappealing.It should be
notedthat there is a "Dighton"and"Dighton's Rock" in Massachusetts.One
might speculate that some of our earliestAmerican relatives lived in this
area.It isknownthat a KatherineDeighton (b.ca1614 England),
daughter ofJohnDeighton of Glouster, England, who died before5-21-1640,
marriedSamuelHagburne and migrated to Roxbury,Massachusetts, before1643.
She second marriedThomas Dudley4-14-1644,evidentlyan earlyProvincial
governor ofMassachusetts.
STORYTIME NO. 1:"HOWTHEDEATONSCAME TO AMERICA"
"GreatGrandpa, tell us again how the Deatons came to America."
"Well,I reckonI got time to do that...Here little one, crawl up in old
GreatGrandpa'slap.Now,don'tbe a wigglingaroundor I mightburn you
with my pipe.Younguns, give old Snurd a nudge thereand move his tail.He
gets a might upsetwhen someonerocks on his tail.Well,let's see,ifI
remember correctly,mygrandpatold methat his grandpatold himthat a
very long timeago,beforeyou youngunswas born,before I was born, even
before my grandpa was born, in a land far away on the other side of the ocean,
in a placed called England, there was this fellanamed William Deaton.Now, he
was a youngandambitious lad and a might unhappywith the way things wasa
going in his hometown and country.I believemy grandpa told me that there was
a bunch offolks who was trying to get William to go to a church he did not
want to go to.Now,I don't know if that is the reason why William Deaton came
to America or not.I recollectreading somewherethat a bunch offolks came
to Americabecausethey was poorand owedthe rich peoplea lot of money
that they could not pay.So,they had to leave the country or go to jail...Any
ways,this Williamwas awful poorand needed a joband figuredthe best
chance to make a life for himselfwas to come to America.So one fine day,I
believemy grandpasaid it was the year of our Lord1639, or maybe 1640,
this William Deatonand two friends, a fellanamed John Hall and another fella
named John Clinton, bookedpassage on a boat called'Assurance.'I used to
know the name ofthe captain of that ship, but my memoryain't what it used to
be.Any ways,what do you youngunsreckon it felt like to those three fellas
to be getting on that boat and heading for the New World?'
"I bet those fellasfelt likeI did the first day ofschool...all excited and
scared."
"I bet they feltlike I do when school is out for the summer."
"Well,your greatgrandpa wouldbet a shinnynew pennythat those young
lads felt evenbetter than that...Don't youknowtheir heartswas pounding
with excitement when they stepped on board that boat.Now,of course,if they
had never been to sea before, they had to be a bitskiddishaboutspending
three months on that boat and crossingapond asbig as the Atlantic Ocean.
Andsure enough,after a few days a big storm blew up andthe winds howled,
and the rainspoured,and the waves tossed that little boatto and fro.Your
grandpa used to chide me by saying that every time I toldthis storythe winds
blew stronger, the rains pouredharder, and the waves got higher.Butany
ways,those three young lads,of course,got sea-sick and felt like their
time had come for sure and certain.Butby and by,the stormsubsided and I
reckon all hands were safe.The little boat was delayed on its journey
considerably,however.By and by,they sighted land.That landmany years
later would be called NorthamptonCounty, Virginia.Now,how do you reckon
those fellas felt when they first set foot in the New World?Well,I'll just
tell you how they felt.They feltbetter than you youngunsfeel on Christmas
morning!Now don'tyou know the grass was the greenestthey had ever seen.
And the Americanskywas the bluestwhat ever was and those Americanbirds
sang prettier than anybirds had ever sung before.They must have feltlike
it was a great day to be alive.You youngunsremember now,William Deaton was
a poor man.My grandpa told me that all he had was an old tatteredbible,two
or three shillings, and aheadplum full of dreams.Now,I don't know what
happened tothose two other fellas, but Williammust have gone to work and
paid offhis passage debtand then saved his moneyuntil he could buy a piece
ofland.Wellbuy and by,he met and married a pretty younglassnamed
ElisaTruitt.She was the daughter of a neighbor that lived down the roada
ways.Well,before longWilliamand Elizastarted having children.I
believe they had ten in all,but only five lived.You have to rememberthat
back in the old daysthere weren't many doctors and when ababygot sickit
very oftendied.Well by and by,William Deatonhad a plantationand
severalslaves.Weain't tooproud ofhis slave holdings,but in those
days all the planters had slaves that tended to their crops.It isgoodthat
nobody hasslaves anymorebutfolks did notfeelbadabout slavery in the
old days.Well, I reckonWilliam became something of a pillar in his
community.And that is how the Deatonsgot started in America."
"Is there a moral to this storyGreatGrandpa?"
"I reckonthe moral to that story is that anybodycan dream a dreambut only
those who are willing to workfor their dreamsare able to make them come
true!"
GENERATION ONE:ALEXANDERDEATONHAAS:
Alexander Deaton Haas, the oldest son of Amber Deaton Haas and Keith Eric Haas
was born was born in Evansville, IN, November 1, 1994.At birth, he weighed
seven pounds and five ounces.He was twenty-two inches long.His place of
birth was St. Mary's Hospital and the attendingphysician was Dr. Nelson
Graham.Alex is a young man with blue eyes and blond hair.Currently he is in
Kindergarten in Sevier Co., TN.He also attends the New Hope Day Care program
(in Sevierville) after school. His best friend is a young man named "Joshua."
In his earliest years, Alex was very much enamored with
Barney," "Winnie the Poo," "The Power Rangers," "Michael Jordan, and "Peyton
Manning."Now that he is attending school his interests have turned
elsewhere...to more grown-up things!!
Alex (his grandfather calls him "Big Al") and family began the transition from
Indiana to Tennessee when he (Alex) was three years of age.Now, three years
later, he is rapidly becoming a full fledged Tennessean.His Indiana
grandmother, Judy Norris, reports that she already detects in him a "southern
accent."He refers to his Indiana grandfather, Steve Haas, as "Pawpaw Yes
Hair," and his Tennessee grandfather as "Pawpaw No Hair."
It should also be reported that Alex has handled the birth ofhis little
brother extremely well.He has not demonstrated any significant jealousy of
Zachary...atendencythat is often characteristic of an older sibling when a
new arrival enters the family.
GENERATION ONE:ZACHARYDEATONHAAS:
Zachary Deaton Haas, the youngest son of Amber Deaton Haas and Keith Eric Haas,
was born 7-4-2000 at 9:55 PM at the Ft. Sanders Sevier Medical Center (Sevier
County Hospital) on Middle Creek Rd., in Sevierville, TN.To be more specific,
he was born in the "Dolly Parton Birthing Unit."Zachary weighed six pounds and
six ounces and was 19 inches long.He was delivered by Dr. Louis Riley.
Present in the maternity waiting room were his two grandmothers, Judy Norris and
Judy Deaton, his uncle "Jay" (J.T. Norris), his grandfather, Lonnie Deaton, and
his big brother, Alexander Deaton Haas.Present in the delivery room was his
father, Keith Eric Haas.Of course, his mother was also present.Early
indications are that he will have light reddish brown hair and blue eyes.
GENERATIONTWO:AMBERDAWNDEATONHAAS
Amber DawnDeaton (ADD) (the onlychild ofLonnie Dale Deatonand Amaryllis
Smith),the mother ofADH & ZDH,was born10/5/1967atthe Universityof
Tennessee Hospitalat 6:30am (her motherclaims she was bornat 7am).
Present in the father'swaitingroomwith Amber's father was the president of
the University ofTennessee,Dr.AndyHoltwho was awaiting the birth of
his grandson.At birth,Amber weighed6 lbs and12 ounces.It should be
notedthatinitiallyher father thought her to be remarkablyunattractive
andresistedgoing to the pediatricvisiting room to "view"hisdaughter.
Her firsthomewas 1234BakerSt.,Knoxville, TN.This was anapartment
complex inSouthKnoxville.It was not untilAmber was 3 months oldthat
her parents were able to purchase theirfirst home.This house was located at
513KarlaDr.,Knoxville, TN.At three and a half years of age,Amber was
bitten in the face by a neighbor'sdog.Her parents took great pains to see
that this event did not result in Amber beingafraid of dogs.Fortunately,
her facewas notscarred.Until she started Kindergarten,Amberhad the
samebaby sitter, a wonderful ladyknown as "Nanny Ruffner."The young Miss
DeatonattendedNew HopewellElementarySchool (where her mother was a
teacher),DoyleHighSchool (now known as South Doyle),and the University
ofTennessee.She majored in Sociology.UpongraduationfromUTin 1990,
she attendedthe Memphis StateUniversitySchool of Law (now knownas
Memphis University). It was atMemphis State that she met KeithEricHaas.
Shemarried young Mr. Haas8-14-1993 in Evansville, IN.She did her "law
clerking"with the sameJudgeYoungas had herhusbandinEvansville.
After giving birth to ADH11-1-1994,Amber began hercareeras a lawyer in
McMinnville,TN.Shefound that she did notlikeEvansville andIndiana
and thussecured herlicense to practice lawinTennessee.It tookthe
young coupleuntilNovember of1998 to completetheir transition from
Indianato SevierCounty,TN.After working a year in McMinnville,Amber
secured aposition withaprivate firm in Clarksville, TN.She remained in
this positionsix months.She then secured a PublicDefender's positionwith
the State ofTennessee inCockeCounty (adjacent to Sevier).Her husband
closed out his practice in Evansville and moved to Tennessee inJanuary of
1998.After having some reservationsaboutremaining with the practice of
law,Amber found that she very much enjoyedworking in CockeCountyand
being a PublicDefender. Amber gave birth to Zachary Deaton Haas on 7-4-2000.
At this timeshe is inclinedto think that she is more suited to serveas
prosecutor.
Amber's motherrecallsthat her daughterwasblessed (or cursed) with an
incredible amount of very curly hair and she did not have her first haircut
untilshe was four years of age (a most unpleasantexperience).Amberwas
a voracious reader from a young age and kepttrack of the names and number of
books she consumedand probably is the only person inKnoxville who can claim
that she read every biography in the children's section of the local library.
She was fascinatedby historyand became ahuge fan of the British Royal
Family.Academically,Amber always did well in schoolbut did not really
"shine"until she reached college.She was always inclined to get involved in
various"distractions." During her sophomoreyear in highschoolshe earned
a tripto Europebyselling candy on theschoolbus.Herfather had
promised her that he wouldpayfor half the expenses of the trip if she could
earn the otherhalf.Her fathernever,for one moment, thought she would be
able toearn enoughmoney to coverthe cost ofhalfthe expenses.Tohis
surpriseshe earnedmore than the entirecost of the trip.
Amber knewfrom the ninthgradethat she wanted to bean attorneybut
initiallystruggledto find the "right"legal position.She was very
disappointed in Indianaand determined thatshe would do whatever was
necessary to get backtoEast Tennessee.Afterconsideringleaving the
legalprofession, she foundthe position in CockeCounty,a positionthat
seemed to be very much to her liking.InNovember of 1998,she and Keith
purchased a new home in Sevier Co.
Amber did not conduct her first jury trail until March of 1999.She defended a
mancharged withDUI,assaulting a police officer, andresisting arrest.
He was acquitted on two ofthe charges.
CHILDREN OFAMBER DAWNDEATONHAAS:
I. AlexanderDeaton Haas was born 11-1-1994 in Evansville, IN (see above).
II. Zachary Deaton Haas was born 7-4-2000 in Sevierville, TN (see above).
GENERATIONTHREE:LONNIEDALEDEATON
LonnieDaleDeaton (LDD),the first of sixchildren ofBernice Deatonand
the onlyson ofAmandaMaeGriffitts,was born 6/21/1935 inMountain View,
Kiowa County, OK, according to birth certificateRegister No. 3067.As often
occurred,the name of "Griffitts" is misspelled onthisdocument.Dr. Y. A.
Howelldeliveredthe young Mr.Deatonat2:30pm within the confines of a
boarded-upchicken house.AmandaGriffitts assuredher sonmany times that
the chicken droppings had beenswept out.This chicken housewas located on
the farm ofMr. ClemTracyfor whom the new parentswere working as tenant
farmers. ClemTracyappears in the 1920census ofWashita Co., OK, HH 148.
This would appear to be the same farm where the infamous "chicken house" is
located.Also appearing the 1920census ofWashita is George Young, HH 160.
BD & AMGalso tenant farmed Mr. Young.Mountain Viewwas a very interesting
community.InAugust of 1903,the entire town was moved three and a half
miles out ofWashita Co., intoKiowa Co.Through the yearsLonnie hasoften
remarked that Abe Lincolnbeganhis long journey to the White Housefrom a
log cabin.Lonnie, of course, never had any thoughts ofreaching the White
Housebut he did begin hislife's journeyin even more humble circumstances
than did old Abe.Before Lonnie reached his firstbirthday his parentsleft
Oklahoma for Arizona and later New Mexico.He did not return to Oklahoma, and
Mountain View until8-1979.He attended Kindergarten in Lordsburg, NM,the
first grade inSilver City, NM, the second grade in Douglas, AZ, the third
grade in Higley, AZ, and the fourththrough eighthgradesat Adams School in
Phoenix, AZ.The name of this school was later changedto "Grace Court School"
in honor of the lady who had been its principle for forty years.The school has
long since been torn down.In those daysLonnie was very much the athlete and,
with an absentee father, desperately needed a healthy male to take him under his
wing;hence this attraction to coachDominicRevello.Coach Revellowas an
exceedinglykind and patient man who came to Lonnie'srescue when he was about
to be overwhelmedby his familycircumstances.Lonnie believesthat the
Coach'scontribution to his life was inestimable.He oftenstated,"May the
God of all brokenhomes shower down his blessings on CoachRevello."In
1949,Lonnie's family was living at 208 N. 12th Ave.Hegraduated from
PhoenixUnion High School in 1953 and was one of 590graduates.Lonnie
married AmaryllisSmith 8/25/1955 at the Church of Godin Phoenix, AZ.The
couple had met at Lee College, Cleveland, TN,where both were students.The
ceremony was performed by Rev. HerschelDiffie in the presence ofHarold
Thompson andFred Sutter.In the absence of the bride's parents,Miss Smith
was given away by Rev.C.W. Collins,state overseer for the Church ofGod in
Arizona.The marriage license records that the courtclerk was Walter S.
Wilson and the deputy clerk was Edna Rudd.Lonniegraduated from Lee College
(now Lee University) fourth in his class.He would have graduated second in the
classbut was demotedby the schoolfaculty because of excessive"class
cut." (whenthe courses were boringand the professors uninspiring young Mr.
Deatonwas inclined toabsent himself).Before completing his college
training,Mr. Deatonsecuredfour college degrees (the last two being from
the University of Tennessee).He began his career as a professional social
workerat the Home for Children in Sevierville, TN.It was while working at
the Home for Childrenthat he earned his lasttwo degrees (a Bachelorsdegree
with a double major in sociology and psychologyand a MastersDegree in
Clinical Social Work).From1966 until1984Lonnie worked at Psychiatric
Services ( a privateclinic) at the University ofTennesseeHospital,
Knoxville, TN.This clinicbegan closingin 1984at which timeLonnie
acceptedemployment at SouthwesternState Hospital,Marion,VA.Heworked at
this facility until his retirement in 1997.
AfterLonnie and "Judy"had been marriedtwelve yearsAmberDawn
Deatonwas born (10/5/1967).The couplehad to borrow againstan insurance
policy in order to affordthe down payment on their first home.This house
cost the overwhelming sum of $24,000.Their secondhomewas purchasedin
1972for$35,000.In 1985 the couplepurchased their third home for $41,000
( a cabin on a lake in Hungry Mother Park,Marion, VA).
STORYTIME NO. 2:"SNURD"
"GreatGrandpa,tell usagainabout how we got oldSnurd."
"So its oldSnurd you youngunswant to know about is it?...Well,let's
see...IfI recollectcorrectlythat old hound adopted our familywhen your
old Grandpawas aboutten or elevenyears old.Back in those days me and
yourGrandmaused to make a tripto townabout once a week,usually every
Saturday morning.We would go in that oldwagonout in the barn.Now,as I
recollect,there was this big,mean spotted hound that commenced to hang
around oldMr. Haygood'sGeneralStore.Back in those days, of course, old
Snurdwas strong and healthy and had all of his teeth and just delighted in
chasingevery horseand wagon that came down the road.Forsome reason or
other, he especially didn't like your Grandpa.As a matter offact, he once
took a big chunk out ofyour Grandpa's leg.I reckonyour Grandpawould have
killed him right then and there ifhis leghad not been hurting so bad that he
could not stand up....Well,anyways,Snurdhung around the generalstore
for several more months making an outrightnuisance ofhimself.I remember
once inquiring ofMr. Haygood aboutwho the owner ofSnurdmight be.He
allowed as how no one owned'that meanvarmint.'Ibelieve he said that he
had been tryingto run him offfor the longest but old Snurdrefused to
budge.Well,to beat it all,one Saturday afternoon old Snurd up and
followedme and your Grandpahome...and he has been hereever since.I
reckon you could say that he just adopted us...Ireckonold Snurdis the
finestdogthat was ever in theseparts...He saved mybones once,I'll
tell you that.That was the time I fell and broke my leg out in the back
pasture.OldSnurdcame and got your Grandpaand brought him backto where
I laidjust a suffering somethingfierce.I reckonif old Snurd hadn't been
there I might have died.
"How did he get that earchewed off,Great Grandpa?"
"His ear, huh?...Well,let'ssee...Ireckonhe lost that piece ofear
about the time yourPapa andMamabroughtyouinto this world...Nowold
Snurdain't never been afraid of nothing;but onedayhe plumbbit-off
more than he could chew.Now I didn't seethe fight myself,but your Grandpa
told me that once when he and old Snurdhad gone fishing, oldSnurdmade the
mistake of picking a fight with a bear.And that is how he lost thatpiece of
ear.I never heardtell what happenedto the bear."
"GreatGrandpa,is there a moraltothisstory?"
"Well,I reckonthe moralofthat story is...no matter how brave a fella is,
it don't make much sense tostart a fightthat you can't hopeto win!"
(In1947, whileLDDwas living inPhoenix, AZ,Snurdadoptedhis family.
He had belonged to a neighbor.Whenthe neighbor died(?),Snurdadopted LDD
and his family as his new masters.Bythis time he was an exceedingly old
animalwith no teeth and a very cantankerousdisposition.He would not allow
anyone to pet himexcept the young Mr. Deatonand would onlyallow him to
scratch his head...never his torso,belly, or flanks.This ancientcanine
creature was extraordinarilymean and viciouslooking in hisappearance;
hencehe made an excellentwatch dog and 'protector' ofhis small master.It
seemedLDDwas alwaysthe smallest kid on the block; consequentlythe
neighborhoodbullieswere always 'picking' on him.But when old Snurd
adoptedLDD all that stopped.Fromthat day on,manya bullyscampered
homescreaming for his mother with Snurd fast on his healsthreatening to chew
off his leg.In1952,Snurddisappeared.Some said he had been stolen or
killed.LDD's familysuspected that his time had come and hesimplywandered
off ,laid downand died.God!LDDloved that old dog!!
CHILDREN OF LONNIE DALE DEATON (grandfather of ADH & ZDH):
I. Amber DawnDeaton (This is the direct line of ADH & ZDH.See above).
GENERATIONFOUR:BERNICEDEATON
Bernice(pronounced Ber-nus) (anawful name for a man)Deaton (BD)(his
friends called him "Bernie"),the maternal greatgrandfather ofADH & ZDH,
and thegrandfather of Amber Deaton Haas,was born 5/18/1914 in Rocky, OK.He
wasthe seventh of nine children ofWSD and SEC.He marriedAmanda Mae
Griffitts on 9/24/1932 in Mountain View,KiowaCounty, Oklahoma.Amandawas
born3/6/1916 in Anadarko, OK.She was the daughter of Miles Griffitts and
Jewel Billington.It should be notedthat the young couple liedabout their
ages."Bernie"reported his ageas 21 andAmandareported her age as 18.
They were married by the Rev. H.C. Lamb,pastor of the localBaptist Church.
The witnesses to the wedding were Ruth Thompson and FernLairdboth of
Mountain View.The court clerk wasMinnieMorgan and the deputy was Clyde
Poston.They were divorced on 3-4-1941 in Lordsburg, NM.The divorce was
handledby attorneysSanders and Taggart (for Mrs. Deaton)andA.W.
MarshallofDeming, NM (for Mr. Deaton).The divorce wasgranted on the
grounds of "irreconcilableincompatibility."Thedivorce proceeding was
identifiedas CivilCase No. 1887.Granting the divorce was JudgeEugene D.
Lujan.The court clerk wasEleanorF. Cochran and the deputywas Marshall
Fuller.They had one son,LDD, born6/21/1935.Bernie and Amandaleft
Oklahoma in 1936during the "Grapes of Wrath"migration and first settled in
Mesa, AZ.Two years later they moved to Lordsburg, NM.After leaving the farm,
BD became a truckdriver.He first worked for the McNuttOilCompany and
later E.B. Lawand Sons Trucking Company.He eventuallywas promoted to
middle management.,When he was 52years of age, he moved to Albuquerque, NM,
bought half interest in "CraneLeasing, Inc.,"and became surprisingly
successfulfinancially.Throughout his life Berniewas a hard core
"workaholic."He hatedholidaysandhe hated weekends.He wanted towork
fourteen hours per dayseven days a week.OnSundays,when he had no work to
do,he would go to his office andsit behind his desk and smoke cigarettes.
Until his healthfinally forced him to retire he had little time for his
family.He was a kind and generous manbut so compulsive about his workthat
his familyhad to learn to manage withouthis physicalpresence.Bernice
Deatonsecond marriedAgnusFlynn in 1944.They had two daughtersbut
their marriage lasted only two years."Bernie"third married EvelyanBeach in
1944.Evelyanwastwelve years his junior.They had three childrenand
remainedtogether until his death.BDlived thelast twenty-five years of
his life in Albuquerque, NMHedied 7/27/1987at the Kaseman-Presbyterian
Hospital.Cause of death was"ChronicObstructivePulmonaryDisease."BD
choose to be crematedand the funeralservices were handled by "Fitzgerald &
Son."At the time of his death, BDwas residing at 3328Shepard Pl., NE,
Albuquerque, NM.The informant for his death certificate wasEvelyanDeaton.
BDhad been a chainsmoker all of his life and evenwhen put onoxygenand
ordered to stopsmoking by hisphysician, he was unable to do so.In1979,
after many years of separation,BDand LDDhad a very long and meaningful
discussion ofthose earlyevents that led to BDand AMGgetting
divorced...the event that madeBDan absenteefather.Both father and son
felt much better after the discussion.
CHILDREN OFBERNICEDEATON (grandchildren of WSD):
I.LonnieDale Deatonwho is the grandfather of Alexander Deaton Haas &
Zachary Deaton Haas (see above).
II. Bernita Jean "Susie"Deatonwas born ca 1942 in Deming, NM.She first
marriedDonaldKassner."Susie"eventually married several times and had a
number of children.She was a school teacher. Her mother was Agnus Flynn of
Kentucky.
III. Sarah Elizabeth"Sallie"Deatonwas born ca 1943 in Deming, NM.
Throughout most of her life"Sallie"feltconsiderable hostility for her
father;hence they were never close.Her mother was also Agnus Flynn.
IV.Sharon June"Sherry"Deatonwas born 1-27-1947 in Silver City, NM, and
at the age of 15 marriedJohnDrinkard on 3-17-1962.The young couple eloped.
After having two children,"Sherry"and John were divorced,Corrina born in
1965and Jodyborn in 1969.
V. RolandWilliam"Jumbo"Deatonwas born 8-6-1949 in Silver City, NM.He
marriedJoreneGheradine on 12-13-1969.They had no children."Jumbo"
became a masterelectrician.
VI. RichardOwen "Rod" Deatonwas born in 1952 inLas Cruces, NM.He first
marriedGail Cartwright on 2-20-1971.They had one son (Brent born in 1975)
and were divorced after 1987.GENERATION FIVE:WILLIAM "WILL" SHIMMIN DEATON
William Shimmin "Will"Deaton (WSD)(SSN 525-95-6627), the great, great
grandfather ofADH & ZDH and thegrandfather ofLDD,the third son and sixth
child of William Harrold Deaton and Eliza AnnClendinin, was born12-2-1877
(some records have him born 2-2-1878) inFriendship,Crockett County, TN.He
left home at the age of fourteen and never returned ,marriedSarah Elizabeth
Colvin on 8-6-1897, died4-25-1966 inSonora,StanislausCounty, CA, and was
buried inLakewood MemorialPark (section 24/23, lot HBlock, plot 33)
Empire, Stanislaus county,CA.He spend the last six months ofhis life in
the SonoraConvalescentHospital.Dr.B. Brown, the attendingphysician,
listed the cause of death as "cerebralvascular accident...generalized
arteriosclerosis."The funeralwas handled by the ModestoMortuary.Sarah
Elizabeth Colvin (SEC) was the deathcertificate informant and she reported
that she did notknowthe identity ofhis parents.One wonders if she was
not keeping a promise to her husband to maintaintheir vow of silence.Except
for briefbits and pieces of informationshared with his only daughter, "Will"
neverrevealed to anyone the identity of his parents."Sally" (SEC), as she
was called, was born 2-3-1882 inCanton,Van Zandt Co.,TX.She died 5-6-
1970 in Modesto,Stanislaus Co.,CA. Her parents wereWilliam Henry Colvin
and Nancy RebeccaHollis.
STORY TIME NO. 3:"THE MYSTERY OF OLD 'WILL' DEATON"
"GreatGrandpa,tell us aboutthe mystery of old'Will' Deaton."
"Youwant to know why old'Will' Deatondenounced his family,do you?Well,
let's see...one ofyouyoungunsfetchme my pipe...there Little Missy, you
laymy bookover on the desk...the rest of you gather around and I'lltell
you about my favorite ancestor and about the biggestdad-burnsecretthis
familyhas ever had.As a matter of fact, I calculate as how,except for old
'Will'himself,I'mthe onlyperson in this bigworld that knowsthe true
story of why 'Will' Deatonleft home and disowned his family.Now,just lots
ofkinfolksthinkthey know the storybut noneofthem really do.Some
have said his stepmotherrun him off, but he didn't have a stepmother.Some
have saidhis papadied when 'Will'was just a lad, but 'Will's' father did
not die until'Will'was29 years old.Some have saidhis papadied in
Dallas,but he died in Memphis.I calculate that all these false rumorsgot
startedbecause, ever once in a while,old'Will' would forget himselfand
let a little information slip outand folks would do some supposin'based on
what 'Will' had said.,But the truth is,younguns,nobodybut your old
greatgrandpahere knowsthe whole story and it tookme nearlyfive years
of searching and digging and huntingbefore I finallyuncovered the truth of
what happenedback there in Memphis, TN, at 313 Georgia Avenue,in about 1891.
Now, old'Will's' fullname was 'William Shimmin Deaton.'Younguns, I ain't
got the foggiest notion wherehis father (William HarroldDeaton)and his
mother (Eliza AnnClendinin)got the middle name of 'Shimmin,' but I do know
that old 'Will'hated it and neveradmitted that he even had a middle name.
Hedidn't like the name of 'William' any to well either. I reckon that was
because he was named after his papa. He told everybody his name was just plain
'Will,'and he got a might huffy if some family memberaggravated him about
it.Now,old 'Will' was born in the little town of Friendship,Crockett
County,inwest Tennessee, in the year 1877.When he was about seven years of
age, his papamoved the familyto Springfield, Mo.,butthey did not stay
long.In 1889,they movedbackto Tennessee and Memphis.I calculate as
how it was while 'Will'was in Springfieldthat he attended that there
catholic schoolwith the priest and nunsand such like.I don'treckon he
ever went back to school when he got to Memphis.I have a suspicionthat old
'Will'wanted to go to schoolsome more but his papamade him quit and take a
job as a janitor with a company calledthe Milburn Gin and Machine Co.Old
'Will's'bigbrother,Robert, worked for this companytoo.And this must
have been about the time when all the big trouble started!From all that I can
read and have heardabout WilliamHarrold,I justknow he made 'Will' turn
over his earnings to him to support the family.Now,don't you know that
really burnt old 'Will' up something fierce.I reckonI know how 'Will' felt.
When a fella is young,being fairseemsawful importantto him.Later on,
of course, 'Will'would learn that life is not fair and probablynever will be
fair.But 'Will'didn't know that then, so it didn't seemright to himthat
he should have to give his earnings to his papawhen old William Harrold wasn't
all that strong onwork himself.I can just hear old'Will'shout,'How
comeI have to help supportthe familywhen you don't?'Now don't you know,
the battle over work and moneywent on and on for abouttwo years.Finally,
theirquarrel got so badthatWilliam Harroldordered 'Will' to 'help
support the family or get out!'WellI want to tell you younguns,that is a
mighty heavy load to put on a young boy.Anyways, 'Will'was mighty proud
and a might stubborn.He reckoned as how he thought he was right and he would
not budge.So hepacked his bags and headed out the door.Old Eliza gave him
five dollars and asked him to writewhen he could,but he never did.I reckon
as how oldWilliamHarroldnever thought 'Will'would leave,but he was
mistaken.SoWilliamShimminDeatonleftMemphis andnever wentback.
Neither his mama or papa, or his brothers or sisters, ever heard from him again.
And this is why none of old 'Will's'children, nor grandchildren, have any
notionaboutwhere they came from or who 'Will's'parentswere."
"What is the moral of this story,Great Grandpa?"
"Ireckonthe moral to that story is...if a fellaexpects life to befair he
sure is going to get his feelings hurtrealbadmanytimes.I reckonthis
storyteaches us parentsthat we ought to seta good example for your
younguns.Sinceit seemedto old 'Will'that his father was shiftless and no
good,it didn't seem right to himthat he should have to workand support
the family."
AccordingtoWSD'smarriage license,"WillieDeaton and "Sallie Colvin"
were married in Van ZandtCounty,TX, on 8/6/1898.The magistrate was W.W.
Slaughter,the countyclerkwas J.P.DuBose, and the deputyclerk wasT.B.
Towles.SarahElizabethColvin (Sallie) was onlysixteen at the time she
married"Will"Deaton.Since age elevenshe had been in the employ of a
family in Van Zandt County.Her mother, NancyRebeccaHollis Colvin had
participated in the 1893 OklahomaLand Rushbut had left"Sallie" behind in
Van Zandt County.According to family tradition,a localfamilytook her in
andoffered her room and board,clothes, etc., in exchange for her labor.She
remained with this family untilshe married"Will." To this daythe family
does not know what drew WSD to VanZandtCounty nor how long he had been there
before he marriedSallie.It is knownthat another family ofDeatonslived
in the area.At any rate, "Will"wasa wanderer and before longhe was in
Bell Co.,TX,where his son, Enoch,was born.By1903he was in Coalgate,
CoalCounty, OK.In1905 he was in Mountain View, OK.Gotebo, Washita
County, OK,was his residence in 1908 andRocky, Washita, County,by 10-1910.
Earlier in1910, when the US. census was taken, he lived at 805 IdahoAve.,
Chickasaw,GradyCounty, OK.Census records have him renting a house,
working in a flour mill warehouse, literate,and theson ofparents,both of
whom were born in TN..Presumably,SECwas the informantfor this document.
NodoubtWSDhad told her that his parents were born in TN., informationhe
likelythought was correct (actuallyhis father was born inArkansasbut
remained there only verybriefly). LDDreports that he canrecall meeting his
grandfather only on one occasion.This was in1945 inCeres, CA.Lonnie
recalls that his grandfatheralways wore"overalls."AmandaGriffitts
recalls that her father-in-lawwas a very shy and distant man (he never would
make eye contact)...stubborn...honest...hard working...a good father...hard
shell Baptist and "one who led the singing in church."Family legend has him
joining the Primitive Baptist Church in July of 1912, Likely in Rocky, OK.
The following is a reproduction of the 1880 UnitedStates Census of Crockett
Co., TN.
W.H. Deatonage 36b. Ark.
E.S.37Tn..
R.C. (son)12Tn.
S.I.(dau)10Ill.
B.F.(son)8Tn.
Ale I. (dau)6Tn.
G.H.(son)4Tn.
W.S.(son)2Tn.
The following is a reproduction of the 1900United States Census of Memphis,
TN.
William H.Deatonb.6-1844Ark.
Eliza A.b. 11-1845Tn.
Samanthab.7-1870Tn.
Arrista C.Fogle (d)b. 12-1875Tn.
AnnaC.(d)b.7-
1879Tn.
Unfortunately,the 1890census of the UnitedStateswas destroyed by fire.
Were this not the case, it would be possibleto clear upany doubtsas
touching theparents of WSD.From the twoaboverecords it is clearthat
his family moved to Memphisbetween1880 and 1900but that WSDwas gone by
1900.It is during this interim that he is alleged to have had the quarrel
withhis parentsthat led to his leaving home.By1900,"Will"was in
Texas.
CHILDREN OFWILLIAM "SHIMMIN" DEATON (greatgreat grandfather ofADH & ZDH):
I.EnochMattersonDeaton (EMD) (SSN 458-1378)was born 3-2-1901 in Bell
Co., TX.(Some family members believe he was born inCoal, Co., OK.)In
1920, at the age of nineteen,he has hired himself out to a farmer named Lee
Senter in Kiowa Co., OK.His parents at the time were living in McClain Co.,
OK.He marriedLoraCelesteSimpson on 6-5-1920 and diedina placecrash
on 7-8-1944 inParmer Co.,TX.Lora was born 4-1-1902 in Hobart, Kiowa, Co.,
OK.She was the daughter ofJames Simpsonand NettieCollins.She second
married ClaudeGarrison and died 9-3-1973 at "B.C.M.C" hospital in
Albuquerque, NM.She had been living with her husband at 1017 E. Brazos,
Portales, NM.According to her daughter,Betty Johnson,Lorahad actually
been marriedthree or four timesafter Enoch's death.The attending physician
at her death was Blithe A. Schroder.He listed the cause of deathas acute
myeloblastic leukemia.She was buried at OklahomaLaneCemetery,Farwell,
Parmer Co., TX.Theburial was handled by Fitzgerald and Sons ofAlbuquerque,
NM.ClaudeGarrisonwas the death certificate informant.
Enoch Deatonwas apparently an excellent business man and was financially quite
successful at the time ofhis death.He was in the cotton gin and farming
business.He formed a partnershipwith a Mr. Brock and together they owned and
operated cotton gins in Lariat and Farwell, OK.His death certificate states
that "Enoch Madison (sic) Deaton...died of injury to chest over heartarea...in
a placecrash...nearFarwell, TX."It should be noted that several errors
appear on his document including the incorrect spelling of his middle name.He
was buried in Love Cemetery, Oklahoma Lane, OK,aboutsix miles east of
Farwell,Parmer Co.,TX.The services were handled by SteedFuneralHome.
Theattending physician was ScottJohnson.The informant was Lora C. Simpson.
One must think a great dealabout the name "Matterson" and might conclude that
parents would hardlygive a child such a name arbitrarily.One might suspect
that there must be a "Matterson" in"Will" or "Sallie's"background, however,
to this date, no one researching the Deaton familyhas come up with a
connection to the name.It is worthy of note, however, that SarahElizabeth
Colvin'smaternalgrandfather wasJames Madison Hollis.Bernice Deaton
always thoughtthat his brother'smiddle name was"Madison" and could not be
convinced otherwise untilhe visited his brother'sgrave and read the name
"Matterson"on Enoch'sheadstone.
CHILDREN OFENOCHMATTERSONDEATON (grandchildren of
WSD):
A. CarlEnochwas bornca 1921 in Hobart, Kiowa,Co.,OK, and
married Fredria Lorene Fair on 10-7-1946 in Hays, Ellis Co., KA."Freddy,"as
she was called, lived aboutseven miles northeast of Oberlin,KA."Freddy"
was the daughter of Fred Ivan Fair and Viola Luella Meyer. For many years Carl
andhis sonDavid operated successfullythe "Clovis Body Shopand CSB Auto
Recyclers,"in Clovis, NM.
CHILDREN OF CARL ENOCH DEATON (gt grandchildren of WSD):
1. Carl Davidwho married1st married Mary Valdez and 2nd married Janet Ellen
Montgomery.
Children of Carl David Deaton;
a. Charlotte Sue Deaton.
b. Dominick David Deaton
c. Carl Enoch Deaton.
2. Robert"Bobby" Fred who married Kimberly Renee Smith and
had JennaRenee Deaton.
3. Laura Louise who married Tom Tyne Harlan and had Jenna Sue and
KristiLynn Harlan.
4. Sue Ellen who married Paul Dwayne Whatley.Paul was born
1-12-1949 and died 12-9-1977.They had Kimberly Ann Whately.Sue also married
Robert Boyd.
B. Mablewas born2-3-1921 in Hobart, Ok, and married Raymond
Martin on 8-5-1939 inClovis, Curry Co., NM.Mable died of cancer 10-24-1974
at High PlainsBaptist Hospital,Amarillo, TX.Raymond was born 3-1-1921 in
Mountainair,Torrence Co., NM.
CHILDREN OFMABLEDEATONMARTIN (gt grandchildren of WSD):
1. JimmyRay Martinwas born 4-21-1941 in Clovis, NM.As of
1980, he was living in Deming, NM.Jimmymarried "Gwenda."
2. Kathryn Ann Martinwasborn 5-5-1940 in Clovis, NM,
married TommiePhillips, and as of 1980 resided in BrokenArrow, OK.They
hadCliftonand TressaPhillips.
3. LoraSherleneMartinwas born 9-10-1944 in Clovis, NM, marriedBobby
Atkinson,and as of 1980resided in Decatur, TX.They had "Kelly."
4. Peggy DarleneMartinwas born 1-11-1948 in Clovis, NM,
marriedCliffHarlen, and as of 1980lived in SanAntonio, TX.
Children of Peggy Darlene Martin Harlen:
a. Jason Scott Harlen.
b. Mark Wayne Harlen.
c. TracyDarlene Harlen.
5. DickeyLynnMartinwas born 4-13-1954 and died 3-7-1960.
C. Elsie MayDeaton,who first married GarlandSiskand second
married Kelton JoyceHickman in 1979, was living at 2598Ridge Rd.,Prescott,
AZ, in 1980. Keltonwas born 11-21-1921 and died in 1979 in Prescott, Yavapai
Co., AZ.
CHILDRENOFELSIE MAYDEATONHICKMAN:
1. LarryGarland Sisk.
2. Kenneth Wayne Hickman.
3. Karen Kay Hickman.
D. DorotheaDeatonwas born 10-18-1926 in Carnegie, OK, and
married EmmettBaldridge on 12-30-1944.Emmett was born 1-30-1917 in
Tahlequah, OK.Bya previous marriageEmmett had Charlotte, Mitch, and
Hyland.Emmett's first wife had died at the age of 24.Dorothearaised
Emmett's three childrenas ifthey were her own.As of 1980,Dorothea and
Emmett were living at 1516Elder Court, Broken Arrow,Ok 74012.The following
obituaryappeared in the Tulsa World 10-11-1997:"Baldridge, Emmett M., 80,
retiredGreyhoundbus driver, diedThursday.Services 2p.m. Monday, Moore's
Southland Funeral Home Chapel."
CHILDRENOFDORTHEADEATONBALDRIDGE (gt grandchildren of
WSD)1. CharlotteAnn Baldridgewas born 5-1-1937 in Claremore,
OK.
2. Mitchell EmmettBaldridgewas born 4-26-1939 in
Indianapolis, IN.
3. HylandMarie Baldridgewas born 1-18-1942 in
Indianapolis, IN
4.Carolyn JeanetteBaldridge was born 10-18-1945 in Tulsa,
OK.
E. William EarlDeatonwas born 10-27-1928 in Albert, OK. He
married Patricia Ann Millet and as of 1980 was living at 715 Kenmore Circle,
NewberryPark, CA 91320.
CHILDREN OFWILLIAM EARLDEATON (gt grandchildren of
WSD):1. Mike EarlDeaton.
2. StevenGaryDeaton.
3. Donna Marie Deaton.
4. Cynthia AnnDeaton..
5. Mark Anthony Deaton.
F. BettyJeanette Deatonmarried ChesterBob Johnsonin 1962.
Chester was the son ofChester Green Johnson and Lula Houston.In1981, Betty
was working for the SecurityPacificBankin Newberry Park, CA.In 1997
BettyJohnsondiscovered her cousinLDD on the Internet and they became
"Internet pen pals."
CHILDRENOFBETTYDEATONJOHNSON (gt grandchildren of
WSD):
1. ChesterBobJohnson Jr., was born ca 1954 and married
"Shirley"and had Larry Johnson.As of 1981, " Johnny" and Shirleywere
living in Cheyenne, WY.Johnny worked for a chemicalcompany and Shirley
worked for a veteran's hospital.
2. JamieDortheaJohnsonwas born ca 1956,marriedPaul
Chambersand,as of 1980, was living in Fremont, CA.They had Jennifer
Michelle.
3. LawathaJean Johnson was born ca 1958 and marriedBill
Wisehart.Billat that time was a Park Ranger and Lawathawas
studying to become anemergency roomtechnician.They
were living in Hesperia, CA, in 1979.
4. Sterling JeffreyJohnson was born ca 1963 and planned to
join the AirForce.
II. Leonard AlbertDeaton (SSN 566-14-9029)was born 1-17-1903 in Coalgate,
Coal Co., OK, marriedAnna William's, and diedon 4-24-1968 in Fresno, CA.
His death certificatestates that he died at 9:20pm in Fresno Community
Hospital of "carcinomatosis, grade IV, cancer of the colon."For the last
twenty-fiveyears ofhis life he lived at 4302 N. Brooks, Fresno, CA., and
worked for FresnoMosquitoAbatementDistrict,MosquitoControl, as a
sprayer.It is conceivable that Albert's occupationmay have had something to
do with his developing cancer.He was buried atBelmontMemorialCemetery,
Fresno, CA.The funeralwas handled by Stephens and Bean.The embalmerwas
Manford E. Morton and the attending physician was Dale R. Pinkington.The
informantfor the death certificate was Hester Deaton.Very little information
is available concerningAlbert's children.It is knownthat he had a daughter
named"Raye" (Rae?)who marriedChris J. Wiese.
III. WilliamLonnieDeaton wasborn 12-28-1905 in Mountain View, OK, and died
7-15-1922.He is buried in the ElmFlatCemetery,near Rocky, Washita Co.,
OK.Lonnie'sdeathcertificate states that he died the afternoon of7-15-
1922ofaccidental causes.He was 16years of age. The attending physician
was J. D.Ballard."Will"Deaton was the informant.Bernice Deaton recalls
well the events surrounding his brother's death.Lonniehad become ill on
Wednesdaybefore dying onSaturday.He had a passing out spell while working
in the fields.His father had carried him back to the house.This passing out
spellwas accompanied by twitching and jerking but,apparently was not
diagnosed as epilepsy.The following Saturday he set out for town on horseback.
Sometimelater the horse wasfound riderless on a nearbybridge spanning a
small creek.The family began searching and late that evening found Lonnie in
the water under the bridge.The crawfish hadeatenawaypart ofhis upper
lip.It is speculated that he had stopped at the creek to get a drink of water,
had a passing out spell, fell in the water, and drowned.
IV. Leon Deaton, "Will" and Sally's only daughter, was born 1-23-1908 in Gotebo,
Kiowa Co., OK.She married James Hardy Chisum. Hardywas born 8-15-1908 in
Tishomingo, Johnson Co., OK.He died 9-30-1980 in Modesto, CA.Lonnie Deaton
reports that, while BD and AMG were having marital trouble, he lived with "Leon
and Hardy" in Lordsburg, NM, for about three months.For many years he believed
that while he lived with his aunt and uncle, he had been responsible for
breaking one ofhis cousins arms.This was, however, a trick of the memory.
In a letter to Lonniedated 5-5-1979, Leon indicated that no suchsituation
had in occurred in her home.In this letter she also confirmed that her Dad had
been very reluctant to talk about his family.She did recall that he stated
that his family lived in Memphis and had worked for the railroad.Leondied in
January of 1999 inCalifornia."Hardy"died in1980.
CHILDREN OFLEONDEATON CHISUM (grandchildren of WSD):
A. Grover Chisum who married "Frances"and had Jim and Todd Chisum.
B. Berl (Burl?) G. Chisum was born in Oklahoma 4-8- 1929and died
6-17-1990 in Pasadena, California. He had married "June" and hadRebecca and
SandraChisum.Rebecca married a Mr. Donhan andSandra married a Mr. Eppard.
C. Neal Chisum married "Marcylene."
Children of Neal Chisum:
1. April Chisum.
2. Gregg Chisum.
3. Stanley Chisum.
4. Paul Chisum.
V. DavidOwenDeaton was born 10-9-1910 in Rocky, OK, and married Etioley B.
Brown 12-18-1929 in Anadarko, Caddo Co., OK."Toiley" was the daughter of
Beaumont Brown and Celia Green Colbaugh.She was born 12-9-1912 in Albert,
Caddo Co., OK.As of 1979they were livingon ShawsFlat Rd, Sonora, CA
95370.In October of 1979, they celebrated their 50thwedding anniversary.
October was more convenient for the family than December.Owen lost an eye when
he was very young. Hedied in 1991. "Toiley"was born in 1912 in Albert, Caddo
Co., OK, and died 11-3-2000.She is buried in Shaws Flat Cemetery, Sonora, CA.
The following are the thoughts of Neva Stoddard Laidlaw upon the death of her
grandmother:
"I imagine a warm fire in the wood stove, the smell of bacon
and Grandma making Grandpa a cup of Folger's and a Taster's Choice for herself.
Its been a long, lonesome wait, but this morning they are back together again.
Later, they'll put on their jackets, go sit out front and catch up on all that's
gone on and soak up a little warmth from the morning sun."
CHILDREN OFDAVID OWENDEATON (grandchildren of WSD):
A. Betty Imogene "Ima" was born 10-14-1930 in Binger, Caddo Co., OK.
She marriedDarrel "Dan"Stoddard on 4-29-1952 in Jamestown, Tuolumne Co., CA.
Darrelwas born 5-5-1925near Piedmont,Meade Co., SD.He served in the
U.S. Navy in Monrovia in a trooptransport division.
CHILDREN OFIMOGENE DEATONSTODDARD
1. Dana Dayle Stoddard born 10-15-1953 in Lodi, SanJuaquin
Co.,CA. Dana married WilliamEdwinGard 6-28-1975 in Basin, Big Horn Co.,
WY."Bill" was born 2-7-1948 in El Monte, Los Angeles Co., CA."Bill" was in
the U.S. Marine Corp and did two tours in Viet Nam.Their marriage ended in
divorce.
Children of DanaDayleStoddard Gard:
a. Isaac LeeGardborn 1-6-1973 in the South Big
Horn County Hospital in Greybull, Big Horn Co., WY.Isaac marriedBrandiBell
Sessions on 10-23-1996 in Thermopolis, Hot Springs Co., WY.Brandi was born 6-
29-1973 in Thermopolis.They hadRowdySethGard 1-15-1997 who was born in
Themopolis.He was born in the Hot Springs Memorial Hospital.
b.NevaGayleStoddardwho was born 11-28-1954
inSan Andreas, Calaveras Co.,CA.Nevamarried ClydeThomasLaidlawJr.,
who was born 6-20-1956 in San Rafael, Marin Co., CA. Themarriage took place on
10-30-1982 in James town, Tuolumne, CA.
Children ofNeva Gayle Stoddard Laidlaw:
(1) DanielThomasLaidlaw who was born 9-16-1983 in
Sonora, Tuolumne Co., CA.
(2)Zana StoddardLaidlawwho was born 6-
1-1985 in Sonora,Tuolumne Co., CA.
(3) Leta Lynn Stoddard who was born 5-21-
1957 in SanAndreas, Calaveras Co., CA.
B. Peggy Joan(Joanna?)was born 2-6-1935 in Mountain View, Kiowa
Co., OK, and first married Quinn DaleKarnes 1-7-1951 in Reno, NV. The marriage
ended in divorce.Shesecond married Tim Brune 5-2-1953.Tim was born 7-10-
1934 in Hollister, CA.Timwas the son of James Theodore Brune and Celia
Bernice Kahl.Peggy Joan was "Jo"to her family and "Peg" to her friends.
CHILDREN OFPEGGY JOANDEATONBRUNE:
1. MelodyBerniece Brune who was born 1-16-1954 in
Sonora, Tuolumne Co., CA.Melodyfirst married Lawrence LeeKram on 5-16-1973
in Sonora, CA. The marriage ended in divorce.She second marriedJamesFarrel
Brawly on 5-1-1976"Jim" was born 12-28-1952.This marriage also ended in
divorce.
Children of Melody Berniece Brune
Brawley:
a. AndrewJames Brawleywho was born in
11-15-977 in Sonora,Tuolumne Co., CA.
b. Douglas FarrelBrawley who was born 5-
28-1980 in Oakdale, Stanislaus Co., CA and married Chritina Miles 2-1999 in
Ione, Amador Co., CA.They had AbigailElizabeth Brawley 5-14-1999.Abigail
was born in Susanville, CA.
2. Anthony JackBrunewho was born 4-25-1955 in
Sonora,Tuolumne Co., CA.. Jack married Karen KayeFletcher 8-20-1983 in
Pinehurst, Tuolomne Co., CA.Karen was born 5-20-1952.
3. PaulBrentBrune who was born 6-11-1957 in Sonora,
Tuolumne Co., CA. Paul married Cynthia Carol Crouchon 6-27-1985in Carson
City, Douglas Co., NV. The marriage ended in divorce.Cynthia was born 8-24-
1959 in TX.
C. Charlotte LouDeaton was born 8-31-1938 in Mountain View, Kiowa
Co., OK. SheevidentlymarriedTravis Stanley Cantrell 7-27-1963 in Oklahoma
City, OK.Travis was born 1-3-1934in Oklahoma City, OK.Travisdied 4-2-
1977 in Modesto, CA.He is buried in Lakewood Memorial Park, Empire CA.Travis
was the son ofWilliam Theodore Cantrell and Ruby Johnson.She was never
legally married to DanielJohn Stonewho was born 7-30-1922 in Indianola,
Pittsburg Co., OK.He died 3-1-1988 in Modesto, CA. Travis served in both the
Army and the Navyand was medicallydischarged during the Korean War.She
marriedJohn Carson on 4-26-1992 in Las Vegas, Clark Co., NV."Johnny"was
born 7-3-1935. Johnnywas a cousin of Travis Cantrell.
CHILDREN OF CHARLOTTELOUDEATONCANTRELL CARSON:
1. Jeffrey OwenDeaton who was born 9-24-1955 in San Andreas,
Calaveras Co., CA. Jeffrey married Patricia Mifflin on 11-1-1979 in
Modesto, CA.
Children of Jeffrey Owen Deaton:
a. Elizabeth "Beth" Annette Deaton was born 10-5-
1983 inEureka, Humboldt Co.,CA.
b. Seth Owen Deaton was born 10-5-1883 in Eureka,
Humboldt Co., CA.
2.Dennis Edward Deaton who was born 7-17-1957 in Auburn,
Placer Co., CA.He marriedTena Wood on 1-3-1976 in Lubec, Washington Co.,
Maine.The marriage ended in divorce.Tenawas born 5-15-1958in Lubec,
Washington Co., ME.Dennis died 8-11-1995 in CA.
Children of Dennis Edward Deaton:
a. Sara LeslieDeatonborn 10-20-1976 in
Modesto, Stanislaus Co., CA. Sara marriedGarrick Shurn in 1993 and had Troy
Reuben (b. 1994) and Denae Monique (b. 1995).
b. Travis James Deaton who was born in 1979 in
Modesto, Stanislaus Co., CA.
3. WilliamTravis"W.T."Cantrell who was born 1-12-
1972 in Modesto,Stanislalus Co., CA, and cohabitated with a Miss Vasquez.
They hadZandria Cantrell who was born 8-26-1992 in Modesto.
D. Kenneth OwenDeatonwho was born 4-4-1942 in Mesa,Maricopa
Co., AZ and married Wanda Carlene Morales on 8-3-1963.Wanda was born in 5-12-
1941 inLivemore, Almeda Co., CA..Kenneth died in 16-22-1993 in Missoula,
Montana and was buried 6-1933 in Shaws Flat Cemetery, Sonora, Tuolmne Co., CA.
At the time of his death "Ken" was living in Salmon, ID.He was flown to
Missoula, MT,for medical treatment but died of "aortic dissection and
hypertension."
CHILDREN OFKENNETH OWENDEATON:
1. David Kenneth Deaton who was born 2-6-1964 and had Kenneth Thomas
Deaton (b. 9-20-1991).
2. Darrel Kevin Deaton who was born 7-12-1969 in Sonora,
Tuolumne Co., CA,had Samantha Marie Deaton (b. 2-14-1989) and Daniel Kevin
Deaton whowas born 9-13-1990 in CA.
VI. IraDeaton (male)was born 3-8-1913, in Washita Co., OK, and did 3-14-1913
at his place of birth.He lived only six days.
VII. Bernice Deaton (male)is the direct line (great grandfather) of Alexander
Deaton Haas & Zachary Deaton Haas (see above).
VIII. BrentusLloyd Deaton was born 2-29-1918 in Byars, McClain Co., OK, and
married Dora Dowdy (Doughty?) in Lariat, TX on 12-24-1937In 1979, Brent and
Dorawere living in Cave Junction, OR.
CHILDREN OFBRENTUSLLOYDDEATON (grandchildren ofWSD):
A. Derry(Darry?)Lynn who married "Sandra" was living in Maryland
in 1979.
CHILDRENOFDERRY LYNN DEATON:
1. Kristi Deaton born in 1968.
2. Kurt Deaton born in 1972.
B. Marlan Grant Deaton.Marlan was living in Jal, NM, in 1979.
C. Deanna "Joy"Deaton who married DougHoskins. Deanna was living
in CaveJunction, OR, in 1979.
IX. ColvinDeaton, whowas given his mother's maiden name, was born 2-5-1921
in Mountain View, OK.Colvincalledhimself"Cal." Colvinfirst married
"Avis,"second married"Christine," third married "Agnes," fourth married
"Lilly," fifth married "Helen," and sixth married "Lorene."
CHILDREN OFCOLVINDEATON:
A. CharlesCalvin "Pete"Deaton who was born 5-17-1941.
B. William AndersonDeatonwho was born 8-27-1942.
C. Robert Leon Deaton who was born 9-11-1944.
D. Michael LeroyDeaton who was born 12-20-1946.
E. Sandra Lee Deaton who was born 4-12-1949.
F.Mark Deaton.
GENERATIONSIX:WILLIAMHARROLDDEATON
WilliamHarrold Deaton (WHD),the manabout whomWilliam Shimmin Deaton
would never talk nor even acknowledge,the grandfather ofBD and the great
grandfather ofLDD, was the third of nine children ofLittleberry Deaton and
Christian (Christina?)Walker.He was born 6-1844 in Carroll County, AR,
married Eliza AnnClendenin2-17-1867 in Johnson Co., IL, died 1-29-1916 in
Memphis, TN, and is buried in plot 400 (no headstone), Elmwood Cemetery,
Memphis, TN.Elmwood was one ofMemphis'sfirst cemeteries and is of
historicalsignificance.WHD's death certificate (File No 247, Register
No.247)statesthat he died of "apoplexy."Eliza, his widow, was the
informant for this document and reportedthat his parents were L.B. Deaton and
Christian Walker.Perhapssignificantly, she records his occupation as "none."
WHDappears in the 1870 Census ofMcNairy Co., living next door to his father.
He is recorded as living in HH 140 and owns no real estate but does have
personal property valued at $100.He was farming.He had just returned from
Illinois.In 1880, he appears in the census of Crockett Co., TN. He is in HH
134 and was working as a farmer.We knowthat WHD did some farming in his
earlydays and later worked briefly as a car repairer for the Kansas City, FT.
Scott, and MemphisRailroad, and from 1890-1895 worked "off and on" for the
Kansas City, Memphis, and BirminghamRailroad both as a carpenter and car
repairer.He is recorded in the Memphis City Directory of 1890 as working for
the Kansas City and Ft. Scott Railroad as a "car repairer."In 1901, he was
working as a salesman for the SingerSewing Machine Co.During his military
days,WHDhad gained a reputationas a "malingerer" and evidently found
sustaining gainful employmentdifficult.Perhaps Elizawas expressing her
negative feelings for her deceasedhusband when she foreverhad recorded his
occupation as "none."WHDwas attended in death by M.I. Breeden and buried by
McDonald and Monteverde..
Themilitaryrecords of WHD, his pensionapplications, and Eliza'spension
application are fascinating documents and, perhaps reveal the character of our
ancestor.William Harrold first joined the CSA (confederate army) 8-31-1861
(Capt. Polk's Light Artillery) at Union City, TN.In his various pension
applications (dated 10-27-1890, 4-11-1891, 11-28-1896, 9-2-1902, 7-20-1903, and
6-6-1912)(It took him twenty-two years to get his pension), he insisted he was
"forced at the threat of death" to join the CSA.This would seem to be
confirmed by Littleberry Deaton's accounts in his bookwhen he refers to the
community hostilityfor Northernsympathizerssuch as the Deatons.In a
"General affidavit" dated 1898, Shelby Co., TN,the following is recorded:
Affiant W.H. Deatonstates that he...did not serve
voluntarily in Polk'sBattery, S.A.,but that affiant did state to said
specialexaminerthat when affiant did join Battery that he joinedthrough
"intimidation and threats and pressure," that the affiant was only 17 old at the
time he joined the Battery.That affiant'sfather was at the time serving in
the Regiment of Illinois, infantryVolunteers.That affiantdid not want to
join said battery at the time and had no sympathy with the rebellion. but at the
time could not help joining said battery as such pressureof a threatening
character was brought to bear against affiant and affiant had no one to protect
him at the timebeing without friends among the enemy and when affiant got an
opportunity left said Battery and joined the 3rd Regiment of the GARIllinois
Cavalry (signedW.H. Deaton).
In another "General Affidavit" dated 3-17-1897, Memphis, TN, WHD stated:
I was enlisted in the Confederate Army in the summer of 1861
by threats from armedrebels who told me that I would be imprisoned or hung if
I did not join the southern army.This persecutioncommenced about the middle
of May when my father and older brother went north and enlisted in theUnion
Army at Cairo, Illinois, and was kept up by both soldiers and citizens until I
enlisted in the southern army in August 1861. I was often called a Lincolnite
while I was in the confederate service because I could not cheer the confederate
flag with the Rebel Yell and I claim that I had not any simpathy (sic) with the
Rebellion and deserted as soon as I couldget protectionat home and
volunteered under strong persecution...I am not aided nor prompted by any
writtenor printed statement ofrecitalprepared or dictated by other
persons and not attached as an exhibit to my testimony as above written but the
facts are personally known and down at my request. (signed W.H. Deaton).
LDDwas able to locate the only existing record of WHD'sCSA military service.
He did, indeed, enlist in "Polk's Light Artillery" on 8-6-1861 and served until
10-31-1861 (86 days).There is no record of him reenlisting or deserting.If
this record is completethen he did not participate in the battle of Shiloh.
He did not enroll in the GAR until 5-20-1864.One must wonder whereWHD was
between 10-31-1861 and 5-20-1864.He reports that he "deserted as soon as he
could get protection at home."Was he hiding out somewhere all this time??
The following is a "General Affidavit"sworn to by a James Lowery,age 54, of
Chester Co., TN, 11-26-1896.
This is to certifythat I knew W.H. Deaton was forced in the
Confederate Service against his will byintimidation and threats.Me and him
and his parents and his brothers was very intimate friends and at the time he
was forced in the confederate army I had to skip the country to keep out of the
service.
In another "General Affidavit"dated 11-26-1896 and sworn to by a William
Smith, age 71, of Hardiman Co., TN,Mr. Smithstates:
I, William Smith,. went with a company of Confederate
soldiers to the house of W.H. Deaton in the spring of 1861 and that said
soldiers told the said W.H. Deaton if he failed to join the Southern Army they
would hang him and under the influence of such threats the said soldierwent
with the Southern Army...
The "deserted as soon as I could" may not have been until 1864 (did WHD serve
the CSA for three years?)WHD's GARmilitary record is most interesting and,
perhaps, revealing.These records indicate that he was age 20 (he was 17 when
he claims he was forcedto join the CSA) at the time ofhis enlistment, five
feet nine inches "high," eyes gray, hair brown, and weight 140 lbs. He first
appears on the GAR muster roll 2-1865 for the 23rd Illinois Regiment Cavalry
Volunteers, Company "B."He seems to have spent a great deal of time
hospitalized and, eventually, gained a reputation for "malingering."In a
document entitled "Record and Pension Officer, Commissioner ofPensions," the
following is recorded:
William H. Deaton, Co. "B" 3rd Reg't, Ill., Cav, was enrolled
5-20-1864 and M.O. (mustered out) 10-10-1865 as ofCo. "F" regiment to which
transferred 8-14-1864(note discrepancies in dates). From____?______ 1864 to
March1865, he held the rank of Pvt., and duringthat period the rolls show him
present.The medicalrecords show him treated as follows: William H. Deaton,
Pvt., Co. "B" 3rd Ill, Cav., 6-23-1864, "malingering" and as W.H. Deaton, 7-23
to 8-12-64, "Feb. Int Test"?returned to duty.Nothing additional found. (your
author has not been able to determine what "Feb. Int Test" means).
By the authority of the Secretary of War
G.C.
Amisworth(?)
As noted WHDwas transferred to Co. "F" perhaps because of his reputation for
malingering and finished out the war as an orderly at Regimental Headquarters.
He was mustered out 10-10-1865 at Ft. Snelling, MN.He was last paid 4-30-1865.
He evidently saw little, if any, combat.No record has been found of him
serving at "Shiloh" forthe CSA, but Polk's Light Artillery did serve in that
battle; thus is may be that WHD did see some action in that historical conflict.
At any rate, if our ancestor participated in this exceedingly bloody battle (4-
1862, Hardin Co., TN) and perhaps saw some of his friends fall, one might
speculate that it made a lasting impression on him and, perhaps, explains some
ofhis later behavior.It should also be recalled that his older brother,
Martin Luther Deaton,died in combat 2-21-1862.Assuming that WHDknew of
his brother's death, he might have been exceedingly disinclined to risk his own
death.
WHD firstbegan applying for a GARCivil War pension in 1890 at the age of 45
years.His initialapplication was denied.He appliedfive additional times.
A documententitled "Declaration for Invalid Pension" dated 10-27-1890reads:
William H. Deaton,age 46, was honorably dischargedat Ft.
Snelling, Minn., on 10-10-1865.Thathe is unable to earnsupport by manual
labor by reason of havingRheumatic Pain principal (sic) in the knees and
ankles, soas to lay him up a good deal of the time.That said disabilities
are not due to his vicioushabits and are to the best of his knowledge
permanent...(signed by W.H. Deaton and two witnesses,J.H. McCloud and K.
Buttenburg).
The followingdocument is dated 10-24-1902 and entitled "Testimony of
Employees, Neighbors, or acquaintances of Soldiers."
On this day of Oct., A.D., 1902...personally appeared Ben
Spacey(?) aged 39,resident of Memphis...71 N. Second St...that he have (sic)
been acquainted with said soldier for seven years...and that he were familiar
with his physical condition during the period from 1895 until 10-24-1902, and
knew him to be affected as follows:"generaldisability, old age (WHD was 58)
and unfit for manual labor...that the disability is his opinionwas three-
fourths...said facts stated are personally known to me by reason of dayly (sic)
acquaintance and general observation "(signed BenSpacey).
The followingaffidavit is dated 10-1-1903:
On or about the winter of 1896 at Binghanton, Tn., I incurred
Rheumatism and in the Spring of 1900, I incurredBronchitis and in the Spring
of 1901 I incurred Piles and I ask that this be includedin myformal
declaration formaly (sic) made.And that the samewas not in any manner
caused by my ownvicioushabits (signed W.H. Deaton).
Finally,this documentis dated 7-20-1903 and was sworn to by J.N. Smith, age
50, and C. Hemick, age 60, both residents ofMemphis.
That we have been acquainted with said soldier for seven years
and sixteen years respectively and that we were familiarwith his physical
condition during the period from 4-1896 until 7-20-1903, and knew him to be
affectedas follows:"A general brake (sic) down of the hole (sic) sistom
(sic) and not dew (sic) to his vicious habits.We no(sic) this from
personalacquaintance...we believehe could not hold out to make more
than half timeif that" (signed J.N. Smith and C. Hemick).
It should be noted that at no time during these applications does WHD mention
his alleged battle experience at Shiloh.It should be also noted that WHD was
gainfully employed (at least on a part-timebasis during the time he made the
above applications.His claim was finally honored and when he died he was
drawing twenty-five dollars per month as a GARCivil War Veteran.The
following obituaryappeared in the MemphisCommercial Appeal, 1-31-1916:
"William H. Deaton, a veteran of the Grand Army of the
Republic,died late Saturdaynightat the residence ofhis son-in-law, C.
Lee Hicks, 1122Beechwood Ave., a victim of heart failure.Mr. Deaton is
survived by a widow and eight children.Thefuneralwill take place from the
residence at 3pmthis afternoon.Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.
Finally,to further cloudthe issue of WHD'sloyalty and motives, it must be
noted that he was buried among the plots reserved for the HONORED CONFEDERATE
DEAD.One must imaginethat he requestedto be buriedthusly?? (This was
confirmed by the visit ofLDD to Elmwood Cemetery 3-14-1981.At this time LDD
also visited1122Beechwood Ave.The house at that time was occupied by an
ethnic family).
Elizaapplied for a Civil Warveteranwidow'spension on 2-16-1916.In this
document her maiden name is erroneouslyrecorded as "Clendening."She stated
that she and WHD were married in Vienna, Johnson Co., IL, 2-17-1867by Elm
Larance (LemuelLawrence),Justice of the Peace.She alsolisted the names
and dates of birth ofher twelve children (onlyeightwere living).At the
time ofher death in 1919she was drawing a pension of twenty-fivedollars
per month.
STORY TIME NO. 4:"WILLDEATON'SFATHER"
"Great Grandpa,tell us againabout old "Will"Deaton's father."
"You mean oldWilliam Harroldwho lived in Memphis?Well younguns, of all our
ancestors, I reckon William Harrold is the most interesting and the most
misunderstood,and surely the most difficult to feel good about.Now, I ain't
exactly proud of him,but I'm not ashamed of him either.Any ways, when I
first started hearing about himand reading about him, I found myself wanting
to condemn him and consign his soul to the darkest regions of the bottomless
pit.Finally, I commenced to see how unfair I was being to him.I had not
walked in his shoes, so who was I to judge him?I reckon it'sa bit early for
you younguns to be studying the subject ofbiology inschool, but one day soon
your teacher willintroduce you to the world of such living creatures as toads
and snails and spiders and lizards and such like.Well,there is this
fascinating little lizardcalled a chameleon.This little creaturehas the
amazing ability to turnany colorhe wants to.When he is crawling on the
brown ground, he turns brown. When he is resting on a white rock, he turns
white.When his is running through the green grass, he turns green.This is
the way he protects himself.And don'tyou know, that was exactlythe way old
William Harrold was.Ireckonhe could be whatever color he needed to be.
When it was convenient for him to love the Confederacy, then he loved the
Confederacy.When it was convenient for him to love Union, then he loved the
Union.When it wasconvenient for him to work, he worked.When it was
convenient for him to be sick, then he was sick.When he was applying for his
CivilWar pension, he hated the South and loved the North.; but when it came
time to be buried, he requested to be buried with the Confederate dead.Now,
don'tbe to hard on old William Harrold.There was lots offolksjust like
him.Mypapacalled this kind ofperson "wishy-washy."I reckonit was
this habit of changing horses all the time that caused him so much trouble with
the other soldiers andwith old "Will"Deaton.The UnionArmydid not think
much ofhim because they thought he was always pretending to be sick in order
to get out offighting.But I reckon, ifI had been at Shiloh...old William
Harroldclaimed he fought at the battle of Shiloh with Polk's Light
Artillery...and saw 23,000 men die, and some of them my friends, I might have
not wanted to fight any more either.Some folksmight even havedefended him
by insisting that he had seen the senselessness of war and had found a way to
avoid participating in all that senseless killing. I reckon others would just
say he was lazy and cowardly and no good.I don't reckon I know which was true.
But I do know this younguns, that he and "Will"to many times had very harsh
words about school and work and money.As a matter of fact, father and son
became so distressed with one anotherthat "Will.," about the age of fourteen,
packed up and left.When William Harrolddied in 1916, he had not seen his son
in almost twenty years.Now, old "Will" was not the onlypersonWilliam
Harrold could not get along with.I don't know for sureand certain,but I
calculate as how he keptquite a commotion going on with his wife also.Least
ways, when he diedshe told the doctor that her husband did not have an
occupation.This sounds to me like she was not all that fond ofher husband.
Now,I'mhere to tell you that Eliza was not all that easy to live with
herself.Any ways,old William Harroldwas not exactlya model citizen and I
suspectnot to many folks felt bad when he died."
"What is the moral of this story,Great Grandpa?"
"The moral of the story, younguns, is....don't be passing judgment on other
folks.Folksgenerally have enoughtroubletaking care oftheir own
business withoutgetting all stirred-up overwhat other folks do.And I
reckon a second lesson is that angry and bitter feelings amongst kinfolks leave
an awful scar...scars that never heal."CHILDREN OFWILLIAMHARROLDDEATON:
I. RobertCarnahanDeatonwasborn 11-14-1867. He married AddieR.Buie
ca 1888, 2nd marriedFlora McDonaldca 1898,3rd married MaudMelnotte, and
died of a hear attack in Los Angeles, CA.AddieR. Buie was born in Holland,
died 6-14-1893, and is buried inSpringfield, MO.Florawas bornin 1872 and
died 7-7-1917 in Memphis, TN.In 1890Robertwas living in Memphis and was
working as a carpenter for the Milburn Gin and Machine Co.In 1901 he was
working as a switchman for the IllinoisCentral Railroad.Robert and family
appear in the 1920census of Shelby Co. (City of Memphis).He is recorded on
E.D. 146, Sheet 1, Line 55.In 1928 he was still working for ICCR and was
married to Maud.They were living at 1400PrestonSt., Memphis, TN.Sometime
after 1928, he moved to California.He was the informant for his mother's
death certificate (unfortunatelymuch of his information was incorrect).In a
letter to LDDdated 6-17-1980, RickaDeatonBlackwell, speaking of her
grandfather ,reported:
"I didn't know my grandfather very well (Robert Carnahan
Deaton).He lived in Memphis until I was probably about ten years of age (1936)
and I only saw him a few times. Don't know whyhe left Memphis.As far as I
know,I never heard anything about animositybetween him and our family.He
was a handsome man.Had a full head of snow white hair.I rememberhearing he
was quite a good man on the dance floor..."
CHILDREN OF ROBERT CARNAHANDEATON (grandchildren of
WHD):
A. Charles F.was born8-11-1889 in Memphis, TN, and married
Ann May Carey.He died in 1968 and is buried in Memphis.Annie was born 19-27-
21892 and died 9-9-1953.In 1927, Charles and Annie were living at 1408 LeFlore
Rd., and he was working as a switchman for ICCR. In 1931, he was still at this
address and still with ICCR.
CHILDRENOFCHARLESF. DEATON (gt grandchildren of WSD):
1. Charles W.born3-7-1912 and died 9-1974.
2. Addie Lindaborn 5-20-1923 and married John T. Knudson.
John wasborn 10-24-1922.
3. RoyJoseph was born 11-17-1928.
4. Patriciawas born 1-26-1933 and married Don Wilson.Don
was born 1-1932.
B. ClaudeTerrell was born 6-13-1892 in Memphis, TN.He 1st
married Nancy Rogers(b. 1899 KY) who was killed in an auto accident,2nd
married Mable Elvira Palmquist 12-21-1920.Mable was born 4-10-1897.Claude
died11-20-1970 and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery.Claude, Nancy, and
their first childare recorded in the 1920census of Shelby Co. (City of
Memphis).They are living in HH69.This is a boarding house located on Lamar
Ave.He is working for the Railroad as a "foreman."In 1927, Claude was
working as a "foreman" and Mable was a stenographer.Their address was 1669
Kenilworth,Memphis, TN.Claude was employed by the Nashville, Chattanooga,
and St. Louis Railroad as a "switchman"from 1927-1931.Mablewas employed by
a Mr. L.G. Trotteras a secretary in 1927.RickaBlackwell describes her
fatheras follows:
"Daddywas small in stature.He was about 5'8" and weighed
about 120lbs.My brother (we callhim C.T.)was about the same height as
Daddy, however weighed 150 lbs. Daddy had brown hair andblue eyes.I have a
tintype of him and his Dad when Daddy wasa very young child and his father
was very handsome and rugged looking...My Daddystarted working as a call boy
when he was elevenyears old and switched over to NC & St. L. RR (merged later
with L&N) and served as yardmasterand had a total of 60years of service when
he retired.From you signature (LDD), I notice it is very similar to
Daddy's...Daddywas just a grand guy.Everyone that knew himloved him...his
nickname was "Bugger"...and he was happy and jollyuntil the day he died.He
loved to tell jokes.He, too, ran away from home when he was eleven years of
age.His aunt (Lemantha Idella), known as "Aunt Dell,"took him into her home
and raisedhim...Never a day went by that he didn't come into the kitchen and
give mymother a big kiss and tell her how pretty she was.They had a
wonderfulmarriage.He was a good Christian man...knew the Bible very well
and lived by it.They were bothactive in the Lutheran Church...I feel very
fortunate to have had such wonderful parents" (letter dated 6-17-1980).
CHILDREN OFCLAUDETERRELLDEATON (gt grandchildren
of WSD):
1. Claude Terrell Jr., (information comes from Nancy Rogers)
was born 11-15-1917 and married Sue Seeley Smith.He
died 5-16-1974 and is buried inForest Hill Cemetery,
Memphis, TN.
Children of Claude Terrell Deaton Jr. (gt gt
grandchildren ofWSD):
a. Claude Terrell III was born 6-26-1942 in
Memphis and married"Gretchen" on9-15-1973.They lived in
Charlotte, NC, as of 1981.
b. Chester Smithwasborn 4-9-1948 in Memphis.
c. Robert Martin was born 12-19-1951 in Memphis
and married "Donna Lee." on 11-27-1976.
2. Ricka Elvirawas born 11-2-1926 in Memphis, TN, and
married BillyNeal Blackwellon 10-20-1944.Billy
was born 10-4-1923.Ricka wasespecially helpful
in the tracing of the descendants ofWHD and his sibling's
children. She wrote the following letter to LDD:
"Dear Lonnie:
Well, I believe I can address you by your first name
since it is quite evident that we are cousins...It is a shamethat there is no
information on William Shimmin (Will) Deaton other than his birthday (12-2-1877
as opposed to 2-2-1878)...I'll bet that his father worked for the railroad since
most of the Deatons I knew were with the ICRR form many years."
Children ofRicka Elvira Blackwell(gt gt
gdchildren of WSD):
]a. William Ted Blackwell born 9-29-1948.
b. Ricka Anne Blackwellborn 1-4-1951 and married
Donald LeeMcDonald on 4-30-1971 Ricka
had a son who died of Lukemia inSt Jude's
Hospital in Memphis in 1978.
C. Marjorie Deaton (information comes from Flora McDonlald) was born
4-16-1898, marriedClarence Howard and had Clarence Howard Jr.
D. Minnie Deatonwas born 7-15-1900 and marriedM.F.
Shannahan.They had two children.As of 1927, Minnie was a "clerk"for
Standard Oil Co., and was living at 1059 S. 4th in Memphis, TN.
E. Margaret Deatonwas born 12-15-1904 and married Frank Weaver.
As of 1927, she was working as astenographer and living with her sister at
1059 S. 4th in Memphis, TN.
F. Robert C. Deaton Jr., was born 9-13-1908 and married
"Helen."He died in Long Beach, CA.In 1929, Robert was living at 1480 Preston
Ave., Memphis, TN, and was working as a "clerk."Apparently, RobertJr., and
his father moved to Californiatogether.
G. William ShefferDeaton was born 7-10-1913 in Memphis, married
EdnaMaeCothan and had Ronald.WilliamSheffer died in Memphis 6-20-1981.
FlorisDeaton Roscoe, while visiting in Memphis in 1980, talked with William
Sheffer by phone and reportedthat conversation to LDD in a letter dated 5-24-
1980:
"WilliamSheffer was living at 1677GregoryDr., in Memphis
in 1980 (ph. 901-357-6433). He has a healthproblem that affects his
memory...but as he talksthings come back to him.He says he remembers things
for a short while then they are gone again.I suggested that he start writing
down his memories before they leave him...that someone would contact him.He
told me he has a sister in California who has a very good knowledge of the
family treebut he did not have her address handy.He also said his
grandfather left home at age 14and joined a ships crew. When I asked ifthat
was the Deatongrandfather, he said, 'No.'He thought it was a Buna, or
Shannahan, or McDonald."
II. LemanthaIdellaDeatonwas born 7-18-1867 in Johnson Co., IL, married C.
Lee Hicks on 4-12-1903 in Memphis, TN, and died 5-27-1933 in Memphis.She is
buried in Memphisalso.Lee Hickswas born 6-23-1866 and died 5-27-1933.In
1880, Dell was working in Memphis for "So Pants Manufacturing Co."She was a
seamstress.In 1891-1892 she was working for "The Frost Company" as a packer
and residing at 313 Georgia Ave.Evidently in 1894 she returned to "So Pants"
and was living at 138 Broadway.Dell and Lee had one adopted daughter,
"Josephine,"who married EdwinOrr and had "J.C."As of 1890,Edwin and
Josephine were living in Memphis.
III. BerryFisher (or Fisher Berry) Deatonwas born 12-12-1871 in McNairy Co.,
TN, married 12-19-1898, moved to St. Louis, MO, and died of cancer 1-1-1940.In
1893, Fisher worked for the Kansas City, Memphis, and Birmingham Railroad as a
car repairer.He was residing at 313 Georgia Ave., Memphis.In 1894, he was
working as a switchman and living at 138 Broadway.He was still a switchman in
1901 but was living at 108 Louisiana Ave.In Floris Roscoe's letter of5-16-
1890,she spoke ofFisher:
"WilliamSheffertold me a story ofan uncle, orgreat
uncle, named Fisher Deaton who was a great singer and sang in some cathedral in
St. Louis.Fisher, beinga kleptomaniac, stole all the gold statues in the
church and hocked them, but he got caught and spent some time in jail.He died
in a VA Hospital in Los Angeles, CA."
IV. AristaCarolineDeatonwas born 12-17-1873 in McNairy Co., TN, and
married Robert Cristy.Robert was born 8-1870 in Mississippi.They had no
children.In 1891-1892, Arista was working as a "packer" and lived at 69
Carolina Ave., in Memphis, next doorto her father.In 1893, she was working
for "The Frost Company" (as a packer) and living at 313 Georgia Ave. By 1928,
"Mrs. Arista Cristy" was working for the "Brad Gauge Manufacturing Co.," as a
"machine operator."She was a "wrapper" for the "Item Biscuit Co.," in 1929 and
a"waitress" in 1931.She was living at 132 Linden Ave., in Memphis.
V. GilbertHavenDeaton ("Gibbs")was born 9-1876 in Crockett Co., TN,
married "Louisa,"and died 11-24-1950.Gilbert and Louiseappear in the 1920
census ofShelby Co. (City of Memphis).They are living in HH290 and Gilbert
is working as a "switchman"for aRailroad Co.They are living on West
Illinois Ave.Both Gilbert and Louisa are recorded as being able to read and
write.One must wonder if"Gibbs"and "Louisa"did not have marital
difficulties.After 1926, "Mrs. Louisa Deaton" seemed to have lived alone at
821 Delaware, Ave., in Memphis."Gibbs"seems to have disappeared from the
Memphis records after 1926.
CHILDREN OF GILBERT HAVEN DEATON:
A. Margaret Deatonwho was bornca 1901 and in 1920was still
living at home and working as a telephone operator.
B. LuliaDeaton who was born ca 1903and was still living at home
in 1920.
VI. William Shimmin "Will" Deatonis the direct line of Alexander Deaton Haas &
Zachary Deaton Haas.See above.
VII. Crista A. Deatonwas born 7-23-1880 and married a Mr.Vincent.
VIII. Buna J. Deatonwas born 12-21-1882 and married a Mr. Lawhead.
IX. Fred J. Deaton was born 2-9-1885.
X. EffieDeaton was born 3-16-1885 (thisinformation comes fromWHD's pension
application.Note that Fred was born 2-9-1885 and Effie 3-16-1885???).
GENERATIONSEVEN:LITTLEBERRYDEATON
LittleberryDeaton (LBD), the grandfather of old "Will" Deaton, a Methodist
Episcopal Minister, a poet and author,was born in Hickman Co., TN. in 1820.
He was the son of Elias Deaton,a pioneer settler of Hickman Co. He married
Christian (Christina?)Walker (b. ca 1820), died after 1880, and is buried in
CollegeHill Cemetery, Crockett, Co., Tn.Engraved on Littleberry's headstone
is this remembrance, "Overcomeby faiththrough the blood of the everlasting
covenant."ChristianWalker's nickname was "Chrissie."Engravedon her
headstone are the following words, "She died as she lived, trusting in God."
LBDperformed numerousmarriages in the counties of west Tennessee.He was
also quite a horse-trader and is recorded in the court minutes of several
counties as buying and sellingpieces of real estate.Littleberry'smother,
Elizabeth Yarbrough, died ca 1837 and shortly thereafter he migrated to Carroll
Co., AK.In 1861, while exiled in southern Illinois,LBDwrote "Eleven Months
of Exile Life in Southern Illinois,"published in Chicago (by the author) in
1862.In his book, LBD explains the circumstances under which he moved to
Carroll Co., AK:
"Mydear motherdied when I was a youth of seventeen and my
dear fathercould no longer keep house, and I then launched out into this wild
and wicked world. to make my living as best was I could, without one dollar in
my pocket.I hired myself out to the covetous men of this world, and they made
me do their worstdrudgery. I remained a hireling, the most of the time, for
five long years---that is, I was a hireling for five yearsprevious to and
after the death of my mother.I will remark, by the way, that shortly after the
death of that mother who taught my faltering tongue, I turned my youthful face
towards the setting sun, and bade farewell to my native state, and made my
course towards the occidental mountains of NorthArkansas.But glory to God ,
He found me there and converted my soul and called me to the ministry; and I
thank God that all the scenes of abject poverty that I was called upon to pass
through, were all for my own good, and tended to humble me, and bring me to the
feet of Jesus.Fromthat day to this my dear friends, I have been striving and
struggling against the keen arrows of misfortune; and as to my present
condition,the war has ruined me and destroyed my last ten years of labor.But
glory to God, according to the language of our text, all will tend, ifI will
be faithful, to work out gloryfor me in the coming future."
LBD remained in Carroll Co., AR, until ca 1845.It is worth noting that LBD's
brother-in-law, John Poplin, also moved to this same county.One wonders what
attracted these men to Carroll Co.?By 1850, LBD was in McNairy Co., TN, HH
953.He was farming and owned real estate valued at $150.Hethen moved to
Hardiman Co., TN, where Branson Deaton was living (they were neighbors).He
remained in this county until 1861 when he fledwest Tennessee for southern
Illinois.Apparently, the Rev. Deaton was an outspoken gentleman who believed
the Christian faith required allegiance to the Union.This philosophy was very
unpopular in west Tennessee and did nothing to endear him to his neighbors.His
son, William Harrold Deaton, states in his pension application, that the
community hostility for his family was intense.LBD had no real sympathy for
the Northern cause, but felt a Christian was bound to support his government.
He writes of the problem at length in his book.EventuallyLBD and his son,
Martin (his favorite son), departed Hardiman Co., TN, on 5-2-1861, slipped
through the southern blockades, and joined the Grand Army of the Republic at
Anna, Union Co., IL, on 5-5-1861.LBD, at age 40, and allegedly losing his
hearing, was discharged 5-28-1861 (thus, he served only 23days).Upon
discharge from the military, our ancestor spent eleven months traveling and
preaching in southern Illinois.He held "protracted meetings" in Cairo,
Carbondale, the "Deaton Settlement" (Stone Flat), in Marion, and various other
villages and communities.,These eleven months were a time of extreme poverty
for LBD.He writes:
"By this time I was nearly barefooted and had to borrow fifty
cents to pay post office expenses, and was very near destitute of clothing, and
not one cent with which to buy.This was now the pinch of harvest time.I
resolved that I would work a while and get some shoes and clothing. I hired out
to a gentleman by the name ofTrammel, and got him in my debt for $2.96, and
thinking that I could now get shoes, I issued an appointmentfor the next
Sunday at a school in a settlement where there had been no meetings for some
time.I do believe that vicinity was in the worst condition at that time than
any other settlement that could be found in southern Illinois.My appointment
was given out and I sent for shoes, but could not get any.I was compelled to
go to the meeting in a strange settlement with one of my feet half exposed with
an old shoe tied together with hickory bark.The other shoe did pretty well. I
walked up to the school and soon sawthat there were others who had no shoes,
who had on shoes tied with hickorybark as well as myself."
LBD was surprised to find many Deaton families living in southern Illinois.
Eventually he relied onthese "cousins" to help him.The community ofStone
Flathad several families ofDeatons residing there as well as one Clendinin
family.It is here that WHD found his bride EAC.
In 1862, LBD traveled to Chicago to get his book published.There wasin 1979
only onecopy of the book remaining but in the late 1990'san ancestor of
LBD's (Eva Mabry Stein) had the book reprinted and made a copy available to LDD.
When LDD first discovered this book in the historical library in Springfield,
IL, it was all he could do to prevent himself from stealing the same.But he
was able to resist the temptation and settled for copying 30-40pages of the
book.The complete text of LBD's book will be found in the appendix of this
family history.LBD returned to Tennessee in April of 1862 and took up
residence again in McNairy Co.He appears in the 1870 Census of McNairy Co.He
is recorded as living in HH 141.He owns real estate valued at $500 and
personal property valued at $685.He is farming.By 1890 he and Christian
were living in the home of their son, Pilser Miller.Sometime after 1880, he
moved to Crockett Co., and died there before 1900.
CHILDREN OF LITTLEBERRY DEATON:
I. Jonathan P.Deatonwas born 6-1839 in Carroll Co., AR, and moved to
Jackson, TN, early in 1861.He married Jane Clemmons on 1-25-1863 in McNairy
Co., TN, enrolled in the GAR in Hardiman Co., TN, and was mustered into service
3-8-1864 at Memphis, TN, by a Capt. Williams.According to his military record,
he was five feet and seven inches tall, had dark hair and eyes, had a light
complexion, was by occupation a farmer, and was enrolled with the rank of
private.This record would indicate that Jonathan did not fight at the battle
of Shiloh unless, like his brother William Harrold, he first enrolled in the
CSA.Supposedly, he died and is buried in New Brunswick, IL. This family
appears in the 1900 census ofJohnson Co., IL.By this timeJane Clemmons
seems to have died.OnlyJonathan'schildren appear with him in the census.
CHILDREN OFJONATHAN P.DEATON:
A. Mabel B.born 2-1883 in IL.
B. Marcus L. born 6-1885 in IL.
C. John W. born 4-1887 in IL.
D. Ermimine(?)(dau)born 1-1889 in IL.
E. MaryV.born 1-1891 in IL.
F. Norman C.born 2-1897 in IL.
II. Martin LutherDeaton was born 4-2-1842 in Carroll Co., AR, joined the GAR
5-5-1861 (along with his father) at Anna, Union Co., IL, wrote his father many
letters detailing his military service, and died in battle at Ft. Donaldson, TN,
on 2-15-1862.He is buried at Ft. Donaldson, TN.He seems to have been his
father's favorite son.The following are partial texts of some of the letters
he wrote his father while in service (these letters are recorded in LBD's book):
Written 7-11-1861 from Bird's Point, MO.:
"Dear Father:
It is oncemore that I embrace the opportunity of writing to you
that I am well, but mighty weak. I have been since I came here.I am going on
duty today for the first time in ten days.I think it is the river water that
brought it on.I took a fever for three days andthen took a bad diarrhea
for about a week, which reduced me very much.There has been a great deal of
sickness in the camp since we came here, and a few deaths."
Written from Bird's Point, MO, on 8-26-1861:
"I have been sick for three days and have not eaten anything
during that time, and have been very sick at the stomach.But I am getting some
better today.My stomach is a little settled and I ate a few bites for dinner.
There is a great deal of sickness in the camp.There were four hundred and
eighty on the sick list and the others are going daily.We have been drinking
dirty water, eating rough victuals, standing guard, and lying wet and cold, till
they have pretty nearly got the better of me.But I hope that I will get well
and stout again, by the time I am called into battle, as the battles are
becoming more thick and near."
Written from Cairo, IL, on 10-30-1861:
"I inform you that I am well and stouter than I have been in
three months.I think you could come and see me, if you have the time, for it
would not cost too much.You could get with some of the wagons and come down,
and I think that I could let you have somemoney, though I will say to you
that you can do more good in the cause that you are engaged in, than you would
to come to see me.You had better remain, for you are doing a great work there,
certainly."
On 2-21-1862, Daniel W. Finch, 1st Lt., Co. "E" 18thReg, wrote the following
letter to the "Rev. L.D. Deaton":
"Sir:
It grieves me to relate to you the scene ofthis terrible battle.
But I feel it my duty to say to you that your son fell dead while bravely
fighting for his country, and when we lost him, we lost one of our bravest and
best boys.Ten of my company fell dead on the field.Your son was wounded in
the beginning of the action, but remained fighting until he received his death
wound.We buried our dead, as decently as we could, on the battlefield.You
can comfort yourself in your old age knowingthat he died bravely.No more at
the present.
Very
respectfully yours,
Daniel W. Finch
1st Lt. Co. 'E' 18th Ill Reg."
Littleberryprovides his ancestors with a vivid and detailed account of
Martin's death in his book in order that future generations might familiarize
themselves with howMartin, and thousands of other young men, died (see
appendix).
III. William Harrold Deaton (this is the direct line of Alexander Deaton Haas &
Zachary Deaton Haas.See above).
IV. Isaac N.Deaton was born ca 1847 in McNairy Co., TN, and married "Martha"
ca 1864. Martha was born 5-1849 in TN.Isaac and his family appear in the 1870
census of Johnson Co., IL, and the 1900 census of Greene Co., MO.CHILDREN OF
ISAACN.DEATON (grandchildren 0fLBD):
A. John L.bornabout 1865 in IL, and married "Ellen E." (b. 6-
1867 MO).
CHILDREN OF JOHN L. DEATON (gt grandchildren of LBD):
1. Maudieb. 12-1889 MO.
2. Minnie b. 9-1891 MO.
3. Jason b. 9-1893 MO.
4. Ervin b. 3-1895 MO.
5. Carl b. 3-1897 MO.
6. Neva (son) b. 9-1897 MO.
B. William born ca 1867 IL.
C. Doraborn ca 1869 IL.
D. Alice born 6-1880 MO.
E. Sula born 12-1886 MO.
V. Elizabeth Jane Deaton was born ca 1849 and died at the age of thirteen.
VI. GeorgeWashington Deatonwas born 1-1852 TN, and married Mary J. Tacker
on9-3-1868 in McNairy Co., TN.George and Mary appear in the 1870 and 1880
census of McNairy Co., TN,and the 1900 census of Dyer Co., TN.In 1870, Mrs.
Tacker, George's mother-in-law, was living with the family.In 1880, a William
Tacker (Mary's father) was living with the family.Mary was born ca 1845 in TN.
Marymust have died before 1910 because George is recorded as living in alone
in Dyer Co., TN, in the 1910 census.He is in HH 204 and is working as a
salesman in a General Store.In previous census records he was recorded as
farming.He alsoappears in the 1920census inCrockett Co.He is recorded
as a "boarder" in the home of a certain Jessie Jones. Heis in HH 40.George
is working as a "salesman" in a grocery store.
CHILDRENOFGEORGEWASHINGTONDEATON(grandchildrenof LBD):
A. Lulawas born ca 1868 in TN.I suspect Lula was Mary's daughter
by a previous marriage(?).She is identified as George's adopted daughter.
B. John W.was born ca 1870 in TN. He married "Dora"who was
born ca 1875 in TN.This familyappears in the 1920census ofDyer Co.They
are living in HH 150.John is farming.
CHILDREN OFJOHN W. DEATON.
1. Willia A.born ca 1894 in TN.
2. Elgie (Elgin?) C.born ca1896 in TN.
3. Ira (?)born ca 1899 in TN.
C. J.F. was born ca 1872 in TN.
D. Martha ("Mattie") was born ca 1874 in TN.
E. Barry was born ca 1876 in TN.
F. Granvillewas born 7-1878 in TN, and married "Ruth." Evidently,
Ruth died before 1900 because Granvillewas living in Dyer Co., TN , in 1900,
with his father "George W."and"Belle"(age 16 TN).Belle is recorded as
being Granville's sister.By1910, Granville has remarried and his 2nd wife
has died,perhaps in childbirth.He is recorded as living in Dyer Co., in 1910
in HH 105, with three children ( one aged8 months)but nowife is present.
Granville was farming.
CHILDRENOFGRANVILLEDEATON:
1. Mattie B. born 1903 in TN.
2. Loyd W.born ca 1906 in TN.
3. Dennis D.born 10-1909.
G. Belle was born 9-1888 TN.
H.Oliver was born ca 1882 inDyer Co., TN, and married "Eunice."
He died in Crockett Co., TN.Eunice was born ca 1889 in TN.Oliver and family
appear in the 1910census ofDyer Co., TN.They are living in HH 153.Oliver
is farming. Oliver and familyappear in the 1920 census of Crockett Co.They
are living in HH 186.Oliver is farming.
CHILDREN OF OLIVERDEATON (gt grandchildren of LBD):
1. A child who died in infancy.
2. Oliver Jr., who 1st married Blanche Harries and 2nd married
Irene Ritchie.3. WilliamW. was born 12-1909 in Dyer Co.,
TN,had William W. Jr., andretired from the USAF in 1947.
4. Keelmon (m) who was born ca 1916 in TN.
VII. Pilser Miller Deatonwas born 9-1854 in TN, and 1st married Sarah
Tennessee Clendermon (Clendenin?), and 2nd married "Margarette."Sarah T.was
born about 1854 in TN, and Margarette was born 4-1854 in TN.Sarahdied before
1910because "P.M" is recorded inthe 1910 census of Dyer Co., TN, living with
"Margarette."They are in HH 159."P.M." is recorded as a "retail merchant"
working in a grocery store.He and his familyappear in the 1880 census of
McNairy Co., and 1900 census of Crockett Co., TN (HH 169).In 1880, his father
was living with him."P.M.," now a widower, appears in the 1920census of Dyer
Co., TN. He is living in HH 68 with his two youngestchildren. He is working as
a "laborer."
CHILDREN OFPILSER MILLER DEATON (grandchildren of LBD):
A. Charles A. born 8-1875 in TN.Charlesand familyappear in the
1910 census of Dyer Co., Tn.He is living in HH 150.Charleswas farming.He
married"Ona" who was born ca 1880 in TN.As of 1910they had "Blanch" born
1908 in TN.
B. Claude S. born 9-1886 in TN. Claudand familyappear in the
1920census ofDyer Co., TN.They are living in HH 178.Claud is farming.
He married "Evie A.," who was born ca 1890 in TN.
CHILDREN OF CLAUDS. DEATON:
1. Austin M.born ca 1912 in Tn.
2. Stephen Lborn ca 1914 in TN.
3. Wilburn G.born ca 1916 TN.
4. Margaret A.
C. Pearl born 9-1888 in TN.
D. Sarah born 6-1890 in TN.
E. Williardborn ca 1893 in TN.
F.. Lillian born 1-1895 in TN.
G. May born 3-1895 in TN.
H.. Amberwho was born ca 1906 in TN
I. Clayton (f) who was born ca 1909 in TN.
VIII. Benjamin Franklin Deaton was born 4-21-1857 in Hardiman Co., TN, and
married Cemelia Catherine Bowman in 1885 in McNairy Co., TN.Camiliawas the
daughterof WilliamBowman and Sarah Wilkie.He died 1-16-1932 in Finger,
Hardin Co., TN,and is buried in Maggie MemorialMethodist Church Cemetery,
Crockett Co., TN.Cemeliawas born 2-25-1867 in Rutherford Co., TN, and died
in Houston, TX, on 1-7-1953.She was also buried in Houston.Benjamin and
familyappear in the 1900 census of Crockett Co., TN.They are living in HH
107.Benjamin is recorded as "farming."
The following is a shortfamily history written by Benjamin F. Deaton, Sr.
I was born in Hardiman Co., Tn, 4-21-1857 and was born of the
Spirit4-20-1877 and received a specialbaptism of the Holy Ghost and of
power, the first Sunday in August 1889, at Lebanon Church5 miles south of
Sardis, TN.I preached my first sermon at Swinney's Chapel in Hardin Co., Tn,
in August of 1878.The subject was "The Power and Goodness of God." The second
effort in preaching was at Morris Chapel, Hardin Co., Tn, August 1878 from the
text,"The Wages of Sin is Death, but the Gift of God is Eternal Life through
Jesus Christ our Lord," Rom. 6:23.I joined the Central Tennessee
Conference of the Methodist Church at Nashville, TN, in 1879.Have served
31 years in pastoral work.My health broke down several times during the past
46 years so that I found that I must retire from the regular pastoral work,
which I did in October 1924.While I am worn down bodily the way grows brighter
every year in the wise man.I amamazed at what the Lord of Heaven has made
known to me in the last few years.I havesix sons and two daughters all
Christians, and all in good health.Charles M. Deaton, my oldest son lives in
Galveston, TX, and is a tailor by trade.William C. Deaton the next oldest
lives in Houston, TX.He is also a tailor by trade.My daughter Eva May
married Mr. Mabry who lives in Houston, TX, and is in the mercantile business.
Dewhitt Deaton, the next oldest is the wonder of our generation of people as a
traveler.He makes good money and spends his time in the large cities of the
north in the restaurant business.Benjamin F. Deaton Jr., lives in Houston, TX,
and is in the drug business.Earnest and Robert live in San Antonio, TX, and
are both in the U.S. Army.My youngest daughter Luceil lives in Houston, TX,
and is a stenographer. My grandfather, Elias Deaton, was aminister in the
Baptist Church, while my own father The Rev. Littleberry Deaton wasa minister
in the Methodist Episcopal Church.They both died in the triumph ofa living
faith.My grandfather sleeps in the cemetery near Scott Hill , Decatur
Co., Tn, while my own father sleeps beneath the sod in College Hill Cemetery in
Crockett Co., Tn.Four of my sons were in the European War.Wm. C., DeWhitt,
Bennie, and Ernest went through the entire war.They all returned home without
a wound though they faced death many a time.I prayed for them everyday while
they were in the war.I asked God to save their lives if it was his willthat
if they must fall upon the battlefield to save their souls.I had seven
brothers and two sisters.One of my sisters died in infancy and Elizabeth Jane
died at 13.My oldest brother, John R. Deaton (Jonathan P.?), Martin L. Deaton,
and Wm H. Deaton were soldiers in the Union Army during the Civil War.John R.
and William H. were in the battle of Shiloh in Hardin Co., Tn., where 101,716
men were engaged in battle. The figures show that 25, 647 were killed, wounded,
or missing.My oldest brother John R. Deaton sleeps in the Cemetery in New
Burnside (Burnswick?), Ill.My next oldest brother William H. Deaton sleeps in
Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis, Tn. Iheard the roar of the cannon, the day that
the battle of Shiloh was fought, not withstanding I was 40 miles away and was
only five years old.I was very hungry that day because I had no dinner.My
mother knew that mytwo brothers were facing death so she walked the yard all
day. My other brother Martin L. Deaton fell on the battlefield at Fort
Donaldson, Tn, 2-15-1862 and pierced through with the cruel bullet. He sleeps in
the National Cemetery at Fort Donaldson, Tn, to await the resurrectionday.He
died a Christian.Isaac N. Deaton lives in Springfield, Mo.He is my next
oldest brother.He is a Christian, have not seem him since 1877.Geo. W.
Deaton the next oldest brother lives in Dyersburg, Tn.He has been working in
the mercantile business for many years and he is one of the best men I ever
knew.His whole life has been absorbed in doing good.He is not a rich man but
has given away many a dollars with a big and generous heart.My next oldest
brother P.M. Deaton lives in Fowlkes, Tn, a splendid town five miles south of
Dyersburg on the Illinois Central Railroad.He is not a rich man but is worth a
few thousand dollars.He has always been a man of honour, a good substantial
citizen and a man of good judgment in reference to business.My brother younger
than myself, Robert died at three years of age.My brothers all died
Christians. I have been in every county in the Western division ofTennessee
and in almost every part of some ofthe counties.I have been in practically
all of the railroad towns in the western division of Tennessee. I have visited
all the large cities of Tennessee, Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga.
I lived in Nashville, Tn, in 1897-98 where I saw the following distinguished
men:namely, President William McKinley, Wm. Jennings Bryan, Rev. D.L. Moody,
Rev. T. DeWhitt Talmage, Rev. Sam P. Jones, The Rev. Chapman, Rev. A.C. Dicky
(Dickson), Rev. George Stuart, Rev. J. Vance, and Rev. Thomas Dickson.Among
the military men I say at Nashville:Gen. Joe Wheeler, Gen. Shafter, Lt.
Richard Hobson and Capt. Maynard who fired the first gun in the Spanish American
War. I had the pleasure of attending the World Bible Conference which met in
Nashville, Tn, Feb. 1914.Among the distinguished men who spoke was Rev. G.
Campbell Morgan from London, England and the Rev. Camden M. Cosburn of
Pennsylvania.I also had the pleasure of hearing some of the world's greatest
singers.I heard five of these singers as they sang together.They were E.O.
Exell of Chicago, Estey from Philadelphia, Yarnelle and his daughter from
Indianapolis, and Foster from Wash. D.C. We had the privilege of hearing three
hundred of the "Jubilee" singers at Ryman Aud.Life to me is one fine, stormy,
tempestuous sea with an occasional calm; also sometimes a beautiful flower
garden where birds sing and flowers bloom.But in orderto live a Christian
life I have to keep busy.I find I must read my Bible every day and pray every
day and try to do some good every day.I do hope that all who read these words
may breatha silent prayer for me.
B.F. Deaton(BigSandy, Tennessee)
It should be noted that EvaMabry Stein, Benjamin's granddaughter, is the lady
whohad LBD's bookrepublishedandRymanAuditorium, for many years, was
the home of"The GrandOldOpry."
CHILDREN OFBENJAMIN FRANKLIN DEATON (grandchildren of
LBD):
A. Charles was born 1-20-1887 in TX, and married "Annie."He is
buried in Houston, TX.
B. Williamwas born 8-1889 in TX, and married "Ver."He died 5-22-
1971 and is buried in Shreveport, LA.
C. Eva was born 1-8-1892 and married Earl Mabry.She is buried in
Houston, TX. Her daughter is responsible for the preservation ofLBD's book.
D. Dewitt was born 7-1894 and is buried in Houston, TX.
E. Benjamin Franklin Jr., was born 10-17-1896 in Sardis, TX, and
marriedSue Ella Crabb on 11-22-1919.He died 9-23-1975 and is
buried in Houston, TX.By occupation "B.F." was a chef and by religion a
Baptist.Sue, thedaughter of Sam Lafayette Crabb and Ruth Vergie Everett, was
born 7-26-1903 in Huntsville, TX.She was a secretaryand Baptist.
CHILDRENOFBENJAMINFRANKLINDEATONJR. (gt
grandchildren of LBD):
1. FrankNorman, a genealogist, was born 2-9-1925 in Houston,
TX, andmarried Norma Jean Tautenhahn on 8-17-1945.As of 1980Frank was
residing at 412 Cherry Valley, Huffman, TX 77336.He was a draftsman and a
Baptist.Norma, the daughter ofCarl Tautenhahn and Marie Delaney, was born 4-
13-1927 in Conroe, TX.
Children of Frank Norman Deaton (gt gt
grandchildren ofLBD):a. Rebecca Sueb. 7-18-1946 and
married C.A. Gyseels 12-12-1966 in Houston, TX.
In 1981 the couple was living in
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
b. DavidFrank b. 4-4-1950 in Houston, TX, and
married JudyMills 12-21-1977. In 1982 David
was living in Denver, CO.c. PaulReagan
was b. 11-18-1957 in Houston, TX.He married
CindyBrewer.Paul is a Baptist minister.In 1981 he was the
assistant pastorof the Caddo Baptist Church in Marshall, TX.
2. SamyeRuthwas born 11-24-1928 in Houston, TX, and
marriedJerryFunderburke in 1947.
F. Everett was born 3-1-1899, married "Daisey" and was buried
in Houston, TX.
G. Lucille was born 1-17-1903, and married several times.She is
buried in Houston, TX.
H. Robert was born 1-21-1906 and married "Elinor."He died
12-1977 and is buried in Beaumont, TX.
IX. Robert Painewas born 1859 in TN, and died at the age of three years.
X.A female died in infancy.
GENERATIONEIGHT:ELIASDEATON
Elias Deaton (ED),the grandfather ofWilliam Harrold Deaton and the great
grandfather ofWilliam Shimmin Deaton,was the oldest son and oldest often
(or eleven) children of Joseph Deaton and Elizabeth Jordan.He was bornabout
1784 in Montgomery Co., NC andmoved to Tennesseebefore 1810.He may have
been the first Deaton to take up residence in Tennessee.He is certainly the
first Deaton to appear in a Tennesseecensus record.He appears in the 1820
census of Hickman Co., as being between 26-45 years of aged (thus b. 1775-1794),
as having five sons less than ten years of age, one son 10-16 years of age, two
daughters less than ten years of age, and a wife 26-45years of age.He also
appears in the 1830 census of Hickman Co., and the 1850census of Decatur Co.
On 4-5-1838 he was recorded in Perry Co. (adjacent to Hickman Co.)along with
Jackson Deaton (his son?).There is an Elias Deaton in 1840 in McNairy Co., but
he appears to be toyoung to be our Elias.In the 1850 census ofDecatur Co.,
the following is recorded:Elias Deaton, 66, TN; Mary,41, NC; Louisa, 21, TN;
William, 20, TN; Catherine, 17, TN; Martin V., 9, TN; Harriet, 5, TN.The
identity of the persons living with Elias is uncertain.The "Mary" is to young
to be his first wife "Mary" and too old to be his daughter "Mary" (b. 1823).
She is perhaps a second wife or perhaps the wife ofJackson Deaton.Louisa,
William, and Catherineare either his step-children or his grandchildren.
Martin V.and Harriet are likely his grandchildren.ED, who lived in the
Beaver Dam area of Hickman Co., was a Primitive Baptist preacher, a "teacher",
and a farmer. In the "History ofDecatur County" his salary is recorded as $28
per month. Evidently he was given to strong drink and prone to "make a rachet"
wherever he went.Jill K. Garrett recalls ED in her book, "Historical Sketches
of Hickman Co., Tn.,"page 116:
"Elias Deaton lived 50 years ago (1820-1830) near 'Cross-
roads.'He was a Baptist preacher, a man of very common intellect, and not much
cultivation.He raised several rowdying boys.He was rather fond of his dram;
he moved over forty years ago to West Tennessee and there joined the non-
resurrectionist and finally the Universalist.He was a man of not much
stability!"
One does have to wonder ifMrs. Garret was not slightly biased in her
assessment of the Rev. Deaton. At any rate, Elias was one of the first settlers
of Hickman Co.Goodspeed's "History of Tennessee" (p. 790) notes the following:
"Adam Wilson, from East Tennessee, was the first settler on
Piney River.He clearedaway the cane and undergrowth in 1806 and raised
the first crop in the county (Hickman)...between 1807 and 1810 settlements were
made as follows...Elias Deaton."
Jerome D. and David L. Spence, authors of "History of Hickman Co.," recall (p.
275):
"Valentine Flowers was a Primitive Baptist preacher and in a
church house which stood on his land, Liberty Church was organized 6-1-1827.
Two Baptist preachers who signed the minutes of the days proceedings were Willis
Dotson and Elias Deaton."
Our ancestor was also partially responsible for the creation of the first church
in Hickman Co., (see Goodspeed, p. 799).
"The first religious denomination to effect an organization in
Hickman Co.,were (sic) the Primitive Baptists, who in 1818 erected a church
(the first church in the county) on what was afterwards the site of Vernon, the
first county seat.Revs. Andrew Caruthers, Willis Dotson, and Elias Deaton were
the pioneer preachers in this church."
In 1825, EDwas a countymagistrate for Hickman Co. (see Spence and Spence).
He had apparently moved to Perry Co., TN, sometime after 1830.Whilethere he
was taken to court by a Perry Co., citizen on a "warrant to keep the peace."
His attorney attempted to have the warrant "squashed" but the judge ruled
against ED.PerhapsElias had been drinking and upset his neighbor.In
1870,EDwas living with the family of JepthaDuck (or Dick) and his wife
"Hiney"inHenderson Co., TN (HH 49).Thisfamily is undoubtedlyrelated to
Elias but as of 1999LDD had not been able to identify them.ED died sometime
after 1870 and is buried near Scotts Hill Cemetery, Decatur, Co., TN.This is
established by a letter in the possession ofFrank Deaton, Huffman TX, great,
great, grandson of ED.This letter, written to Frank by his grandfather,
Benjamin Franklin Deaton, clearly establishes the line of ED through his son
"Littleberry,"and notes the place ofED's burial.EDmarriedElizabeth
Yarbroughand had as least nine childrenbut not all of them have been
identified.
CHILDREN OF ELIAS DEATON:
I. ElijahDeatonwas bon ca 1811 in North Carolina,married JaneHarvill (b.
1807 NC), and wasmurdered by William Brimble in 1858.Mr. Brimble lived
about 3/4 milesfrom Shady Grove (whereElijah lived) neara place called
BuckBranch in Hickman Co., TN.Elijahwas inBrimble's home at the time of
his death. Familytraditionhas it thatElijah's daughter, "Malinda,"was
spending too much time atBrimble's home.Elijah went to his house to fetch
his daughter, an argument ensued, and Elijah waskilled byBrimble.According
to one account, soon afterwards,Jane Harvill and her son,Joseph Berry, moved
on to Wayne County, MO.Although the basic events in the ElijahDeatonsage
are well documented, minor variations are found as one reads the various
accounts (as recounted by family members).One relative has Elijah being shot
while Malindawas still unmarried.
"The struggles of ElijahDeatonwere never fully known, but
when JosephBerrywas about ten years of age, the good mother diedleaving
Malinda, about sixteen, as housekeeper.When the father learnedthat she was
too familiar with a married man he accosted the guilty parties and tried to
persuadeMalinda to come home.Trouble arose and Elijah was shot and killed.
Thus ended the struggles of a father who was doing his duty to his motherless
daughter" (this story comes fromThelmaWhitworth, 1400 Neoney St., Popular
Bluff, MO 63901.I do not know if she is the author of the story but it should
be noted that she has Jane" dying rather than moving to MO.).
Spence and Spence (p. 143)have Elijahbeing stabbed at the home of the
widowedMalinda.
"In 1858,about three-fourths of a milefrom ShadyGrove on
DuckBranch,William Brimble stabbed and killedElijah Deaton at the home of
Deaton's daughter, who was a widow.Brimblewas never arrested.He, at the
breaking of the Civil War, enlisted inthe ConfederateArmy and after the
close of the war, he did not return to the county."
Then there is the account ofJoseph Alexander, son ofJoe Berry.
"Your greatgrandfather Deatonwas definitely born in
Tennessee.When he was about eightyears of age his motherdied and the
daughter, Malinda, was doing housekeeping .FinallyMalindavisited
frequently in the home of a neighbor.Some trouble arose betweenthe neighbor
and your great grandfather.In an argument at the neighbor's houseyour great
grandfather was killed.I never knew what happened to Malinda, but your
grandfather was taken by a family by the name of Harwell ( a distant relative).
Some years later I have been told the Harwell family went in a covered wagon to
southwestMo., taking your grandfather with them.Some years later your
grandfather married one of the Harwell girls.She, your grandmother, was
evidentlyborn in Tn.When your father was born, his mother (your grandmother)
died.When your father was about eight years old your grandfather married
Priscilla Davidson and then your father was taken into the Deaton home and I
have heardthat your father said his step-mother was a "realmother to
him" (Please note that Joseph Alexander hasElijah born in Tennessee.The
census records have him born in NC.Also note his reference to a family named
"Harwell"? Could this be the "Harvill"family,the parentsor relatives of
Jane Harvill?Note Josephalso has Jane Harvill dying rather than migrating to
MO.
As for WilliamBrimble,a search of the Civil War Militaryrecords, both of
CSA and GAR, revealed no record of a William Brimble ever serving in either
army.
CHILDREN OF ELIJAHDEATON (grandchildren of Elias):
A. JosephBerrywas born 3-25-1834 inTN.He first married Mary
Elizabeth Harvill (or Harwell?) ca 1856 in Hickman Co., TN.She was the
daughter ofEdwinHarvill andElizabethMobley.She was born in 1832
allegedly in Butler Co., MO, and died 9-12-1862 also in MO. JoeBerrysecond
married Priscilla P.Davidson ca 1863, and died4-12-1912 in Wayne Co., Mo.
Joe Berrywas a farmer, a carpenter, and a blacksmith."Joberry" and family
appear in the 1870 and 1880census of Wayne Co., MO.In 1870 he is living in
HH 115 and is recorded as owning real estate valued at $400 and personal
property valued at $600.In 1880, living in his immediate neighborhood is A.S.
Davidson, age 34, identified as a physician and M.E.Davidson, age 18, sister-
in-law ofJoseph M. Wynn."Joberry" is living in HH 2425.A.S. Davidson is
living in HH 2418. The following is a directquotationfrom an authentic copy
of the militarydischarge ofJoe Berry from the GAR now in the possession of
AliceBumbera, Crosswicks, NJ 08515.
"To All To Whom It May Concern:Know ye that Joseph B.
Deaton, a private in Capt. Vandusen's Co., "H," sixth regiment was enrolled 8-
1861 to serve three year, is hereby discharged fromthe service of the United
States the seventh of May, 1862 at BentonCo., Mo., by reason of surgical
certificate of disability chronic rheumatism.The said James Deaton was born in
Hickman Co., Tn., is 27 years of age, six feet and 0 inches high, dark
complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, occupationwhen enrolled was farmer.Given
at Benton barracks, Mo., this seventh day of May, 1862.
E.
Boris, Col. USA
Robert Smith, paymaster."
The Joe BerryDeatonstory is most interesting.
"Sometimeduring the year of 1863Joseph Berry Deaton married
PriscillaDavidson.Some of the Davidsonbrothers objected to the union,
seeminglybecause the husband was nearly ten yearshis wife's senior...A year
later JosephB. tooka wagon load of wheat to the grist mill eight milesfrom
home...Joseph was remaining overnight with his brother-in-law.Late at
night...'bushwhackers' surrounded the house...the next thinghe knew they were
robbing himof his boots and overcoat.The spokesman said, 'Shoot him again!'
The man on the groundtook a revolver, placed it against his head, snapped if
off several times... Joseph B. finally recovered sufficiently to be removedto
a hospital out of reach of these desperadoesThe nervous wife was sent for.
She did her best to nurseJoe B. back to health. Therewere no doctors to be
had who would remove the bulletwhich was lodged against his jaw-bone, having
passed entirely through his neck.So it was left and Joe B. carried that rebel
bullet to his grave more than forty years later (author uncertain)."
CHILDREN OFJOSEPHBERRYDEATON( gt grandchildren of
ED):
1. John Stephen"Speed" Deaton (son of Jane Harvill) was born
12-4-1853 in BulterCo., MO, married Carolyn Frances Bounds, daughterof
Nancy and Stephen Bounds, and died ofmeasles in 1916 in Butler Co., Mo.
Carolyn died in 1929.In1880,John and familywere living next door to his
father. Frances'sparents were StephenBoundsand Nancy Rowden.She was
born 1-15-1856 in Wayne Co., MO, anddied 12-6-1929 in Carter Co., MO.In a
letterto his niece, Martha Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Deaton Williams, composed at his
home in Portland OR, on 3-22-1945,JamesAlexander "Alex" Deaton wrote:
"When your father (John Stephen Deaton)was born,
his mother (Martha Emily Harvill), your grandmother, died.When your father was
8 years of age your grandfather (Joseph Berry Deaton, b. 1834) married Priscilla
Davidson and then your father was taken into the Deaton home, and I've heard
that your father said his stepmother was a real mother to him.That was a kind
offrontier country at that time and schools were mostly subscription schools,
for that reason your father never received much education, except in hard work.
I've watched your father's career in the past and I often thought he did more
real hard work than any man I ever knew.He never quit working HARD.He helped
my father (Joseph Berry Deaton, b. 1834) clear up the old home place; when he
married he cleared andfenced more of the south end of the old place.Then he
moved away out nearOklahoma, and cleared up another farm. Then he came back to
settle in Butler Co., near the Harwell (Harvill?) home and cleared up another
place. While I was staying in the Clark settlement I often walked on Saturdays
over to John's place.On one of those trips I heard an ax..."chop...chop" it
went.I followed the noise down into the jungle and there was John hewing out a
house set in the wilderness.He cleared up another farm.And that is hard
work, I'm telling you."
Children of John Speed Deaton (gt gtgrandchildren of
ED)
a. Joe Berry II, b 2-7-1876, 1st married Melissa
Meadows, and 2ndmarried KatherineWood.He died 6-25-1927.
Children of Joe Berry Deaton II (gt gt gt
grandchildren of ED):
(1) Lettie Alma who died in infancy.
(2)
Emily who died in infancy.
(3) An unnamed child who died in infancy.
(4) Hillard who died in infancy.
(5)Thelma Marie, a genealogist, who married Mr.
Whitworth.(6) Nadine Frances.
b. Emilyborn ca 1879 in MO.
c. Houston C.born 8-1881 MO.
d. Nancy E. born 5-1884 MO.
e. Logan Born 2-1887 MO.
f. Lizzie who married Mr. Williams and was living in Mr. Shasta, CA,
g. Steven C. (Uncas) born 3-1896 MO.
h. An unnamed child who died in infancy.
i. An unnamed child who died in infancy.
2. Sarahborn ca 1857 in Hickman Co., TN.She evidently died at an
early age.
3. Jenny (no information available).
4. Eliza Jane (Jennie?) (Priscilla's daughter) was born 10-7-1865 in
Wayne Co., MO, and died 8-21-1938 in Wayne Co., MO.
5. Martha Ann born 3-8-1867 in Wayne Co., MO, and died 12-3-1928
in Wayne Co.., MO.
6. Parthena J. born 11-17-1871 and died 11-1951.
7. Andrew J. born 11-17-1871 in Wayne Co., MO.
8. JamesAlexander, a genealogist, was born 7-3-1873in Wayne Co.,
MO, and died in 1947. "Alex" and "Sarah" (b. 6-1872) appear in the
1900census of Butler Co. "Sarah" is SallyHooper who was born in
Cape Girardeau, MO. In a letter to his niece, MarthaElizabeth
"Lizzie"DeatonWilliams, composed at his home in Portland OR, on
6-25-1941, JamesAlexander Deatonwrote:
"I was never in a position to know much about your
father (John Stephen Deaton) but as timewent by I gatheredthat there
was a stronger feeling of love betweenyour father and my father(Joseph
BerryDeaton) than between my father and any of the rest of us children.When
weused to visit you folks, it was the habit for John and father to walk
about the farm alone.Whatthey talked about I never knew.Did not care, of
course, but do you suppose, Lizzy, that theytalked over again the trials
just after the Civil War?The first eight years of your father's life was
spent with kind people but at the same time minus the loving care of a mother.
After that he wasin a different environment.Child that he was, no doubt,
he pined for the first peoplehe everknew.I wonder if that might have
been some of the things that they talked about when theystrolled about the
farm in Butler Co., Mo.As time passed,father would take John in the wagon
when he went to mill.John went alongwhile father stalked the deer through
the woods.Johnwas present when father retired to the woods in early
morning to call the gobbler into range ofthe muzzle-loading rifle. John was
the boy that 'shook' the bush to turn the fat squirrel on the treetrunk to
be brought down for dinner.Father and John were together a great deal when we
alllived in Wayne Co.My father was bowed down with grief when your father
sold out and left forthe far west.How glad, indeed,were we all when your
father drove back.I had lost my brotherand was so glad to have Joe back.
As glad as we all were I know for a fact that my father wasthe gladdest of
all.I just wonder if it could have been some of these things that our fathers
talked about while they were alone about the farm where we visited inButler
Co., Mo.Myfather's lifehad never been a very happy one for the first
nineteen years.His mother died whenhe was quite small. His father was
killed when he was still just a small lad.He lived with theHarwell
(Harvill?) family who came to Mo., from Tennessee bringing father along. The
happyturn came to my father's life when he married a sweet young Harwell
(Harvill?) girl. Fatherworked hard and had a little love nest for his bride.
Happy, indeed, was he and still more happywas she when a son was born.
Great hopes came to that little family all to be dashed to earth bythe hand
of death, taking away the young mother.Why should one so young and in love
with thevery surroundings pass away into pathetic silence?Nodoubt that
was the question my fatherasked.What I am trying to say, Lizzie, is that
there was a great, pure, deep seated devotionbetween your father and mine
dating back in the event of my father's first love."
Children of James Alexander Deaton:
a. Claude who worked for a grocery store.
b. Dolly who, along with her husband, owned a farm
in WallaWalla, WA, in 1936.
c. Gladyswho lived in Portland, OR, in 1936.
d. Illo who served on the police force in Las
Angeles, CA.Hisnickname was "Jack."
e. Juanita who worked for Bell Atlantic Telephone
Co., in 1936.f. Mildred.
g. Paul who lived in Salem, Or in 1936 and worked
for Davidson Baking Co.h. William who was a sheet metal
worker and a widower in 1936.
7. Arizona (Arie) born 2-22-1877 and died 3-13-1945 in MO.
She had married JohnChilders.
For additional informationabout the family of Joe Berry
Deaton please consult "The Line ofJoe Berry Deaton" in the appendix of this
history.
B. Melindawas born ca 1840 in Hickman Co., TN, and evidently was
widowedby age 18.Her father was murdered by a man named Brimblebecause he
(Elijah Deaton) thought she was spending to much time in Brimble's home.At
some point she married a Mr. Sims.The family seems to have lost track of
Melinda.
II. Jackson Deaton who was born ca 1813 and appears in the 1840 census of Perry
Co., TN (adjacent to Hickman Co.) with one son and two daughters.Jackson is
frequently associated with ED in Perry Co.Jacksonfrequently appears in the
Perry County court minutes.On 4-3-1838, he is recorded as winning a law suit
against Archer M. McDaniel.On 11-2-1838 Jackson has jury duty.On 8-13-1838,
Maryand Jackson Deaton are in court charged with trespassing by a Susan
Terman.A mistrial was declared. The Deatons were again in court on the same
charge and a continuance was granted.Finally on 4-2-1839 Jackson won the case.
On the same day (4-2-1839) he had jury duty again.Mary would appear to be
Jackson's wife and may be the "Mary" living with ED in 1850.The children in
that household may also have been Jackson'schildren.
III. Zachariah Deatonwas born ca 1814 in TN, and appears in the 1850 census of
Van Buren Co.He married Catherine Goddard 11-7-1843 in Van Buren Co. Katherine
was born ca 1814 in TN.This family also appears in the 1860 census of Warren
Co., TN.
CHILDRENOFZACHARIAHDEATON (grandchildren of ED):
A. Louise J.born ca 1835 in TN.
B. Monday (Manday) born ca 1836 in TN, and married Willis Durham on
3-6-1853.
C. Morgan (f)(Maryanne) born ca 1837 in TN, and married Sydney M.
Durham on9-19-1855.
D. Caroline J. born ca 1839 in TN.
E. Francis (m).
F. Josephine G. born ca 1844 in TN.
G. Elijah born ca 1846 in TN.
IV. Littleberry DeatonThis is the direct line of Alexander Deaton Haas &
Zachary Deaton Haas (see above).
V. MaryDeatonwasborn 8-26-1923 in Hickman Co., TN, and married John Poplin
ca 1846.She died 2-2-1854 in Hickman Co., and was buried in the Hinson
Cemetery located ten miles south of Centerville, Hickman Co. John Poplin was
born ca 1828 in NC.After Mary died he married "Mary Ann" on 2-22-1854 and
moved to Carrol Co., AR. He and his family appear in the 1860 census of Carroll
Co., AR.They are living in HH 1112.John is farming and owns real estate
valued at $1200 and personal property valued at $505.
CHILDREN OFMARYDEATONPOPLIN (grandchildren of ED):
A. Houston Poplin was born ca 1847 in TN.
B. Permelia Poplin was born ca 1848 in TN.
C. Paralee Poplin was born ca 1850 in TN.
D. Martha E. Poplin born ca 1853 in TN.
JohnPoplincontinued to have children by his second wife
including Richard W., born ca 1855 in TN, Alvan Y., born ca 1856 in TN, Mary A.,
born ca 1857 in TN, and AdleyG., born ca 1858 in AR.
STORY TIMEFIVE:"OLDELIASDEATON, THEBAPTIST
PREACHER"
"GreatGrandpa,tell us again about old Elias Deaton, the preacher man."
"Now, that old Elias Deaton was a right interesting character. Younguns, I
reckon I am proud to say that a member of our familywas the first Deaton to
take up permanent residency in Tennessee.And that would be old Elias Deaton
who moved from Montgomery Co., NC, to Hickman Co., TN, about 1806.Now, I have
heard tell of another Deaton family that moved to Tennessee about 1805, but
after a while they packed up and moved back to NC. I reckon you youngunsknow
from your schoolstudiesthat east Tennessee used to be a part ofNC and most
everybody in east Tennessee used to live in NC.As I recollect it was about
1784 or so that a bunch of east Tennesseans got a little big for their britches
and decided they didn't want to be part ofNC anymore...So they tried to form
their own state, a state they called 'Franklin.'Well, this here Franklin
lasted four years.By and by, the folks living in east Tennessee had to get on
board with the rest of the folks in the territory, so they formed the state of
Tennessee.That would have been about 1796 and I reckonmembers of our Deaton
family have been living in Tennessee ever since.Now younguns, you done got me
off the track...Let's get back to old Elias Deaton.He was born in NC and had a
whole passel ofbrothers and sisters.By andby, he married and moved to
Tennessee, and started preaching.And I recollect he was first a preacher for
the Primitive BaptistChurch, but he never could stay with one denomination for
a very long time.You seeyounguns, old Elias not only loved to preach, he
also loved that good old Kentuckysipping whiskey.So when he wasn't
preaching, he was drinking.Now,your great grandpa never has been too fond of
folks that want to tell others how they ought to live.Old Elias was one of
those fellas that wanted everyone to else to live by his conscience....Only
trouble was he didn't do much of living by it himself.Any ways, he had a bunch
ofyounguns, mostly boys, and those boys raised a lot of cane in and around
Hickman Co.By and by, one of his sons got himselfmurdered and, by and by,
one of his sons, old Littleberry Deaton, that would be 'Will' Deaton's
grandfather, started preaching himself.And I heartell it was Elias's son,
Elijah, that got himself murderedwhen he suspicioned that his widowed daughter
was wanting to keep company with a married man, a fella named William Brimble.
Well, Elijah and this Brimble fella got in a fuss and Elijah ended up getting
stabbedto death.Rumor has that Brimble ran off and joined the Army to keep
from getting put on trial.Now, looka here, you younguns done got me off the
track again.Now, old preacher Elias changed denominations several times and
was always getting his neighbors riled up about something.More than once his
neighbors took him to court for disturbing the peace and such like.Any ways,
old Elias did help organize the first church in HickmanCo.,and that would be
the Primitive Baptist Church about 1818.Old Elias finally moved to Decatur
Co., TN, and died some time after 1850."
"Great Grandpa, is there a moral to this story?"
""Well, if the stories about old Elias are true and he did for sure drink a
little too much,then I reckon the moral of the story is that Kentuckysipping
whisky and bible preaching don't mix too well.I've used a little spirits
myself and they make a fella feel mighty good, but, of course, I wasn't trying
to tell others what was right.Maybe a fella ought to spend more time thinking
on his ownbehavior instead of trying to tell other folks how they ought to
do!"
GENERATION NINE:JOSEPHDEATON
JosephDeaton (JD), the grandfather of Littleberry Deaton, the father of Elias
Deaton, and the nephew of Capt. William Deaton who served in the Revolutionary
War was the son ofThomas Deaton Jr., and "Mary" of Chesterfield Co., VA.
Joseph was born ca 1755-60 in Amelia Co., VA, and married ElisabethJordan ca
1784 in Montgomery Co., NC.Elizabeth was the daughter ofFrancis Jordan.
Joseph, along with his father, migrated to Anson Co., NC (now Montgomery Co) in
thelate 1760's and lived there until his death.Joseph may have played a role
in the Revolutionary War by furnishing supplies to the Army of George Washington
in 1782 at the Battle of Guilford Court House, Guilford Co., NC.He died ca
1831 in Montgomery Co., NC.In 1791-92he ownedland on the east side of the
Little River in Anson Co., NC. He appears in the 1800, 1810, and 1830 census of
Montgomery Co., NC.Elizabeth was bornca 1765 in NC, and died after 1850.
At age 85 (in 1850), she was living with Dison Deaton, age 44, in Montgomery
Co., NC.Some family historians have speculated that Josephwas the son of
Capt. William Deaton but there is no hard evidence to support this claim and, if
true, the ages of each becomes something of a problem.The late William Slagle,
author of"The Slagle Report,"whose conclusions have often been questioned,
reports that Capt WilliamDeaton had five sons---namely James, Matthew, our
Joseph, Nathan, and William; however, LDD has not been able to document this
conclusion. Theevidence is overwhelming in support of the conclusion that
Capt. Williamwas the son ofThomas Deaton Sr., and, therefore,Joseph's
uncle.In fact,LDD has found as many as eight children attributed to Capt.
Deaton by different historians, including Burrell Deaton, ancestor of Dr. Hobart
Deaton, a deceased family historian ofFt. Worth, TX.It should be noted
that W.S.Deaton, of San Marcos, TX and Lawson Deaton of Annapolis, MD, believe
that Thomas Deaton of Anson Co., NC, was indeed the father of our Joseph.This
certainly does seems to be the most likely scenario. JD is the onlyDeaton
listed in the 1790 and 1810 census records of Montgomery Co.Only four Deatons
appear in the entire state in the 1790 census.Unfortunately, the 1820 census
ofNC was destroyed by fire.In 1800,JD was recorded as age 26-45 and in
1810 as over 45.Based upon these records and his wife's ageit is most likely
that he was bornca 1760-1765.A great grandson of JD (I.M. Deaton, son of
Nathan, son of Francis, Son of Joseph) writing in 1932, stated that Joseph had
migrated to NC from MD before the Revolutionary War (perhaps 1770) and settled
on the east side of the Little Riveropposite the mouth ofDenison Creek, four
miles east ofTroy, NC.The date 1770might be a little early; however it
should be noted that the Deatons do seem to have departed MD by 1790.
Concerning Francis Jordan, he was one of the earliest settlers in Anson Co., NC.
Francis was born ca 1743 and died after 1880 in Montgomery Co.John Jordan, son
ofFrancis Jordan, lived next to Joseph Deaton about two miles east of Troy,
NC, on the east side of the Little River. John was the youngest brother of
Elizabeth Jordan. He married Mary Humbleand later married Mary Butler.He
died after 1843.
CHILDREN OF JOSEPHDEATON:
I. Elizabeth Deaton was born ca 1785 in NC.She married James Yarborough.
II. BasilDeaton was born ca 1788-1790 in NC and married Barbara Stewart ca
1812.Barbara was the daughter of John Stewart of Montgomery Co., NC.Barbara
was born ca 1797-1800 in NC.Basil and family are listed in the 1830census
of Montgomery Co., NC.He is shown having five sons under 15 years of age.
Apparently, he movedto McNairy Co., TNwhere he died between1830 and 1840.
Goodin Deaton, son of Basil, recorded in the family biblethathis parents
left North Carolina 10-7-1830 when he (Goodin) was sixteen years of age.
"Barbary" (Basil's widow) appears in the 1840 census of McNairy Co., TN.She is
shownas being between 50-60 years of age and having in the household with her
one male age 10-15 and two males ages 15-20.That same year her oldest son
(Goodin Deaton) was residing in Hardman Co., TN.She is also listed in the 1850
census of McNairy Co.She was living in HH 885, was age 60 and had with her
Larkin (Locke) Deaton, heryoungest son, and his wife Nancy.She is recorded
as owning personal property valued at $600.Barbara also appears in the 1860
census ofClark Co., AR.She died in Clark Co., AR, before 1880.
CHILDRENOFBASILDEATON:
A.Goodin Deaton (GD) was born 6-3-1814 in Montgomery Co., NC, and
died 11-11-1902 in Richlands, Clark Co., AR. He first married Lucinda Jackson
on 2-27-1834 in Hardiman Co., TN.They were married by the Rev. William Hale.
Lucindawas born in 1815 in Georgia.She bore Goodin fifteen childrenbefore
dying at the age of51 in Clark Co., AR.She is buried in an unmarked grave in
Alpine, AR.Lucinda's mother wasBarbara Jacksonwho was living with the
Deatons in AR, at the time of the 1860 census. Goodin and familyappear in the
1880 census of Clark Co., AR.They are living in HH 217.Goodin is recorded as
"farming."Goodspeed's "The Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Southern
Arkansas," published in 1890, records a lot of information re:GD.He left
North Carolina10-17-1830 when he was 16 years of age.He and his parents
migrated to Tennessee.He was educated in Tennessee andmet and married
Lucinda there.The family bible shows that he moved to Hardiman Co., TN, in
December of 1835 but their marriage recordhas them marrying in Hardiman Co.,
in 1834.Goodin Deaton departed TN,for Arkansas on 10-17-1849,moved to
Clark Co., AR, near the town of Amity, bought a piece of land and made his home
there untilNovember of 1886 at which time he moved onto a 520 acre farm at
Richlands, AR ( a small settlement between Gurdon and Arkadelphia.He evidently
received this land as payment on a bad debt..The land was fertileand
productive (hencethe name "Richlands").When Goodin's first wife,
Lucinda, died in 1866, he married a second timetoAmanda Elizabeth (Malcom)
Williams on5-5-1867.They were married by Rev. W.D. Leard.Amanda was the
daughter of Green F.Malcomand Susan Street.Amanda was the widow ofW.
Hansford Williams, by whom she had already had two children,Sam and Rosalie
Williams.Amanda was born 10-29-1837 in Walton Co., GA. She boreGoodin five
children before dying 2-25-1929.Goodinwas appointed County Supervisor in
1876 according to a certificate signed by Governor Elisha Baxter, which can be
found in the family bible. In 1882, he was elected to the State Legislature and
served one term. He also filled the position of Justice of the Peace and County
Judge,holding the last named position for two terms.He was a Baptist and
socially a Mason.He died at the age of88 on 11-11-1902.He is buried at
Richlands in the cemetery for which he donated land from his originalland
holdings.The cemetery is now located at what is called Sloan's Crossing on the
Crawford farm.The GurdonTimes,Gurdon, AR, on Saturday, 11-8-1902, recorded
the passing of "Judge Deaton.""Judge Goodin Deaton, one of the oldest
residents of Clark Co., died at his home near Curtis last Saturday, Nov. 1st,
age 89.He was a North Carolinian by birth and came to this county when a young
man."
CHILDREN OF GOODIN DEATON:
1. Barbara, who married James Howell, was born 9-28-1836 in
TN.James was the son ofTillmanHowell.Tillman and familyappear in the
1860census of Clark Co., AR.Tillman is recorded as living in HH 382.He was
farming and owned real estate valued at $600 and personal property valued at
$200.Tillman was born about1807 in SC.He lived in the same neighborhood as
the Deatons.James was his oldest son.
Children of Barbara Deaton Howell:
a. Elias.
b. Nancy.
c. Aaron (Aron?)was born 10-5-1865 and died 1-
13-1959. Inthe 1880 census of Clark Co.,Aaron isshown as living in the
home of hisgrandparents, Goodin and Amanda Deaton.
d. Thomas.
2. Enock,who was killed in the Civil War, was born 9-19-1837
in TN.Hedied 7-4-1863 at the age of 26.
3. Polly was born 4-5-1839 in TN, and died 8-12- 1858 at the
age of19.4. Liza was born 5-5-1840 in TN, anddied 8-12-1847 at the
age of seven.
5. Martin,who married Elizabeth Howell and had 12 children,
was born 3-20-1842 in TN.He marriedRhoda Elizabeth Howell before 1860.She
was thedaughter ofTillmanHowell and Martha Sudduth.Rhodawas born 3-23-
1845 in Tuscaloosa Co., AL, and died 4-7-1922 at Amity, Clark Co., AR. She is
buried in the Jones Cemetery in Clark Co. Martin died 5-23-1886 at the age of
44.Martin and family appear in the 1870 census of Clark Co., AR.They are in
HH 65.Martin is farming and is recorded as owning real estate valued at $1000
and personal property valued at $100. Martin and Rhoda also appear in the 1880
census of Clark Co., AR. They are living in HH 143.Martin is farming.Rhoda
appears in the 1900 census of Clark Co., AR, as a widow.She has living with
her son William N., age thirteen and daughter Nellieage 12.
Children of Martin Deaton:
a. Polly Ann who wasborn 11-12-1862.She first
marriedJ.E. Johnson and second married Billy Wilson. Evidently Mr. Johnson
died before 1880 because Polly is listed as living with her father in the 1880
census of Clark Co.Also in the home is her son, James Johnson, born 1879 AR.
b. Elijahwas
born 1-3-1863 and died 10-9-1881,
c. Tillman was born 1-15-1865, 2nd married Mary
Ann Wright,and died 7-24-1904.He is buried in the Jones Cemetery in Clark
Co., AR.Tillman and family appear in the1900 census of ClarkCo., AR.
Mary A.was born 10-1871 inAR,died 11-10-1958, and is buried in the
Jones Cemetery.Children of
Tillman Deaton:
(1) William A.born 1-1885 in AR.
(2) Asa A.was born 9-1889 in AR.
(3) Ada E.was born 6-24-1891 in AR, and
married JohnPruitt Jones
on 5-5-1907. Ada is buried in the
Jones Cemetery in Clark Co., AR.
(4) Gracie L. was
born 10-1893 in AR.
(5) Dora E. was born 11-1896
(6) Cora E. was born 11-1898 in AR, married
HollisA.Garner, and
died 12-9-1986.Hollis was born 9-17-1894
and diedin 1982.He is buried in the Jones Cemetery in
Clark Co., AR, along with Cora.
d. Goodinwas born 9-20-1866 and died 12-12-1945.He
is buried in the Jones Cemetery in Clark Co.Interestingly enough,his
headstone reads "Goodwin Deaton." He first married Martha Ida Wright 7-18-1889 (
the daughter of Alex Wright and Nancy Elizabeth Jones).She was born in 1873
and died in 1922.He 2nd married Martha (Jackson) Howard. on 4-16-1924Martha
was born in 1884 and died in 1957. Goodin was a farmer during his earlier years.
Later he worked for the Bank of Amity as a collector.He worked there long
before the advent of the automobile and made his collection rounds on horseback.
His home was located two blocks from the Bank on the Arkadelphiaroad.He was
a member of the Baptist Church.Goodin was a kind and wonderful man with a
remarkable sense of humor.He was genuinely liked by all who knew him and well
loved by his children and those ofhis grandchildren who were fortunate enough
to have known him (this is the line of Bobbie Jones McLane of 112 Leach Street,
Hot Springs, AR 71901.)
Children of Goodin Deaton:
(1) Andy born 10-5-1892 and died 7-16-1894.
(2) Eunice born 1-7-1895 and died 7-25-1896.
(3) Claudiusborn 10-7-1896 and died 7-24-
1955. He marriedOla Mae Belcher.
(4) Horaceborn 10-22-1896, married Rachel
Hunter, and died 2-6-1940.(5) Lola Eva was born 9-4-
1901 and died 12-10-1908.
(6) Eula ,known as "Clarkie,: was born 5-
5-1903 and married Julian Everett Jones.These are the parents ofBobbie Jones
McLane.(7) Herman was born 6-4-1905,
married Hazel Raines, and died 5-9-1972.(8) Lotte was born 4-26-1907
and died 8-14-1908.
(9) Flaywas born 7-23-2909, 1st married
Chloe Lambert, and 2nd married Mary Martin.
(10) Willard Ray was born 9-7-1911 and
married Helen Mayes.
(11) Willa Mable was born 9-24-1913, married
Roy Mason, and died 7-5-1953.
(12) Farrah Cody was born 8-28-1928, 1st
married Edna Fischer, 2nd marriedMarvell Fulmer, and died
1-18-1971.
(13) William Gee was born 6-22-1925, married
Jamie Ann Thompson, and died 4-22-1971.He is buried in the Jones Cemetery in
Clark Co., AR.William servedin both WWIIand the Korean War.He reached
the rank of Infantry Captain.
e. Martha Adelinewas born 9-16-1868, married
B.W. Kizer, and died 1-3-1903.f. BelvaLueller was born 6-23-1879, married
George Harrison, and died 4-25-1895.
g. James Alonzo was born 1-5-1872, married Addie
Anderson, and died 4-25-1961.He isburied in the Jones Cemetery in Clark Co.
h. Lockewas born 4-2-1875, married Eudora Mann,
and died 7-13-1923.
i. William was born 2-27-1878, married Edna Trout,
and died8-29-1955."Lockie"and familyappear in the 1900 census of Clark
Co., AR.At this time he had one son,Emmonsborn 3-1900 in AR.
j. John Daniel was born 2-27-1880 and died 10-9-
1881.
k. Nellie was born 2-21-1882, 1st married Walter
Grady, 2nd married Frank Poole, and died 9-19-1964.
l. Roberta Ann was born 4-20-1884 and died 11-17-
1885.
6. Elias who was born 5-1843 in TN, and married Rebecca Howell
1-18-1860He died 10-11-1927 at the age of 84.Rebecca was born 10-14-1849 and
died 2-6-1912. Elias andfamilyappear in the 1880census of Clark Co.,AR.
They are living in HH 354.Elias is farming.
Children of Elias Deaton:
a. RobertA.bornca 1866 in AR.Robert
married "L.E."whowas born 11-1869 in TN.This family appears in the 1900
census of Clark Co., AR.AnE.M. Pharr, identified as "grandmother," age 72
and born in Alabama, was living with the family.
Children ofRobert A.Deaton:
(1) Z.E.(f) born 9-1888 in AR.
(2) F.B.(f) born 1-1892 in AR.
(3) F.R.(m) born 101894 in AR.
(4) R.C.(m) born 4-1896 in AR.
(5) D.R.(f) born 8-1889 in AR.
b. George Washingtonwas born ca 3-1867 in AR.
He married "F.P"who was born 4-1872 in AR.This familyappears in the 1900
census of Clarke Co. AR.
Children ofGeorge Washington Deaton:
(1)B.E. (female) born 2-1890 in AR.
(2) P.E. (son) born 2-1894 in AR.
(3) Ines (female) born 8-1897 in AR.
c.Edward (Edwin?) was born ca 1869 in AR.
d. James M. was born ca 1871 in AR.James
married "Ida" born 9-1872 in AR.This familyappears in the 1900 census of
Clark Co., AR.
Children ofJames Monroe Deaton:
(1)Virgilborn 9-1893 in AR.
(2) Clovisborn 11-1895 in AR.
(3) Guyborn 3-1898 in AR.
(4) Essieborn 9-1899 in AR.
e. MarthaL. was born ca1872 in AR.
f.Louisa wasbornca 1874 in AR.
g. Nancy was born ca 1876 in AR.
h. Patrick was born ca 1878 in AR.
i. Cordeler(f) was bornca 1879 in AR.
7. Elijah was born 9-10-1844 in TN, and died 8-11-1847 at the age of three.
8. Rachel was born 1-22-1846 in TN, and married against her
father's wishes.
9. John who was born 7-19-1847 in TN, and 1st married Nancy
Ann Kentand 2nd married Adeline Owens.John and Nancy appear
in the 1870censusof Clarke Co., AR.They are living in HH 130.
John is farming and ownsreal estate valued at $400. John and
Adeline appear in the 1880 census ofClark Co., AR. They are in
HH 306.John is farming.
Children of John Deaton:
a. George Deaton born ca 1868 in AR.
b. Mary Deaton born ca 1869 in AR.
c. Edwin Deaton born ca 1869 in AR.
d. Marion B. Deaton born ca 1871 in AR.
e. Nora E. Deaton born ca 1876 in AR.
10. Martha Jean was born 11-5-1848 in TN, and married William
Thompson.11. Nancy Ann was born 2-17-1850 in AR, and married a Mr.
Fox.12. Sarahwas born 11-9-1851 in AR,and married
Marion Anderson.This familyappears in the 1870census of Clark Co., AR.
They are living in HH252.Marion is farming and owns real estate valued at
$1500 and personal property valued at $100.Marion was born ca 1848 in GA.
13. Carrell (Carroll?) was born 2-5-1853 in AR, andmarried
MarthaHowell, daughter ofTillman Howell.Martha was born ca 1852 in MS.
This family appears in the 1880 census ofClark Co., AR. They are in HH 163.
Carrell is farming.Children of Carrell (Carroll?) Deaton:
a. Delphina born ca 1874 in AR.
b. John H. born ca 1878 in AR.
c. Mary L. born ca 1879 in AR.
14. Elizabeth was born 1-2-1856 and married Green Moran
on 11-19-1874.She died 5-22-1921 in Childress, TX.
15. Catherine was born 4-8-1857 in AR, and died 8-31-1874 at
the age of 17.
16. Patrick Henry was born 4-6-1868at Alpine, AR, and died
1-18-1869 at the age of9 months.
17. Alonzo Franklin was born 3-21-1870 at Alpine, AR, married
Ruth Nash on 3-24-1901, and died 11-12-1943 at the age of 73.
18. Eudora A was born 8-23-2872 at Alpine, AR, and married in
Feb. 1959 at the age of 87.
19. Mary Luella was born 1-30-1875 at Alpine, AR, married
James Neel on 10-20-1895, and died 8-13-1967 at the age of 92.
20.
Susan Carriewas born 10-14-1877 at Alpine, AR, married Samuel Bourland 2-24-
1896, and eventually took up residence at 3105 ValleyView Lane, Dallas, TX.
Inthe 1900 census of Clark Co.,Carrie and her husband are still living at
home withher parents, Goodin and Amanda Deaton.Samuel is recorded as "H.
Gammel Bowland" born 4-1874 in AR.Also in the home istheir daughter Lucille
Bourland born 4-1897 AR.
B. Locke Larkin Deatonborn ca 1830 in Montgomery Co., NC, and died
at the age of70 on 11-7-1900 and is buried in the Alpine Cemetery in Clark
Co., AR.He married "Nancy J."who was born 10-16-1832 and died 10-10-1921.
She is also buried in the AlpineCemetery. Both graves do have markers.Locke
Larkin andfamilyappear in the 1870, 1880, and 1900 census ofClarke Co.,
AR.In 1870 they are in HH 134.Their post office is Arkadelphia.Larkin is
farming and owns real estate valued at $1700 and personal property valued at
$100.Living with the family in 1870 was Barbara (Stewart) Deaton, age 70 and a
certain Cora Thomas, age 27, identified as a "teacher." In 1880 they are in HH
301.Larkin is still farming.He is living next door to his son, Andrew.
CHILDREN OFLARKINDEATON:
1. Andrew Deatonwas born 10-13-1852 and died in 1925.He is
buried at Findley, AR.He married Malona A. Shepard10-7-1877.This family
appears in the 1880 census of Clarke Co., AR. They are living in HH 303. Andrew
is farming.
Children of Andrew Deaton:
a. Lea A. Deaton was born ca 1875 in AR.
b. Emma Deaton was born ca 1877 in AR.
c. Fredric Deaton was born 2-1880 in AR.
2. Margaret E. Deaton was born1855 in AR.
3. James M. Deatonwas born 3-21-1858 in AR, died 1-25-1890,
andis buried in the Alpine Cemetery in Clark Co.,AR.James appears in the
1880 census of Clark Co.,still living at home with his father.
4. Robert Allen Deaton was born in 1860 in AR,died in 1929,
and is buriedat Findley, AR.His wife was Martha Ellen Keagle.Marthawas
born 2-1864 in AR.This family appears in the 1900 census of Clark Co., AR.
Also present in the home is JaneKeagle (b. 10-1825 GA) identified as Robert's
mother-in-law andJoe Keagle (b. 9-1845) identified as Robert's brother-in-law.
Robert appears in the 1880 census of Clark Co.,still living at home with his
father.
Children ofRobert Allen Deaton:
a. Anunidentified male born 8-1886 born in AR.
b. Effie born 2-1888 in AR.
c. Coraborn 7-1892 in AR.
d. Annie born 9-1894 in AR.
e. Aatisil(?)(m) born 4-1897 in AR.
f. Dewey born 12-1899 in AR.
5. Elizabeth Deatonwasborn in 1865 in AR.
6. Jasper Deatonwas born 1867 in AR.
C. Nancy J. Deaton.
D. James B. Deaton.
E. Temperance A. Deaton.
III. EliasDeatonwho marriedElizabeth Yarbrough (this is the direct line of
Alexander Deaton Haas & Zachary Deaton Haas ( see above).
IV. Catherine Deatonwho married William Britt.
V.Isabelle "Ibbie"Deatonwho married James Yarbrough in 1819. She died
after 1844.
VI.Reuben Deatonwas born ca 1805 in Montgomery Co., NC, and married Nancy
Fox.Rueben in alleged to have died during the Civil War.
VII. Adam Deatonwas born ca 1791 in Montgomery Co., NC.
VIII. John Calvin(?) Deaton was born ca 1795 in Montgomery Co., NC, and first
married ca1814 in Montgomery Co.He second married Sarah Reilly2-6-1846 in
Nacogdoches Co., TX.Sarah was born ca 1805 in Illinois.John was in McNairy
Co., Tn, by 1830 he hadmoved to Hunt Co., TX,in 1848. He died in 1858 and is
buried in the Deaton Cemetery in Rains Co., TX.Rains Co., is adjacent to
Hopkins Co., and the Deaton Cemeterysits almost on the County line.This
familyappears in the 1850 census of Hopkins Co., TX. They were living in HH
80.John was farming and owns real estate valued at $320.CHILDREN OFJOHN
DEATON:
A.Hiram H. Deaton by 1819 in Charlotte, Montgomery Co., NC. Hiram
married "Mary Ann."He died in Rains Co., TX, and is buried in the Deaton
Cemetery in Rains Co. "Mary Ann" was born1822/23 in NC, and died 1871-1880.
She is also buried in the Deaton Cemetery in Rains Co., TX.Hiram and family
appear in the 1850 census of Hopkins Co., TX.They arein HH 340.Hiram is
farming and owns real estate valued at $100.
CHILDREN OF HIRAM H. DEATON:
1. Laura (Loracy) Paralee Deaton was born 11-2-1842 in
Lafayette Co., MS, and died 1-21-1930 in Bonanza, TX.She first marriedJohn
T.McAlpin.She 2nd marrieda Mr. Anderson, 3rd married a Mr. Waters,4th
marrieda Mr. Leonard and5th married Bennet J. Adams, her deceased sister's
husband.Paralee was buried as "Paralee Adams" and is buried in the Deaton
Cemetery in Rains Co., TX.
Children of Laura Paralee Deaton :
a. Mary Anderson born ca 1862 in TX.
b. M.L. Waters born ca 1875 in TX.
c. J.C. (Calvin) Waters born 7-9- 1876 in TX, and
died 9-25-1927.He is buried in the Deaton Cemetery in Rains Co., TX.
2. John C. Deatonwas born 3-1846 in Bowie Co., TX. He married
"Nancy,"who was born in 1846 in Kent Co., TX, and had Hiram Oliver "Olive"
Deaton who was born 1868 in TX."Olive" married Maggie Roberts on 10-16-1887 in
Rains Co., TX.3. Martha (Mattie) C. Deatonwas born 11-9-1851 in Bonanza,
Hopkins Co., TX. She died 2-6-1940in Bonanza, TX.Martha married Bennett
Adams in Rains Co., TX, 9-6-1871.
4. Elizabeth Deaton was bornin 1854 in Bonanza, TX.
5. Thomas David Deatonwas born 9-13-1859 in Bonanza, TX, and
died 1-13-1940 in Dallas, TX.Thomas married Pinkie Pauline McLeroy in Hopkins
Co., TX., on 10-21-1886.Thomas died 1-13-1940 in Dallas, TX.Pinkie was born
12-1869 in TX.
Children ofThomas David Deaton:
a. Otis Deaton born 5-1891 in TX.
b.Isaac Deaton born 7-1892 in TX.
c. Cal (Calvin?) T. Deaton was born 3-1895 in TX.
d. Troy Deaton was born 9-1897 in TX.
6. Julie Deaton was born in 1862 in Bonanza, TX.
B. Thomas Deatonborn 10-25-1826 in Montgomery Co., NC.He married
HarrietCrawford. Harrieton 9-3-1846 in Hopkins Co., TX. Harriet was born 45-
1-1827 in Crawford Co., AR.She died 6-10-1873 in Bell Co., TX.Her parents
were Marshall Crawford and Rebecca Sinclair.This familyappears in the 1850
census of Hopkins Co., TX, and the 1860census ofComanche Co., TX. In 1860
They are living in HH 34.Thomas is identified as a "stock raiser."He owns
real estate valued at $300 and personal property valued at $4000 (his stock?).
CHILDREN OFTHOMASDEATON:
1. Franklin Carl Deaton was born 9-4-1847 in TX, and died 9-4-
1920 in Eastland, TX..He first married "Mary B" and second married "Annie M."
Children ofFranklin Carl Deaton:
a. ElmiraC. born 1870 in Bell Co., TX.
b. F. A.born 1873 in Bell Co., TX.
c. F. M. born 1875 in Bell Co., TX.
d. P.E. born 1877 in Bell Co., TX.
e. J.S. born 1878 in Bell Co., TX.
f. Lenora born 5-1879 in Bell Co., TX.
g. Essieborn 11-1881 in Bell Co., TX.
h. Batesborn 9-1886 in Bell Co., TX.
i. Earlborn 4-1880 in Bell Co., TX.
2. James M. . Deaton was born 7-3-1849 in TX.James married
"Susannah A.""Susannah" was born in 1851 and 2nd
married C.S.Upton in 1883.It is assumed that
James had died. "Susan" and familyappear in
the 1880 census of Hamilton Co., TX.She is a widow and is
living in HH 160.
Children of James M. Deaton:
a. Amber M. born 1869 in Comanche Co., TX.
b. Katieborn 1871 in Comanche Co., TX.
c. Jessee (Jopee?) born 1873 in Comanche Co., TX.
d. Mattie born 1875 in Comanche Co., TX.
e. James born 1879 in Comanche Co., TX.
3. Henry J. Deaton was born 6-3-1851 in TX.
4. Marshall Wilburn Deatonwas born 6-2-1853 in TX, and died
3-18-1925in Seymour, TX.He married Mary Reed Sellers. Marshall was her 2nd
husband.
Children ofMarshal Wilburn Deaton:
a. Mary A. Sellars born ca 1868 in TX. (Mary's
daughter by first husband).Marymarried a Mr. Ballard.
b. James A. Sellars born ca 1870 in TX.(Mary's
son by firsthusband).c. Oscar Deaton born 9-
1875 in TX.
d. Allan Deaton born 2-7-1877 born in SanSaba,
TX.He died in Matador Co., TX, 12-7-1956.Allan married Ada Dixie Downing on
8-26-1900. Ada was born 4-18-1879 in Lone Oak, TX, and died in 1970 in Matador
Co., TX.Her parents were Carter T. Downing and Mary Hefner.
Children of Allan Deaton:
(1) Lillian was born 1902 in Throckmorton,
TX.She married Fred J. Gordon.(2) Myrtle was born 1905 in Hunt Co., TX.She
married J.C. Reynolds.
(3) Eulaborn 1908 in Montague Co., TX.,
and married W.E. Gruben.(4) Wilburn C.
born 10-3-1910 in Young Co., TX.He married Valta Nipp.
(5) Wendell Stoneborn 11-24-1914 in Guthrie, King Co., TX.He
marriedFanette Cercy on 12-14-1940. Fanette was born
3-25-1923 in Burkburnett, TX.
Children of Wendell Stone Deaton:
(a) Patricia Louise born 9-2-1941 in
Spur, TX.Patriciamarried Mel Staley.(b) Wendell Stone Jr., born 5-14-1945
in Lubbock, TX. Wendell married Linda Joyce Sanfillippo.
(c) Mark Stephensborn 5-15-1950 in
Lubbock, TX. Mark married CynthiaLenore Gayken.
(d) John born 12-1956 in Quay, NM, and
died in infancy.
(6) Allan Jr., born 1924 in King Co., TX.
He married
Felica Gonzales.
e. Robert Deaton born 10-1879 in TX..
f. Alonzo Deatonborn 9-1882 in TX.
g. Charles Deaton born 7-1885 in Stephens, TX. He
died in King, TX.
5. George Karnes Deaton was born 10-16-1855 in Bell Co., TX,
anddied 11-11-1931 in Comstock, Val Verde
Co.,TX.George marriedMina Harrison.
Mina was born 12-10-1856 in Waco, TX, and died 1-
30-1941 in Comstock, TX.
Children of GeorgeKarnes Deaton:
a. James Oliver born 9-1878 in Hamilton Co., TX.,
and died 1-28-1937 in Val Verde
Co., TX.
b. John Henryborn 2-1881 in Hamilton Co., TX.
He died 12-16-1937 in Hunt Co.,
TX.
c. Arthur Andersonborn 10-1882 in Hamilton Co.,
TX.
d. Ida Bell born 2-1884 in Hamilton Co., TX.
e. Fred Marshall born 1-1887 in Hamilton Co., TX.
f. Clyde Uval born 8-1891 in Hamilton Co., TX.
g.George Ira born 10-9-1893 in Hamilton Co., TX.
Ira marriedLillieSchnaubert. Lillie
was born 6-1-1895.
Children of George Ira Deaton:
(1) Jack Weldon born 9-30-1915.Jack
married DorothySutton.
Children of Jack Weldon Deaton:
(a) David Weldonborn 9-7-1940. David
married
"Kathy."
(b) Don Randal born 9-8-1948. Don
marriedDeborah Cochran.
( c) Lois Irene born 1950.Lois
married Michael White.(d) Jack
Duaneborn 4-10-1954.
(2) Roy Lee born 8-1-1917.Roy married Nell
Rogers. Nell was born 6-14-1919.They had Roy Lee Jr., born 8-21-1947 in Del
Rio, TX.Roy Lee Jr., married Pam Graves and they had Carleta Renne on 7-20-
1976 in Uvalde, TX.
h. Myrtle Evelyn born 1-1897 in Hamilton Co., TX.
6. Madora Ann Deaton was born 7-18-1856 in Comanche, TX, and
died 7-23-1951 in Montague, TX.Madora married Thomas Jefferson Holmes on 1-8-
1874.Thomas Jefferson was born 12-27-1855 in Marion Co., MS, and died 10-26-
1918 in Montague Co., TX.Interestingly enough,at the time of the 1880 census
of Gonzales Co., TX,Thomas Jefferson Holmes was a resident of the county jail.
He was 26 years of age and was identified as a "stockman."
Children ofMadora Ann Deaton Holmes
a. John W. Holmes who 1st married Canzadia West
and 2nd married Janie Moss.b. Charles T. Holmes who
married Sallie Thomas.
c. Minnie Holmeswho married Walter Haralson.
d. Rosaline Holmes who married Warner Price.
e. Edward Holmes.
f. Floyd J. Holmes who married Alma Ann Wagoner.
g. Maude Holmes who married John Mosley.
h. Anna Holmes who marriedThice Gates.
i. Arlene Holmes who married Frank Etten.
j. Lillie Holmes who married Ira Hicks.
k. Ruth Holmes.
l. Mable Holmes born 9-12-1901 in Montague Co, TX,
and died 2-13-1970 in Yoakum, TX.She married James Hurley Treadwell and had
James Hurley Treadwell Jr.who was born 1-27-1925 in Bogalusa, LA. Mr.
Treadwell was born 11-6-1897 in Chambers Co., AL. James Jr., married Juanita
Doris Durham in 1953 in Waco, TX.
m. Namie Holmes.
7. RebeccaCatherine Deaton born 7-19-1859 in TX
8. Martha Deaton born1862 in Comanche Co., TX.
9. Samuel Deaton born 1865 in TX.
10. John Deaton born 2-15-1867 and died 11-28-1867.
C. Elias L.Deaton, author of "Indian Fights on the Texas
Frontier," was born 8-4-1833 in McNairy Co., Tn, and migrated to Texas with his
parents in 1843.Family legend has him entering Texas 3-25-1843.Hemarried
Mary E. Wright in 1856, and died in 8-18-1899. He 2nd marriedMrs. Harriett
OliviaMcCarty. Mary Wright was born 10-2-1832 in TX, and died 3-4-1880 in
Hamilton Co., TX. Eliassettled in Comanche Co., TX, in 1855 and his marriage
to Harriett was the first ever recorded in that county. She is buried in the
Honey Creek Cemetery. He served three short tours in the Confederate Army from
2-6-1864 until5-31-1864 and was paid a total of $63.25. Elias and family
appear in the 1860census of Comanche Co., TX.The census taker erroneously
recorded his age as "24."He wastwenty-seven. Elias and family are living in
HH 36.He is identified as a "stock raiser." He owns real estate valued at $500
and personal property valued at $750. To learn more about Elias and his book,
please see the appendix of this history.Elias and familyappear in the 1880
census of Hamilton Co., TX.Elias is in HH 79 and he is farming. In all, Elias
was married four times.
CHILDREN OFELIAS L. DEATON:
1. William D.born10-3-1857 in Comanche Co., TX., and died
in Montana.He marriedLudy Oats.
2. Thomas Jarvis. born 1-2-1860 in Comanche Co., TX, and died
in Hamilton Co., TX in 1893.
3. John F. "Jack" was born 10-5-1862 in Comanche Co., TX, and
died12-23-1881 in Hamilton Co., TX.
4. David Calvin was born 4-21-1865 in Comanche Co., TX, and
died 1-22-1950 in Erath Co., TX.David married Georgia E. Webb.She was born
in Tennessee on 6-11-1865 and died in Erath Co., TX., on 9-18-1909.She is
buried in the Lone Oak Cemetery in Erath Co.Her father was T.J. Webb.David,
at one time, was sheriff ofErath Co., TX..
5. Joseph Deaton was born 2-19-1867 in Comanche Co., TX and
died 5-22-1870.
6. MaryEmily "Mollie"was born in 1870 in Comanche Co., TX.
7. Catherine "Katie" was born in 1873 in Comanche Co., TX.
She married J. E. Arnold.
D. John Calvin "Uncle Cal"Deaton IIwas born in 3-16-1836 in
McNairy Co., TN, and moved to Texas with his family.He married Amanda M.
Crawford of Bell Co., TX, on 2-4-1855.John joined the Texas Rangers in 1860
and eventuallyreached the rank of Captain.He also served in the Confederate
Army. He owned and operated a hotel in Mingus, TX. EventuallyJohn moved to
Erath Co., TX, andtookup farming.He raised cotton and cattle.John and
Amanda had 15 children.Johndied 7-18-1912.More informationabout John is
contained in his brother's book (see Appendix). Amanda was born 3-30-1837 in
Crawford Co., AR, and died 12-15-1912 in Erath Co., TX.She is buried in
Russell Chapel Cemetery. Herfather was Marshall Crawford who was born in KY.
John and familyappear in the 1860 census of Bell Co., TX.John and family
alsoappear in the 1880census of Hamilton Co., TX, living next door to his
brother Elias (HH 177).John and "Mandy"appear in the 1900census ofErath
Co., TX.Living with them is three of their grandchildren, PaulineDeaton
born 3-1896, John D. Deaton born 1897, and Robert G. Deaton born 1899.As of
this date (1999),LDD has not been able to identifythe parents of these
children.
CHILDREN OF JOHN CALVIN DEATON II:
1. Laura Ellen born 1860 in Hamilton Co., TX.
2. Martha born ca 1863 in TX.She appears is the 1880 census
of Hamilton Co., as still living at home.
3. William Elias born 7-31-1866 in Hamilton Co., TX., and died
10-30-1941 in Erath Co., TX. He is buried in the Hannibal Cemetery in Erath Co.
He married Mary Frances Pierce. Mary was born 8-13-1871 and died 4-5-1957. She
is buriedbeside her husband in Hannibal Cemetery.
Children of William Elias Deaton:
a. John Sherman born 7-3-1897 in Erath Co., TX.
b. Mattie Melvina.
c. Ellen Juanita.
4. America born 1869 in Hamilton Co., TX.
5. Theodosiaborn 1870 in Hamilton Co., TX.
6. John L. born 11-11-1872 in Hamilton Co., TX, and died 2-26-
1934 in Erath Co., TX.John married Mittie Jeter. Mittie was born 9-22-1877 in
TX, and died 7-14-1933 in Erath Co., TX.She is buried in Russell Cemetery.
Children of John L. Deaton:
a. Eva born 8-1898 in TX.
b. Oscar born 2-5-1900 in TX.
c. Charles Nathan born in 1901 in Gordo, Palo
Pinto Co., TX..He died in 1960 in Ft. Worth,TX.Charles married Delphia
Chipman.
Children of Charles Nathan Deaton:
(1) Robert Dwight born ca 1930 in Ranger,
TX. Robert married Marene Hudson.
Children ofRobert Dwight Deaton:
(a) Darril Wayne born 12-6-1949 in
Waco. TX.(b) Ronaldborn 9-29-1956
in Waco, TX.
(c) Marleneborn 1-5-1953 in Waco,
TX.
(d) Byram Leeborn 9-23-1958 in Ft.
Worth, TX.,
and died 1-6-1974.
(2) Charles William born in Ranger, TX.
(3) Jack Lineal born in Ranger, TX.
(4) Paulineborn in Ranger, TX.
d. May .
e. Ruby.
f. An unidentified female.
g. Franklin.
7. Amanda born 1874 in Hamilton Co., TX.
8. Hattie born 1879 in Hamilton Co., TX.
E. Sarah C. Deaton born 1838 in McNairy Co., TN. Sarahmarried
Charles Trogden on 12-27-1859 in Van Buren Co., TN.This familyappears in the
1880 census ofVan Buren Co. It should be noted that the Trogdens and the
Deatons were neighbors inMontgomery Co., NC.Charles Trogden and familyalso
appear in the 1870 census of Van Buren Co., TN, but the census taker (or the
census informant), curiously, seems to have made a number ofclerical errors.
In1870 Charles was 35 but the census taker records his age as 25and records
Sarah's age as 19.She was 32.The family was living in HH 38, post office
Bone Cave, TN. Charles is recorded as a farm laborer with a personal estate of
$26.
CHILDREN OFSARAH C. DEATONTROGDEN:
1. Mary Trogden born ca 1865 in TN.
2. Henry Clinton Trogden born ca 1867 in TN.
3. EdwardM. Trogden born ca 1873 in TN.
4. William P. Trogden born ca 1875 in TN.
5. Lucinda E. Trogdenborn ca 1877 in TN.
6. Charles M. Trogdenborn ca 1878 in TN.
IX. Francis Jordan Deaton whomarried Rachel Holderness 8-13-1826.This family
appears in the 1830, 1840, 1850 and 1870 census of Montgomery Co., NC.In 1850
Francis and family were living in HH 585.Francis was farming and owned real
estate valued at $650. In 1870, their son, John,was still living at home with
them. They were living in HH 4.Francis was farming and owned real estate
valued at $500 and personal property valued at $400. Francis was born4-27-1801
in Montgomery Co.,NC. Rachel was born ca 1808 in NC.Francis died 8-3-1876.
CHILDRENOFFRANCISJORDANDEATON:
A. Able Deaton who died very young.
B. Temperance Deaton was born 5-20-1827 and died 10-16-1895. She
married Goodman Corneilson on 5-4-1848 in Montgomery Co., NC,and appears in
the 1850census of Montgomery Co., NC.Goodman was born ca 1822. In 1850,
John Corneilson, age 77, and Rebecca Corneilson, age 63, arealso present in
the home. This familyalso appears in the 1870 census ofMontgomery Co., NC
(HH 36), post officeGray, NC.Goodman served in the CSA Company "E" 5th
Regiment ofNC.
CHILDREN OFTEMPERENCEDEATONCORNEILSON:
1. Bazelle (?) Corneilson was born ca 1851 in NC.
2. Ann Corneilson was born ca 1853 in NC.
3. Mardora (?)was born ca 1859 in NC.
4. Allen Corneilson was born ca 1862 in NC.
5. Bethard Corneilson was born ca 1866 in NC.
C. Nathan R. Deaton was born in 5-3-1830 Montgomery Co., NC,and
married Nancy Corneilson in Montgomery Co., NC, on 10-9-1852.The bondsman for
thiswedding wasThomas Bean. Nancywas born in 1834 in NC.This family
appears in the 1870 census of NC.They are living in HH 12, post office Troy,
NC. Nathan is farming and owns real estate valued at $200 and personal property
valued at $100.Nathan died after 1880.
CHILDREN OFNATHANDEATON;
1. Francis was born ca 1855 in NC.
2. Milton was born ca 1857 in NC.This is "I.M."Deaton who
became a genealogist.He marriedMollieJordon on 9-25-1885 inMontgomery
Co.
3. Simon was born ca 1858 in NC.
4. Virgil was born ca 1859 in NC.
5. Martha was born ca 1864 in NC.
6. Martin B. was born in 1867 in NC, and died in 1934.He is
buried in theSouthside Cemetery in Montgomery Co., NC.
D. Martin S. Deaton was born 4-21-1833 in Montgomery Co., NC,and
married Mary Ann McLeon on 2-10-1859 in Montgomery Co. Thebondsman for this
marriage was JesseSmitheman.Marywas born 9-5-1834 and died 12-1-1924.Her
father was Anguish McLeon. Martin served in Company "G" 14th Regiment, NC
Troops.He died at Leesburg, VA. Mary appears as a widow in the 1870 census of
Montgomery, NC,post office Troy, NC.She owns real estate valued at $300 and
personal property valued at $300
CHILDREN OFMARTINDEATON:
1. Catherine.
2. Matthew.
3. Francis.
E.Reuben Deaton was born 3-3-1834 in Montgomery Co., NC, and
marriedTimsie (Temperance) Corneilsonin Montgomery Co., NC, on 2-19-1857.
The bondsman for this wedding was Aaron Brewer. "Tempie" was born 3-26-1838 in
NC, and died 11-25-1923. Reuben died 6-24-1907.Both are buried in the Sharon
Cemetery in Montgomery Co., NC. Temperance was undoubtedly related to Goodman
Corneilson whoappears in the 1870 census of Montgomery Co.,NC (HH 36), post
office Gray, NC.Reuben and Temperance also appear in the 1870 census of
Montgomery Co., NC, HH 8.Reuben is farming and owns real estate valued at $300
and personal property valued at $200.
CHILDREN OFREUBEN DEATON:
1. Della (Delvinia?) who was born ca 1858 and married
BrackstonCraven of Randolph Co., NC, on 9-23-1880.They were married in
Montgomery Co. Brackston was 23 years old at the time of the marriage.
2. Melvina (Meranda?)who was born ca 1861 and marriedAtlas
Spivey on 9-2-1882 in Montgomery Co.Atlas was21 years of age at the time of
the wedding.3. Phillips S.
4. Willis F. who was born 9-7- 1863 and marriedBettie Hilead
(Hilliard?) in
Montgomery Co., on 5-27-1886.Bettie was 21 years old at the
time ofher marriage. Willis died 9-13-1940 and is buried in the Sharon
Cemetery inMontgomery Co., NC.
5. EmanuelS.was born in 1866 in NC, died in 1926and
remained single his entire life.
6. Louisa (Lecy?)who was born ca1862 and married William
Sasser in Montgomery Co., on 2-1-1883at the home of Reuben Deaton.William
was 22 years of age.
F. SarahDeatonwas born 3-20-1836 in NC, and died ca 1853.She
married William Riley Cornelison.
G. Barbara Deatonwas born 5-5-1837 in NC.Barbara remained
single.
H. James B. Deaton was born 5-6-1838 in Montgomery Co., NC, and
married Mary Smith.One record has him marrying Henrietta Jordan.James served
in the CSA 44th Regiment called the "Montgomery Guards."James was a dentist in
Star, NC.
I. William Franklin Deaton was born in 9-27 1842 in Montgomery Co.,
NC, and first married Susan Worthington (Northington?). She was born 8-6-1843
and died 11-24-1884.She is buried in the Deaton Cemetery inMontgomery Co.
William2nd married E.T.Ballard on 21-17-1887 in Montgomery Co.The new Mrs.
Deaton was forty-eight years of age.William also served in the "Montgomery
Guards."
J. Pleasant Goodman Deatonwas born 6-9- 1845 in Allreds,
Montgomery Co., NC, and married Martha Spencer Burroughs on 1-16-1868. Martha
was born 6-23-1840 in Ether, NC, and died 8-31-1920.Her parents were John
Burroughs and Sara Spencer ( one record has her parents as Zachariah Burroughs
and Alice Farr).Pleasant remained on the original estate of Francis J.Deaton
his entire life.He owned 180acres of the original farm.Pleasantand
familyappear in the 1870census ofMontgomery Co., NC.They are living in
HH 5.Pleasant is farming and owns personal property valued at $100.Pleasant
died 1-5-1913 in Allreds., NC.
CHILDREN OFPLEASANTG. DEATON:
1. Wincy was born ca 1869 in Ether, Montgomery Co., NC, and
married Henry Tucker on 9-8-1899.They spenttheir entire life farming in
Ether, NC.Children ofWincyDeaton Tucker:
a. Jasper Tucker
b. Ray Tucker.
c. Maudie Tucker.
d. Mattie Tucker.
e. Mae Tucker.
2. Francis born ca 1869 in Montgomery Co., NC.
3. William Oliver was born 5-9-1872 in Montgomery Co., and
married Amy ElizabethFreeman at the home of Nathan R. Deaton on 9-6-1892.
Witnesses were M.F. Deaton and C.A. Deaton."Betty" was eighteen at the time of
the marriage. This couple eventually moved to Idaho.Betty was from Ether, NC.
"Oliver" worked in livestock and eventually was with the Oregon Short Line
Railroad, of Pocatello, Idaho. He died 4-5-1929 and is buried in Pocatello.
Children of Oliver Deaton:
a. Ray.
b. Veldon.
c. Malden.
d. Joy.
e. Effie.
f. Marie.
4. Altmon (Abner?)Byronwas born ca 1874 in Montgomery, NC,
and married LillieBallard on 10-26-1907 in Montgomery Co..Byron moved to
Soda Springs, Idaho.Lillie was from Mt. Gilead, NC.He died 12-29-1953 in
Soda Springs, Caribou Co., Idaho.
Children ofByron Deaton:
a. Delmer.
b. Albert.
c. Perry.
d. Pearce.
e. Blain.
f. Douglas.
g. Opal.
h. Ruth.
i. Blanch.
5. Ulysses H. was born 1-31-1877 Allreds, in Montgomery Co.,
NC, and married Nora Ann Wallace. Nora was from Troy,. NC.Nora died 6-9-1952.
Ulysses was a farmer and a merchantand spent the last34 years of his life in
merchandising. The last 35 years of his life he spent in Thomasville, NC. He
died 12-10-1965 in Thomasville, Davidson Co., NC.
Children of Ulysses H. Deaton:
a. Jerrine.
b. Hazel.
c. Rachel.
d. Grace.
e. Margaret.
f. Eva.
g. Arnie.
h. Horace.
i. Dale.
j. Douglas.
6. Bradley Deaton was born 12-1879in Montgomery Co., NC, and
married Sallie Brown on 9-24-1905 in Montgomery Co.Bradley was a farmer and a
merchant. They last lived in Ashboro, NC.
Children of Bradley Deaton:
a. Ethel.
b. Thelma.
c. Percy.
d. Travis.
7. Alice was born ca 1869 in Allreds,Montgomery Co., NC, and
married Alex "Sandy" Jordon.Alice died in 1951 in Montgomery Co..She and her
husband were farmers in Montgomery Co., NC.
Children of Alice Deaton Jordon:
a. Carl Jordon.
b. Lonnie Jordon.
c. Gurnie Jordon.
8. SarahLouella was born 6-17-1875 in Montgomery Co., NC,
and married Oscar Hussy in 1902.Oscar was a farmer and was also in the real
estate business. They lived in Randleman, Randolph Co., NC.Louella died 2-1-
1942 in Randolph Co.
Children ofLouella Deaton Hussey:
a. Arnold Hussey.
b. Lloyd Hussey.
c. Leonard Hussey.
d. Jewell Hussey.
e. Helen Hussey.
f. Edna Hussey.
K. JohnChristian Deaton was born 9-17-1847 in Allreds,Montgomery
Co., NC and married Sarah McQueen on 11-8-1875 in Montgomery Co.He died 7-30-
1915 in Montgomery Co., NC. In 1870, he was still living at home with his
parents. Sarah was the daughter of James McQueen and Nancy Britt.John and
Sarah are buried in the Dover Baptist Church Cemetery in Moore Co., NC.
CHILDREN OFJOHN L. CHRISTIAN DEATON:
1. Florence Annetta was born 6-3-1876 and died 2-19-1936 in
Montgomery Co., NC.Shemarried ZimirahJohnson ca 1895.
2. Burton Melton was born 8-22-1878 in Montgomery Co., NC,
married Mary Louella Hall on 2-12-1903, and died 11-8-1943. He is buried in the
Southside Cemetery in Troy, Montgomery Co., NC. Mary was born 3-6-1883 and died
1-31-1935.Her parents were Robert Hall and Flora Morris. Marywas a cotton
mill worker.
Children ofBurton Melton Deaton:
a. Ernest Lee who was born 10-8-1904 in Montgomery
Co., NC.He married Madie Saunders on 10-20-1926.He died in 1980 and is
buriedalong with his wife inthe Southside Cemetery in Montgomery Co., NC.
Ernestowned "Deaton Distributors" and several laundries/laundromats.
b. Sarah Emilinewas born 3-6-1905 and died 1-3-1906 in Montgomery Co.
c. John Deaton was born ca 1908 in Montgomery Co.
d. Virginia Ethel was born ca 1908 in Montgomery
Co., She married Leon Hines and later married Zigismund Sadowski ca 1930.
e. RobertJohn (John Robert?)who was born 5-
11-1911 in Montgomery Co., NC, and married DelmaBurns in Montgomery Co.
f. Nellie Blanchwas born 10-6-1912 in Montgomery
Co., NC.
g. Farley Melton was born 7-4-1909 in Montgomery
Co., NC. He died 1-14-1996 in Troy, NC.He married Lanie Batten ca 1932.
h. Mystic May was born 5-14-1914 and died 9-8-1914
in Montgomery Co.
i. MarthaEvelynwas born 10-11-1913 in
Montgomery Co., NC., and married Burnie Freeman.
j Myrtle was born ca 1914 and died in 1915 in
Montgomery Co.
k. Burton Washington was born 10-12-1918 in
Montgomery Co., NC.He married Elgie Roberson.
l.Warren Franklin was born 6-10-1921 in Montgomery Co., and died 11-
4-1997 inEllerbe, NC.He married Bernice Irene Loudermilk on 12-8-
1945. TommyRudolph was born 9-1924 in Montgomery Co.,
NC, and marriedIda L. Burns ca1945.
3. Chester Belford (Belton?)was born 8-24-1880 and died 3-6-
1937 in Montgomery Co.Chester 1st married Margaret Ella Spivey 3-6-1904, and
2nd married Fleeter Louis McQueen 3-22-1917.He 3rd married Janette Dawkins
Freeman. Margaret was born 9-24-1886 and died 2-14-1915 of pneumonia and heart
trouble. Her parents were Daniel Spivy and Emmie(?) Kinel. Chester lived in the
Biscoe and Troyareas ofMontgomery Co.In his later years he suffered from
arthritis.He is buried in the Dover Baptist Church Cemetery, in Moore Co., NC.
Children of Chester BedfordDeaton:
a. Chester Roosevelt who was born in 1907 in
Montgomery Co., NC, and married Ida Hall. He died 2-1963 in Gastonia, NC.
b. Lonnie Edison was born 4-11-1908in
Montgomery Co., NC, and married Elizabeth "Lizzie" MartinParnell on 12-22-
1929.Lonnie died 5-28-1975 inMontgomery Co.He is buried at the Dover
Baptist Church Cemetery.c. Johnnie Rees was born 4-4-1910 in
Montgomery Co., NC, and died 7-12-1929. He is buried in Dover Cemetery, in
Montgomery Co.Johnnieremained single.d. Daniel Worth was born 12-2
1911 in Montgomery Co. He married Norma Lucille Dunn.
e. Price Bedfordwas born 6-17 1917 in Montgomery
Co.He married Pauline Palmer.Price died 2-14-1985 in Greensboro, NC.
Children ofPrice Bedford Deaton:
(1) Cecil.
(2) Belford.
(3) Juley Pauline.
(4)Thomas Roland.
(5) Pamela Ann.
(6) Ada Louise.
f. James Roland was born 5-3- 1919 in Montgomery
Co., married Minnie Simmons 9-7-1943,and was killed at Anzio inWorld War II
5-30-1944.g. Frances Mae (Fannie Louise?)was born 12-31-
1922 in Montgomery Co., and died in 1925 in Montgomery Co.
h. Herman Coolidge was born 11-17-1924 in
Montgomery Co., and married Willie Sue Bridges on 10-6-1945. He died 5-13-1995
in Lakeland, Fl.
4. Duncan R. was born 2-8-1883 and died in 1910.Duncan
married Cassie Hamilton ca 1910.
5. Flossie E.was born 7-10-1885 and died before 1910 in
Montgomery Co., NC.She never married.
6. Julian Walkerwas born 11-2-1887 and died in Thomasville,
NC. He married Carrie Hamilton on 11-9-1907. Carrie and Cassie were sisters.
7. Dorsey Elbert was born 1-20-1890 and died 1-14-1938.He
marriedAmelda McFadden about 1914.Dorsey
was a Baptist minister.
8. Jonah Franklin was born 9-13-1892, marriedGertrude
Lasiter on 9-21-1913. He died 10-24-1934 and
is buried in Cander Cemetery,Moore Co., NC.
9. Charles Luther was born 6-10-1895 and died 12-1892 in
Lakeland,FL.He married Laura Kanoy, daughter of Charles Edmund Kanoy on 10-
16-1916.
10.Ida Mae was born 5-13-1902 in Montgomery Co., and married
Charles W. Atkins on 6-18-1919.
L. Mary A. Deaton was born 3-6-1850 in Montgomery Co., NC, and
marriedJohn Wesley Moore on 8-18-1867.
X. Dison Deaton who was born 5-6-1806 in Troy,Montgomery Co., NC, and second
marriedElizabeth McQueen ca 1845. Elizabeth was the daughter of Alexander
McQueen and Sarah Batten.He appears in the 1840, 1850 and1870censusof
Montgomery Co., NC.In1850 he is shown asage 44, and has in his household
Elizabeth Deaton, age 85, who must surely be Elizabeth Jordan, wife of Joseph
Deaton; a Mary Farlow ,age 50,two "mullatos" (identified as "Linley", age 25,
and "Nathan,"age one), and a young man named JohnGreen, age 14.In1850
he is shown as married to "Elizabeth."They are living in HH 419.Dison is
farming and owns real estate valued at $400. Dison and family appear in the 1870
census ofMontgomery Co.They are living in HH 28.Dison is farming and is
recorded as owning real estate valued at $325. and personal property valued at
$450. Dison spent his life at the old home place east ofTroy, NC, where he
operated a farm and a tannery.He prepared hisLast Will and Testament on
1/23/1895 and in this documentmentions his wife(second wife)andleaves to
her "all my real and personalestate."He further statesthat hewants his
youngest son,John H.Deaton, to take care ofhis mother "and treat her with
all necessary kindness."In this document he also mentions his sons William B.
Deaton, B. A. Deaton (Alex?), David A. Deaton,James M. Deaton,and Thomas
Deaton.Healso mentions his daughter Louiza J.Smith.Disonrequests that
his sonsJames and Johnserve as executors.WitnesseswereJosiahJordan
and A.D.Jordan. Disondied in 4-22-1895 and is buried in the Laurel Hill
Cemetery in Montgomery Co., NC. Dison's tannery was located approximately two
miles east of Troy.The old Dison Deaton home was destroyed by fire in 1937.
CHILDREN OFDISONDEATON:
A. Francis J. was born ca 1846 and died as an infant.
B. Thomaswas born ca 1847 and marriedMary F.Jordon on4-3-
1870 in Montgomery Co., NC.Thomas became a minister. In1870, having just
married, Thomas and bride were living next door to Dison. They were in HH 29.
Thomas was farming and owned real estate valued at $150 and personal property
valued at $100.
C. William Butler who was born 4-1850 and married Mary J. Campbell
in Montgomery Co., on 10-21-1878.Marywas 18at the time of her marriage.
This wedding was witnessed by Daniel Deaton. William died 8-9-1930 in Iredell
Co., NC.
D. Louisa Jane was born 1-10-1851 and died 12-16-1937.Louisa
married Enoch Turner Smith.
E. James Martin who was born 12-30-1851 and marriedHenrietta
Jordan on 8-3-1877 inMontgomery Co., NC. James died10-24 1918 and is buried
in the Southside Cemetery in Montgomery Co., NC. Henrietta was born in 1860 and
died in 1914.She is also buried in the Southside Cemetery.The bondsman was
James Martin. Two of James Martin's childrenhave been identified, Pearl his
daughter and his sonOliver Basil Deaton Sr.He was born 12-7-1878 in
Montgomery Co. He married Hattie Irolene Thompson ca 1900 in Montgomery Co.
Oliver was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.He was also a mason and a member of
Troy Lodge#718.He was called "O.B."He was baptized in the First Baptist
Church of Troy in 1887 and was one of the founding fathers of the Biscoe Baptist
Church."O.B" was Registrar of Deeds for Montgomery Co. and held this office
for almost a dozenyears. He was well-liked and highly respected in his
community and in his church. Oliver, his father James, and his sister Pearl all
died within a twelve day period in 1916 during the great flu epidemic.Oliver
and his wife are buried in the Southside Cemetery in Troy.He was 38 years old
at the time of his death.
Children of Oliver Basil Deaton:
1. John Quincy Deaton Sr., was born 11-4-1912 in Troy, NC and
died 12-17-1983also in Troy.He married Alice Lee Scarborough
2. Delilah C. Deaton was born ca 1902 in Troy. NC and died in
1948 in Pine Tops, NC.She married Charles Roy Briffin Sr.
3. Oliver Basil Deaton Jr., was born 12-27-1906 in Troy, NC,
and died 8-30-1992 in Montgomery Co., NC.He married Willi Anon Fox on 6-7-1930
in Candor, NC.Willi was living in Troy in 1998.
4. Harold Horton Deaton was born 7-18-1909 in Montgomery Co.,
He married Margaret LeGrandBurkhead on 11-8-1935 in Candor, NC.
5. Anna Deaton was born 8-19-1916 in Montgomery Co., and died in 1996 in
Jacksonville, FL.She married L. Eugene Baker.f. J. QuincyDeaton was born
ca 1913 in Montgomery Co.
E.BrantlyAlex (Alexander?) whowas born 8-21-1856. and married
MoleyJ. Smith on 12-19-1875 in Montgomery Co.Witness to this wedding was
J.W. Deaton. He evidentlymarried 2nd "Nollsia Jane" who was born 1-11-1857 and
died 9-22-1935.Both are buried in the Liberty Hill Cemetery in Montgomery Co.,
NC.Brantley died 9-22-1935. In 1910 Brantley's widowedmother, Elizabeth
McQueen, was living with him.
F. David (Daniel) A. was born 4-26-1859 and died 1-5-1928 in
Claredon, Monroe Co., NC.Danielmarried Margaret Newby Morris on 6-18-1882.
G. John Henry was born 8-19-1863 and died 3-20-1947 in Guilford
Col., NC.John married Lydia Ann Dawkins and2nd married Dovie Catherine
Troutman.
XI. JosephDeaton Jr., was born ca 1796 in Montgomery Co., NC, andmarried
PollyMcDonald ca 1818.Joseph is alleged to have moved frequently and to have
been less than thrifty.He was never able to amass much of an estate.He does
appear in the 1850census ofMontgomery Co.
CHILDREN OF JOSEPHDEATONJR.:
A. Elias M. Deatonwas born ca 1828 in Montgomery Co., NC, and died
9-9-1863.He married Elizabeth Yarborough on 10-5-1852 also in Montgomery Co.
B. James Deatonwas born ca 1832 in Moore Co., NC.
C. Martha Deaton was born ca 1835 in Moore Co., NC, and married
Joseph Yarborough.
D. Henry H. Deaton was born ca 1841 in Moore Co., NC.
XII.Williamwas born ca 1804 in Montgomery Co., NC and died after 1890 also
in Montgomery Co.This is theWilliamDeaton who appears in the 1840census
of Montgomery Co. He married Nancy Allen ca 1824 in Montgomery Co.She died ca
1860.William then married Elizabeth Lassiter on 5-8-1862 in Montgomery Co.
CHILDREN OFWILLIAMDEATON:
A. Joseph Deaton was born ca 1829 in Montgomery Co.He served in
the CSA.
B. Eli Deaton was born ca 1830 in Montgomery Co.He was a private
in the CSA.
C. Aaron Deaton was born ca 1831 in Montgomery Co.He married Wincy
Hogan on 12-23-1844.
D. Mary Deaton was born ca 1832 in MontgomeryCo.
E. Levi Deaton was born ca 1833 in MontgomeryCo.
F. Deborah Deaton was born ca 1834 in Montgomery Co., and married
Joshua Yarborough on 1-26-1853 also in MontgomeryCo.
G. Amanda Deaton was born 1-1835 in MontgomeryCo., and
married J. Wesley Dunn on 7-4-1848 in Montgomery Co.
H. Gemina Deaton was born ca 1837 in MontgomeryCo., and married
Nathan Smith 10-30-1853 in MontgomeryCo.
I. Margaret Deaton was born ca 1847 in Montgomery Co., NC.
J. Litney Deaton was born ca 1849 in Montgomery Co., NC.
XIII. James Deaton born ca 1787 in Montgomery Co.
InNovember of 1999, LDD visitedMontgomery Co., NC.Itremains a very rural
area.All the communities are small.Troy, the county seat, does not have a
Walmart or K-Mart.Farming,logging, and commercial chicken farming are
primary industries.Most every cemetery in the county has three or four
Deatons buried in them.There are still many Deatons in the area.
GENERATION TEN:THOMASDEATONJR.
A certain Thomas Deaton of Anson Co., NC,would appear to be the father of
Joseph Deaton.Montgomery Co.,was formed out of Anson County in 1779.Thomas
Deaton was born ca 1710 in HenricoCo., VA,He married MaryGibbs ca 1743 and
died ca 1779 in Anson Co., NC.He purchased land in Anson Co in 1768.
Unfortunatelythere are noLWTsfor Anson County.Neither are marriage
records available.Supposedlymany ofthe records of this county have been
lost.AThomas Deaton appears in the records ofMontgomery Co., in 1821. He
appears as a witness to a land transaction along with the names of Anguish
McDuffie and James Jordan (JosephDeaton married Elizabeth Jordan).This
Thomas may have been the first American born Deaton. He may also have been the
first Deaton to settle in NC.The "OldDeaton Homeplace" in Montgomery Co.,
NC, was founded in 1768 when Thomas Deaton purchased land on the Little River in
what is now Montgomery Co.
CHILDRENOFTHOMASDEATON:
I. LeviDeaton Sr., was born 5-12-1748 in Amelia Co.,VA, anddied 5-16-1799
also in Amelia Co., VA. He married Martha Cady Vesser ca 1770.Martha was the
daughter of Benjamin Vesser and Rhoda Harris. Leviwalked with a limpdue to a
childhood accident. His wife, Martha, bought a hotel known as "Hendrick's
Ordinary" in Amelia Co., VA, in 1784.The hotel was evidently renamed "Deaton's
Ordinary" and was the basis for the name ofDeatonville, VA.Judge Southall,
an elderly judge of Amelia Co., recalled that Deatonville was known as
"Thompson's Tavern" before the Revolutionary War.The hotel was located on a
forty acre plot ofland.Levialso purchased one slave known as "Pompeii" in
1786 for the price of 30 pounds.Leviwas a farmer and provided food and
tobacco to his brothers who served in the Revolutionary War and also to fellow
Revolutionaries.During the Civil War, Deatonville was in the route of the
retreating CSA which was pushed inexorably backwards by repeated attacks from
the Union cavalry and artillery.
CHILDRENOF LEVIDEATONSR.:
A. John W. Deaton was born 5-1-1777 in Amelia Co., VA, and died 4-
10-1861 in Amelia Co.He married Mary C. Jones and later married Elizabeth
Forest.He third married Jane Baker,fourth married Frances W. Foster, fifth
married Elizabeth Rayburn, and sixth married Luvinia Eller.
B. Elijah Deaton was born 7-1778 in Amelia Co., VA.He died 4-1858
in Botetourt Co., VA. He first married Nancy Atkins and 2nd married Nancy
Pollard.
C. James Deaton Sr., was born 4-5-1779 in Amelia Co., VA, and
died 5-23-1854 in Morgan Co., Illinois.His parents migrated from Amelia Co.,
to Botetourt Co., Va, when James was ca five years of age.From Botetourt they
migrated to St. Clair Co., IL in 1819. James and family appear in the 1820
census ofSt. Clair Co., and the 1830 census ofMorgan Co., IL., p. 91.He
married Elizabeth Pollard.James and family moved to the area now known as
Jacksonville, Morgan Co., IL., ca1821.James and family appear in the 1850
census of Morgan co., IL, p. 530.
Children ofJames Deaton Sr:
1. James Deaton Jr., who died before 1850.James erected the
first grist mill in Morgan Co.It was powered by horse and oxen.James died 4-
22-1854. He married "Jane" who was born ca 1816 in TN. As a widow, she appears
in the 1850 & 1860 census ofMorgan Co., IL. In 1860 she is living in HH 677
and is recorded as owning real estate valued at $88 and personal property valued
at $520.
Children of James Deaton Jr.:
a. Robert Deaton born 9-1837 in IL.Robert and
family appear in the 1870, 1880 &1900 census of Morgan co., IL.Robert married
"Lucinda' who was born 1-1844 in IL. In 1900 Robert and Lucinda are living with
their son, Edward Deaton. They are living in Jacksonville Township. Also living
in the household is Nellie Hull, born 9-1874, and identified as Edwards "niece";
and his son, Robert C. Deaton, born 11-1876 and Frank Dadsworth born 5-1873. In
1870 Robert and family are living in HH 288.Robert is family and owns real
estate valued at $600.
Children ofRobert Deaton:
(1) Eva Bell Deaton born ca 1862 in IL, and
married James N. Hull who was born 1855 in IL.In 1880 Eva and James were
living with Robert Deaton.
(2) William E. Deaton born 3-1863 in IL.He
married Sarah C., who was born 5-1861 in IL.This family appears in the 1900
census of Morgan Co., IL.By 1900 they had Myrtle born 12-1854 in IL.
(3) Lizzie Alice Deaton born ca 1866 in IL.
(4) Edward A. Deaton born ca 1869 in IL.
(5) Robert C. Deaton born ca 1877 in IL.
b. Elizabeth Deaton was born ca 1837 in IL.
c. Sampson Deaton was born ca 1838 in IL.
d. Abraham Deaton was born ca 1839 in IL.
e. James Deaton was born ca 1842 in IL.
f. Thomas Deaton was born ca 1842 in IL.
g. Salena Deaton born ca 1845 in IL.
2. Robert H. Deaton was born ca 1803 in VA.He married
"Keziah" who was born ca 1811 in KY. This family appears in the 1850 census of
Morgan Co., IL.They are living in HH 584. Robert is farming and owns real
estate valued at $9600 and personal property valued at $3700. Living with the
family in 1860 was a certain James Clark, age 19, born in IL.
Children ofRobert H. Deaton:
a. Elizabeth Deaton was born ca 1840 in IL.
b. William was born ca 1844 in IL.
c. Jane Deaton was born ca 1846 in IL.
d. Robert was born ca 1848 in IL.
e. Sarah Deaton was born ca 1850 IL.
3. Leah Deaton who married Hezekiah Bridgeman of Concord, IL,
and diedca 1853.
4. Martha Deaton who married William Goodpasture..
5. Joseph P. Deaton was born 1-2-1806 in Amelia Co., VA.
Joseph married Sarah Cook, daughter ofJ. Cook ofMorgan Co.Mr. Cook had
migratedto Morgan Co., in 1826. Joseph participated in the infamous Black Hawk
Indian Wars.He became a justice of the peace and was known as "Squire Deaton."
Joseph and family appear in the 1830 census ofMorgan Co., p. 91, living next
door to his father.They also appear in the 1850 census ofMorgan Co., p. 529.
Joseph is farming.
Children of Joseph P. Deaton:
a. Elizabeth Deaton was born 7-1829.She married Jacob Stout of
Morgan Co.
b. Marshall Deaton who died in 1852.
c. Thomas Deaton Jr.(?), was born 3-26-1833.He
married Mary A. Caldwell on 2-8-1854. Mary was the daughter ofDavid B.
Caldwell, Esq.,ofMorgan Co.This family appears in the 1860 census of
Morgan Co., IL. They are living in HH 801.Thomas is farming and owns personal
property in the amount of $250.Marywas born ca 1832 in IL.By this time
Thomas and Mary have one son, Charles, born ca 1858 in IL.Living with the
family in 1860 is Elizabeth Crawford, age eleven.
d. Mary Deaton born ca 1835 in IL.
e. Ann Deaton who died at the age of five years.
f. Charles Samuel Deaton born ca 1856.
6. Thomas Deaton was born 9-29-1813 in VA.He married Matilda
Underwood on 12-22-1842. Matilda was born ca 1818 in TN. This family appears in
the 1850,1860 & 1870 census of Morgan Co., ILL.In 1860 they are living in
"Jacksonville," in HH 1394.Thomas is farming and owns real estate valued at
$1680 and personal property valued at $720.In 1870 he is living in HH 157 and
owns real estate valued at $500.In 1850he isrecorded on p. 529, living
next door to his father and brothers.
Children ofThomas Deaton:
a. Sardonia Deaton born ca 1845 in IL.
b. Joseph HenryDeaton was born 11-1846 in IL.,
andmigrated to Green Co., IL.Joseph married "Nancy" who was born 10-1846 in
KY.This family is recorded in the 1880 census of Green Co., IL, the township
of Carrollton.They are also recorded in the 1900 census of Green Co., in
Walkersville Township.
Children ofJosephDeaton:
(1) Ollie Deaton who was born ca 1869 in IL.
(2) Edward Deaton who was born 4-1873 in IL.
(3) George Deaton who was born ca 1875 in
IL.George appears in the 1900 census of Greene Co., Walkersville Township.He
is unmarried and living with his cousin Marcus Ballard.
(4) Lizzie Deaton who was born 10-1880 in
IL.
(5) Clyde Deaton who was born 8-1889 in IL.
c. John Deaton who migrated to Macon Co., IL.
d. Amelia Deaton who was born ca 1847 in IL.
e. Louisa (?) Deaton who was born ca 1850 in IL.
f. Nathan Deaton who was born ca 1854 in IL.
g. Augustus Deaton who was born ca 1856 in IL.
7. William Deaton was born ca 1819 in VA.He married "Mary,"
who wasborn ca 1824 in KY.This family is recorded
in the 1850 census ofMorganCo., onp. 530.
D. William Deaton was born in 1781 in Amelia Co., VA.He married
MaryRowlett Traylor on 12-13-1802 in Amelia Co., VA.
E. Levi Deaton Jr., was born in 1783 in Amelia Co., VA, and married
Elizabeth P. Mitchell on 4-19-1808 also in Amelia Co.
F. Elizabeth Deaton was born in 1785 in Amelia Co., VA, and
married Edward Butler Jr., on 9-24-1811 in Botetourt Co., VA.
G. George Deaton was born 1-21-1791 in Botetourt Co., VA, and
married Susanna Ream on 5-12-1812 in Botetourt.He died 12-24- 1827 in
Champaign Co., Ohio. Susanna was the daughter of Andrew Ream.She is considered
the matriarch of the Miami Valley, Ohio, Deaton family.Stories are still
shared ofhow, upon the death of her husband, George,she brought her nine
children from southwestern Virginia to the Mad River areain 1828.The actual
yoke she used is still held by her descendant, Ralph E. Deaton ofNew Carlisle,
Ohio, and is displayed at family Reunions and County Fairs. In 1828, Susanna
took her children and went to Pike Township, Clark Co., Ohio (just south of Cow
Path Road in Champaign Co.) to be near herparents and brothers who now live
there.Paul Deaton lives on and farms the area today.Susannabuilt a "lean-
too"for the first winter and with the coming ofspring, the story is that she
went from house to house to beg a few seeds to plant.She not only survived but
continued to educate her children and to raise them all to adulthood and to
prosperity. Another story is told that when she went to pay her taxes in
Springfield she had to cross a flooded river.She putthe child with her
on her horse while she swam along side in order to cross the swollen river.She
is buried in Newsom Chapel Cemetery in Champaign Co., Ohio.
CHILDRENOFGEORGEDEATON:
1. William B. Deaton was born 12-15-1811 in Botetourt Co., VA,
and died 12-20-1855 in Clark Co., OH.He married Catherine Leffel 12-6-1832 in
Clark Co., OH.
2. Samuel Deaton was born 3-30-1813 in Botetourt Co., VA, and
died12-18-1894 in Jackson, Champaign Co.,
OH.He marriedNancy Carmin on 6-29-1841.
3. George Washington Deaton was born 4-3-1815 in Botetourt
Co., VA, and died 3-25-1900 in Adams, Champaign Co., OH.He marriedHannah
Leffell on 10-26-1837.
4. Andrew Jackson Deaton was born 5-11-1816 in Botetourt Co.,
VA, and died 5-14-1890 in Bethel, Clark Co., OH.He married Catherine
Brandenburg on 5-2-1839.
5. Nathan Deaton was born 2-16-1818 in Botetourt Co., CA, and
died 2-21-1858 in Champaign Co., OH.He married Sarah Scoby on 8-31-1838.
6. Mary Deaton was born 12-6-1819 in Botetourt Co., VA, and
died 11-23-1900 in Champaign Co., OH.She married Thomas Hamiltonon 11-25-
1838.
7. Martha Deaton was born in 1822 and died 6-4-1906 in
Champaign Co., OH.She marriedJohn Richeson on 12-5-1841.
8. Susanna Deaton was bornin 1824 in Botetourt Co., VA, and
died in1916 in Champaign Co., OH.She
married Riley Stevens.
9. Levi Deaton was born 9-18-1826 in Botetourt Co., VA, and
died 4-1-1906 in Clark Co., OH.He married
Malinda Mitchell on 9-4-1849.
H. Martha Deaton was born in 1794 in Amelia Co., VA.She married
Thomas Cade on 4-7-1818.
I. Nathan Deaton was born in 1799 in VA, and died 10-19-1867
in Botetourt Co., VA. He marriedSally Mitchell on 6-1-1819 in Botetourt.
II. JosephDeaton (this is the direct line of Alexander Deaton Haas & Zachary
Deaton Haas ( see above).
III. Elias Deaton was born ca 1755 in Amelia Co., VA.He died in TN.
IV. Dison Deaton (Dyson?)was born ca 1756 in Amelia Co., VA.migrated to
Marion Co., TN, before 1830,and died in Dekalb Co., Al, before 1850. He does
appear in the 1800census ofMontgomery Co.His unidentified wife was born ca
1780 and died ca 1830.Dison's children and grandchildrenare the Deatons of
"Deaton Settlement" in Williamson Co., IL, encountered by Littleberry Deatonas
recorded in his book "Eleven Months of Exile in Southern Illinois."
CHILDREN OFDISONDEATON:
A. An unidentified femaleborn ca 1796-1800 in Montgomery Co., NC.
B. Williamborn ca 1802 in Montgomery Co., NC, married"Martha
J"(ca 1830) and may have been the William Deaton of BledsoeCo., TN, that
appears in the 1830 census.He migrated to DeKalb Co., AL, before 1834 and
appears in the 1850 census of DeKalb Co., AL.He is living in HH 280 and is
farming. Hethen migratedto Williamson Co., IL, ca 1848.William and family
appear in the 1860 census ofWilliamson Co., IL.They are in HH 2449.William
is farming and owns real estate valued at $3000 and personal property valued at
$1000. He died after 1870 in Williamson Co., IL
CHILDREN OFWILLIAMDEATON:
1. George Deatonwas born ca 1826 in DeKalb Co., AL.He
married "Jane" who was born ca 1828 in IL.This familyappears in the 1860
census ofWilliamson Co.He is in HH 2450, next door to his father. He is
farming and owns real estate valued at $200.
Children ofGeorge Deaton:
a. Johnborn ca 1852 in Williamson Co., IL.
b. Hiramborn ca 1854 in Williamson Co., IL.
c. Napoleon born ca 1858 in Williamson Co., IL
2. NancyDeaton born ca 1832 inTn.
3. Susannah(Jermimah?) Deaton was born ca 1834 in DeKalb Co.,
AL.
4. John B. Deaton was born ca 1835 in DeKalb Co., AL.John
married Clementine Alpin (Alpine?)and died before 1860.Clementine was born
ca 1840 in IL.Her parents were William Alpin (b. 1820 IL.) and "Louisa'{b.
1822 IL).By1860Clementine was back living with her parents due to John's
death.The Alpins lived in HH 2419 andWilliam Deaton (John's father) lived in
HH 2449.
5. Dison Deaton was born ca 1838 in DeKalb Co., Al, and
married "Sarah"ca 1857 in Williamson Co., IL."Sarah" was born ca 1843 in IL.
This family was living in HH 2451 in Williamson Co., IL, in 1860 (see 1860
census ofWilliamson Co.).Living with the family in 1860 was a certain John
Reed, age 12, born in IL, a NancyBuckner, age 45, born in TN,(identified as
a midwife), and her son Burton Buckner,age 15, born in IL.In 1860 Dison was
farming and owned real estate valued at $1500 and personal property valued at
$1000.
Children of Dison Deaton:
a. Williamborn ca 1858 in Williamson Co., IL
b. Phoebe b. ca 1859 in Williamson Co., IL.
6. Elizabeth Deaton was born ca 1839 in DeKalb Co., AL.
7. Sarah Deaton born ca 1839 in DeKalbCo., Al, and married
William H.Whitaker on 8-22-1860.Although they remained childless the couple
took in four foster children.
Foster Children ofSarah Deaton Whitaker:
a. Henry Wright.
b. Guy Burton.
c. Lucy E. Wright who marriedHenry W. Vaughn and
had Sarah Vaughn who married Stephen Crow.
d. An unidentified foster child.
8. Joseph Deaton born ca 1842 in DeKalb Co., Al.
9. James Deaton born ca 1844 DeKalb Co., AL.He married
"Perlina" born ca 1845 in IL.This familyappears in the 1880census of
Williamson Co., IL.
Children ofJames Deaton:
a. Sarahborn ca 1871 in IL.
b. Thomas H. born ca 1873 in IL.
10. Margaret (Mary?) Deaton born ca 1846 DeKalb Co., AL.
11. LucindaDeaton born ca 1847 DeKalb Co., AL.
12. Catherine (Charity?) born ca 1849 DeKalb Co., Al.
l3. Maria Deaton born ca 1850Williamson Co., IL.
14. William Deatonborn10-1853 in Williamson Co., IL, and
married "Rebecca" ca 1876."Rebecca" was born 5-1853.
This family appears in the 1860 and1900 census ofWilliamson Co., IL.
Children ofWilliam Deaton:
a. Ida born 10-1877 in IL.
b. Frances (f) born 11-1884 IL.
c. Charley born 4-1887 IL
d. Alonzo born 8-1888 IL.
15. CordeliaDeaton born ca 1853 in Williamson Co., IL.
16. Palona (f) was born 1859 in Williamson Co., IL.
C. An unidentified female born ca 1800 in Montgomery Co., NC.
D. John Deatonwho was born ca 1804 in Montgomery Co., NC, married
"Rachel" about 1838 and migrated to Williamson Co., IL, ca 1853."Rachel"was
born ca 1820 in TN.John and Rachel appear in the 1850 census of DeKalb Co.,
AL.They are in HH 291. John is farming. This family alsoappears in the 1860
census ofWilliamson Co., IL. He is in HH 2462.He is farming and owns real
estate valued at $1000 and personal property valued at $300.
CHILDREN OFJOHN DEATON:
1. Emeline Deaton born ca 1839 in DeKalb Co., AL.
2. Mary Ann "Polly" Deaton born ca 1844 in DeKalb Co., AL.
3. William D.P. Bradford Deaton was born ca 1845 in DeKalb
Co., AL.
4. Melissa Ann P. Deaton born ca 1846 in DeKalb Co., AL.
5. Joseph B. Deaton was born ca 1850 in DeKalb Co., AL.
6. Conzada Deaton was born ca 1852 in DeKalb Co., AL.
7. Imogene Deaton born ca 1854 in Williamson Co., IL.
8. John Deaton born ca 1856 in Williamson Co., IL.
9. Nancy Deaton born ca 1858 in Williamson Co., IL.
E. An unidentified female born ca 1800-1810 in Montgomery Co., NC.
F. James Deaton born ca 1810 in Montgomery Co., NC, and 1st married
Lucinda Lollace(?) on 10-24-1839, and 2nd married "Malinda."Lucindawas born
ca 1825 in VA. "Malinda" was born ca 1828 in TN.This family appears in the
1850 census of DeKalb Co., Al.They are in HH 273. James is farming and owns
real estate valued at $250.Living with the family in 1850 is Lucinda's
brother, Marshall Lollace, age 21. This family also appears in the 1860 census
of Williamson Co., IL. They are in HH 2444.James is farming and owns real
estate valued at $850.His personal property is valued at $560. By1860,
Lucinda has died and James is married to Malinda.The 1860census does confirm
that James named two of his children "William."
CHILDREN OFJAMES DEATON:
1. George W. Deatonborn ca 1840 in DeKalb Co., AL.
2. Minerva Deaton born ca 1842 in DeKalb Co., AL.
3. Henry Deaton born ca 1844 in DeKalb Co., AL, married
"Nancy" (b. ca 1846 AL) ca 1866 in Williamson Co., IL, and was living in
Williamson Co., in 1880
Children of Henry Deaton:
a. James A. born 1867 in Williamson Co., IL.
b. Lucinda born ca 1869 in Williamson Co., IL.
c. William L. born 12-1872in Williamson Co., IL,
married "Mary A." ca 1891 and had Ona who was born 2-1892 IL."Mary A." was
born 2-1875 IL. William appears in the 1900 census ofWilliamson Co.
d. Marinda (f) born 1875 in IL.
e. Johnborn 1877 in IL.
f. Sarahborn 1878 in ILL
4. Alfonsine Deaton was born ca 1846 in DeKalb Co., AL.
5. Bender Deaton was born ca 1848 in DeKalb Co., Al.
6. William Taylor Deaton was born 7-1849 in DeKalb Co., Al.
He married "Tishy" ca 1882 in IL, and appears in the 1900 census ofWilliamson
Co., IL."Tishy" was born 3-1864 IL.
Children ofWilliam Taylor Deaton:
a. Thomas born 11-1883 in Williamson Co.
b. Nancy born 9-1889 in Williamson Co.
c. William born 8-1891 in Williamson Co.
d. Herbert born 9-1895 in Williamson Co.
7. Mary Deaton born ca 1852 in Williamson Co., IL.
8. Thomas J. Deaton born ca 1854 in Williamson Co., IL.
9. Andrew J. Deaton born ca 1856 in Williamson Co., IL.
10. William D. Deaton (a 2nd William?) born ca 1857 in
Williamson Co., IL.He married Sarah: in 1876."Sarah" was born ca 1858 in IL.
This couplehad Thomas who was born in 1877.This family appears in the 1880
census of Williamson Co., IL.
G. Sarah Deaton was born ca 1810-1815 in Montgomery Co., NC.
H. Joseph Deaton was born ca 1815 in Montgomery Co., NC.He married
"Sarah"about 1835."Sarah" was born ca 1819 in TN.Joseph and family appear
in the 1850 census of DeKalb Co., Al.They are in HH 381.Joseph is farming.
This familyappears in the 1860census of Williamson Co., IL.
CHILDREN OFJOSEPHDEATON;
1. An unidentified female born ca 1830-1835 in DeKalb Co., AL.
2. Martha J.(?) Deaton born ca 1836 in DeKalb Co., AL.
3. Thomas B. Deaton born 10-1838 in DeKalb Co. AL.He married
"Sarah" ca 1857 and is recorded in both the 1880 and 1900 census ofWilliamson
Co., IL."Sarah" was born 5-1838 in IL.This familyappears in the 1860
census ofWilliamson Co., IL.This census record erroneouslyrecords Thomas
as being born in IL.In 1860 he was farming and owned personal property valued
at $100.
Children of Thomas Deaton:
a. Luna Deaton born 8-1858 in IL.
b. Thomas J. Deaton born ca 1861 in Williamson
Co., IL.
c. Sarah E. Deaton born ca 1864 in Williamson Co.,
IL.
d. Mary A. Deaton born ca 1868 in Williamson Co.,
IL.
e. William F. Deaton born ca 1870 in Williamson
Co., IL
f. Benjamin H. Deaton born 9-1871 in Williamson
Co., IL. He married"Nancy" who was born 9-1871 in IL.By1900they had
"Sarah" born 6-1899 in IL.g. John Deaton born ca 1875 in
Williamson Co., IL.
4. Tabitha Deaton born ca 1839 in DeKalb Co., AL.
5. Mary Ann (Polly) Deaton born ca 1843 in DeKalb Co., AL.
6. Williamborn ca 1846 in Dekalb Co., AL.
7.James Deaton born 3-1849 in DeKalb Co., AL, and married
"Perline" ca 1871.He is recorded in the 1880 Census of Williamson Co., IL.
"Perline" was born-184 in AL.This family is recorded in the 1900census of
Johnson Co., IL. In this record Perlineis listed as "Jalina.".
Children ofJames Deaton:
a. Sarah born ca 1871 in Williamson Co.
b. Thomas H. born ca 1873 in Williamson Co
c. Arthur born 7-1879 in IL.
d. Mauzy (f) born 8-1888 in IL..
8. Brantley (John?) Deaton born ca 1850 in DeKalb Co., AL.
9. Solomon Deaton born ca 1855 in Williamson Co., AL.
10. Preston Deaton born ca 1860 in Williamson Co., IL.
I. An unidentified female born ca 1815-1820.
J. George Deaton born ca 1826 in Alabama or Tennessee and married
"Jane" ca 1851."Jane" was born ca 1832 in IL.It is suspected that the
"George," age 34, living in HH 2450 Williamson Co., in 1860 and as recorded as
being born in Alabama is the son of Dison Deatonbut with his place of birth
erroneously recorded.
CHILDREN OFGEORGEDEATON:
1. John Deaton born ca 1852 in Williamson Co., IL.
2. Hiram Deaton born 5-1860 in Williamson Co., IL.He married
"Julia" who was born 8-1861 in IL.This family appears in the 1900census of
Williamson Co., IL.
Children of Hiram Deaton:
a. Rhodaborn 2-1883 in IL.
b. Ella born 1-1884 in Il.
c. Lulaborn 8-1888 in Il.
d. Arthur born 1-1892 in IL.
e. Dora born 8-1894 in IL.
f. Edith M. born 1-1900 in IL.
3. Napoleon Deaton born ca 1858 in Williamson Co., IL.
K An unidentified female born ca 1820-25.
V. Thomas Deaton III was born ca 1761 in Amelia Co., VA, and died in
Independence City, AR, in 1855.He served in the War of 1812. He is alleged to
have servedas a "personal aide" to General George Washington during the
Revolutionary War.
GENERATIONELEVEN:THOMAS DEATONSR.
Thomas Deaton Sr., would appear to be the father ofThomas Deaton Jr.This man
arrived in Virginia from England in 1701.He was born ca 1679 in England and
died ca 1761 in Bristol Parish, HenricoCo., VA.He marriedMary Corrington
in 1698 in England.Thomas Deaton arrived in Virginia in the year 1701.Why
Thomas decided to leave England for America is not known. It is known how he
managed to afford the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.In "Cavaliers and
Pioneers, Abstracts of Virginia, Legal Patents and Grants," by Nell Marion Nugen
(Vol. 3, Virginia State Library, 1665-1757).There is a record of a land
transaction in 1701 indirectly involving Thomas.Thomas entered the New World
sometime during the year 1701 with his passage paid by an investor, a Mr.
Anthony Winston.Mr. Winston was granted 1079 acres of land in exchange for
providing transportation for twenty-two immigrants. About 1703Thomas married
Mary Corrington.Mary Corrington Deaton is mentioned in "Cavaliers and
Pioneers," page 80.A Mr. Thomas Merriweather was allotted 1081 acres of land
by the Crown Essex Co., Va., in 1703 for transporting twenty-two people,
including Mary Corrington, to the New World.In 1736Thomaswas living in
Henrico Co., VA.In that year, Thomas was charged with being drunk.In the
1700's, it was accepted that any man was entitled to four"drinking sprees"a
year.A ColonelKennon "bailed out" our Thomas.Thomas was listed inthe
VirginiaCensus in 1760 inHenrico,Bristol Parish, and in the land tax
records.His occupation was farmer. For more informationre:Thomas Deaton
Sr., and his descendants contact Lawson Deaton and see his book "Sons and
Daughters of Thomas Deaton," Deaton Genealogical Publishing Company , 1778 St.
George St., Annapolis, MD 21401.
CHILDREN OFTHOMASDEATON SR.:
I. Elizabeth Deatonwas born 1708 in Henrico Co., VA.She married Thomas
Hallam in Joppa, MD, on 9-10-1733.Thomas was born ca 1702 in Hartford Co., MD.
II. Thomas Deaton Jr., who is in the direct bloodline of Alexander Deaton Haas
and Zachary Deaton Haas (see above).
III. James Deaton Sr., was born 1713 in Deatonville, Amelia Co., VA, and died 9-
15-1806 in Chatham Co., NC.He married Elizabeth Jackson and later married
Jenny Jefferson.He third married Obedience Jackson.Note,Deatonville is now
called Jetersville.One ofJames Deaton's children has been identified.He is
John M. Deaton who was born in 1757 in VA.He married Martha Rowlett on 8-3-
1772 in Amelia Co., VA.He later married Cherry Phillips ca 1806.
CHILDREN OF JOHN M. DEATON:
A.. James Deaton born ca 1774 in VA, and died about 1820.
B.. Levi Deaton born ca 1775 in VA.
C. Rowlett Deaton born ca 1776 and died ca 1811. Rowlett is reported
to have been a step-child.
D. Polly Deaton was born ca 1778 and married John Bragg in
Chesterfield Co., Va, on 12-217-1806.
E. Wilson Deaton was born ca 1780 and died ca 1811.
F. Thomas Deaton was born ca 1781.
G. CharityDeaton was born ca 1783.
H. Thomas A. Deaton was born ca 1808.
I. George Washington Deaton was born ca 1815.
IV. John Deaton was born in 1716 in Amelia Co., VA, and died 9-29-1806 in
Chesterfield, Co., VA. John married Martha Rowlett 8-3-1772 in Chesterfield Co.,
VA.
V. Jabez Deaton wasborn in 1727 in Henrico Co., VA.he died in 1782 in Amelia
Co., VA.He was a veteran of the Revolutionary War.
VI. George Deaton was born in 1733 in Amelia Co., VA, and died 5-25-1804 also in
Amelia Co.He married Temperance Jackson about 1762 in Amelia Co.He was also
a veteran of the Revolutionary War.
VII. Nathan Deaton was born ca 1736 in Henrico Co., VA.He married Mary Combs
and later married Elizabeth Lee.
VIII. William Deaton was born ca 1736 in Henrico Co.,, VA.This is the infamous
Captain William Deaton of Revolutionaryfame.He was one of five or six
Deatons who served in the Revolutionary War.He was a "Tory" and served under a
Colonel Fanning.The Tories were, of course, loyal to the King of England.The
did not support the Revolution. The bestavailable information suggests that
Capt. Deaton was killed in the battle of Cane Creekin 1781.He was a farmer
and cobbler.He was a resident of Chatham Co., NC, having moved there from
Virginia.He became known as "The Tory" and was considered a "giantdevoted to
the Church of England." He is allegedto have been a "peglegged cobbler."One
has to doubt, however, that a peglegged person would have been fighting in the
Revolutionary War.One report has him captured by "Whitehorse Harry" Lee's
Calvary unit and executed. Another report has him dying gloriously in battle. He
did die at the battle of Cane Creek on 9-13-1781.Captain Deaton did fight at
Lindley's Mill, 26 miles from Hillsborough, NC.He also saw service at the
Battle of Betli's Bridge on Drowning Creek, 9-1-1781.He owned land in Chatham
Co., NC.His propertywas onBear Creek southwest of Chapel Hill, NC.
William Deaton was an old time English colonist.As a rulethe inhabitants of
North Carolina were more partial to the English Kingthan the inhabitants of
the other colonies.Captain Deaton served the King under ColonelFanning and
did his fighting in North Carolina. He married Sarah Jackson.
CHILDREN OF CAPTAINWILLIAMDEATON:
A. James Deatonwas born ca 1759.
B. Nathan Deaton was born ca 1760 in Wake Co., NC, and died ca 1834
in Yancy County, NC. He married Sarah Knight.
C. An unnamed daughter was born ca 1866 and died at birth.
D. Matthew Deaton was born 2-14-1768 in Cumberland Co., NC, and died
11-7-1822 in Moore Co., NC. Matthew married "Margaret" in 1783.Margaret was
born ca 1760 and died after 1830 in Moore Co., NC. Matthew is buried in the
Deaton Cemetery, off highway 27/24 in Cry Creek, NC.Matthew also spend some
time in Mecklenburg Co., NC.He was a farmer. EvidentlyMatthew had seven sons
and three daughters,but all have not been identified.
CHILDREN OFMATTHEWDEATON:
1. Levy Deaton was born ca 1783 in Moore Co., NC.
2. John Deaton was born ca 1789 in Moore Co., NC.He married
"Molly" ca 1812. John and familyappear in the 1830 census ofMoore Co.
EvidentlyJohn died before 1840because only his widow is listed in the 1840
census of Moore Co. John and Molly are known to have had at least one son,
Isaac born ca 1811 in Moore Co., NC, He died after 1880.Onehistorian has him
dying in Moore Co., NC., but he and family are recorded in the 1880 census of
NcNairy Co, TN.LDD suspects that he died in McNairy Co.It would be most
unusual for him to have returned to NC in his later years.Isaac married
"Mimy."She was born ca 1815.In 1880, living with Isaac and "Minna"were his
daughter Deborah, two grandchildren ("M.J" born ca 1857 and "M.N" born ca 1863),
and three servants under ten years of age.
Children ofIsaacDeaton:
(a) Lackey born ca 1833 in Moore Co., NC.
(b) William born ca 1836 in Moore Co., NC.
(c) Johnwas born ca 1838in NC. He married Jane
Clemmons on 1-25-1863.The bondsman for the wedding was William Deaton. Jane
was born ca 1844 in TN.This family appears in the 1880 census ofMcNairy Co.,
TN.In 1880John is living in HH 77.In HH is Isabeller(?) Deaton and in HH
76 is J.S. Wamble.
Children of John Deaton:
(1) Debby A. was born ca 1864 in TN.
(2) William M.was born ca 1866 in TN.
(3) James I.(?)was born ca 1868 in TN..
(4)John F. was born ca 1871 in TN.
(5) Margaretwas born ca 1873 in TN.
(6) Nancy Jane was born ca 1875 inTN.
(7) an unidentified male born ca 1877 in TN.
(8) An unidentified female born ca 1879 in
TN.
(d) Margaret born ca 1839 in Moore Co., NC.
(e) Matthew born ca 1841 in Moore Co., NC.
(f) Reuben born ca 1843 in Moore Col., NC.
(g) Terry born ca 1846 in Moore Co., NC.
(h) Deborah born ca 1848 in Moore Co., NC.
3. William Mathew Deaton was born in 1794 in Moore Co., NC.
This is the William Deaton whowas one of the earlysettlers in McNairy Co.,
TN. He migratedto Tennessee before 1840 (he appears in the 1840 census of
McNairy Co.) but his grown childrendid not follow him until several years
later. He married "Sarah"ca 1816 in Moore Co., NC.She was born ca 1796 in
NC. She died before 1770 in Titus Co., TX. Sarah isburied in the Mt. Moriah
Cemetery in Titus Co., TX. EvidentlyWilliammigrated toTitus Co., TX,
briefly and then returned to Tennessee. William's nameis inscribed on a
monument in the courthousesquare in Adamsville (county seat), TN. In the 1880
census ofTitus Co., TX, there appears a C.F. Deaton, age 25, born in TX, and a
William E. Deaton, age 28,born in TN.
Children ofWilliam Mathew Deaton:
a. JamesDeaton
b. John Deaton.
c. William Deaton was born 10-1816 andmarried
M.J. Bluie.On 12-20-1860, William's wife, "M.J.," wrote a letter to her
mother, Margaret Bluie, describing a long tripto the western part of
Tennessee (the letter is included in this history). In the 1900 census of
McNairy Co., William is recorded as living with his fifty year old unmarried
daughter, Debbie, who was born 1-1850.
d. Margaret Deaton, married Mr. Christopher H.
O'Neal and settled in McNairy Co., TN.The O'Neal family is mentioned in
"M.J.'s" letter.In the 1850census ofMcNairy Co., William and Sarah Deaton
are living in HH 1097 and Christopher O'Neal and family are living in HH 1082.
Margaret Deaton was born ca 1818 in Moore Co., NC and died ca 1877 in McNairy
Co., TN.Mr. O'Neal was born ca 1819 in TN.This familyappears in the 1850
and 1860census of McNairy Co., TN.By1860Margaret seems to have died.
Could she have died giving birth to Isham?
Children of Margaret Deaton O'Neal:
(1) Amanda O'Neal born ca 1839 in TN.
(2) John O'Neal born ca 1841 in TN.
(3) William O'Neal born ca 1842 in TN.
(4) Mary O'Neal born ca 1843 in TN.
(5) Isaac O'Neal born ca 1845 in TN.
(6) Oliver O'Neal born ca 1846 in TN.
(7) Malcomb O'Neal born ca 1849 in TN.
(8) Matthew O'Neal born ca 1852 in TN.
(9) Cornelius O'Neal born ca 1854 in TN.
(10) Rebecca O'Neal born ca 1856 in TN.
(11)Isham O'Neal born ca 1859 in TN.
e. Matthew Deatonwas born ca 1822 in Moore Co.,
NC.Matthew and familyappear in the 1870 & 1880census ofMcNairy Co., TN.
He is living in HH 31.He married Margaret A. who wasborn ca 1832 in NC.In
1870 Matthew was living in HH 19and his nephew John was in HH 21.Matthew
also appears in the 1900 census of McNairy Co. By this time Margaret is dead
and his daughter, Nancy Bohnam, is living with him.
Children of Matthew Deaton:
(1) Elizabeth born ca 1850.The 1880censusrecord has her
born in NC, but this wouldappear to be an error. The 1880
census alsohas her born in 1862(?).
( 2)Margaret F.was born ca 1852.The 1870 census has her
born in TN.The 1880 censushas Margaret born in 1867(?).
(3) "J.J."(f) born ca 1855.The 1880census also has her born
in NC(?).The 1880censushas her born in 1864(?)
(4) Debbie born ca 1857.Again the 1880 census record has her
born in NC(?). The1880census has Debbie born in 1865.
(5) John A. was born ca 1860.According to the 1870census
he was born in NC.
(6) Terry(?) was born in 1866 in TN. The1880census has
her born in 1868
(7) William born ca 1868 in TN. He married
Sarah Cagle whowas born ca 1872
in TN. This familyappears in the 1920
census of Chester Co., TN.They are living in HH 71. William
is farming.Living with the family in 1920 was Nebison C.
Cagle, father-in-law, age 75,Mary Cagle, mother-in-law, age
70,and LessieCagle, niece, age 29.
Children ofWilliam Deaton:
(a) Earnest born ca 1902 in TN.
(b) Leoborn ca 1904 in TN.
(c) Robert born ca 1908 in TN.
(8) Nancy L. was born ca 1869 in TN,
and married a Mr.Bohnam.
(9) Liddie A. was born ca 1874 in TN.One
does have to wonder whowasproviding the census taker with the above
information re:the children ofMatthew Deaton.
f. JosephDeaton was born ca 1821 in Moore Co.,
NC, and died ca 1888 in McNairy Co., TN.Joseph and familyappear in the 1870
census ofMcNairy Co., TN. He married Isabelle(?) who was born ca 1828 in NC.
Joseph and family did not migrate to Tennessee until 1862-1864.
Children of Joseph Deaton:
(1) Mamie J. born ca 1852 in NC.
(2) Sarah C.(?) was born ca 1853 in NC.
(3) Isabelle was born ca 1854 in NC.
(4) Williamwas born ca 1856 in NC.
(5) John R.was born ca 1858 in NC.
(6) Calvin C. was born ca 1862 in NC.
(7) Margaret M. was born ca 1864 in TN.
(8) Timothy(?) M.was born ca 1866 in TN.
g. Isaac Deaton Sr., was born ca 1811 in Moore
Co., NC, and married "Debbie."Debbie was born ca 1815 in NC. This family
appears in the 1870census of McNairy Co., TN. Living in the home in 1870are
two black children, Caroline age fourteen and Elen age ten. Isaac evidently
migrated to Tennessee ca 1854-1856.
Children ofIsaac Deaton:
(1) Debbywas born ca 1854.The 1870
census has her born in NC(?).(2) Rolligh (Raliegh)(m) S.was
born 10-1845.Again the censusrecord has Rollighborn in NC(?)Raliegh
married Leona Kirby on 7-24-1871.Leonawas born 6-1854 in TN.This family
appears in the 1880census of McNairy Co. Living with the family in 1880was a
black "laborer," Moe Iverson, age nineteen. "Rolly" and familyalso appear in
the 1900 census of McNairy Co. They are in HH 71. "Roll S."and familyappear
in the 1910 census of McNairy Co., TN.They are living in HH71."Roll"was
farming. "Roll" and family appear in the 1920census ofMcNairy Co.He is
living in HH 106.His age is erroneously recorded as "68."He was 75.He was
still farming.In1920, a certain Mary Ford,age 28, was living with them.
She isrecorded as a "lodger."Children of
RalieghDeaton:
(a) Marcus L. born 7-1872 in TN, and
married FrancesM., who was born12-78 in Tn.This family appears in the
1900 census ofMcNairy Co.Atthat time they one, Terry Gray, born 11-
1897 in TN. They are recorded asliving in HH 4.
(b) Monte(?)(m) F. born ca 1876 in TN.
Montemarried"Florence who was born ca1887 in
Tn.This familyappears in the
1920 census ofMcNairy Co.Theyare living in HH 205. Monte is working in a
dry goods store.
Children ofMonte F. Deaton:
(I) Windel P.was born ca 1909
in TN.
(II) Frances L. was born ca 1916 in TN.
( c)James E.was born 11-1879 in TN.
James andfamilyarerecorded in the 1920 census ofMcNairy Co.They are
living in HH 157.James in working in a dry goods store.He married "Minnie
L."who was born ca 1882 in Tennessee. This familyappears in the 1910census
ofMcNairy Co.They are living in HH 115.James isrecorded as a
merchant in a grocerystore.They have living with them a 24 year old boarder
namedJoe Varnell.As of 1910they had "Willie" (f) bornca 1906 in TX.
By1920they still had only the one son.
(d) EddieG.(?) was born 7-1883 in
TN.Eddiemarried"Sylvia"
who was born ca 1890 in TN.This familyappears
in the 1910 census of Chester Co., TN.They are living
inHH 92.Eddie is farming.
At this time they have a 17 month old daughter.(e)
Cassie E. was born 6-1885 in TN.
(f) Emily J. was born 7-1888 in TN.
(3) Mima J.was born ca 1854 in NC(?).
(4) Isaac W.was born ca 1856 in TN, and
married ArizonaFerrell on 12-28-
1878. " Zona" was born ca 1861 in TN.This
familyappears in the 1880census ofMcNairy Co.
(5) MargaretA. was born ca 1862 in TN.
The other children of Matthew Deaton have not been identified.
E.John D. Deaton Sr., was born in 1769 in Wake Co., NC,
(some historians say Wake Co., NC) and died 1848 in Breathitt Co., KY.In 1800
John and family were living in Chatham Co., NC. He married Isabella Brantly in
1786.He is the father of the "KentuckyDeatonsand died in Wolfe Coal,
Breathitt Co., KY, ca 1848.It is alleged that John fought in the
Revolutionary War.If he did so it would have been as a very young man.He
might have served as an officer's aide or, perhaps, as a drummer boy?He moved
to Breathitt Co., Ky ca 1804.
CHILDRENOF JOHN D. DEATON SR.:
1. BrantlyDeaton was born ca 1788 in NC and diedafter
1832.He married Rachel Spencer.
2. Lewis Thomas Deaton was born 12-26-1791 in NC and died 1-4-
1851 in Avon, Polk Co., Iowa.He married Agnes B. Powell ca 1820 in Owsley Co.,
KY.
3. Elizabeth Deaton was born ca 1793 in NC,and died 3-3-1874
in Wolfe Co., Ky.She married Moses Spencer Jr., in Lee Co., VA.
4. Samuel Deaton was born ca 1796 in NC, and died after 1840.
Hemarried Nancy Harper.
5. Joseph Deaton was born ca 1797 in NC.
6. Levi Deaton was born ca 1801 in NC. He married Cinda
Ingram.
7. Mary Deaton was born ca 1802 in NC and marriedIsaac
Spencer.
8. Delilah Deaton was born ca 1803 and married Joseph Spencer.
9. Jemima Deaton was born ca 1805 and married William Strong.
10.John "Buck" Deaton was born ca 1807 and died 12-15-1877
of"dropsy." He married Melinda Watts,the daughter of George Watts. Malinda
was born ca 1805 in KY. John and family appear in the 1850, 1860, and 1870
census of Breathitt Co.In 1850they are living in HH 186 and John owns real
estate valued at $1300. In 1860 they were living in HH 122.John is farming
and owns real estate valued at $3520 and personal property valued at $1000.
Living with the family was the 19 year old Enoch Watts.Living in HH 124was
Thomas Deaton and in HH 125 Benjamin Spicer.In 1870 he is in HH 138, is
farming, and owns real estate valued at $4000.His personal property is worth
$578.
Children ofJohn "Buck" Deaton:
a. Isaac "Pike" Deaton was born ca 1823 and died
5-1868.He married Sally Sarah Gwinn in 1841.Sally was born ca 1823. This
familyappears in the 1850 and 1860census of Breathitt Co.In 1850 they are
in HH 363.Isaac is farming and owns real estate valued at $200. In 1860 they
are living in HH 427.Isaac is farming and owns real estate valued at $000 and
personal property valued at $638. In HH 424 is James Stidham and family. Isaac's
widowand familyappear in the 1870census.She is living in HH 65. In HH 66
isWilliam Deaton, her oldest son and in HH 68 is William Stidham. In1880,
now a widow, Sarah and familyare still in Breathitt Co.She is living in HH
347.In HH346 is William Stidham and in HH 345 is James Stidham. Living with
Sarah is Margaret Bush, age 8, granddaughter.
Children ofIsaac "Pike" Deaton:
(children not in chronological order)
(1). William Deaton was born ca 1835 and married Catherine "Kay"
Little.This familyappears in the 1870 census of Breathitt Co.They are in
HH 67.William is working as a farmer and owns real estate valued at $150 and
personal property valued at $300.Catherine was born ca 1843.
Children ofWilliam Deaton:
(a) "Spice" (f) born ca 1864.
(b) Elizabeth born ca 1867.
(c) John born ca 1869.
(2). ThomasDeaton was born ca 1854 and
married Elizabeth"Eliza"
Little ca 1868.She was born ca 1853 in KY.Most of
the information re:the "Kentucky Deatons" was provided LDD
by Charles Sizemore, grandson ofThomas and Eliza.This
family appears in the 1880census of Breathitt.They were
living in HH 347. Thomas was farming.
Children ofThomas Deaton:
(a) Jason "Jace" Deaton was born ca
1869 in KY, and
married Ibb Baker.
(b) John Deatonwas born ca 1872 in
KY,1st marriedMartha Ellen Davidson and 2nd married
America Riley.(c) Mary Deaton was born ca 1877
in KYmarried BuckCombs.
(d)Sally Deatonwas born 1875 in KY, 1st married
Camm Baker and second married John L. Combs.
(e) Robert Little Deaton was born ca 1878 in KY.He 1st
married Martha Haddix and 2nd married Evalyn Watts
Sizemore. Robert and Evalyn are the parents ofCharles
Sizemore (b. 9-8-1905 in Jackson, KY).
(f) James Deaton married Lulie Stidham.
(g) Rosey Deaton married Rich Combs.
(h) Martha Deaton married Robert Amis.
(i) William "Billy"remained single.
(j) LillieDeaton married1st Luke Begley and 2nd
married John Turner.
(3) James Deaton born 6-16-1849 and
murdered by EdCalahan in1897. He
married Mary "Spicy"Haddix.This familyappears in the 1870 census
of Breathitt Co. James is living in HH70.He isworking as a "farm
laborer."The also appears in the 1880 census of Breathitt Co.They are living
in HH 519.Jamesis farming. James fell victim in the infamous "Deaton-
CallahanFeud." of Bloody Breathitt Co.
Children of James Deaton:
(a) Joseph born ca 1865 KY.
(b) Lewis born ca 1870 KY.
(c) Jeremiah born ca 1875 KY.
(d) Andrew born ca 1877 KY.
(e) Rachael born 1-1880 KY.
(4) John "Caney" Deaton was born ca 1859 in
KY, andmarriedJanie Neace.
(5) Fletcher Deaton was born ca 1863 and
married ArmiaDavidson.
(6) A son simplyidentified as "Deaton" in
the 1880 census ofBreathitt Co.
Thisman was born ca 1864 inKY.
(7) Jeremiah "Jerry" Deaton was born ca 1867
in KY, 1st married Nancy Sizemore and 2nd married Mary May.
(8) Melinda Deaton was born ca 1842 and
married Granville"Gran"
Johnson.
(9) Charlotte "Lottie" Deaton married Wayne
Davidson.
(10) Elizabeth "Betts" Deaton married Robert
Davidson.
(11) Nancy Ann Deaton was born ca 1846 and
married Sam"Hocker" Stidham
b. Brantley "Bryant" Deaton was born ca 1825 and
died ca 1891 andmarried Lucinda Riley ca 1841.Lucinda was born ca 1929
in Perry Co., KY. "Bryant"appears in the 1850, 1860, 1870, & 1880census of
Breathitt Co., but Lucinda is not in the home in 1850.She is in the homein
1860 and 1870.Living with Bryant, in 1850,are his two children Mahalaand
John.Also in the home is a 24 year old female named F______(?) Martin and a 22
year old female named Emilia Watts.In 1850 Bryant is living in HH 386 and in
HH 387 is James Stidham and family. In1860Brantly is in HH 118.He is
farming and has a personal estate of $100. His next door neighbor is Wilson
Calahan. Also in the household in 1860was Israel Church, age 19, a "day
laborer."In 1870, Brantly is living in HH 108.Brantly is identified as a
"farm laborer" owning no property. In HH 107 is Luther Callahan and in HH 106 is
Wilson Callahan. In HH 104 is John Deaton, age 24.In 1880 he was living in HH
477 and in HH 483was Luther Callahan.
Children of Brantley Deaton:
(1) Mahala Deaton was born ca 1845.
(2) John "Black Jack" Deaton was born ca 1842 and 1st married
Rebecca Mooreca 1866 and 2nd
married Sally Baker. Johnappears
in the 1860census of Breathitt.At the time he was
working as a "laborer" for Alfred Spencer (Spicer?).
Children ofJohn "Black Jack" Deaton:
(a) Brantley Deaton.
(b) Wilson Deaton who married Alice
White, daughter ofJim
White and sister to Ance, Tom and John White.
( c) Mahala (Haley) Deaton who married
Henry "Preacher" May, son of William B. May.
(d) Walter Deaton .
(e) Allen Deaton.
(f) Susan Deaton who married Ed
Parker.
(g) Mary Deaton who married John
"Tony" Deaton, son ofWilliam "Tony" Deaton (Mary was John's 2nd wife).
(h) Nancy Ann Deaton.
(I) William Deaton was born ca 1860
and married Nancy"Nance"
Akemon.William, his wife Nancy, and
their daughter, Lucinda, age 3 months
appear in the 1880census
of Breathitt Co.They are living in HH 496 with
Effie Akemon, age 47, Nancy's mother.
(j) Margaret Deaton.
(k) Asbell Deaton
who married Della Spicer, daughter of
"Big Jim" Spicer.
(l) Cordie Deaton.
(m) Alice Deaton who married Charlie
Turner.
(n) Jane Deaton who marriedBrack
Deaton, son of Gran
Deaton.
(o) Marshall Deaton.
(3) Matilda Deaton was born ca 1852.
(4) Mary Jane Deaton born ca 1856.
(5) Wilson Deaton was born ca 1859 and
married Nancy AnnAkemon (Aikmon?) on 7-25-1875. This
family appears in the 1880 census of Breathitt Co.They are in HH 496 living
with Effie Akemon and family.Effie is Nancy's mother.
Children of Wilson Deaton:
(a) Paul Benton Deaton
(b) Tymanda Deaton who married Ed Callahan.
(c) Walter Deaton.
(d) Sambo Deaton.
(e) Gardner Deaton who was shot by "Owl" Riley near Ed
Callahan"s store.
(f) Leonard Deaton who was killed by a member of the
McIntosh family on Squabble Creek.
(g) Lucinda Deaton who marriedJoeJohnson, son of
Frank Johnson.
(6) James "Buck" (Tony) Deaton who married
Mattie McIntosh,daughter of Lulu Combs and
McIntosh Spicer.
(7) Nora (Tony) Deaton who married Charles Deaton, son of
John and Elizabeth Deaton .
(8) Susan (Tony) Deaton who married William
Thompson, sonofJohn Thompson.
After being divorced for 32 years Susan and
William remarried10-1978.
(9) Jessie (Tony) Deaton who marriedClinton
Spicer, son ofJohn and Lulu
Combs McIntosh Spicer.
c. William (Tony) Deaton who was born ca 1828 and
married RachelRaleigh ca 1846 in Breathitt Co., KY. Rachel(b. ca
1828) was thedaughter ofJames Raleigh and Anne Lynch.This
family appears inthe 1850 census of Breathitt Co.
They are in HH 364, next door toIsaac Deaton.
William is farming but owns no real estate.They also
appear in the 1870 census of Breathitt Co.They are in HH 18.
William is farming and owns real estate valued at $1000.His personal
property is valued a$200. Williamserved in Company "G," 13th
Kentucky Cavalry, CSA.He was enrolled10-1-1862 in
Breathitt Co.His highest rank was "private."He also served in
Company "E,"Three Forks Battalion, Kentucky State Troops.He was
mustered in 2-19-1864 in Crocketsville, KY, and mustered out 7-17-
1865 at Irvine, Estill Co., KY.His highest rank was "private."William
lived in Crocketsville and died there in 1898.He is buried in the
Crocketsville Cemetery, Breathitt Co., KY.The question is often
asked, "How did all these Deatons get the name "Tony"?Family
legend has it that John "Buck" Deaton complained to a neighbor
about having a black manliving in his neighborhood.The black
man's name was "Tony."Brantley Deaton and the man who owned
the slave, "Tony," agreed to schedule a wrestling match between
"Tony" and the young William Deaton.It was agreed ifWilliam won
the match then the black man would leave the neighborhood. William
won the match and the black man did, indeed, leave the
neighborhood.,As a result the Deatons picked upthe name "Tony"
and the nickname has stuck until this day (1979).This family appears
in the 1860 census of Breathitt Co.William and family lived in HH
463.He was farming and owned real estate valued at $350 and
personal property valued at $100. Living in the neighborhoodwere
Enoch Noble and family (HH 466), William Sizemore and family (HH
467), and Hardin Sizemore and family (HH 468).The familyalso
appears in the 1870 census of Breathitt Co. (HH 18) In HH 19 is
Benjamin Spicer and in HH23 is Dill Sizemore. By1870Nancy
Ann is already out of the home.
Children ofWilliam (Tony) Deaton:
(children not in chronological order)
(1) John (Tony) Deaton was born ca 1862
and died ca 1936. He 1st married VineyDuff and 2nd married Mary E. Deaton,
daughter ofJohn "Black Jack" Deaton and Rebecca Moore..He was an attorney
andlost only three criminal cases during this forty years period.Hewas
Magistrate for eight years inBreathitt County, KY. He was a good
public speaker, did a lotof campaign work for the Democraticparty and served
as legal consultant for his entire neighborhood.
Children of John (Tony) Deaton:
(a) Martha Deaton who married 1st
Bummer Spicer and 2nd married his brother Whick Spicer.
(b) Charles (Tony) Deaton who married
Nancy Ann Deatondaughter of Ned Deaton.
(2) Nancy Ann (Tony) Deaton was born ca 1853
and died ca1929.She married Elijah Bush before 1870..
(3) America"Armine" (Tony) Deaton was born
ca 1855 and died ca 1937.She married Daniel Boone Baker.
(4) James (Tony) Deaton was born ca 1849 and
died ca 1935.He married Armina "Spicy" Stidham 7-12-1869, sister of Jerry
Stidman.Spicywas born ca 1854 in KY.James and familyappear in the1880
census of Breathitt Co.They are living in HH 519.
Children of James Deaton:
(a) Joseph Deaton born ca 1865 in KY.
(b) Lewis Deaton born ca 1879 in KY.
(c) Jeremiah Deaton born ca 1875 in KY.
(d) Andrew Deaton born ca 1877 in KY.
(e) RachelDeaton born ca 1-1880 in KY.
(5) Joseph (Tony) Deaton who 1stmarried
Pauline Vars and 2nd married Martha
Deaton, daughter of Lane Deaton.
(6) Granville (Tony) Deaton was born 8-15-1850.
Hemarried Elizabeth "Betts" Moore.Elizabeth was
born in 1855 in KY.This familyappears in the 1880
census of Breathitt.They were living in HH 487.
Granville is farming.
Children of Granville Deaton:
(a) James born ca 1873 in KY.
(b) Robert born ca 1878 in KY.
(c) Adelinewas born ca 1879 in KY.
(7) Lewis Deaton was born ca 1848 and died 7-25-1855.
(8) Jemima Deaton was born ca 1860 and died ca 1949.
She first married John M. Deaton on 6-6-1878 and 2nd
married John Boyd Deaton.
(9) Joseph Edward Deaton was born 6-10-1865 and
married Paulina Melissa Vires (there were two
Josephs).
(10) Malinda Deaton was born ca 1873 and married
James Johnson.
d. Matilda Deaton was born ca 1830 and 1st married
William Bowling. She 2nd married George Belcher.
e. Thomas Deaton was born ca 1832 and cohabitated
with butnevermarriedPolly Turner.Thomas appears in the 1860 census of
Breathitt Co., but PollyTurner is not present.The oldest female in the
household is Elizabeth Deaton, age 19.They are living in HH 124 and living
next door is Benjamin Spicer.Thomas is farming and owns real estate valued at
$650 and personal property valued at $275.Also in the household is a John
Boling age 29. He is identified as a "day laborer."This recordhas Thomas
being born in Indiana(?).
Children ofThomas Deaton:
(1) Louisa Deaton born ca 1856.
(2) John Deaton born ca 1859.
f. George Deaton was born ca 1835 and married Sally
"Sarah" Combs ca 1852.This familyappears in the 1860
census ofBreathitt Co.There were living in HH 139.
George is farming and has a personal estate valued at
$200. Living in HH 138was Edward Deaton and family.
The familyalso appears in the 1870 census of Breathitt
Co. There are in HH 29. George is farming and owns real
estate valued at $400.His personal property is valued at
$100 also. In HH 30 is Hardin Sizemore.Sally was born
ca 1837.Sallydied after 1900.George 2nd married
Ellen Davidson Stidham.George and familyalsoappear
in the 1880 census of Breathitt Co.They are living in HH
509.George is farming.Dill Sizemore is living in HH
51.
Children of George Deaton:
(children are not listed in chronological order)
(1) John Deaton was born ca 1866 andmarried
Maranda "Polly" Watts.
(2) Deaton was born ca 1868 and married
Emaline
Caudill.
(3) Delany "Lane" Deaton was born ca 1863 and
1st marriedSithann(?) Spicer, 2nd married
Mahaley Hensley Gambriel, and third married Polly
Watts Finchum.
(4) Doc Alex Deaton was born 9-30-1859 in
Breathitt Co., and first married Nancy Davidson 4-
15-1877, daughter of Jerry and Mary Moore
Davidson. Nancywas born ca 1859 in KY. He2nd
married "State"Sizemore, daughter of Dill
Sizemore.In all,Doc Alex married four times.
Alex and his new wife appear in the 1880 census of
Breathitt Co.They are living in HH 506.Alex was
farming but owned no property.
(5) Perdilia "Pattie" Deaton was born 3-30-
1854.(6)
William Deaton was born 11-18-1855.He
married "Sarah" who was born ca 1856 in Ky.This
familyappears in the 1880census of Breathitt Co.
They are living in HH 327.William is farming. In
HH331 is John Deaton.
Children of William Deaton:
(a) "Buck"born ca 1877 in KY.
(b) Isabelle born ca 1879 in KY.
(7) Melinda 'Minnie" Deaton was born ca
1861.(8)
Matilda Deatonwas born ca 1858.
(9) Evaline Deaton.
(10) Cordelia Deaton was born ca 1854.
(11) Elizabeth Deaton was born ca 1872 in KYf. Joseph
Deaton was born 1-5-1846 in Breathitt Co., KY. He first married Mary Ruth Wooton
ca 1865 in Breathitt. Marywas born ca 1847 in KY. She was the daughter of
James Dixon and Celia Wooton.He second married "Bertha."Joseph served in
Company "G," 13th Kentucky Cavalry, CSA.He enlisted 10-1-1862 in Breathitt.
His highest rank was "private."He also served in Company "K," 14th Kentucky
Cavalry, GAR.His highest rank was "private."Thus it appears that Joseph
served on both sides of the conflict during the Civil War.He lived his life on
the "MiddleFork"where he raised a large family.Joseph died 11-10-1918
at Talbert, Breathitt Co., and is buried in Buck Herald Cemetery, Talbert, KY.
Joseph and familyappear in the 1880census ofBreathitt Co.He is living in
HH 358.Joseph was farming.
Children ofJosephDeaton:
(1) Arlenawas born ca 1866 in KY.
(2) Mary J. was born ca 1870 in Ky.
(3) Lewis was born ca 1873 in KY.
(4) Alexander was born ca 1875 in KY.
(5)Malinda was born ca 1877 in
KY.
(6) Robert was born ca 1879 in KY.
g.Edward "Ned" Deaton was born ca 1834 in
Crockettsville, KY,and died ca 1867.He married Jemima Spicer 7-21-1854.
Jemima was born ca 1833 in NC. This familyappears in the 1860 census of
Breathitt Co.They were living in HH 138.Edward is farming and owns real
estate valued at $125 and personal property valued at $100.Thefamilyalso
appears in the 1870 & 1880 census ofBreathitt.In 1870 theyare living in HH
55.Edward is farming and owns real estate valued at $88.His personal
property is valued at $200.In HH 56 is John Deaton, age 18, and in HH57 is
Benjamin Spicer age 30.In HH58 is James Spicer, age 50. In 1880 Edward was
living in HH 357.He continuedto farm.
Children ofEdward Deaton:
(1) John Deaton born ca 1852 and married
"Mary."John and Mary appear in the 1870 census of Breathitt living next door
to his parents.
( 2) Orlena Deaton (t) was born ca 1856.
(3) Cordela Deaton (t)was born ca 1856.
h. Jemima Deaton was born ca 1839 in North Fork,
KY, and died ca 1904. She marriedHensley R. Jackson in 10-1853.Hensleywas
born ca 1833 in NC.i. Elizabeth Deaton was born ca 1841 and died ca
1922.She married Dan "Hickory" McDaniels.
J. Alexander Deaton was born ca 1843 and died ca
1919.He married Elizabeth Henderson 7-18-1861. Elizabeth was born ca 1847.
This family appears in the1870 census of Breathitt Co.He is in HH 68, and is
working as a farm laborer.Alexander and familyalso appear in the 1880
census of Breathitt Co.(HH 359).Alexander was farming.In1880living in
the household with Alexander was a William Guyhart, age 22, a "laborer,"a
Della Henderson, age 79, "mother-in-law," and Mary A.Henderson, age 28,
"sister-in-law."
Children of Alexander Deaton:
(1) Georgewas born ca 1863 in Kyand
married "Mahaly" who was born ca 1864 in Ky.This familyappears in the 1880
census of Breathitt Co.Theyare living in HH 360. Alexander
is farming. In HH 359 was his fatherAlexander Deaton.InHH 361 is Jack
Callahan and his son Edward.Edward Callahan is the man who
shot and killedJames Deaton during the well documented"Deaton-Callahan
Feud."
(2) Evaline was born ca 1864.
(3) Thomas was born ca 1865.
(4) Malinda was born ca 1866.
(5) Matilda was born ca 1868.
(6) Ozlesia(?)(f)born ca 1872 in KY.
(7) Leander was born ca 1875 in KY
(8) Marthawas born ca 1877 in KY.
(9) Charleswas born ca 1879 In KY.
k. John "Jackie" Deaton was born 6-1846 and died
10-1919.He married Nancy Noble 10-1876. Nancy was thedaughter ofHenry and
Ibbie Noble. She was born ca1847 in KY. This familyappears in the 1870 &
1880 census of Breathittliving in HH 104. John is farming and owns real estate
valued at $ 100 and personal property valued at $100.In HH108 is Brantly
Deaton.In 1880, living in the house household with Johnwas hissister-in-
law, Effa Noble, age 20. John is in HH 444.He is farming.
Children ofJohn "Jackie" Deaton:
(1) Gemimawas born ca 1865 in KY.
(2) Polly Ann Deaton was born ca 1868 and died ca 1927.She
married John Turner.
(3) Granville Deaton was born ca 1871 in KY, andmarried Martha
Jones Huff.
(4) Edward "Ned" Deaton was born ca 1873 and married Aggie
Raleigh.
(5) Brantly "Brant" Deaton was born 7-14-1879 and died 7-1955.He
marriedSarah"Sally" Raleigh, the daughter of John
Raleigh.
(6) Greenville Deaton was born in 1876 and
married Dulcena Johnson.(7) Isabella Deaton who married Wesley
Turner.(8) Joseph "Joe" Deaton
wasborn 4-1881 and died 2-1968.Hemarried Maggie
Sebastian.
(9) Elizabeth "Lizzie" Deaton was born in 1890 and died in 1963. Shemarried
Owen Moore.
l. Lewis Deaton born ca 1849 and died ca 1861.
John "Blue" Deaton was born ca 1854 and married Viney Sandlin.
11. Phoebe Deaton was born ca 1815 in KY.
12. William Deaton was born ca 1795 in Lee Co., VA, and died
ca 1835 inIndiana.
F. Levi Deaton Sr., was born 1774 in Moore Co., NC, and died ca 1840
in Moore Co., NC. He married Mary Catherine Vasser. Levi Deaton Sr., had a son,
Levi Deaton Jr., who had a son, Reuben James Deaton. Reuben was born 3-9-1856 in
Moore Co., NC.He marriedTerry Catherine Parsons on 12-5-1878 in Montgomery
Co.Terry's parents were Calvin Parsons and Christian Murchison. Reuben was a
farmer. He raised cotton, corn, wheat, sugar cane, and even tried rice once but
did not have a way to husk it.He did have a cane mill.In the fall of the
year people would bring their can for him to make syrup.He would press the
juice out of the cane and then put it into a large vat with dividers.He and
his son, Tom, would cook the syrup.The young people would enjoythis time
because they had candypullings (candy made from syrup). Reuben's motto
was, "Eatfood you need and not all you want."Reuben is buried at Pleasant
Hill Methodist Church Cemetery, in Candor, NC.
Children ofReuben James Deaton (son of Levi):
a. Christian Melinda Deaton was born 10-25-1879 in Moore
Co., NC.She died 3-24-1935.She had married Albert Ralph Bowden.
b. Mary Ann Deaton was born 11-1881 in Montgomery Co.She
married John Pankey.
c. Diza Deaton was born 2-14-1888 in Montgomery Co., and
died2-17-1942 in Montgomery Co. She married
Mack Blue.d. David Calvin
Deaton Sr., was born 2-1891 in Montgomery Co.,NC
and died 11-11-1961.He marriedIda Catherine Thomas.
e. Nova Deatonwas born 5-15-1895 in Montgomery Co. NC.
She married Arthur Cox and later
marriedR.L. Champion Sr.
f. Lola Clarence Deaton was born 9-28-1898 in Montgomery
Co.,NC, and died 10-2-1979 in Montgomery Co.He
marriedMaeJohnson and later married
Myrtle Pauline Haywood.
g. William Thomas Deaton was born 6-22-1884 in
MontgomeryCo., and died 1-12-1965 also in
Montgomery Co.He marriedAbbie Rush.
G. Eldridge Deaton, who spelled his name"Deyton," was born
in 1775 in NC, and diedabout 1840.He married Sophia D. Dobson in NC.
H. William Ebby Deaton was born in 1776 and died 10-5-1844 in Hall
Co., GA.He married Abigail Dorsett and later married Lucinda C. Martin in SC.
One ofWilliam Ebby's sons has been identified.He is William Ebby Deaton Jr.,
who had a son, William Jasper Deatonborn 12-29-1849 in Georgia and died 4-8-
1902 in Buckhead, GA.He married Susan Apping 4-8-1877.Little is known of
William Jasper.He is buried in the Buckhead Cemetery in Buckhead, GA.He
represents one of the Deaton's that migrated to the State of GA.
Children ofWilliam Jasper Deaton (son of William
Ebby Deaton Jr.)
(1) Martha Deaton born ca 1878 in GA.
(2) Mary Deaton born ca 1880 in GA.
(3) James Emory Deaton was born 9-29-1878 in
Gwinett Co., GA, and died 12-24-1919 in Birmingham, AL.He married Marrie Hette
Lee Pierce 12-25-1904.
(4) Corrah Bell Deaton was born 12-5-1879 ind died
1-23-1924 in Buckhead, GA.(5) William Harrison Deaton was born 3-27-1881
and died 7-23-1968.
(6) Charles HintonDeaton Sr., was born 11-21-
1883 anddied10-13-1936.He married Marion Wilson on 11-21-1917 in Hall
Co., GA.Charles is the father of Charles Hinton Deaton Jr., who lived in
Lakeland, FL, and the grandfather of Amber Deaton Parker.
(7) Joseph Newton Deaton was born 6-17-1884 and
died 8-5-1956 in Buckhead, GA.
(8) Floyd Anderson Deaton was born 2-21-1886 in
GA, and died 3-29-1942 in Buckhead, GA.
(9) Mamie Augustus Deaton was born 8-31-1889 and
died 2-25-1906.(10) Flora Eddie Deaton was born 6-9-1895
in GA, and died12-1-1958.She married GeorgeGibbs Lunsford.
(11) Clemmie Deaton was born 1-30-1896 in GA., and
died 3-16- 1939 in Buckhead, GA.She married Jim Daniel Smith ca 1917.
I. Burrell Deaton was born in 1777 in Moore Co., NC, and died 3-15-
1854.He married Patricia Melton in 1800 in Moore Co., NC. Burrell was a
farmer.His wife was often called "Patience."
CHILDRENOFBURRELLDEATON:
1. A unnamed daughterborn ca 1801 and died in infancy.
2. SallyDeaton born ca 1803 in Moore Co., NC, and married
Brittain Britt in Moore Co.
3. Hiram Deaton was born 12-12-1806 in Moore Co., and died 8-
11-1861 in Moore Co. He married Harriet Myrick.
4. William Deaton was born in 1813 in Moore Co., and married
Flora Bethune.
5. Elizabeth Deaton was born 1816 in Moore Co., and 1st
marriedSherwood Wright.She later
married Riley Miller.
6. Jackson Deaton was born ca 1821 and married Elizabeth
"Betty Jack."
7. Basil Deaton was born in 1823 in Moore Co., and married
Sally Wallace in Moore Co., on 9-16-1851.
8. Levi Deaton Sr., was born ca 1804 in Montgomery Co., NC,
and died 10-4-1872.He first married Mary Britt ca 1824, 2nd married Brittson
Key, and third married Elizabeth Yarborough.
J. Molly Deaton was born in 1778 in Chatham Co., NC.
K. Margaret Deaton was born ca 1799 in Chatham Co., NC and died in
Yancy Co., NC.
L. Elijah Deaton was born 12-17891 in Chatham Co., NC.He died 3-
30-1855 in Oconee Co., SC.He married S. Elizabeth Dossett.
STORY TIME NO. SIX: "CANTHEDEATONSBEPROUDOFTHEIRNAME?"
"Can we be proud of our name Great Grandpa?"
"Now younguns, you done ask a mighty fine question!!Can a person be proud of
his name?Does your name make you better than somebody else?Sad to say, some
folksthink that because they have a fancy name, that makes themfancy folks.
I recollect reading where some poet saidthat a rose by any other name would
smell just as sweet.I reckon that means also that a polecat by any other name
would smell just as bad.I reckon the lesson here is not that your name makes
you somebody;but that you make your name something to be proud of.You see
younguns, if you feel real good about yourself,then you can feel real good
about your name.I am mighty proud to be a Deaton, but I would be just as proud
if my name was Smith, or Jones, or whatever!!"
EPILOGUE:
The author of this history does have some regrets after many years of research
into the above family history.I deeply regret that I was not able to prove
beyond any doubt that "Will"Deaton is, in fact, William Shimmin Deaton.In my
own mind, there is not doubt that WSD is my grandfather.And after seeing a
picture ofBenjamin Franklin Deaton I am even more strongly convinced.Old Ben
Franklin Deatonbears an incredible likeness to "Will," Enoch, Carl, Bernice,
and BrentusDeaton.I truly wish I could find a picture of Littleberry and
William Harrold Deaton.At any rate, WSD was in the right place at the right
time doing the right things.He was born in Tennessee, he lived in Memphis, he
worked for the railroad, and he left home at an early age.The only bit of
information that suggests that he might not have been my grandfather relates to
the confusion about his date of birth. The fact that his father, William Harrold
Deaton, was something less than a commendable fellow also suggests that WSD had
just cause for leaving home and refusing to ever tell anyone about his parents.
His bitterness must have been all consuming.I truly wish that "Will" had
gotten over his bitterness and talked to his children about their grandparents.
He unwittingly did all future generations ofDeatons a great disservice.
For the benefit of all future Deaton Family researchers, please note the
following.Sketchy and unsubstantiated oral family history had "Will" Deaton's
father working for the street car service in Dallas, TX, about 1891-1895.
Interestingly enough there was a certain David Deaton working for the Dallas
Street Car service between the years 1892-1895.He appears in the Dallas City
Directory.He was working on the "Ervay Street Line" and was boarding with a
certain Joseph M. Car.Unfortunately, your author was unable to uncover any
additional information about this man."Will" Deaton's father is alleged to
have died ca 1895 and this David Deaton seems to have disappeared about 1895.A
professional genealogist researched Dallas Co., records for the grave of David
Deaton (at the request of the author)but could not find where he was buried.
Neither was it possible to find any marriage records that would indicate to whom
this David Deaton was married.Your author carefully researched census records
1850-1880 for TX, TN, IL, AR, LA, MO, NC, SC, KY, VA, AL, GA, MS, WV, & IN and
could not find this David Deaton. If family oral history is correct he should
have appeared in the Tennessee census records but he does not.There is a David
Deaton in the 1880 census ofTexas in Comanche Co., TX, but this David is
clearly not Will's father.The David Deaton of 1880 Comanche Co., TX, was the
son of Elias Deaton, and eventually became sheriff of Comanche Co.There is
also a David Deaton in the 1850-1880 census records ofMorgan Co., IL, but he
evidently lived his entire life in Illinois, and certainly did not migrate to
TX. He was still in IL, in 1880.There is also a David Deaton that appears in
the 1860 census ofNC.He also lived his entire life in NC; thus he cannot be
the David Deaton of the Dallas City Directory.He marriedTamar Yarborough on
3-31-1853 in Montgomery Co., NC.There was also a David Deaton who served in
the Civil War from Wake Co., NC.He enlisted on 7-16-1862 when he was 37 years
of age.He enlisted in Company "A" of the 14th Regiment.He died in 1863 at
Jordan Springs, VA;thushe could not have beenthe David Deaton who
workedfor the streetcar service in Dallas.
Further, it would have been very rewarding to find convincing documentation that
we are directly related to the original William Deaton who settled in Virginia.
Undoubtedly we are, in some way, but absolute proof is lacking.
The author wishes to express his sincere thanks to all those family members who
shared there family histories with the him.Most of these generous folks are
mentioned above.One last note....all persons researching the Deaton Family
MUST, by all means,contactLawson Deaton ([email protected]) of Annapolis,
MD.He has amassed an enormous amount of information re: the Deaton Family and
has published the same in "Sons and Daughters ofThomas Deaton."Lawson very
likely has the information you are looking for.
In conclusion, I have learned through my years of genealogical research that
there are no "small errors" when recording someone's history.People can become
very offended at the slightest bit of erroneous information.Undoubtedlythere
are errors contained in this document.I ask for your forgiveness if I have
offendedyou. I truly did try my very best to record the truth and nothing but
the truth.Thank You.
(LDD)
APPENDIX "A"
a1. Picture of "Will," Sallie, & Enoch Deaton.
a2. Picture of Sarah Elizabeth Colvin Deaton.
a3. Picture of Bernice "Bernie" Deaton.
a4. Picture of Lonnie Dale Deaton at his place of birth.
a5. Picture of Amaryllis"Judy" Smith Deaton.
a6. Picture of 208 N. 12th Ave., Phoenix, AZ.
a7. Picture of ASD & LDD's first apartment.
a7. Picture of 406 Cheyenne Tr., Seymour, TN.
a7. Picture of Mountain View, OK, post office.
a8. Picture of LDD.
a9. Picture of Amber Dawn Deaton Haas.
a10. Wedding picture of ASD & LDD.
a11.Picture of the children of Bernice "Bernie" Deaton.
a12. Picture of ASD, ADH, & LDD.
a13. Wedding picture of Amber Deaton Haas & Keith Eric Haas.
a14. Picture of Benjamin F. Deaton.
a15. Picture of Owen Deaton & Etioley Brown Deaton.
a16. Marriage license of "Will" Deaton & Sarah Colvin.
a.17. Marriage license of Bernice "Bernie" Deaton & Agnus
Flynn.
a18. Marriage license of LDD & ASD.
a19. Marriage license of Bernice "Bernice " Deaton & Amanda
May Griffitts.
a20,21. Divorce Decree of Bernie Deaton & Amanda May
Griffitts.
a22. Death Certificate of William Harrold Deaton.
a23. Death Certificate of "Will" Deaton.
a24. Death Certificate of Sarah Elizabeth Colvin Deaton.
a25. Death Certificate of Bernice "Bernie" Deaton.
a26. Deaton Certificate of David Owen Deaton.
a27. Death Certificate of Kenneth Owen Deaton.
a28. Death Certificate of William Lonnie Deaton
a29. Death Certificate of Enoch Matterson (Madison?) Deaton.
a30. Death Certificate of Leonard Albert Deaton.
a31. Death Certificate of Lora Simpson Deaton Garrison.
a32-46. GAR Veteran Pension Application of William Harrold
Deaton.
a47. 1122 Beechwood Ave, Memphis, TN.
a48-54. Civil War military record of William Harrold Deaton.
a55. City Directory of Dallas, TX, 1893/94.
a56. City Directory of Dallas, TX, 1894/95.
a57. City Directory of Dallas, TX, 1898.
a58-63. Deaton-Callahan Feud, Breathitt Co., KY.
a64,65. Deaton Cemetery, Rains Co., TX.
a66,67. Alpine Cemetery, Clark Co., AR..
a68-70. Jones Cemetery, Clark Co., AR.
a71. LWT of Dison Deaton.
a72. LWT of Basil Deaton.
a73,74. Mountain View, OK.
a75-77. Goodin Deaton & Family.
a78-81. Arkadelphia, AR.
a82-109. Line of Joseph Berry Deaton.
APPENDIX "B"
DEATONFAMILYCENSUSRECORDS
Tennessee:
a1.1850 census record of McNairy Co., Branson Deaton.
a2.1850 census record of McNairy Co., Children of Branson
Deaton.
a3.1850 census record of McNairy Co., L.B. (Littleberry)
Deaton.
a4.1850 census record of McNairy Co., "Barberry" Deaton &
Larkin Deaton.
a5.1870 census record of McNairy Co., Matthew Deaton &
John Deaton.
a6.1870 census record of McNairy Co., Joseph Deaton.
a7.1870 census record of McNairy Co., Isaac Deaton.
a8.1870 census record of McNairy Co., William Deaton &
Littleberry Deaton.
a9.1880 census record of McNairy Co., H.B. Deaton & G.W.
Deaton.
a10.1880 census record of McNairy Co., William Deaton.
b11.1880 census record of McNairy Co., Matthew Deaton.
b12.1880 census record of McNairy Co., "Isabeller" Deaton &
John Deaton.
b13.1880 census record of McNairy Co., W. M. Deaton.
b14.1880 census record of McNairy Co., P. M. Deaton.
b16.1900 census record of McNairy Co., Mima Deaton & Debbie
Deaton.
b17.1900 census record of McNairy Co., Matthew Deaton.
b18.1900 census record of McNairy Co., M.L. Deaton.
b19.1900 census record of McNairy Co., "Roll"
(Rolliegh)(Raliegh) Deaton.
b20.1910 census record of McNairy Co., James E. Deaton.
b21.1910 census record of McNairy Co., Robert J.(?) Deaton.
b22.1920 census record of McNairy Co., James E. Deaton.
b23.1920 census record of McNairy Co., Montie F. Deaton.
b24.1920 census record of McNairy Co., Roll S. Deaton.
b25.1870 census record of Van Buren Co., Charles Trogden.
b26.1880 census record of Crockett Co., W.H. (William
Harrold) Deaton.
b27.1900 census record of Crockett Co., Benjamin F. Deaton.
b28.1900 census record of Crockett Co., Pitser M. Deaton.
b29.1920 census record of Crockett Co., Oliver Deaton.
b30.1920 census record of Crockett Co., George W. Deaton.
b31a..1870 census record of Henderson Co., Elias Deaton.
b31b. 1860 census record of Hardeman Co., Branson Deaton.
b32.1860 census record of Hardeman Co., L.B. Deaton.
b33.1910 census record of Chester Co., John Deaton.
b34.1920 census record of Chester Co., William M. Deaton.
b35.1910 census record of Dyer Co., Pitser M. Deaton.
b36.1910 census record of Dyer Co., Granville Deaton.
b37.1910 census record of Dyer Co., John W., Charles H.,
and Oliver Deaton.
b38.1910 census record of Dyer Co., George W. Deaton.
b39.1920 census record of Dyer Co., Claud S. Deaton.
b40.1920 census record of Dyer Co., Pitser M. Deaton.
b41.1920 census record of Shelby Co., Gilbert H. Deaton.
b42.1920 census record of Shelby Co., Claude Deaton.
Arkansas:
b43.1860 census record of Carroll Co., John Poplin.
b44.1860 census record of Clark Co., Tillman Howell.
b45.1870 census record of Clark Co., Mary, Larkin & Barbara
Deaton.
b46.1870 census record of Clark Co., John Deaton.
b47.1870 census record of Clark Co., Goodin Deaton & Elias
Deaton.
b48.1870 census record of Clark Co., Martin Deaton.
b49.1870 census record of Clark Co., J.B. Deaton.
b50.1870 census record of Clark Co., Nancy (Kent) Deaton.
b51.1870 census record of Clark Co., Marion Anderson.
b52.1880 census record of Clark Co., Elias Deaton.
b53.1880 census record of Clark Co., John Deaton & Barbara
Howell.
b54.1880 census record of Clark Co., Martin Deaton.
b55.1880 census record of Clark Co., Carroll (Carrell)
Deaton.
b56.1880 census record of Clark Co., Frederic Deaton & John
Deaton.
b57.1880 census record of Clark Co., L.L. Deaton & Andrew
M. Deaton.
b58.1880 census record of Clark Co., Elias Deaton.
Oklahoma:
b60.1900 census record of Kiowa Co.,. Enoch Deaton.
Texas:
b61.1880 census record of Morris Co., C.F. Deaton & William
E. Deaton.
b62.1880 census record of Gonzales Co., Thomas J. Holmes.
b63.1880 census record of Hamilton Co., David Deaton &
John Calvin Deaton.
b64.1880 census record of Hamilton Co., Elias Deaton.
b65.1880 census record of Hamilton Co., Susan Deaton (wife
of John M. Deaton).
b66.1860 census record of Comanche Co., Thomas Deaton.
b67.1880 census record of Comanche Co., Elias Deaton.
b68.1850 census record of Hopkins Co., John Deaton.
b69.1850 census record of Hopkins Co., Hiram H. Deaton.
Alabama:
b70.1850 census record of DeKalb Co., Joseph Deaton.
b71.1850 census record of DeKalb Co., James Deaton.
b72.1850 census record of DeKalb Co., John Deaton.
b73.1850 census record of DeKalb Co., Joseph Deaton.
Kentucky:
b74.1850 census record of Breathitt Co., Isaac & William
Deaton; Alfred Spicer.
b75.1850 census record of Breathitt Co., Bryant Deaton.
b76.1850 census record of Breathitt Co., John Deaton.
b77.1860 census record of Breathitt Co., Edward Deaton &
George Deaton.
b78.1860 census record of Breathitt Co., John & Thomas
Deaton; Benjamin Spicer.
b79.1860 census record of Breathitt Co., William & Hardin
Sizemore.
b80.1860 census record of Breathitt Co., Isaac Deaton.
b81.1860 census record of Breathitt Co., Alfred Spicer
(Spencer?) & John Deaton.
b82.1860 census record of Breathitt Co., Brantly Deaton &
Wilson Calahan.
b83.1870 census record of Breathitt Co., John Deaton &
Alexander Deaton.
b84.1870 census record of Breathitt Co., John Deaton.
b85.1870 census record of Breathitt Co., Children of John
Deaton; Abner Akmon (Akemon).
b86.1870 census record of Breathitt Co., John Deaton.
b87.1879 census record of Breathitt Co., William, James, &
Dison Deaton.
b88.1870 census record of Breathitt Co., Sarah Deaton
(Isaac's widow).
b89.1870 census record of Breathitt Co., William Deaton.
b90.1870 census record of Breathitt Co., Edward & John
Deaton; Benjamin, James & Arvin
Spicer.
b91.1870 census record of Breathitt Co., Alexander Deaton.
b92.1870 census record of Breathitt Co., John & Brantly
Deaton; Luther & Wilson Callahan.
b93.1870 census record of Breathitt Co., Benjamin Spicer &
Dill Sizemore.
b94.1870 census record of Breathitt Co., George Deaton &
Hardin Sizemore.
b95.1880 census record of Breathitt Co., Elizabeth, Robert
& Edward Deaton.
b96.1880 census record of Breathitt Co., William & John
Deaton; Samuel & Irvine(Arvin?)
Spicer.
b97.1880 census record of Breathitt Co., Thomas Deaton.
b981880 census record of Breathitt Co., Brantley Deaton &
Luther Callahan.
b99.1880 census record of Breathitt Co., Granville Deaton.
b100. 1880 census record of Breathitt Co., George Deaton &
Jack Callahan.
b101. 1880 census record of Breathitt Co., Hardin Sizemore;
Sarah Deaton ( Isaac's widow).
b102. 1880 census record of Breathitt Co., John Deaton.
b104. 1880 census record of Breathitt Co., George Deaton &
Dill Sizemore.
b105. 1880 census record of Breathitt Co., Alex Deaton.
b106. 1880 census record of Breathitt Co., Wilson Deaton.
North Carolina:
b.107 1850 census record of Montgomery Co., Francis J. Deaton.
b108. 1870 census record of Montgomery Co., F..J., P.L., &
Reuben Deaton.
b109. 1870 census record of Montgomery Co., Phillip, Mary &
Nathan Deaton; John Trogden;
Jacob Jordan.
b110. 1870 census record of Montgomery Co., Dison & Thomas
Deaton.
b112. 1850 census record of Montgomery Co., Dison Deaton.
Missouri:
b113. 1880 census record of Wayne Co., John & Joe Deaton.
Illinois:
b115. 1860 census record of Williamson Co., James Deaton.
b116. 1860 census record of Williamson Co., Thomas Deaton.
b117. 1860 census record of Williamson Co., William, George &
Dices (Dison) Deaton.
b118. 1860 census record of Williamson Co., William Alpin &
Clementine Deaton.
b119. 1860 census record of Williamson Co., John Deaton.
b120. 1860 census record of Williamson Co., Children of John
Deaton.
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