Hi All, I just found this while grazing on usgenweb, and thought it was quite timely after the discussion we just had. Hope you enjoy it. Ali ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deaton Family, book by Lonnie Deaton; Washita County, OK PREFACE Let's begin with a bit of "Deaton philosophy." I, like you, was not allowed to select my parents from a list of eager applicants. On the other hand, neither were my parents, nor yours, allowed to select their children. The whole business of getting born and, subsequently, inheriting a genetic and cultural background is very much a "grab bag" situation. Children and parents alike are stuck with whatsoever fate affords. In truth, mortals are not allowed to make such selections. Neither are we allowed to select the time and placed of our birth, nor our sex, nor our race, nor our physical health, nor our intelligence. In this regard, life is very much like a game of cards. When the Great Dealer in the Skies shuffles and deals the cards, He (She?) (It?) gives little or no mindfulness as to how the cards might fall. Thus, some players, simply by the luck of the draw, are the fortuitous recipients of superlative cards. Other players, the unfortunate ones, again by the luck of the draw, fall prey to noncompetitive cards. In the game of poker, for example, he that is fortunate enough to draw a "full house," even though his skills are quite pedestrian, will consistently win; but he that draws, due to no fault of his own, only a pair of deuces is consigned to the anguish and frustration of perpetual failure no matter how clever and skilled at the game he might be. Unlike the game of life, in poker a player may, if he chooses, fold his hand and await the next deal; but in life's game each player is required to contend until the game's conclusion with those cards, howsoever weak they might be, he received on the first and only deal. By reason of this debatably regrettable phenomenon of life, it would seem altogether inappropriate for the favored and well-blessed to pass harsh judgment upon those whose genetic, cultural, and environmental inheritance is less fortuitous. Since none may rightly claim credit for the quality of his/her hand, may any be properly reproached for the weakness of the same. I think not!! Thus, in regard to the Deaton clan, from the beginning of our migration to America, we have been a "poor but honest" group. We have worked hard in our labors (mostly farming) but accumulated little in terms of material wealth. Few of us have distinguished ourselves; but neither have we disgraced ourselves. Captain William Deaton was a "Tory" during the Revolutionary War and fought admirably for what he believed was right. Littleberry and Elias Deaton both wrote books (neither of which, by any means, was a best seller). Judge Goodin Deaton of Arkansas administered justice evenhandedly and fathered twenty children. Bernice and Lonnie Deaton participated in the great western migration of 1934-36 as portrayed in Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." Most of our clan, however, lived, died, and went to their graves only to be remembered by genealogical fools such as your author .......a "Deaton" who believes deeply in family, tradition, and honor. All else (fame, fortune, prestige, etc.) is meaningless self-deception. So, fellow family member, be not embarrassed that your family inheritance is a modest and unremarkable one. We must all play the hand we are dealt. Your author promises you this, many have been more fortunate than us but none have been better than us. (LDD) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- United we stand, divided we fall. God Bless America!! _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp