Does anyone know anything about this antebellum plantation ? Col. Ayers was a planter who was born in VA c. 1815 and migrated to Attala Co, MS. It was here that he est. Ayers Shop a small wagon factory and blacksmith shop. He owned 10 slaves in 1850 and 8 slaves in 1860. Two of his slaves stayed onto with him after the Civil War. Their names were Ben & Cato. Also living nearby was a Will Ayers(bro of Cato). Will Ayers died c. 1938 and is buried in the Bethel Cem. Cato Ayers was still alive and living with the John Ford family in Attala Co, MS in the community of Zilpha. in 1920, he was a widow at this time...... He was the uncle of John Ford. Any info would be greatly appreciated on this line. Black or white. Thanks & God Bless, Michelle