Decades ago...nay, hundreds of years ago...a tiny acorn fell to the ground and took 

root in Shiloh. From this humble beginning sprang a mighty oak which stands proudly

yet today. Here it is in 2004...today is little different.

It became a significant part of our family when, in June of 1937. the descendants

of  James Darlington Mixson (1848-1928) gathered for a reunion at the homested of

Jacob Wesley and Mary Telula (née) Mixson) Feaster and this picture was taken:

In the decades that followed, annual reunions were held under its spreading

branches. Incuded were Feaster, Mixson. Dixon, Marsh, Bell, Gladney, Ratterree,

Tillman, Elholm, Filmer and more families as James Darlington's 12 children 

proliferated. Sadly, things came to a screeching halt after 2019 with the COVID 

Pandemic and the demise of elder family members as aging took its toll.

The eldest statesperson, Mary Leila (née) Feaster) Tillman, passed away in 2013 

missing the age of 101 by 2 months. Here's "Aunt Mary" in 2004:

I think each and every family had a copy of the 1937 photograph. Some years back

I contacted JL Feaster for help in identifying the individuals in the photograph.

Within days we had 100% success in so doing! I've maitained a list of the people

and their status. See James Darlington Mixson Family 20jun1937.

Here's the header picture from that link:

"The Old Oak Tree" still stands proudly on the property now owned by Paul and 

Evonne Dixon. Here it is in 2014:

Well that's the story of "The Old Oak Tree"...so far.