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 Jmes 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.