Sumry "Sum" Bryson and family. Not pictured is Nancy Bryson Byers, wife of Nick Byers. Reportedly she was pregnant and they thought that a camera could harm the baby.

Last year for the one room schools in Union County, GA.  This photo was taken at the end of the 1954-55 school year.  Antioch Church in foreground and Antioch School in the background.  The teacher was Alice Mauney Byers, my mother.   We had no electricity and got our water frrom a spring on the grounds.  And yes, we had outhouses!! And 7 grades....

Antioch Church/School circa 1920.  This building burned about 1923 and was replaced by the seperate church and school pictured above.
The teacher was Laura Mauney, my grt-aunt.  Somewhere in this photo is my mother, Alice mauney, her sisters and brothers......others are Colwells and several other family members including some of the Hills.
This was first Antioch Collegiate Academy, founded by Col. Benj. Ledford, a former CSA officer and leader of the local CSA Militia.  Col. Ledford was also a teacher and was assisted by my grt-uncle, Luther Mauney from Murphy, NC
Ledford donated 10 acres of land and cabins were built to accomodate the students.  These were removed when the school was closed.  7 grades remained in the church.  We don't know who donated the original plot for the church that was founded 1841.
I believe that Blairsville Collegiate Institute may have replaced the Antioch Collegiate Academy but need to check on that.

Another photo of the last class at Antioch.  The teacher is my mother and I am the guy on the top step with eyeglasses.

My grandparents, Charles S. and Theodocia Carroll Mauney.  Known as Charlie, he was an educator and was head of the Union County Schol Board for about 40 years, and needless to say, head of the Democtatic Party for about as long.  "Pop" Mauney owned a large farm on Reeces Creek in the Ivy Log District of Union County.  On the farm was a general store which was also the local Post Office.  He carried the mail on a mue for some time.  Also on the farm was a commercial blacksmith shop, a steam run sawmill, and a sorgum mill.
More later it you want them....the old house is still standing (my Mom and I lived there during WWll while my father was in the Navy)