Emma Fox, born in 1809 was the daughter of a Cherokee Indian and a black slave girl. Her early years were spent on a plantation, and at some point, her mother was sold to another plantation owner. Simon Leverett's parents came to America from England on a slave ship. Shortly after their arrival, they were auctioned off as a couple to a wealthy plantation owner in Lincolnton, GA. As was the custom in those days, they were given the "Leverett" name. Several children besides Simon were born into this union; however, their names are unknown. While visiting the Leverett plantation, Simon met and fell in love with Emma Fox and wanted to marry her. He spoke to his "master" who in turn talked to Emma's slave master and permission was granted to marry. Thus , Mr. Leverett bought Emma to be Simon's wife. They married and to this union nine children were born, Bessie, Georgann, Cora, Neal, Brass, Fate, Ike, Tony, and Bob Leverett. After being together as a family for a number of years, Simon was sold to another plantation where he was given a new wife, Laura. To this union seven sons were born: Allen, Webb, Burle, Isaiah, Anthony, Herbert, and Jake. Laura had one son from a previous marriage, Fred Tutt. Sometime around 1865 after the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which declared freedom for the slaves, Simon returned to his first family; however, he did not give up his love and support for his children by Laura. It is said that Emma accepted and loved her stepchildren as if they were her own. Juburk was a white man who came to America from France, and settled down in South Carolina. He had several children from his white wife, and one son from his "mistress" of mixed racial parentage. This son was recognized by his father and given the name Juburk. It is said that Mrs. Juburk was jealous of this new child and was sold to the Martin Plantation. His new name was Juburk Martin. While on the Martin Plantation, Juburk met and married Lula. Two children John and Henry were born to this union. John and Henry Martin married two of the Leverett sisters Neal and Georganne. John and Neal had nine children: Doyle, Kizzie, Bell, Willie, Hattie, Jule, Ranze, Solomon, and Thomas. Henrys and Georganne had five children: Lou, Jessie, Simon, Timothy, and Sam. Henry was sold to another plantation where he was given a second wife, Selena. From this marriage two children were born Allie and Cohen. The marriages of John & Neal Leverett Martin, and Henry & Georganne Leverett marked the beginnings of the Martin-Leverett inter relationships.
