Hello Michele!
When I first found the article on the Eaton Ferry Cemetery anthropology research,I made a copy of it and just filed it away for at that time I had only the surname EATON in similarity. It was not until I found my ancestors in the EATON's will did I than went back and re-read the article. William Eaton's family owned slaves in
more than just the Warren county area. My best suggest for you is to continue to find out as much as you can about your Robert EATON and his parents as well as any siblings. The more information that you have before researching the slave owners, the greater your chances of possibly finding them listed in any information during enslavement.

I posted some information on the AfriGeneas Surnames and Family Research Forum. I hope that this is the same family that you are researching and that the information may be of help in your research. If this information is in deed your family, I would start with the known information and extend out into the unknown.

In 1860 Slave Schedule:

William A Eaton owned 77 slaves in Fishing Creek, Granville NC (the oldest male 35 yrs old)

Charles H.(R) Eaton owned 45 slaves in Nutbush, Granville NC (3 males 35 yrs old, 1 male 45 yrs old).

In 1850 Slave Schedule:
William A Eaton owned 80 slaves in Fishing Creek, Granville NC

Charles R. Eaton owned 23 slaves in Nutbush, Granville NC ( 1 male 30 yrs old)

John S. Eaton owned 90 slaves in Nutbush, Granville NC ( 5 males 35 yrs old)

Robert (V) Eaton owned 17 slaves in Henderson, Granville NC (1 male 30 yrs old).

Back to the Eaton Ferry Cemetary, to my knowledge, this cemetery no longer exist. I have yet to travel down to Warren county to visit the said area. If you do travel to the area please to let me know your results.

I hope that the posting in the Surname Forum will help you find Robert Eaton's parents.

Good Luck!
Allen