With that being said I haven't made a big study out of crimes commited either side but like you said I can find examples. This could get into one of those threads that go on forever if you and I let it, I'll exchange a couple with you and then I am willing to call it a draw.
I believe that everyone, agreeing with the Confederate government or not was taxed the same, my family included. Now as far as these taxes go 10% doesn't seem so high to me in time of war. I am assuming my family was able to pay there taxes since no incidents you mention have been related down in our family history. I am also assuming when I say if they did not agree with the South they had the freedom to travel to another state? Not knowing all of the events leading up to the death of your ancestor, I just cannot imagine the Confederate government sent troops up a mountain to kill one man for no reason. Just doesn't make sense to me.
Granted we are paying taxes today that was started to fund the WBTS. Since it has been over for awhile wonder when this tax is gonna be dropped?
I understand many folks did not want secession, Robert E. Lee being one. However the secession conventions of each state said the majority did and that vote was put into action. The folks of West Virginia chose to make a new state, given this, I am lead to believe the folks of western North Carolina could have done the same.
GP