Day 12

Once the rain stopped and the clouds parted slightly, the trip to St. Paul was very nice. Cousin Bertie, whom I have never met, was a most wonderful host. She is very kind and you can tell right away that she loves family. I loved her smile when she spoke of my dad’s visits to her house when he was working on the railroad. He and Uncle Robert stopped by to see her often when they were working runs to Norton. She remembers visiting at Aunt Mary Jane’s (my Grandmother Buckland)when she was small. She has slowed a bit since her fall around Thanksgiving, but she was eager to identify some pictures that I brought from home and to share glimpes of other family pictures she had. Notice her in the picture below and then her father with the white beard and pipe. Isn’t that a great shot! Charles Lewis Davidson was a brother to Mary Jane (Davidson) Buckland. Climbing the mountain (maybe the Clinch?) up out of St. Paul to Lebanon, we stopped briefly to visit Mom’s Aunt Kathleen and her daughter Kathy. This was a real treat. AT 90, I think Kathleen could probably run circles around me with her enormous energy. She most willingly shared stories of her family (and my Grandmother’s family Altha Davis Brooks) while Kathy drove us to Spring City. She showed us where her father, my great grandfather William Brooks, was buried, along with her mother Orpha Catherine (Jessee) Brooks. Unfortunately, there is no fence or markers, but the grassy location is exactly where Grandpa Brooks had requested, right on the nole above where his last white home still stands. She also tried to show us her birthplace up Long Hollow and Lost Valley Roads, but the weather and rough roads prohibited that. Maybe next visit, we can walk to the old Brooks homeplace.My middle-aged forgetfulness came into play once again when I totally forgot to take a picture with both Bertie, her daughter Barbara and son Bud and again with Aunt Kathleen and her daughter Kathy. Forgive me, we’ll have to put that on our list for next time as well.

Day 13

I visited the Mercer County library searching Bluefield Daily Telegraph issues on microfilm (fisch). You folks who have never tried this, don’t know how good we have it with the age of computers. I looked and looked but may need a few more clues before I return to that tedious task.This afternoon I hope to drop in on Bob Dishman, Audra Dishman’s son, in search of a picture of her. She was also my grandmother’s half sister, my great aunt, and Aunt Kathleen’s sister. She is buried very near her last home in Grandview Memory Gardens. Maybe I’ll get a photo to record her burial, as well.If time permits, I’ll venture to Clearfork and Tazewell, in search of a couple more old family cemeteries. Then tomorrow, I’ll head home. This has been a wonderful time with my mother and brothers, but THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. I’m home sick and ready for some Florida sunshine.

Day 8
Picked up two great books. One is a historical account of Tazewell County with sooooo much information about our pioneer 4th great grandfather David Ward. The details of the many heroic battles with Indians and the responsible manner in which he, along with others, were willing to take steps essential to forming a county government within one day’s horse ride from home. With bravery and brains, both men and women did whatever was required to forge ahead; courageous settlers made their way.
A second book on the genealogy of the Harman’s will make clear some of the doubts I had in adding more ancestors in that line. I was introduced to the granddaughter of Henry Harman and took a likin’ to her right away. What a jewel! She and I share a love for plundering and preserving the many neglected family cemeteries and spending time there. She reminded me not to wear good clothes to the cemeteries and explained her attire includes a cemetery hat and even a cemetery purse. One can be assured that I’ll take these bits of advice to heart. After all, these sacred places where our ancestors rest are loaded with vital records. Thank you Mrs. Bettie Byrd!

Day 9
The phone rang opening up another connection to my Dad’s first cousin. I didn’t even have her in my data base, but quickly enough, we found ourselves bound together by the family ties. Her father and my grandmother were siblings. There must be a wealth of information between us. We will be corresponding and sharing photos for a long time to come. Cousin Carolyn was a delight to talk with and I look forward to meeting her on a future journey.

Day 10
Compton Cemetery – Falls Mills
Although I had specific directions in hand, there is no way I could have ever found this cemetery. I already had pictures of a few stones supplied by the generous Judy Llamas, there is nothing like a hands on experience in the middle of the woods. Brother Buck had been guided to the location on a previous trip with his wife Susie, so he took me directly to the somewhat fenced graveyard. We photographically recorded all interments as best we could, and with machete in hand, whacked down weeds covering the engravings. We even plucked a wild fern from the woods in hopes of it surviving my less than green thumb.

Dudley Cemetery – Falls Mills
No relatives in my lines are deposited in this lovely spot, but those there are blessed with a most gorgeous location. Blowing breezes, swaying trees and the calm waters of the Falls Mills Dam offer serenity beyond compare. The Dudley family is part of my sister-in-law’s line, so we also photographically recorded the monuments. Some as old as the Civil War.
We also stopped for a quick chat with Uncle Robert. He is always glad to entertain family with his railroad stories. He reminds me of my dad in that way, and that puts a smile on my face. Buck and I came upon Uncle Robert as he sped across the road in his wheel chair. Who knew he could do wheelies and race around at speeds of up to 10 MPH. He looks good and appeared to be feeling well.

In a short but painful stop by Grandview Memory Gardens, I captured Aunt Margaret’s grave stone. It is surreal. I didn’t expect to be there so soon. I really miss visiting with her.

Day 11
Happy Mother’s Day
Honored with breakfast yesterday morning, Mom, Susie and I enjoyed our time together. What a great idea to celebrate on Saturday instead of fighting the crowds on Sunday. That leaves Sunday for church, crockpot comfort food and naps. What more could a Mother hope for.
I had calls this morning from the girls and loved hearing their sweet voices. Mom and I headed for church where she has worshipped for many years. The actual church may be the oldest in the county and was built on land donated by the Wallace family a little more than 100 years ago.

Tomorrow morning, we are off to St. Paul to visit a first cousin of my dad’s, Roberta “Bertie”. I look forward to hearing her memories and the beginning of another family relationship. In the afternoon, we’ll stop back in Lebanon to visit with another cousin and her mother, my great aunt Kathleen.

Pray for good weather; Wading through these muddy hollers may give us a bit of a problem.Just kidding, the heavy rain is appreciated and just in time to start planting victory gardens. These hillsides are bright green with the rich soil plowed over, awaiting the seed.

Day 8

Picked up two great books. One is a historical account of Tazewell County with sooooo much information about our pioneer 4th great grandfather David Ward. The details of the many heroic battles with Indians and the responsible manner in which he, along with others, were willing to take steps essential to forming a county government within one day’s horse ride from home. With bravery and brains, both men and women did whatever was required to forge ahead; courageous settlers made their way.A second book on the genealogy of the Harman’s will make clear some of the doubts I had in adding more ancestors in that line. I was introduced to the granddaughter of Henry Harman and took a likin’ to her right away. What a jewel! She and I share a love for plundering and preserving the many neglected family cemeteries and spending time there. She reminded me not to wear good clothes to the cemeteries and explained her attire includes a cemetery hat and even a cemetery purse. One can be assured that I’ll take these bits of advice to heart. After all, these sacred places where our ancestors rest are loaded with vital records. Thank you Mrs. Bettie Byrd!

Day 9

The phone rang opening up another connection to my Dad’s first cousin. I didn’t even ha
ve her in my data base, but quickly enough, we found ourselves bound together by the family ties. Her father and my grandmother were siblings. There must be a wealth of information between us. We will be corresponding and sharing photos for a long time to come. Cousin Carolyn was a delight to talk with and I look forward to meeting her on a future journey.

Day 10

Compton Cemetery – Falls Mills
Although I had specific directions in hand, there is no way I could have ever found this cemetery. I already had pictures of a few stones supplied by the generous Judy Llamas, there is nothing like a hands on experience in the middle of the woods. Brother Buck had been guided to the location on a previous trip with his wife Susie, so he took me directly to the somewhat fenced graveyard. We photographically recorded all interments as best we could, and with machete in hand, whacked down weeds covering the engravings. We even plucked a wild fern from the woods in hopes of it surviving my less than green thumb.

Dudley Cemetery – Falls Mills

No relatives in my lines are deposited in this lovely spot, but those there are blessed with a most gorgeous location. Blowing breezes, swaying trees and the calm waters of the Falls Mills Dam offer serenity beyond compare. The Dudley family is part of my sister-in-law’s line, so we also photographically recorded the monuments. Some as old as the Civil War.We also stopped for a quick chat with Uncle Robert. He is always glad to entertain family with his railroad stories. He reminds me of my dad in that way, and that puts a smile on my face. Buck and I came upon Uncle Robert as he sped across the road in his wheel chair. Who knew he could do wheelies and race around at speeds of up to 10 MPH. He looks good and appeared to be feeling well.In a short but painful stop by Grandview Memory Gardens, I captured Aunt Margaret’s grave stone. It is surreal. I didn’t expect to be there so soon. I really miss visiting with her.

Day 11

Happy Mother’s Day

Buck honored us with breakfast yesterday morning; Mom, Susie and I enjoyed our time with him and appreciated his thoughtfulness. What a great idea to celebrate on Saturday instead of fighting the crowds on Sunday. That leaves Sunday for church, crockpot comfort food and naps. What more could a Mother hope for.I had calls this morning from the girls and loved hearing their sweet voices. Mom and I headed for church where she has worshipped for many years. The actual church may be the oldest in the county and was built on land donated by the Wallace family a little more than 100 years ago.Tomorrow morning, we are off to St. Paul to visit a first cousin of my dad’s, Roberta “Bertie”. I look forward to hearing her memories and the beginning of another family relationship. In the afternoon, we’ll stop back in Lebanon to visit with another cousin and her mother, my great aunt Kathleen.Pray for good weather; Wading through these muddy hollers may give us a bit of a problem.Just kidding, the heavy rain is appreciated and just in time to start planting victory gardens. These hillsides are bright green with the rich soil plowed over, awaiting the seed.

Day 1

With the help of an audio book, THE SHACK, I made the 700 mile trip in one day. I highly recommend putting a CD of some great book into the player. The day slipped away until I reached the tunnels. Both Big Walker Mountain and East River Mountain have tunnels that make the once painfully dreaded distance from Wytheville to Bluefield a breeze.
An exit sign immediately following the opening of the tunnel leads up the exit ramp to John forbes Nash, Jr. Highway, named for the Nobel Prize Laureate and economic genius from Bluefield. http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/economics/laureates/1994/nash-autobio.html

http://www.abeautifulmind.com/All these things are fun, but there is nothing like capturing the beauty of the glorious mountain towns called HOME.

Day 2

Success on the very first outing! Accompanied, actually led, by my big brother Buck, we discovered the DAVIDSON plot at the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Bluefield, WV. The central figure of the interment, Joseph Davidson, was the son of John Goolman Davidson, Irish immigrant and pioneer of this area. His home is preserved at the city park and will open the festivities of an upcoming Bluefield Mountain Days Festival.

Day 3

My brothers are so good to help me in my endeavors. Although I don’t believe that cemetery jumping is a point of deep satisfaction to them, they give in to my interests and help me in the hunt. From directions given by Browne Hollowell, Larry found Mays Chapel Cemetery near the old Wittens Mill location along the banks of the Clinch River where the water falls gently over the large river rock creating a most peaceful and soothing sound. The calm is most appropriate for those loved ones placed lovingly in the fenced, but not well kept plot.

Stated in obituaries and death records, my great grandfather, Erastus Granger Davidson (1852-1924), his wife Eliza Greever (Gregory) (1857-1922) and their daughter Nannie Crockett McHaffa (1900-1928) are buried there. Unfortunately, there are no markers for them, and many other unmarked sunken graves.

Two Davidson’s are there, but I must piece together more records to place them in our lineage. If anyone suspects they may have relatives there, please contact me at sherrykelly@comcast.net. I took photos and recorded all monuments there. I would love to share your family monuments with you.

May’s Chapel Cemetery at Wittens Mill.

Take 19/460 east from Tazewell, turn left at Rt. 651, go 2/10ths mile to a small metal bridge on the right crossing the north fork of the Clinch River. There is only a bit of stone wall remaining from the actual Wittens Mill, just north of the bridge.

Cross the bridge to the right and continue on the little road there. Park. On foot, cross the N&W tracks at Marker N381. There is a wide metal gate. The cemetery is approximately a two acre plot with a barbed wire fence. Many graves have no markers, and some have fieldstones. May’s Chapel Methodist Church was here before Willows Chapel was built further up towards Wrights Valley.

Day 4

Family dinner at Mimi’s house. In her perfectly “better than Paula Deen” style, Mom laid out a spread for the masses. About sixteen friends and relatives showed up at the appointed 12:30…or there about for a fabulous meal. That’s how Mom’s shows her love, and I must say, she loved us well.After Susie and I cleaned the dishes away and all the dessert was gone, we gathered outside to take some FAMILY shots on the steps before Christine, Briana and Peter Charles hit the road going home. I’ve always loved the picture at Grandaddy Buckland’s house where the family gathered on the steps, so once again, my family accomodated me by posing there. Pictures with Mom and Buck and his family, pictures with Mom and Larry, Brian, Stephanie, Carson, Will and Brian Alexander. Even a picture of Mom playing croquet with Peter. Thank you Tina for taking such great pictures.

Eureka!!!!!Day 5

At the Tazewell County Courthouse, I obtained the copy of a marriage record (1-22-1880)for Erastus Granger Davidson and Eliza Greever Gregory. According to Volume 3, Page 54, Line 9, Granger Davidson’s parents were Samuel P. Davidson and Vicey Allen. This information proved invaluable to me. Although it is always a good find to have a marriage record for ancestors in my line, this is the only information that proves Vicey Allen was his mother, my 2nd great grandmother.

Day 6

Yearbooks from the 40’s – what a find! Brother Buck is always going to estate sales and auctions. At one auction, he purchased some local high school yearbooks. Before putting them away, he took a spin through the annuals to see if he recognized anyone from back in the day. And yes-sur-ee, he surely did!A 1940 Beaver revealed Uncle Robert on the football team. Wow, who knew he went to Beaver when his brothers opted for the cross town rival. The Class of 1942 at GHS uncovered many wonderful faces. Walter Buckland and Garland Thompson (freshmen). Nancy, Loraine and Hazel Wimmer (children of Robert (Uncle Bob) and Sallie Davidson Wimmer). Football heros Richard McHaffa and Charles Buckland graced the pages in the most hilarious uniforms. What a funny find!

Day 7

Tazewell County Historical Society is a great resource for genealogical information and a great spot for reuniting with an old (I mean that ever so gingerly) high school classmate. I can say “old” since we are about the same age. I must say that time has been kind to Anthony and he looks fabulous. Besides that, he was most helpful in supplying information on my pioneer ancestor, David Ward. My 4th great grandfather settled the land known as THE COVE or Ward’s Cove. Mom and I took the day trip past Tazewell, down the Liberty Road, past Maiden Springs to the Cove. The area is absolutely beautiful, some of the most beautiful that I have ever seen, even on a rainy day.

Tazewell County Historical Society is a great resource for genealogical information and a great spot for reuniting with an old (I mean that ever so gingerly) high school classmate. I can say “old” since we are about the same age. I must say that time has been kind to Anthony and he looks fabulous. Besides that, he was most helpful in supplying information on my pioneer ancestor, David Ward. My 4th great grandfather settled the land known as THE COVE or Ward’s Cove. Mom and I took the day trip past Tazewell, down the Liberty Road, past Maiden Springs to the Cove. The area is absolutely beautiful, some of the most beautiful that I have ever seen, even on a rainy day.
Thanks for browsing the site and thanks for commenting. This is exactly what I want from the blog. Family history should be shared and I am glad to do that. Many have helped me along the way and I am grateful. Please contact me at sherrykelly@comcast.net

Yearbooks from the 40’s – what a find! Brother Buck is always going to estate sales and auctions. At one auction, he purchased some local high school yearbooks. Before putting them away, he took a spin through the annuals to see if he recognized anyone from back in the day. And yes-sur-ee, he surely did!
A 1940 Beaver revealed Uncle Robert on the football team. Wow, who knew he went to Beaver when his brothers opted for the cross town rival.

The Class of 1942 at GHS uncovered many wonderful faces. Walter Buckland and Garland Thompson (freshmen). Nancy, Loraine and Hazel Wimmer (children of Robert (Uncle Bob) and Sallie Davidson Wimmer). Football heros Richard McHaffa and Charles Buckland graced the pages in the most hilarious uniforms. What a funny find!

Eureka!!!!!

At the Tazewell County Courthouse, I obtained the copy of a marriage record (1-22-1880)for Erastus Granger Davidson and Eliza Greever Gregory. According to Volume 3, Page 54, Line 9, Granger Davidson’s parents were Samuel P. Davidson and Vicey Allen. This information proved invaluable to me. Although it is always a good find to have a marriage record for ancestors in my line, this is the only information that proves Vicey Allen was his mother, my 2nd great grandmother.

Looking forward to Day 6

Family dinner at Mimi’s house. In her perfectly “better than Paula Deen” style, Mom laid out a spread for the masses. About sixteen friends and relatives showed up at the appointed 12:30…or there about for a fabulous meal. That’s how Mom’s shows her love, and I must say, she loved us well.After Susie and I cleaned the dishes away and all the dessert was gone, we gathered outside to take some FAMILY shots on the steps before Christine, Briana and Peter Charles hit the road going home. I’ve always loved the picture at Grandaddy Buckland’s house where the family gathered on the steps, so once again, my family accomodated me by posing there. Pictures with Mom and Buck and his family, pictures with Mom and Larry, Brian, Stephanie, Carson, Will and Brian Alexander. Even a picture of Mom playing croquet with Peter. Thank you Tina for taking such great pictures.

My brothers are so good to help me in my endeavors. Although I don’t believe that cemetery jumping is a point of deep satisfaction to them, they give in to my interests and help me in the hunt. From directions given by Browne Hollowell, Larry found Mays Chapel Cemetery near the old Wittens Mill location along the banks of the Clinch River where the water falls gently over the large river rock creating a most peaceful and soothing sound. The calm is most appropriate for those loved ones placed lovingly in the fenced, but not well kept plot.

Stated in obituaries and death records, my great grandfather, Erastus Granger Davidson (1852-1924), his wife Eliza Greever (Gregory) (1857-1922) and their daughter Nannie Crockett McHaffa (1900-1928) are buried there. Unfortunately, there are no markers for them, and many other unmarked sunken graves.

Two Davidson’s are there, but I must piece together more records to place them in our lineage. If anyone suspects they may have relatives there, please contact me at sherrykelly@comcast.net. I took photos and recorded all monuments there. I would love to share your family monuments with you.

May’s Chapel Cemetery at Wittens Mill.

Take 19/460 east from Tazewell, turn left at Rt. 651, go 2/10ths mile to a small metal bridge on the right crossing the north fork of the Clinch River. There is only a bit of stone wall remaining from the actual Wittens Mill, just north of the bridge.

Cross the bridge to the right and continue on the little road there. Park. On foot, cross the N&W tracks at Marker N381. There is a wide metal gate. The cemetery is approximately a two acre plot with a barbed wire fence. Many graves have no markers, and some have fieldstones. May’s Chapel Methodist Church was here before Willows Chapel was built further up towards Wrights Valley.

Success on the very first outing! Accompanied, actually led, by my big brother Buck, we discovered the DAVIDSON plot at the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Bluefield, WV. The central figure of the interment, Joseph Davidson, a descendant of John Goolman Davidson, Irish immigrant and pioneer of this area. Another Joseph Davidson’s home, son of John Goolman Davidson, is preserved at the city park and will open the festivities of an upcoming Bluefield Mountain Days Festival.

JOHN GOOLMAN DAVIDSON GRAVE
Go north on I77 from Wytheville, VA
Take Rocky Gap exit (Hwy 61E)
Go north on Hwy 52
Go west on State Rd 613
Go .7 mile
The grave marker is on the left, (only about 2.5 miles from I77). For so many years on my way down Laurel Creek to the BLE Engineer’s picnic at Sandy Ball’s, I must have passed right by the burial of my 5th great grandfather. I had no idea.