Category: Families

The Abijah Thomas Octagon House

February 10, 2025February 16, 2025 Admin No Comments

Abijah Thomas was born on May 21, 1814, in what was then Washington County, later part of Smyth County when it was formed in 1832. He was the son of Thomas Thomas and grandson of John Thomas. At the time of his birth, the United States was still in its infancy, with only 18 states in the union, James Madison serving as the 4th president, and the War of 1812 just concluded. That year also marked the establishment of Francis Cabot Lowell’s textile mill in Massachusetts, which would later inspire Abijah’s own textile operations in Southwest Virginia. Raised in a farming family, Abijah’s father and grandfather had worked the land, but the region was rapidly industrializing, embracing manpower, water power, and horse power. Abijah adapted to this change, becoming a manufacturer of iron, textiles, and leather goods. His father, Thomas Thomas, held several significant roles in the community, including Justice of Washington County in 1806, overseer of roads in 1819, and Sheriff of Washington County in 1831-32. He also carried the title of “Esquire,” reflecting his high social standing. In 1795, a land survey granted John Thomas 230 acres along the South Fork of the Holston River, where he established a grist mill and sawmill. This same land would later become the site of Holston Mills, one of Smyth County’s first industries, founded by Abijah around 1860. Abijah’s father married Freelove Cole, daughter of Joseph and Remember Cole, early settlers from New York. She is credited with naming Marion, the county seat, in honor of Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, during a conversation at the Thomas home in 1832 during a visit from a commissioner. Abijah grew up on the farm, learning traditional skills like hunting, fishing, blacksmithing, and tanning animal hides. He attended a private school in Wythe County, learning reading, writing, and arithmetic, and later became a skilled carpenter and surveyor. Notably, he was one of the few to subscribe to a newspaper, which he would read aloud to neighbors. Abijah also built the first threshing machine in Smyth County and operated several iron furnaces and Holston Mills. When Smyth County was formed in 1832, Thomas Thomas and William Porter, Abijah’s brother-in-law, became justices of the new county. Abijah married Priscilla Cavinette Scott in 1836 in a ceremony performed at her parents’ home by Reverend Robertson Gannaway. At 22, Abijah and his 16-year-old bride set up their first home in a log cabin on the Thomas farm, near the site of the later famous Octagon House. Abijah owned slaves, and Priscilla managed the household, training servants, educating children, and caring for the servants, providing for their well-being, including sewing clothes and supplying bedding, blankets and quilts as needed. In 1856-57, Abijah constructed the Octagon House, also known as Mountainview, a striking and unusual architectural feat in the region. Built with the help of skilled carpenters, brick masons, and slaves, the house was inspired by Orson Squire Fowler’s octagonal designs and was the only one of its kind in Southwest Virginia before the Civil War. The home featured innovative design elements like triangular spaces used for closets and custom-shaped corner bricks. Built on a 10×10 central beam, the home sat on limestone hauled from an unknown quarry, with materials crafted on-site. It boasted 17 rooms and an intricate roof structure to support shingles and metal coverings. The Octagon House reflected a national “octagon fad,” inspired by Fowler’s own 1853 construction in New York. Some suggested that Abijah chose the design to ward off wind or to avoid being trapped in a corner by the Devil, while others thought he believed in the octagon’s superior qualities. The house’s 16-foot thick walls rose 22 feet to the roofline, with 32 windows providing natural light. A porch ran along the three front sides, and a second-floor promenade deck was accessible from the second-floor doors. The interior had a spacious layout with 8 rooms on the first floor, including a parlor with pink marbleized plaster and a chandelier, a family room with built-in storage, and a winter kitchen. Upstairs, there were bedrooms, including the Thomas girls’ rooms, a master bedroom, and the infamous “dark room,” used for storage, not punishment as urban legends suggest. The Dark Room is located in the center of the 2nd floor of the Octagon House and therefore has no windows or natural light. It has been the subject of many a horrific tale and has become an urban legend over the years. This room measures 15’ 8” x 8’ 1” and was factually used for storage of food and other items in the Thomas house. Some information can be found in a 1940 writing of Priscilla C Thompson, Abijah’s daughter which reads: The dark room upstairs was used as a store room, a catch-all for cotton bats, patent office reports, Congress records, etc. When the door into the upstairs hall was open, the room was sufficiently light to find anything wanted. The idea of my father using this room as a jail to punish any one of the children is all a myth. Urban legends tell a more horrific story of a haunted “slave house” where the owner used the dark room to whip and punish slaves and also lock up his own children as punishment. The size of the room wouldn’t be adequate for this as well as the fact that it is located on the 2nd floor making it not readily accessible for these purposes. Furthermore, the dark stains on the floor said to be blood stains are factually food stains from canned food that broke or spoiled after bring stored there long after the civil war and abolishment of slavery. The white plaster walls do not reflect any such stains. Abijah Thomas was said to treat his servants well contrary to urban legend. Upon close examination of the brick in the Octagon house, you can find the remaining fingerprints of the slave children who formed the bricks that were used in…

Black History, Families, Holston Mills, Homes, Industry, Slavery, Thomas, Thomas Bridge

From Sugar Grove To The American Red Cross National Capital Region

December 21, 2024 Admin No Comments

Preface: This article will not be written by the editor of the site but rather its original author through the transcription of her original notes. The following comes to us from Janelle Hamric (1916-2022), a lifelong resident of Sugar Grove. Through her writings, we will now learn the full story of how Sugar Grove attained national recognition and played a notable role in the history of the country during WWI and then gained national recognition nearly one hundred years later. Donna (Hamm) Keesling’s Quilt 1918 “From the back roads of my mind…” Each Red Cross (small) joining the quilt represented a .10 cent donation. After the signing of “Armistice” on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month 1918, the war which began in 1914 was over. Mama embroidered a “Gold Star” on any name of a serviceman’s square who had been lost in action. When my grandparents F. Jackson and Emma (Phipps) Hamm decided to sell their property at auction, including the mill they built, now known as the Hamm Roberts Mill, and move to Rising Sun, MD, chances were sold on the quilt at mama’s request and proceeds added to the Quilt Fund. Aunt Lora Hutton, her sister, had the lucky number! She said “I would like to let it go to the highest bidder.” Grandfather bought the quilt and gave it to mama. Presently, I am the “Keeper” but it will be placed in the Smyth County Museum at a later date. Total amount collected for The Red Cross was $111.50 (In mama’s writing on the back of the quilt) The same buying power today would be $1868.65. My mother died at age 57 and we wondered what other things she could have done. She “loved her neighbors as herself” and was a dedicated Christian. I displayed the quilt for Elizabeth Church and the Ruritan Club November 4, 2013. Red Cross (Cont.) Mama thought the child who remained home the longest should have the quilt. My brother, Dean who lived in California had claim to the quilt. I kept it for several years and on his last visit here, I insisted he should take it with him. Two years ago, my brother realized his failing health and sent the quilt back to me UPS knowing it would find its rightful place in a museum. I am now the sole survivor of four siblings and “keeper” of the quilt. November 20. 2015 a letter was sent to Mrs. Hamric from the American Red Cross National Capital Region thanking her for her donation of her mother’s quilt. It went on to say “The quilt was on display at the Annual Salute to Service Gala in Washington DC. It served as the centerpiece in an exhibit celebrating the long history of support the American Red Cross has provided our men and women in the military. Over 700 guests were present for this event including US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter.” This letter further went on to say that given the historical importance and age of the quilt, a textile expert had been engaged from the Corcoran Gallery of Art to ensure proper preservation of this quilt. It also specified that it was believed that this quilt was part of a larger national fundraising effort for the war in 1918 and further research would be done for additional examples across the country. Sugar Grove’s Red Cross quilt serves as the centerpiece for this exhibit.

Communities, Families, Hamm, History, Keesling, Mill, Sugar Grove, Teas, WWI

The Smyth County Almshouse at Teas

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 Admin No Comments

In 1874, the Smyth County Board of Supervisors purchased 274 acres from John M. Williams in the Rye Valley. This land was purchased to create an almshouse or poor farm in this part of the county. The Sheriff was ordered to collect 18 3/4 cents from every taxable person for the support of the almshouse. The Smyth County Almshouse is established in 1874 near Teas, Virginia on present day Slabtown road. Mr. Will Keesling was listed as a superintendent of the poor house at one time and Mr. Samuel Wilkinson is listed as superintendent on the 1910 census and his wife, Jennie Wilkinson is listed as housekeeper. During the Civil War and following the war, most of the men had gone to serve and were either killed or returned home with injuries that left them unable to work. This was one basis of establishing these almshouses. The poorhouses population was more narrowly defined during the twentieth century when social welfare legislation such as workman’s compensation, unemployment, benefits and social security began to provide a rudimentary safety net for people who would previously have been pauperized by such circumstances. Eventually the poorhouses evolved almost exclusively into nursing homes for dependent elderly people . But poorhouses left orphanages, general hospitals and mental hospitals for which they had provided the prototype as their heritage system that such people in institutions would provide the opportunity to reform them and cure them of bad. habits and character defects that were assumed to be the cause of their poverty. This as they soon found out was not the case. Often the poorhouse was located on the grounds of a poor farm, on which able-bodied Residents were required to work, Such farms were common in the United States in the 19th and early 20th century. A poorhouse could even be part of the same economic complex as a prison farm. and other penal, or charitable public institutions. Poor farms were county or town run. Residences where paupers (mainly elderly and disabled people) who were supported at public expense. The farms declined in use after the Social Security Act took effect in 1935, with them disappearing completely by about 1950. Most were working farms that produced at least some of the produce, grain, and livestock they consumed. Residents were expected to provide labor to the extent their health would allow, both in the fields and in providing and housekeeping and care for other residents. Rules were strict and accommodations minimal. The photo at the top of this article was taken many years after the poorhouse closed. It met the basic needs of people who did not have anywhere else to turn. They were given a roof over their head , a bed for sleeping and three meals a day during the late 1800s and early 1900s. In 1910, a census document lists the following as Inmates at the poor farm at Teas: Robert Harris, 35 Bettie Harris, 30 Guess Colin, 89 Leander Walls, 83 Mary Hogston, 67 Dollie McGee, 46 Ivans Willard, 6 Neoma Ranels, 80 Maud Marshall, 52 Mary Losson, 41 Mary Pickle, 35 Corrill Crutchfield, 20 The poor farm was sold in 1914. By 1927, Smyth County had joined others in the establishment of a district home in Pulaski. During the days of the almshouse in Smyth County, there were reportedly about 1200 people who were dependent on the county. There were multiple poor farms around the county during this time. Special thanks to the research of Donald Harrington for some of the details of this article. Without his work and his family’s contribution to this article, we would not have a photo of the Poor Farm house or much of the information that has been presented here.

Cedar Springs, Communities, Families, History, Keesling, Poor Farm, Teas, Williams

The Life of Mary Pickle: Part 2

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 Admin No Comments

Introduction to Part 2 Mary Pickle lived in the Teas community for the majority of her life, yet little was known about her at the time the original article, The Life of Mary Pickle: From Smyth County Almshouse to Teas, Virginia, was published. The piece offered only a few facts and a photograph that did not reveal her face. Recently, however, additional details have emerged through newly found research conducted by Donald Harrington, which further illuminate her story. Jennie Shinault Williams Jennie Shinault Williams was born on August 22, 1855. Her husband, John Williams, was born on December 15, 1838, and passed away on November 22, 1910, ten years after Martha came to live with them. After his death, Jennie was left to support herself and Martha, the young girl whom John’s brother had entrusted to their care. The family resided in a large, two-story house near the river in Teas, Virginia. John Williams, a medical doctor who served in the Civil War, was injured by a bullet in his leg, which left him with a permanent limp. After her husband’s passing, Jennie needed a reliable source of income to cover living expenses, taxes, and the everyday necessities of life. A new industry had emerged in the community, bringing many workers in need of housing. With a large house and extra rooms available, Jennie decided to take in boarders and provide meals. This decision added to her workload, shared with Martha, but it was a practical way to sustain their household. As part of her efforts, Jennie approached the superintendent of the Smyth County Poorhouse to inquire about taking in a resident to help with the chores and farm work in exchange for their upkeep. The superintendent agreed, and three young people were sent to live with Jennie and Martha. One of these was a boy named Ed Godfrey. He stayed with the Williams family for a time before finding work at the nearby Extract plant. Later, Ed married Zenna Rector, a local girl, and moved to Northfork, West Virginia. He returned to visit Jennie on occasion and kept in touch through letters. Another young person who came to live with Jennie was Emma Osborn. She eventually married John Wilkerson, who ran a small country store about three miles from Sugar Grove, on Cedar Springs Road. Jennie married three times in her life. Her second husband was Alonzo Greear from Grant, Virginia, in Grayson County, and her third husband was Robert Young, from Troutdale. Throughout her three marriages, Mary Pickle remained a constant presence in Jennie’s household, either as a guest or as a helper. This explains her continued residence with Jennie, even as her family grew and changed. Mary stayed with Jennie until Jennie’s health began to decline, at which point they moved in with Martha, who was married and had her own family. Mary Pickle came to live with Jennie and Martha. She had a learning disability and was unable to support herself. She did not know her parents or where or when she was born. Mary was about 15 or 16 years old when she joined the Williams household. She was diligent about keeping the house clean, although she never learned to cook. She loved washing dishes and would gather eggs from the hen house in the afternoon. Mary also took the kitchen scraps to the hogs. One year, they had an unusually large hog, and Mary told the family that it was as big as a “hippo totus.” A willing worker, Mary did whatever was asked of her. Like many farm families, they kept milk cows, so it was necessary for someone to churn the sour cream into butter—a task Mary took on. Mary, like many women of the time, wore a bonnet and apron, both made by someone else. She was very particular about her bonnet and apron and insisted on wearing them all the time. Mary stayed with Jennie until Jennie’s health began to decline. By then, Martha had married Roy Griffitts and had a family of her own. Martha, however, could not turn away her old friend Mary. She welcomed her into her home, where Mary lived until her death. Although Mary never learned to read or write, she had a basic understanding of money and took great pride in the small amount she was given, often showing it off to others. However, she was not able to go to a store or make purchases on her own. Mary was a hardworking and pleasant person to be around. She helped with the family garden and contributed in many ways. She passed away in 1951 and was buried in the Teas Cemetery. Martha purchased a headstone and had it placed on her grave. The photo at the top of the article shows a younger Mary Pickle. This photo was contributed from those collected by Donald Harrington in his research. Additionally, much of the information in this article was transcribed from his original writings.

Communities, Families, Griffitts, Harrington, Poor Farm, Pugh, Stories, Teas, Williams

The Life of Mary Pickle: From Smyth County Almshouse to Teas, Virginia

November 14, 2024December 3, 2024 Admin No Comments

The Life of Mary Pickle: From Smyth County Almshouse to Teas, Virginia The story of Mary Pickle, a woman who lived much of her life in the care of others, is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who found themselves on the margins of society in the early20th century. Born in 1875, Mary’s life took a path shaped by circumstance, moving from household to household, and ultimately finding a final resting place in the small community of Teas, Virginia. Early Years and the Smyth County Almshouse Mary Pickle’s early years are shrouded in mystery. The precise date of her birth is unknown, and records of her parents are scant, leading some to believe she may have been an orphan. By 1900, at the age of 15, Mary was already contributing to a household as a “servant.” The U.S. Census for that year lists her as a servant in the home of Thomas Gardner in the Marion District, an indication that she was working to support herself at a young age. By 1910, Mary was 35 years old and found living in a very different setting—at the Smyth County Almshouse, also known as the Poor Farm. Located on Slabtown Road near the community of Teas, the almshouse was a place of refuge for those in need, providing food, shelter, and care to the poor, elderly, and infirm. The 1910 census records Mary as an “inmate” of the almshouse, indicating that she had fallen on hard times by this point in her life. It is also noted that she was single at the time, though little else is known about her personal circumstances. A New Life in Teas By 1940, when Mary was in her mid-60s, she had moved from the almshouse to the home of Martha Griffitts in Teas, Virginia, where she was listed as a “lodger” in the U.S. Census. According to a handwritten history by Lucille Kinkade, Mary lived with the Griffitts family for several years, likely providing domestic help in exchange for room and board. In fact, it was in this home that Mary would spend the final years of her life. Mary’s relationship with the Griffitts family was close, and by the time of her death in 1951, Martha Griffitts was listed as the informant on her death certificate. The certificate reveals that Mary had been suffering from a heart condition for several years before her passing. She died at the age of approximately 80, of a coronary, in the Griffitts household in Teas. Although Mary had never married and had no known children, she appears to have been a part of the Griffitts household in her later years, possibly acting as a housekeeper for Martha and her family. A Life Remembered Mary Pickle was buried in the Pugh Cemetery in Teas, Virginia, a small resting place in the rural community where she spent her final years. Despite her years of service to others and the hardship she endured, Mary’s life is remembered as one of quiet resilience, marked by the kindness of those who took her in. The exact details of Mary Pickle’s early life remain unclear—her parentage is unknown, and there are no surviving records of her childhood or family. However, the records that do exist offer a glimpse into the life of a woman who navigated difficult circumstances with an enduring strength. From her time at the Smyth County Almshouse to her years as a lodger in Teas, Mary’s story is emblematic of the many forgotten lives that shaped the fabric of rural Virginia during a time of great social and economic change. Mary Pickle’s death in 1951 marks the end of a chapter in the history of the Smyth County Almshouse and the community of Teas, Virginia—a community where, even in times of need, the bonds of family and neighborly care could offer a semblance of comfort and home. Her life, though humble and filled with hardship, remains an important part of the local history, a reminder of the forgotten stories of those who lived in the shadows of larger societal narratives. Read Part 2 Here

Communities, Families, Griffitts, Poor Farm, Pugh, Stories, Teas

History of the Dickeys Knob Fire Tower

September 27, 2024September 27, 2024 Admin No Comments

The Dickeys Knob lookout tower was built in the early 1930s. The exact date is unknown. A USGS marker is located on top of the mountain not far from the location of the lookout tower. 1934 has been said to be the year of the construction because a 1934 penny was embedded in the wet cement of the marker. Later, vandals chiseled it out. Seasonally, during Spring before the trees leafed out and Fall when lots of dry vegetation was on the ground were the times that guardians/fire watchers were employed to man the fire towers. They used a device that was rather modern for the time called an Osborn Fire Finder. This was used to determine the location of the fire so it could then be pinpointed on a map and reported. Reports were made to dispatchers using short wave radios or telephones that were maintained by the US Forest Service for this purpose. A report was needed from 3 total lookout towers to pinpoint coordinates on a map of a fire location. This all took place before fire crews were summoned. To use an Osborn Fire Finder, you needed to look through the sights similar to sights on a rifle, line it up with the base of the fire and a peephole in the rear sight. Once the hair is properly aligned, you can then take the horizontal reading in degrees and minutes. After that, you obtain the vertical angle reading by using the measurement on the sliding metal piece on the rear sight and estimate the miles between the tower and the sight of the smoke using the metal tape on the device. Check the map which is calibrated to my tower’s location and affixed to the fire finder to pinpoint the area of a fire very closely. This fire finder was designed by W. B. Osborne, a US Forest Service employee in 1915. Parts for this device have not been produced since 1975 making them very scarce. There are also no casting patterns or production drawings. Guardians, or lookouts lead a very quiet and often lonely existence in the lookout towers. Sometimes people would climb the mountain to visit or bring supplies, food or water. During fire season, sleep was interrupted every hour on the hour during the night to scan the horizon for a glow of fire. Sometimes Steam from moonshine stills back in the mountains could be seen from the lookout towers but the fire watchers knew better than to report this due to the isolated nature of their work and reasonable possibility of severe retaliation from the moonshiners. The tower on Dickeys Knob was 50 feet tall and had an interior space of 12×12 enclosed at the top. There was a catwalk all the way around the top of the tower on the exterior. Generally, October 15-December 15 and February 15- June 15 is considered “fire season” by the US Forest Service in our area which is known as the Holston District of the Jefferson National Forest. During the time of these operations, Charlie Harrington, a Sugar Grove native, and 4 other men in this district, would make the fire towers their homes where they would live, eat, sleep and keep lookout for forest fires. If someone seen smoke, they used the Osborne Fire Finder to get a coordinate/location then made contact with other towers in the area to have them do the same. With a total of 3 coordinates, the location would be pinpointed on a map and a fire would be reported to the ranger or assistant ranger on duty who would be on their way to the location with a fire crew. The Osborne Fire Finder was similar to a large compass laid overtop a map of the area. Two other towers were needed to provide coordinates to map an exact location. At this time, the US Forest Service had their own telephones and lines that they maintained. Workers were required to have a phone at their home and were assigned a specific number of rings such as 2 longs and 1 short. These phones were wall mounted crank phones. There were very few phones in Sugar Grove at this time. The public phone system during this period was called Inter-Mountain Telephone Company. The fire tower was equipped with a small wood stove for heat and cooking. There was also a 1 man bed, some cabinets for storage and cooking utensils. Among these were a few porcelain pots and pans which were widely used during this era. The tower had unobstructed glass windows all around for a full 360 degree view of the forest. The tower had no electricity or running water. Perishables could be hung underneath the tower on the north side to keep items cool. With the elevation, there would often be a nice breeze flowing and the north side provided shade from sun. There were no restroom facilities except for a small brown building at the base of the tower a little ways off to the side which was an outhouse. The fire tower was a popular place to visit in the 1930s and 1940s. At that time, it was possible to drive a car up to the tower or walk up the mountain trail. On the east side, there is a rock cliff with a drop some 30 feet straight down. After the tower was a torn down, a hiking trail was built from the nearby Raccoon campground. This trail goes past the cliff and then to the top of the mountain. Charles Harrington kept a guest log that Donald Harrington, his son, made available in his book*. The tower had lots of visitors who signed the log book. Sometimes they were from other states. When visitors came to the tower, Mr. Harrington gave them a “Squirrel Card” that featured a picture of the lookout tower and bore the emblem of the US Forest Service. It read “This Certifies that ______On…

Communities, Dickey, Harrington, Industry, Railroad, Sugar Grove

Biography Of William Dickey

September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 Admin No Comments

William Dickey was born on October 18, 1823. He was the son of Col. James Dickey and his first wife, Elizabeth Bourne Dickey. In the late 1840s, he married Martha Hale, with whom he had at least two daughters and one son. Dickey owned nearly 300 acres of land near the courthouse in Independence and was recognized as a farmer both before and after the Civil War. In 1851, he also worked as the clerk of court at the Grayson county courthouse. It is believed that he stayed at home to manage his farm during the Civil War. In July 1866, Dickey petitioned the governor to commute the death sentence of an African American to life imprisonment, arguing that the trial was unfair due to the prejudices of some civil officers in the county court. On October 22, 1867, Dickey was elected, along with one other individual, to represent Carroll, Floyd, and Grayson counties at the state constitutional convention held from December 3, 1867, to April 17, 1868. Preliminary election returns suggest he garnered significant support from African American voters, who were casting ballots for the first time. Dickey served as the ranking member of the Committee on Taxation and Finance, but there are no recorded debates that feature his speeches. Although he was sympathetic to the new Republican Party, he often aligned with Conservative positions during roll-call votes. In 1868, Dickey sold land to establish an African American school in Independence and received $30 for repairs in the following year. He also served on the county board of education during the early years of the school system. Dickey was an active member of the Grayson County Republican Party during the 1870s and 1880s. He helped establish the Grayson Journal, a Republican newspaper in Independence, and, with several partners, acquired and transformed the Grayson Clipper into another Republican Party publication. He served as deputy collector of internal revenue under President Ulysses S. Grant and as postmaster of Independence from July 1889 to April 1893, during President Benjamin Harrison’s administration. During the 1880s, In early 1876, he formed a partnership to open a mine in the county, but his business and financial records, as well as his personal history, remain inadequately documented. William Dickey owned massive amounts of land and this extended into Smyth County where Dickey’s Knob is named after him. Dickey’s Knob holds some of our community history as well and has been the home to a Fire Tower in the 1930s and presently provides a recreational hiking trail that rises to 2750-3650 feet where you can overlook Sugar Grove and enjoy the views. By the end of the century, Dickey and his wife had moved into the home of one of their married daughters in Independence. Dickey passed away on January 28, 1903, and was buried in the Independence town cemetery. *Note: We currently do not have a photo of William Dickey–if you have one, we would love to include it with this article.

Black History, Communities, Dickey, Education, Families, Sugar Grove

The Connection Between The Morgan Cemetery and Ridgelawn Cemetery

September 11, 2024September 14, 2024 Admin 3 Comments

In the charming community of Teas, a very old and historic cemetery stands quietly on a hilltop, enveloped by the tranquil beauty of farmland and lush pastures. It silently surveys the small community from its elevated perch. If you’re not from the area, you might not even notice it, as it’s nestled away from the usual routes and seldom frequented these days. For those who know where to look, the taller gravestones rise against the distant horizon, meeting the skyline. Nestled off the beaten path, Morgan Cemetery is a hidden gem, albeit somewhat challenging, location for those who wish to pay their respects. The cemetery, with its tranquil setting, might escape the notice of those who aren’t specifically searching for it. Yet, it holds a wealth of local history, serving as a final resting place for many early Teas, Sugar Grove and Rye Valley residents, including several members of the Calhoun family. (Article about the Morgan Cemetery coming soon.) Morgan Cemetery’s seclusion adds to its charm but also presents practical challenges. Its inaccessibility makes it a place that requires intention and effort to visit, which perhaps contributes to the depth of its historical significance for those who do make the journey. You can hike up the hill but beware of the bull. The best way up is a 4 wheel drive with the permission of the farmer. As the communities of Teas and Sugar Grove grew, so did the need for a more accessible cemetery. Enter Ridgelawn Cemetery—a project that came to fruition with the purchase of land from one of the Calhoun brothers, either Emory or Ellis (I’m not sure which at this time but will update when I get that information). This acquisition marked a significant shift, not just in terms of land ownership but in how the community would manage its historical and memorial locations. This new location provided much easier access to the burial sites of loved ones. This purchase took place sometime in the 50s along with the building of the new Wharf Hill UMC building. There was a little known fact about the transaction of this land. It contained a small separate parcel located in the top corner where the Calhouns would make a family cemetery of their own which would later become part of Ridgelawn Cemetery. It is within this general area that our story focuses. Several graves in this area of the cemetery are of notable interest, including those of James Thompson Calhoun, , and George Washington Calhoun. These graves were originally part of the Morgan Cemetery before being relocated to Ridgelawn Cemetery by one of the Calhoun brothers for easier access and maintenance. As Ridgelawn Cemetery was established in the1950s, this section was incorporated into the larger cemetery and is now managed by Wharf Hill UMC. We have found death certificates for two of the relocated individuals that list their original interments as “Teas” and “Morgan.” Unfortunately, we were unable to locate information for the third grave. The gravestones, many of which are from the early 20th century, stand as poignant reminders of a bygone era. They bridge the gap between Morgan Cemetery’s historical significance and Ridgelawn Cemetery’s modern role. For visitors, this family plot at Ridgelawn offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the passage of time and the ways in which communities adapt while maintaining their historical roots. As you visit Ridgelawn Cemetery and stand before the Calhoun family plot, it’s important to consider the journey these stones have made. From the secluded, picturesque Morgan Cemetery atop the hill to their new home in a more accessible location, these gravestones serve as a physical manifestation of the family’s enduring presence and the community’s commitment to preserving its history. These stones are among the oldest in the Ridgelawn Cemetery. While Morgan Cemetery may be difficult to access, its hidden nature adds to its mystique and historical charm. It stands as a testament to the past, reflecting an earlier chapter of community history. Ridgelawn Cemetery, with its modern amenities and enhanced accessibility, offers a space where history and the present intersect, ensuring that all residents are honored and memorialized. In navigating these spaces, we connect with the stories and lives of those who came before us, bridging eras and maintaining a continuity that enriches our understanding of both local history and the evolving landscape of community memory. Cemeteries are a very important part of local histories across the planet and can serve as information sources for many purposes. With this in mine, I was thrilled to find out that Elizabeth UMC recently took on care of the Morgan Cemetery which will most assuredly preserve it for many generations to come. If you would like to see the Morgan Cemetery on the horizon, stand with your back facing the mill and look straight across the way up on the ridge in the distance. You should see the tall Williams stone and a few others against the sky. (The Williams stone is the tall one on the left side of the featured image. ) Nancy Calhoun Contributed the following on this post: I understand that my great uncle, Ellis Calhoun, was instrumental in establishing Ridgelawn and in moving family graves. My grandfather, Emory Calhoun, was the oldest Calhoun brother in the family of James Thompson “Thomp” and Sarah Elizabeth “Sally” Blankenbeckler Calhoun. He moved to Oklahoma in 1909 with his wife, Sarah Cathrine “Kate” Scott and their newborn son, Howard Calhoun. He made yearly visits “home” and stayed involved in various matters, including church. My great uncle, Ted Calhoun, gave us a tour of the new cemetery when we visited in the 60s. He related how a younger brother died young and had a coffin with a glass top. When it was dug up for the move, a perfect little soldier was visible under the glass since he had been buried in a military uniform. As they watch, he turned to dust and disappeared. Calhoun Grave Marker which was relocated Death Certificate.,…

Calhoun, Cemeteries, Churches, Communities, Elizabeth UMC, Families, History, Methodist, Morgan, Mysteries, Ridgelawn, Stories, Sugar Grove, Teas, Uncategorized, Wharf Hill

Thompson & Susanna James

June 29, 2024June 29, 2024 Admin

When Thompson B James was born on 9 July 1813, in Wythe, Virginia, United States, his father, Ezekiel James, was 36 and his mother, Frances Baker James, was 21. He married Susanah Jolly Porter on 20 September 1836, in Smyth, Virginia, United States. They were the parents of at least 3 sons and 5 daughters. He lived in Smyth County in 1850. He died on 24 December 1853, at the age of 40, and was buried in Sugar Grove, Virginia. Susannah Jolly Porter James was born on May 14, 1820 to William Porter and Mary Thomas in Wythe County. She married Thompson James at the age of 16 on September 16, 1836. Thompson James was 23 at the time of their marriage. They were married for approximately 17 years until his death in 1853 from Tuberculosis. During their marriage, they had 8 children. Mary, Francis, William, Louisa, America, James, Oscar and Susannah. Thompson was the son of Ezekiel James and Frances Baker. Susannah’s uncle on her mother’s side of the family was none other than Abijah Thomas. In 1862, Susannah married widower William James. He had 3 young children from his prior marriage in the home who are mentioned on census records. Thompson and Susannah James’ burial location was discovered and identified recently (7/22) in Sugar Grove located in what is now listed as the “Thompson James Family Cemetery” with two stones still standing that are readable. It was previously thought that Susannah was buried beside her 2nd husband at Blue Springs until her burial location was discovered. It is evident that there are several other unmarked graves near those of Thompson and Susannah James. 3 of them may account for their children who died before reaching adulthood. Others could be those of slaves and their children or potentially a Native American who remains unidentified but was said to live with their family. The cemetery is undocumented in Smyth County except for being annotated on old plats as “Private Cemetery” or “Cemetery” as provided by records located at the courthouse. It covers approximately a 30×30 area in the middle of a larger 22 acre field and is not readily visible from any of the 3 roads that surround this field. It has gone largely unknown. It is known that the Boy Scouts cleaned it up sometime in the 90s under the direction of Tommy Miller. Per his input, there were in fact more than two stones standing at that time, they were photographed, documented and mapped with good intentions. That information cannot be located at this time but would be wonderful to have for further research on this pioneer family of Sugar Grove. If you were one of those who cleaned it up in the 90s and have photos or any other information to share, please use our contact form. We would love for you to reach out!

Black History, Cemeteries, Families, James, Native American, Porter, Slavery, Thomas, Thompson James Cemetery

Undocumented and Forgotten: The Thompson James Family Cemetery

May 3, 2024June 22, 2024 Admin

Unveiling the Mysteries: The Hidden Legacy of the Thompson James Family Cemetery Situated discreetly within the serene landscape of Sugar Grove, Smyth County, Virginia, lies an enigmatic relic of bygone eras – the Thompson James Family Cemetery. Despite its historical significance, this sacred site has languished in obscurity for well over a century, its existence known to few save those who stumble upon its quiet repose just off Red Bud Lane. Intriguingly, the coordinates 36.781699736426575, -81.40864265128751, when entered into the digital realm of Google Maps, serve as a gateway to this clandestine enclave, inviting intrepid souls to traverse the threshold of time and uncover its long-forgotten secrets. At the heart of this secluded sanctuary stand the weathered markers of Thompson and Susannah, steadfast sentinels bearing silent witness to the passage of nearly 170 years. Their enduring presence serves as a poignant reminder of a familial legacy etched into the very fabric of this hallowed ground. Yet, beyond the stoic guardianship of Thompson and Susannah lie untold tales of sorrow and loss. Two young souls, offspring of the James lineage, are also thought to have found their final resting place within these sacred precincts, their names unmarked but their memory preserved within the whispers of the wind. Susannah Columbia James, age 1 and America Adaline James, age 3. Intriguingly, the shadows of Willaim and Elizabeth James loom over the cemetery’s narrative, their earthly abodes shrouded in mystery and not entirely known, yet their presence palpable. While the lack of any known physical markers obscures their potential resting places, fragments of their story emerge through the annals of time, hinting at lives lived and loves cherished. They were included here until further information is available. Susannah Porter-James, once thought to have found eternal repose beside her second husband in the Blue Springs Cemetery, finds her true resting place amidst the tranquility of Sugar Grove. This revelation serves as a poignant reminder of the fluidity of history, where the sands of time often obscure rather than reveal. In the tapestry of memory, the early 1990s emerge as a beacon of remembrance, as Tommy Miller and the Boy Scouts undertake a noble endeavor to restore dignity to the forgotten graves. Through their tireless efforts, the cemetery is cleared of neglect, its sacred precincts documented and its weathered fence lovingly restored. Though Tommy’s earthly journey concluded on December 20, 2022, his legacy endures as a testament to the enduring power of community and remembrance. Despite the valiant efforts of those touched by its silent allure, the Thompson James Family Cemetery remains a ghostly specter in the eyes of official record-keeping. Neither the Virginia Department of Historic Resources nor the Smyth County archives bear mention of its existence, leaving it to linger in the shadows of historical oversight. Amidst the somber silence of the Thompson James Family Cemetery, there exists the haunting possibility of unmarked graves, bearing witness to the untold stories of enslaved individuals who may have toiled upon these lands. Additionally, whispers of a teenage Indigenous boy, rumored to have found solace within the James household, add further layers of intrigue to this enigmatic narrative, his final resting place thought to also be located in their family cemetery. Moreover, it’s imperative to note that the Thompson James Family Cemetery stands distinct from the James cemetery adjacent to Sugar Grove School on Teas Road. Though both bear testament to the interconnected web of familial ties woven by Thompson and Susannah, they each possess their own unique stories waiting to be unveiled. As we endeavor to peel back the layers of time, it becomes increasingly evident that the preservation of the Thompson James Family Cemetery is not merely a matter of historical curiosity but a solemn duty to honor the memory of those who have gone before us. With roots extending back to the tumultuous era of the Civil War, this sacred ground serves as a tangible link to our collective past, deserving of reverence and protection for generations yet to come. As we stand at the threshold of rediscovery, let us heed the silent call of this forgotten sanctuary, where the echoes of generations past reverberate through the corridors of time. In unveiling the mysteries of the Thompson James Family Cemetery, we pay homage to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of those who rest beneath the hallowed embrace of Sugar Grove’s mountains.

Black History, Cemeteries, Families, Genaology, James, Native American, Porter, Slavery, Stories, Sugar Grove, Thomas, Thompson James Cemetery