Tag: Sugar Grove

Moonshine Still In Sugar Grove

November 11, 2024November 11, 2024 Admin 1 Comment

In the stillness of the early morning on January 16, 1952, the quiet woods five miles outside Sugar Grove, Virginia, held a secret that was about to be unearthed. Just off the bustling State Route 16, a clandestine operation was brewing, its presence masked by the thick trees and the soft sounds of nature. As dawn broke, law enforcement officials gathered with a palpable sense of urgency. ABC Investigator D.J. Davidson from Bristol, Smyth County Sheriff Pat Jennings, and Saltville Police Chief Frank Cox stood ready, their breath visible in the frosty air. They had been monitoring the moonshine still since its discovery two days earlier, hoping the elusive owner would show up to tend the operation. But as they prepared to move in at 7 AM, it became clear that their quarry would not be appearing. What lay hidden in the woods was no ordinary setup. The still—a formidable 500-gallon creation of local ingenuity—boasted four fermenting boxes, each filled to the brim with bubbling mash, and two thumping kegs that echoed with the promise of illicit spirits. A pipeline snaked from a nearby spring, ensuring a steady supply of pure mountain water, making this operation as bold as it was intricate, located a mere 200 yards from the highway. With a thunderous blast of dynamite, the team dismantled the still, sending smoke spiraling into the crisp morning sky. Investigator Davidson estimated that the value of the operation, including the 600 gallons of mash that met its end that day, was around $1,200. Though no arrests were made, the raid sent a resounding message through the serene woods: the fight against illegal distilling in Smyth County was far from over, and the law was ready to reclaim its ground. As the sun climbed higher, illuminating the remnants of the operation, a sense of mystery hung in the air. Despite the successful raid and the destruction of the still, the identity of its owner remained shrouded in secrecy. No one came forward, no leads materialized, and the investigation gradually faded into the background of daily life in Smyth County. In the days and weeks that followed, whispers spread through Sugar Grove and beyond, tales of the bold moonshiner who had dared to set up so close to the highway. Some speculated that the owner was a local figure, well-known but careful to keep their distilling escapades hidden. Others believed it might have been an outsider, someone who slipped into the woods under the cover of darkness. Yet, despite the law’s best efforts, no charges were ever filed. The elusive figure remained a ghost in the community, a testament to the age-old dance between law and those who operated just beyond its reach. The woods, once filled with the promise of illicit spirits, returned to their quietude, but the legend of the moonshine still lived on—a tantalizing mystery that would forever linger in the hearts of those who dared to imagine the life of the unseen distiller. Do you have a moonshine or bootlegging story that people might like to read about? Send it in using the form on the contact page! You can remain anonymous if you like.

Communities, Industry, Moonshiners & Bootleggers, Mysteries, Sugar Grove

Reverend Roy Redding: A Missionary’s Journey Through Southwest Virginia

November 5, 2024November 5, 2024 Admin 2 Comments

Roy Warren Redding was born on October 12, 1900, in Franklin County, Kentucky, the youngest of six children to Jake and Linda Lyman Redding. He spent his childhood in the small community of Switzer, located just north of Frankfort. It was here, at the age of 11, that he preached his first sermon at the Rocky Branch School, a one-room schoolhouse that he attended. Despite the six-mile walk to school, it became a sacred place for Roy, especially on rainy days when he would baptize converts and preach on the schoolhouse floor. At age 12, Roy experienced a pivotal moment in his faith when he accepted an invitation to follow Christ. “I had to borrow two dollars and fifty cents from my brother, Charlie, to buy clothes for my baptism,” Roy recalled. “I paid him back by selling rabbits at 10 cents a piece.” A deep, burning desire to become a missionary took root in his heart, and each evening, he would pray alone in the back of the barn, asking God to show him His will. He ordered two sermon books from Sears, thinking he might leave home to become a minister without anyone knowing. But God had other plans. His pastor, Dr. Charles Stevens, soon approached him with the very question Roy had been waiting for: “Do you feel called to the ministry?” With a joyful “yes,” Roy was introduced to Bible schools that would help him further his calling. Though Dr. Stevens offered him $25 to get started, Roy refused and instead borrowed $75 from a friend. Tying a rope around an old suitcase, he walked 15 miles to the railroad station, singing “Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone” as he went. Roy traveled 150 miles by train to attend his chosen school and worked as a church caretaker for $25 a month. During his studies, a missionary from the American Sunday School Union spoke to students about mission work, inspiring Roy to apply for a position. He was accepted and assigned to Southwest Virginia, where he would spend the next several decades of his life. Roy’s missionary work spanned several counties in Southwest Virginia, including Smyth, Grayson, Lee, Tazewell, and many more. He conducted over 1,150 Bible schools and organized summer Bible camps in three counties. His travels often took him to remote, underserved communities, such as Groseclose, where he walked 15 miles to assess the area. A local man warned him, “You’ll never come out of that place alive—the bootleggers will think you’re a detective.” Undeterred, Roy organized his first Sunday School in Groseclose, and with the help of his friend, Reverend C. H. Atwell, who donated land, a church was established there. Throughout his years of service, Roy encountered numerous challenges and memorable experiences. On one occasion, he and his wife became stranded on a muddy road while traveling to an evening service. With no money, Roy borrowed a logging chain from a nearby farmhouse, leaving his wife as collateral. Despite the difficulties, they managed to get their car unstuck, though they arrived at their destination only at 4 a.m., covered in mud and soaked through. (Photo near the Odd Fellows Hall in Sugar Grove, VA, Roy and Nell Redding.) Roy’s missionary work took him across Southwest Virginia, logging more than a million miles. Over his lifetime, he conducted over 2,500 funerals and officiated at 1,500 weddings. Despite threats from moonshiners and other challenges, Roy remained committed to his calling. One former Smyth County sheriff, Sam Dillard, said that after one of Roy’s revivals in 1937, the impact on local moonshine activity was greater than all law enforcement efforts over the previous 20 years. Roy married Nell Rouse in 1932, but tragically, she passed away from leukemia in 1974. In 1975, at the age of 75, Roy remarried to Margie Barker, and they moved to Washington County. Roy continued his ministry until his passing on January 28, 1992, at the age of 91. He was buried in Riverside Cemetery in Marion, Virginia. Margie, his second wife, passed away in 1993. (Roy and 2nd Wife Margie Redding, photo at left. Photo from Valley View Baptist Church Collection) Roy Warren Redding’s life is a testament to dedication, faith, and the power of one person’s commitment to spreading the Gospel. His legacy of service in the mountains of Virginia continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. *Source: Valley View Baptist Church History & Virginia Dare Baker Photo Collection

Adwolfe, Baptist, Churches, Communities, Methodist, Moonshiners & Bootleggers, Quebec, Valley View Baptist Church

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

The Big 1955 Flood

August 14, 2024August 14, 2024 Admin No Comments

In March 1955, several consecutive issues of the Smyth County News reported on a significant weather event that caused severe flooding across Smyth County. Both Sugar Grove and Marion experienced substantial flooding, which was covered in different newspaper issues. In Sugar Grove, the flooding resulted in part from the failure of two settling bin dams associated with a manganese mining operation in Rye Valley. According to the paper, the bins were used in connection with this mining operation, located about 2 miles from the Sugar Grove Water Company’s springs and reservoir. The dam failure left Sugar Grove residents without water from Friday to Sunday, flooding the company’s water sources. In Marion, a subsequent article in the Smyth County News provided a more detailed account of the flooding. It reported that heavy rains over several weeks led to the reemergence of Keller’s Pond on Park Boulevard, which had been a local landmark. The flooding caused around 3 feet of water to cover the road and a significant portion of the parking area at the drive-in theater, halting its operations. The new lake, dubbed “Hungry Father Lake” by local children, became a notable feature of the event. Town engineer Tom Ritter worked tirelessly to remove the floodwater and reopen the heavily traveled Route 16. Traffic was redirected through Staley, Rhea, and Wassona Park while the town deployed two 500-gallon-per-minute pumps to manage the situation. Initially, water was pumped into a sinkhole near the original lake, but officials later redirected the flow to Staley Street after complaints of water entering residents’ basements. The ditch along Route 11 proved too small to handle the volume. The pumping operation cost the town approximately $50 per day, equivalent to around $600 per day in 2024. Ritter noted that draining the lake, which formed naturally from runoff from Radio Hill and Wassona Park, was impossible. Plans were made to survey and raise the road level once the water was removed. Longtime residents recall the lake as a persistent feature, with Crockett Gwyn, who moved to Marion in January 1914, noting that it was as large then as it is now. Given the scale of the flooding in Marion, it’s likely that Sugar Grove and surrounding areas experienced similar, though less-publicized, impacts. Residents who remember the event confirm that the water in Sugar Grove reached about 3 feet in some places. Jack Taylor, a local who was a child at the time, recalls the water reaching over the porch of my grandfather’s house on Teas Road (The Sherman Combs, Sr. House) where the porch is in fact about 3 feet from the ground. Photographs from a similar flood in the 1970s show comparable inundation in the area, with boat rescues needed to evacuate people trapped in their homes. The manganese mining operation was situated between Sugar Grove and the current Pat Jennings Visitor Center, with the ridge between them standing approximately 3,400 feet in elevation. ———– Sources: Smyth County News & Marion Democrat March 1955 Jack Taylor 1899 Smyth County Map, Chas R. Boyd, Geologist David Rutherford

Communities, Lead Mines, Sugar Grove, Teas

Exploring Paranormal Phenomena: Hauntings at Sugar Grove School

June 29, 2024 Admin No Comments

The intersection of history and the supernatural often provides fertile ground for exploration. In this study, we delve into the mysterious occurrences surrounding Sugar Grove School, particularly the purported presence of a spectral entity known colloquially as the “little ghost girl.” Focusing on the adjacent James Family Cemetery, dating back to 1834, we aim to investigate potential links between historical events and contemporary paranormal experiences. Historical Context of the James Family Cemetery: The James Family Cemetery, situated adjacent to Sugar Grove School, serves as a poignant testament to bygone eras. Dating back to 1834, with the most recent burial recorded in 1956, its significance extends beyond mere gravestones. Following a period of neglect, recent efforts have been made to maintain the cemetery, although numerous markers, some exceeding 120 years in age, exhibit signs of deterioration or have disappeared altogether. Notable Graves and Their Relevance to Paranormal Activity: Of particular interest within the James Family Cemetery are the graves of three siblings: Alice M. James (September 20, 1871 – October 10, 1880, aged 9), Cornelia R. James (August 28, 1875 – October 18, 1880, aged 5), and Willie W. James (November 29, 1877 – October 28, 1880, aged 2). Tragically succumbing to diphtheria within a span of weeks, their untimely demise has become a point for speculation regarding potential paranormal manifestations. Correlation with Reported Paranormal Activity: Anecdotal evidence suggests a correlation between the presence of the “little ghost girl” and the historical context provided by the James siblings’ graves. Descriptions of the apparition’s attire and behavior align closely with the known physical attributes and circumstances of Alice and Cornelia James. Furthermore, instances of the ghostly figure humming “Ring Around The Rosie,” a song contemporaneous with the siblings’ era, lend credence to the hypothesis of a connection. Discussion: The observed paranormal phenomena at Sugar Grove School, particularly manifestations attributed to the “little ghost girl,” prompt speculation regarding the nature of hauntings in relation to historical events. While many occurrences align with characteristics of residual hauntings, indicating echoes of past events, select accounts suggest a more active presence. The absence of definitive evidence regarding the school’s previous land usage, prior to its establishment in 1935, adds layers of complexity to this investigation. Conclusion: In light of the evidence presented, the James Family Cemetery emerges as a pivotal locus for exploring the intersection of history and the paranormal at Sugar Grove School. Further interdisciplinary research, integrating historical archives and paranormal investigations, holds the potential to shed light on the enigmatic phenomena permeating the school’s vicinity.

Cemeteries, James Cemetery, Mysteries, Stories, Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove School

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

Brunswick: A Cemetery Relocated

April 30, 2024September 21, 2024 Admin

Originally home to several families and bordered by the Cress and Nelson cemeteries, the property on Old Brunswick Road underwent a significant transformation in the late 1950s or early 1960s. The land was sold to the government for the construction of a munitions plant. Upon completion in the 1960s, the plant spanned a few hundred acres and comprised 47 original buildings. It was then known as Brunswick. Nestled within the rolling landscape of that expansive property was a hidden cemetery, known only to a select few. Unlike the nearby Nelson or Cress cemeteries, this resting place, with its handful of graves, held its own mysterious history. It had been the elusive third cemetery, discreetly relocated by Brunswick Corporation before the construction of the facility. Only a few living family members of those who were buried there knew about the relocation. It was not talked about or discussed publicly due to fears of negative publicity for Brunswick. Iris Barker gave one such account of an aunt and brother whose graves were relocated to the Ridgelawn Cemetery in 2020 prior to her passing in 2022. Her brother, John W. Pafford, Jr. who died at 1 day old in 1950 and an aunt, who died at the age of 3 in 1924. An obituary for Mary Frances Pafford was found along with a death certificate however, the death certificate does not list a burial location. The obituary only specifies “…On Sunday Morning, the little body was carried by loving hands to the Methodist Church and there, after a short but comforting service by Reverend Robert Ingraham, the body was taken to God’s Acre…” It is not known if “God’s Acre” may have been a general reference to a burial or an actual name given to this small cemetery that was situated somewhere on the Brunswick property. No death certificate was found for the other infant who was relocated to Ridgelawn Cemetery. Reverend Robert Ingraham was not mentioned in the history of either Wharf Hill or Elizabeth UMC and it is unknown whether he was a visiting pastor of a community church or otherwise. The Cress and Nelson Cemeteries are both sizeable with one containing 60 interments and the other 20. These cemeteries date back to the 1880s respectively. It is unknown at this time the total number of interments that were relocated to other area cemeteries. Some have mentioned a Haulsee cemetery that seems to have been near the area but we are unsure if this contained the graves that Brunswick relocated. If you have further information on relocated graves associated with Brunswick throughout Sugar Grove, please contact us with the information. We would love to add it.

Brunswick, Cemeteries, Communities, Cress, Families, History, Industry, Methodist, Nelson, Nelson, Pafford, Ridgelawn, Stories, Sugar Grove

A History: Wharf Hill UMC

April 30, 2024March 27, 2025 Admin

Methodist church meetings in Sugar Grove date back as early as 1843 as documented in a 1993 history of Wharf Hill UMC. Originally Sugar Grove did not have a Baptist and Methodist church. The congregations met under one roof in a log church. The location of this church is not entirely clear. One source cited by Goodridge Wilson states that the church was located near Roberts Mill and is described as an “old log union church” that was moved to Sugar Grove. Another source, from 1993 on the History of Wharf Hill UMC states that a log church stood on a hill near the present day Sugar Grove Baptist Church. Community elder, Jack Taylor clarified that the old building was likely located about 100 yards east of Sugar Grove Baptist Church on what is presently Maple Leaf Park and tells about the excavation that was taking place when the ball field was being graded at the school adjacent to the church. He recalled that work stopped abruptly after something was hit and uncovered that could have been an old cemetery. It was instead determined that this was the remaining foundation of the old church. This location coincides with the church history which describes a church located on a hill on land either owned or given by James Ward. At some point, there was a church disagreement which resulted in the Methodists and Baptists having their own individual places of worship in Sugar Grove. At the time this came about, Jacob and Alpha Whisman donated a tract of land to Stephen Keesling, James Ward, William R. Buchanan, Alexander Pierce, and James A. Scott who were later named Trustees of the Methodist Church. At one time, this land had the geographical appearance of a wharf and a hill and then became known as Wharf Hill. At some point, the church site and surrounding area served was known as the Wharf Hill School District. When the church was erected on this land, it was then known as Wharf Hill Methodist Episcopal Church, South. This building was constructed of lumber hewn from the local forests nearby and stood on a limestone foundation. The church membership was made up of some of Sugar Grove’s early settlers and their families. For nearly 50 years, this building served the community. During this time, there were lots of changes to land, boundaries, roads, and the relocations of roads in the area. This caused a need for the church to be relocated. In 1905, the original piece of land and $50 cash were traded to T.M. Hutton and his wife for a lot located on the north side of the newly located road and about one-eighth of a mile northwest of the old church building. On this new lot, the church members built a slightly larger church that had plastered walls, stained glass windows and a bell. Much of the lumber from the old building was repurposed and used in the construction of this new building. It was dedicated early in the summer of 1906, under the Reverend Thomas S. Hamilton. Several changes were taking place in Sugar Grove and the surrounding area served by the church during these early years at the beginning of the 20th century. Many of the families who once lived in the area and called it home, moved west. Down at Teas, the lumber business and extract plant brought along with it the Marion Rye Valley Railroad along with new families who settled in the community. Between 1906 and 1951, church attendance grew so much that there was a need for yet another new building that was larger and could better serve the congregation and community. On August 24, 1951, a deed between Virgie H. Haulsee and husband, W.C. Haulsee and the trustees of the Wharf Hill Methodist Church was entered into that involved the purchase of some lots behind the 1905 original church building. In October 1951, ground was broke beginning the construction of the new building. With only limited amounts of money at a time and frequent discouragements in the construction process, the church was finally completed and held its first service on the first Sunday in February 1953.These early services were held in the assembly room and Sunday school rooms in the basement. In 1957, Sugar Grove High School’s graduating class had their Baccalaureate ceremony in the recently constructed church building. This is reflected in the Sugar Grove Maple Leaf yearbook for that year in a single photo of the graduating class participants. Sometime after this, the church also purchased additional adjoining land from Emory Calhoun who owned the Ridge Lawn Cemetery. In later years, the church constructed an open air fellowship hall between the church and Ridge Lawn Cemetery that in recent years was enclosed and remodeled to include a kitchen, fireplace and meeting space where community meals could be enjoyed. Associated Cemeteries: Ridgelawn *Photos from the William Pugh Collection and Elmer Phillippi Collection

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