Comments: I found the attached document in a box of stuff, thought it was pretty
interesting, and scanned it into a file. The orginal was done on an old
typewriter so my OCR software had a tough time. It required a lot of rework.
Created 16 May 1999
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, Luray, VIRGINIA
OFFICE Of The SUPERINTENDENT
MEMORANDUM - July 27, 1954
To: Superintendent, Shenandoah NP
From: Chief Ranger
Subject: Information on Known cemeteries within Shenandoah NP
District Rangers have compiled the following information an cemeteries and burial plots within their respective districts. This report, while covering all known burial areas at this time must be considered incomplete as additional inactive plots may be discovered from time to time, in which case this information will be added to this report.
SOUTH DISTRICT
Maiden Cemetery - Plot #1
Location: On east side of Route 628 about 1/2 mile SE Swift Run P.O.
Former Resident: John Luther Maiden
Reference: Rockingham County See J. L. Maiden Tract #155
Remarks: Still active containing 125 or more graves - there have been a total of 7 burials since 1945 the last being Jan. 9. 1953. Size 144' x 75'. In excellent condition.
Interested Parties: Mrs. Conrad Long, Swift Run, and Mr. George Lawson, Elkton Star Rt.
Families having lots: Maiden, Hughes, Tom Hensley, George Lawson, Wesley (Wes) Baugher, William (Will) Woods, Nick Hensley, Thomas (Tom) Monger, ? Cook, W.0. Brill, ? Dean.
Note: Carl Brill (Undertaker in Elkton) says cemetery was enlarged about 1946.
Morris Cemetery - Plot #2
Location: On SW slope of Flattop Mtn. above Simmons Gap Ranger Station at approximately letter "O" in word "Mission"
Remarks: Now inactive containing 16 or more burials. Last known burial Margie Crawford Sept. 1933. Not enclosed presently but posts remain in place. Overgrown with locust trees and briers - 2 groundhog holes noted. Size 14' x l4' only metal grave markers remain
To Find: Take road to spring for ranger station - notice large black oak 25 yds. from road on left before reaching old house site.
George Herring Cemetery - Plot #3
Location: Upper end of Beldor Hollow on east side Hawksbill Creek and former hollow road about 1 mile south of Roadside School.
Former Resident: Noah Herring
References: Rockingham Co. - Charles A. Davis Tract #181 or Jacob Yost, Trustee tract #165a.
Remarks: Now inactive containing 4 or more burials. Size about 14' x 14' Enclosed by badly decayed rail fence. Overgrown by locust trees and cat briers Metal markers on graves.
Note: This adjoins Mandy Herring Cemetery q.v.
Mandy Herring Cemetery - Plot #4
Location: Upper end Beldor Hollow adjoining George Herring Cemetery q.v.
Former Resident: Mandy Herring.
Reference : Rockingham County see Charles A. Davis Tract #181 or Jacob Yost., Trustee tract #165a.
Remarks: Now inactive containing 4 or more graves. Size about 12' x 18' Enclosed by badly decayed rail fence. Overgrown by locust trees and cat briers Metal grave markers on burial sites.
Unnamed Cemetery - Plot #5
Location: On South side of Simmons Gap road near lower park gate.
Former Resident George Minor Shifflett
Reference: Rockingham County see George M. Shifflett Tract 1_2. (unable to read middle numeral)
Remarks: Now inactive containing 10 or more burials. Size 12' x 40' Enclosed by wire fence but badly overgrown with sassafras and black gum - fence partially fallen. Burials marked with metal and stone (slate) pointers.
Unnamed Cemetery - Plot #6
Location: Foot of Sandy Bottom at jct. Routes 626 and 628 a little east of Big Meadows 1400 on map.
Former Resident: John Luther Maiden
Reference: Rockingham County see J. L. Maiden Tract #115
Remarks: Now inactive containing 4 or more burials. Size 20 ' x 25' Unenclosed in overgrown field - sassafras and briers Native stone markers.
Note: On part of 20-acre tract J. L. Maiden bought from George Baugher 30 or more years ago. Frequently referred to as George Baugher cemetery.
Simmons Grave - Plot #7
Location: East of Simmons Gap on edge of park fire road approx. 2 mile of gap - near lower edge of garden plot used by occupants of ranger station.
Former Resident: C. H. Begoon
Reference: Greene County - see Howard Eiler Tract #152
Remarks: Contains only single grave marked by native stone slabs.
Note: Reputed burial site of one of earliest settlers and land owners in vicinity, also undoubtedly individual (or family) for whom gap is named. PWA crews reworking road in early Roosevelt era used care in relocation at this point so as not to disturb this grave. Now, however, foot stone is reported to have fallen into road cut.
Calvin Morris Grave Yard - Plot #8
Location: On SE face of Hightop Mtn. above Mutton Hollow in what is locally termed Goose Pond Hollow. Approached by County Route 623 from Midmont.
Former Resident: Calvin and Elizabeth Morris
Reference: Greene County - William and Marcellus Breeden Tract #198 or John Thomas Morris Tract #199
Remarks: Now inactive (?) containing 23 or more graves. Size 30 ' x 30'. Enclosed and last cleared during current year by Wayman Morris. Last burial during 1945.
Note: Wayman states that Elizabeth, his grandmother, reserved 1 acre of land in the park for burial purposes and had this recorded in the courthouse at Stanardsville - a preliminary check with Clerk did not produce any such reservation.
John McCraig Cemetery - Plot #9
Location: On top Mtn. in sag above Jarmans Gap about 200' east of Big Meadows. 2420 on map. May be found at foot of large red oak in park corner next to gate leading into pasture.
Former Resident: None known
References: Albermarle County - See Carrie A.Walton Tract
Remarks: Now inactive containing 25 or more burials. Size 60' x 50'. Enclosed by poor wire fence on one side and boundary line wire fence on other. At least one burial after park established. Oldest known grave marked by nice headstone dated 1832. Most markers native stone without inscriptions. Badly overgrown by pines and other moderate size trees.
Howard Grave - Plot #10
Location: On park fire road to Brown Cove approx. .4 mile NE Browns Gap. Find marble headstone 25' on upper side road.
Reference: Albemarle County - see John Alexander Tract (Rockingham Co. #326)
Remarks For history of location and marking this grave see File 612 Cemetery Sites now in attic Headquarters.
Roach Cemetery (also called Smith Roach Cemetery) - Plot #11
Location: On former Smith Roach Gap - Sandy Bottom road about .4 mile west of top of mtn.
Former Resident: Not known.
Reference: M. N. Jarman Tract #130 - Rockingham County.
Remarks: Now inactive containing 45 or more graves. Enclosed by wire fence in fair condition. Overgrown by locust trees and briers. Sites marked by metal identification markers and native stone slabs
Note: This is one of the largest graveyards seen in South District, outside the Maiden Cemetery. This Gap received its name from a former resident of the locality - a member of the Roach clan whose first name was Smith.
*Nanges (Angis) Shifflett Cemetery - Plot #12
Location: West of Swift Ran Gap along route of former Spottswood Trail - believed to be at or near the numeral "9" in B.M. 2349 on the map.
Former Resident: Quint Smith
Reference: Rockingham County - see Q. E. Smith Tract #99
Remarks: Now inactive containing 10 or more graves. Size 59 ' x 75' Enclosed with woven wire fence. Overgrown with locust trees and briers. Marble native stone and metal grave markers.
Note: Last identifiable grave bears 1900 date.
*Name needs additional investigation.
Lawrence Williams Cemetery - Plot #13
Locations In Sandy Bottom along boundary behind house now occupied by George E. Conley
Former Resident: Unknown
Reference: Rockingham County see S. G. Morris Estate Tract #189
Remarks : Now inactive containing 30 or more graves. Size 40' x 40 ' Enclosed by wire fence in need of repair. Overgrown with pines and briers. Consisting of two or three burial plots within fences. Native stone and metal markers for grave sites.
Linsey Williams Cemetery - Plot #14
Location: In hollow locally called Punch Bowl about 1-1/4 miles SE of Swift Run P.O.
Former Resident: Unknown.
Reference: Rockingham County - see A. E. Williams Tract #188
Remarks: Now inactive containing 10 or more graves. Size 25' x 50' Enclosed by wire fence. Overgrown by locust trees and briers.
Note: Willie Williams of Sandy Bottom is interested party.
Turner Shifflett Cemetery (Sometimes called Hill Shifflett) - Plot #15
Location: West side of Roundtop Mtn. Note house at jct. of road and trail NE of B.M. 2448 on map. Graves located 200 ' up hill rear of old house site.
Former Resident: ? Collier.
Reference: Rockingham County - see Soloman J. Hensley Tract #47a
Remarks: Now inactive containing an estimated 50 or more graves. Size estimated at 50' x 50' Overgrown. Native stone markers and at least one marble headstone for Angus J. Shifflett
Note: Information here obtained from Robert Shifflett, Grottoes, Va. who is interested party. For many years Mr. Bob carried mail through Simmons Gap.
Unnamed Burial Plot - Plot #16
Location: In Gap Run on small knoll in vicinity of old house near point where foottrail comes down from Rocky Mount.
Former Resident: Andrew Moubray
Reference: Rockingham County - see A. E. Moubray Tract #166
Remarks: Now inactive reported to be burial site of two slaves. Only two graves in woods.
Unnamed Cemetery - Plot #17
Location: In Big Ran near house site near letter "i" in word "Big"
Former Resident: Not established
Reference: Rockingham County - see James Williams Tract #327
Remarks: : Now inactive containing only few graves. Size - not established. Overgrown.
Willie Lam Cemetery - Plot #18
Location: On Old Spottswood Trail close to Lam's Mill about 200 yds. SW of B. M. 1417
Former Resident: Walter Lamb also owner of old grist mill
Reference: Greene County - see W. J. Lamb Est. Tract #125
Remarks: Now inactive containing 5 or more graves Size not established. Overgrown with pines and briers.
Note: To find locate former site of Joseph Shifflett store, go 200 feet south uphill to cemetery.
Unnamed Cemetery - Plot #19
Location: Sandy Bottom at head approximately under Swift Run Overlook
Former Resident: Gaines Morris
Reference: Rockingham County - see Samuel Morris Tract #221 or John Henry Shifflett Tract #132a.
Remarks: Now inactive containing 5 or more graves. Size not determined. Overgrown
Note: For information contact Floyd Shifflett. Most recent burial Josie Shifflett, age, 48 January 25, 1945.
Ham Shifflett Cemetery - Plot #20
Location: West of Simmons Gap on park fire road near lower gate - on small knoll north of fire road.
Former Resident: Ham Shifflett
Reference: Rockingham County - see Ambrose W. Shifflett Tract #178
Remarks: Now Inactive containing 4 or more burials. Size not determined. Overgrown - now in wooded area.
NORTH DISTRICT
John Henry Waters - Plot #1
Location: On flat below Thornton Hollow Overlook. Take old road from Beahm Gap down east side of mountain. At fork of road follow the left (north) branch into flat. Distance from Beahm Gap to cemetery is between 1 and 2 miles. Cemetery located in tract #111.
Inactive: The last known burial, was Frank Gip, colored, approximately 25 to 30 years ago.
Number of burials: Estimates of burials are rough but concensus of opinion indicates 25 to 30.
Descendants: Okley Bowen, Mrs. D. H. Dwyer, all of Thornton Hollow, Ambrose Bailey of Keyser Run, and J. Ernest Waters of Rocky Branch (only distant relatives to the latter are buried here).
Miscellaneous:. No known maintenance done to cemetery since it was included in the Park. A wire or other metal fence enclosed the area at one time but this is believed to no longer be standing.
Armentrout - Plot #2
Location: Located below the John Henry Waters cemetery. Follow old road from Beahm Gap to HuIl School in Thornton Hollow. Cemetery is located closer to Hull School than Beahm Gap and is not too distant from old road. Cemetery located in tract #119.
Inactive: Last known burial was Ben Armentrout approximately 40 years ago.
Number of burials: approximately 15
Descendants: Frank Armentrout of Woodville, Virginia
Miscellaneous: No known maintenance to cemetery in recent years.
Jenkins - Plot #3
Location: Approximately 1/2 mile below Hull School near road leading up the north fork of Thornton River. Cemetery located on tract #129.
Inactive: approximately 25 years since last burial.
Number of burials: approximately 6.
Descendants: Charley Jenkins of Marshall, Virginia.
Miscellaneous: Local people doubt the presence of grave markers and as a result this cemetery would be difficult to locate.
Joe Billy Bowen, also known as the Mary Frazier Graveyard - Plot #4
Location: approximately 2 1/2 miles up Frazier Hollow from the mouth of the hollow. Tract number uncertain; possibly 130, 131, 132, or 114b.
Inactive: Lee Frazier was the last burial about 10-15 years ago.
Number of burials: 30 to 35
Descendants: Okley Bowen and Mrs. D. M. Dwyer (son and daughter of Joe Billy Bowen).
Miscellaneous: In addition to presence of Bowens there are buried here also Fraziers and Baileys. Minor maintenance has been done by the Dwyers but on very infrequent intervals.
Clark (Kibler Hill) - Plot #5
Location: Near top of Kibler Hill (local name for geographic feature which is west of Oventop Mountain. Exact location in respect to tract number is uncertain; possibly 138b. Inactive.
Number of burials: very rough estimates indicate 15 to 20.
Descendants: None known
Miscellaneous: Unless accompanied by person familiar with this property cemetery probably could not be located.
Brown - Plot #6
Location: At head of Butterwood Branch. Cemetery located on tract #141.
Inactive: No estimate available as to date of last burial.
Number of burials: Local people refer to number as "right smart" with some estimates ranging to 300.
Descendants: Tom and Jim Cornell of Thornton Hollow (their father is buried here).
Bruce - Plot #7
Location: approximately one mile from the Brown Cemetery and located on the side of Oventop Mountain, tract number uncertain; possibly 147. Inactive.
Number of burials: Rough estimates indicate 6 to 10.
Descendants: None Known.
Menefee - Plot #8
Location: Located northwest of the Brown Cemetery and roughly in line with the Brown and Bruce cemeteries. Tract number uncertain possibly 123 or 148. Inactive.
Number of burials: 25 to 30
Descendants: None known.
Darnall - Plot #9
Location: Approximately 1/2 mile below the Brown Cemetery and. is situated near Butterwood Branch. Tract number is possibly 139. Inactive.
Number of burials: No estimate obtained since approximately half of the graveyard was plowed up.
Descendants: None known.
NOTE: To locate the Clark, Brown, Bruce, Menefee and Darnall cemeteries would be extremely difficult without the assistance of a local resident.
William Bowen - Plot #10
Location: At east ford going up Jinny Grey fire road follow old road leading to left which eventually crossed gap northwest of Fork Mountain and then to Hull School. Cemetery is located approximately 200 or 300 yards along this road from Jinny Grey fire road. Graveyard will be on right side of road when traveling toward Hull School. Tract #102.
Inactive: The last burial here was approximately 25-40 years ago.
Number of burials: Approximately 15-20.
Decendants: Okley Bowen and Mrs. D. M. Dwyer of Thornton Hollow and Mrs. John Swindler on Piney Branch.
Bowen - colored - Plot #11
Location: Only a short distance northwest of the William Bowen Cemetery. Tract number 102.
Inactive: Last burials believed to have been 90-100 years ago.
Number of burials: Approximately 100
Descendants: None Known
Miscellaneous: Slave burial ground. There were no tombstones erected -only large uncut stones were positioned to mark the graves.
Dwyer - Plot #12
Location: Approximately 1 1/2 - 2 miles below Range View Cabin on the Piney Ridge trail. Cemetery is about 100 feet off the trail. Tract number uncertain, possibly 114 or 115.
Inactive: Last burial approximately 25 years ago.
Number of burials: approximately 25.
Descendants: D. M. Dwyer of Thornton Hollow.
Miscellaneous: Cemetery is periodically brushed out and maintained by D. H. Dwyer but due to his age this will not be continued for long.
Clark (on the Kelly Goat Farm)- Plot #13
Location: On flat above Range View Cabin and Piney Ridge trail. Tract number 59.
Inactive: Last burials are believed to have been 75-100 years ago.
Number of burials: 5 to 6
Descendants: None known
Miscellaneous: A stone wall surrounded this graveyard up to the time of the construction of the Drive. At this time the stone wall disappeared and at the present time there is practically nothing left to indicate its location.
Bolen - Plot #14
Location: On Jinny Grey Flat at the junction of the P.LD. Road and Keyser Run Fire Road. Tract #69
Inactive: However several local people (Namely Ambrose Bailey) have their family buried here and could be likely future internments. There have been several burials since the Park took possession of this land.
Number of burials: 40-50. Count difficult to make since it is known that one family of Greys are buried here and there are no markers for them. Likewise numerous small children buried here have no headstones.
Caretaker: Bernard Bolen takes the most active interest in this cemetery.
Descendants: Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Bailey and Bernard Bolen.
Miscellaneous: Of all cemeteries in the district this receives the most attention in regard to maintenance.
Bailey - Clatterbuck - Plot #15
Location: On south side of Keyser Run fire road. Leave the fire road at first small stream crossing below Jinny Grey Flat. - Tract number 101b.
Inactive: Possibilities of additional burials here are also indicated. Last burial was a brother of Mrs. Ambrose Bailey approximately 20 years ago.
Number of burials: 6
Descendants: Mrs. Ambrose Bailey of Keyser Run.
Miscellaneous: Mr. A. Bailey has requested permission to maintain this plot. No attention has been given this site in the past due to belief that they were prohibited to carry on such work.
George Beahm - Plot #16
Location: Near top of Pickerel Ridge, inside Park boundary a short distance. Follow first road leading to right above John Swindler's sawmill on Piney Branch. Continue to road fork, taking left route here. Cemetery will be 1-2 miles farther on. Tract number unknown.
Inactive: Last burial approximately 30-35 years ago.
Number of burials: Approximately 15.
Descendants: Dela Partlow, Washington, Virginia
Miscellaneous: Very difficult to reach and no maintenance since Park acquired the land.
John Morgan - Plot #17
Location: On bill above Jeremys Run just inside the Park boundary. Tract number believed to be 44. Inactive.
Number of burials: 3 known
Caretakers or descendants: Cliff Jones of Luray. No active caretaker known and Jones is believed to be the nearest relative.
Owen Bailey - Plot #18
Location: In the second clearing up Jeremys Ran and located on a flat to the right of the stream when it is ascended. This location will be above (east) of an old road known locally as the
Wise Road. Tract number is probably 45-II. Inactive.
Number of burials.: Approximately 8 to 12.
Caretakers or descendants: None known
Compton - Plot #19
Location: Up Overall Run approximately 500 to 600 yards above the Old Thompson Hollow road. The cemetery at one time enclosed by an iron fence is located on the south side of the stream and approximately 150 yards above the run on a hill side. Tract numb unknown. Inactive.
Number of burials: A rough estimate of a dozen made by local residents.
Caretaker or descendants: None known
Waters - Plot #20
Location: On west side of Mountain between Pass Mountain and Beahm Gap Overlooks. Tract number believed to be 119.
Inactive: Last internment believed to have been 35 years ago.
Number of burials: 7
Descendants: J. Ernest Waters., Rocky Branch.
CENTRAL DISTRICT
Tanner's Ridge - Plot #1
Location: 1/4 mile down from Drive on Tanner 's Ridge Road. Tract 420, Long.
Status: Active
Burials: Over 45
Caretaker: Community- See Everett Breeden, Tanner 's Ridge. Readily seen from the Drive.
Cave - Plot #2
Location: About 1/2 mile down from Drive on Dark Hollow Fire Road, south side.
Status: Active
Burials: 31
Caretaker: See Walter Cave, Criglersville, Virginia. Permission given to clear brush winter of 1953/4.
Dean - Plot #3
Location: Dean Mountain (Near mile post 63.2) Tract 50, Wesley A. Dean
Status: active
Burials: About 61
Haney - Plot #4
Location: -Just off AT near mile post 65.3 (Swift Run), Haney tract #82 or 83
Status: Active
Burials: About 30
Caretaker: See J. F. Branham, Earlyville, Va. or Jacob Hensley, Elkton, Va.
Brush clearing done 1950 and 1951.
Meadows - Plot #5
Location: South River Island, Tract #56, J. W. Meadows.
Status: Active
Burials: Nov. 1951, Rosa Lam
Baugher - Plot #6
Location: N.W. of Shipp Tavern, off route U.S. 33, Tract 85, Shipp estate
Status: Active
Burials:
Caretaker: Brush cleared 1950
Chestnut Orchard - Plot #7
Location: Big Flat under Drive at Pocosin Hollow
Status: Inactive
Burials: Large
Shifflett - Plot #8
Location: S. B. & C. F. Collier, Tract #77 (BM 3003)
Status: Inactive (1931)
Burials: Over 75
Caretaker: C. F. Collier., McMullen., Va.
Formerly Watson and Shifflett, now one cemetery
Hawksbill (Taylor) - Plot #9
Location: Hawksbill Gap, Tract 131 IV, Fray and Miller
Status : Inactive
Burials: 7
Caretaker: See Clark Taylor, Ida, Va. This cemetery is within about 50 ' of the Drive
and can be readily seen by passing visitors. Very little is done to keep it up.
Knoll above Shiloh Church - Plot #10
Status: Inactive
Burials : Small
Meadows - Plot #11
Location: Foot of Rose River Fire Road above real "Dark Hollow" bridge, Tract 146, R. A. & R. S. Graves
Status: Unknown
Burials: Large Cemetery
Caretaker: See Mrs. Bessie Meadows, Syria., Va.
Buracker - Plot #12
Location: Timber Hollow, east, W. P. Buracker #319
