Comment

Comment by Timothy on 8th mo. 1, 2012 at 10:19pm

There are very few stones that ye can even read. Out of all of the bricks, rocks, and slates four have updated (meaning of the 1970s or prior) with granite legible headstones. This cemetery belonged to one James Downey, now deceased, and I don't know his heirs. He lived in Big Island, VA in northern Bedford County.

There is one that reads: Grandfather W. M. Wood June 13, 1812 April 14, 1896. There is another that reads: Mother Almary Wood Downey February 14, 1842 April 3, 1889. There is another that reads: Father John Downey March 17, 1845 March 5, 1915. There is one other that reads: Sarah W. Noel July 9, 1862 February 9, 1907.

I assume that these people lived in the hamlet of Pera or Knoll, VA in Western Amherst County in the Washington National Forest. Then again, some may have lived in Big Island, VA and others in or near aforesaid hamlets near this burying ground. I know nothing more than that. . . Though I have often wondered, "Were these people living after the Almighty Lord God our Father? What were they like? Who were they?"

There are no other names than Downey, Wood, and Noel as far as last names. It is a very sequestered spot. It is dear to me, for I have fond memories of my grandfather, deceased, walking with me from the Blue Ridge Parkway southeastward to this location many times. It is a good two miles one way or so—four miles round trip.

I wish I knew more. Would be interesting to know if they were Friends of Christ. I'll have to load more pictures of the South River Meetinghouse and Burying Grounds. I got there today and took about 60 pictures! It was good for me. The first time since, I don't know when. . .

Blessings.

Comment by William F Rushby on 8th mo. 1, 2012 at 8:36pm

Tim:  Who is buried at the Downey Cemetery?  Its humble appearance reminds me of the small cemetery near North Ferrisburg VT, where Joseph and Huldah Hoag and some of their kin are interred.  The Hoags had ten children, of whom seven became Friends' ministers.