Rees,
Thank you for the information you have provided. I have often wondered where John Chapman
(my 4th great Grandfather) last resting place was located or if it had already been lost
to the "modern world". Do you know the names of the other family members burried
there or have pictures of their tombstones by chance?
Thank you,
SheilaM
----- Original Message -----
From: Rees Chapman<mailto:winwinsit@gmail.com>
To: chapman@rootsweb.com<mailto:chapman@rootsweb.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2009 1:57 AM
Subject: [CHAPMAN] Two "lost" cemeteries in Giles county VA
I recently created a website that shows two "lost" cemeteries with
Chapmans in Giles county VA: Mt. Prospect and Angel's Rest:
www.ChapmanCemetery.net<http://www.chapmancemetery.net/>
There is a graveyard near Ripplemead Virginia which dates back over
two centuries, but is unmarked, essentially lost in the forest
overlooking the New River in Giles county. It is not even listed
officially among cemeteries for the county in which it is located. It
contains the graves of several of our ancestors, including the
Revolutionary War soldier John Chapman (for whom there is a DAR
Chapter) and Major William Cecil (a Mason). Other surnames include
Pendleton, Mullins, and Strother.
I am concerned that, having virtually disappeared into the woods, it
might vanish altogether under the bulldozers of developers (who are
known to make such "mistakes"). A few years ago, the ruins of John
Chapman's homestead nearby were bulldozed, so that the property owner
could sell the stones. I and thousands of Chapman descendants would
certainly regret that happening to the cemetery.
Another cemetery is in nearby Pearisburg: Angel's Rest. It has no
sign identifying it as a graveyard, and from the street, looks like a
well-maintained lawn - a prize location for townhouses. It contains
the graves of five confederate soldiers, and two of my Chapman
ancestors.
After several months of emailing Giles county officials, I've gotten
no response. I suspect they are loathe to involve themselves in
anything that might impede development. The historical society is
sympathetic, but seems to have no resources or guidance to offer.
Even the DAR chapter is unresponsive.
My lineage: Isaac > John > Isaac > William > Isaac E. > William Byrde
Rees Cecil
Rees Cecil Chapman
Rees Chapman
Dahlonega GA
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