Robertson Chapel United Methodist Church, Dekalb, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/dekalb/cemeteries/robertson.txt ==================================================================== USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store this file permanently for free access. This file is copyrighted and contributed by: Jamie Brooks ==================================================================== November 2003 Robertson Chapel United Methodist Church Rainsville, Dekalb Co., Alabama Directions: From Rainsville crossing go down highway 35 toward Fort Payne, AL. Less than 1 mile from Rainsville crossing you will see a sign on the right side for Robertson Methodist Cemetery. You can see the church from highway 35 and the cemetery is behind it. History of Robertson Chapel United Methodist Church: In the early years of the 1870's a log building, known as a Methodist Church, stood on a hill located behind the Tom Head home. Elfonzy Robertson and his mother, Millie Robertson, owned most of the land around the area. Years later, N.A. Robertson, son of Elfonzy, felt the need for a larger and better church. The road which was near Highway 35, had been built and the site was chosen near it. Another consideration was that two Confederate soliders died in the area during the Civil War and had been buried on an adjoining lot now known as Robertson Chapel Cemetery. In the summer of 1899, a huge brush arbor was built on the site where the church now stands. This revival was well attended and led Mr. Robertson to think this would be a good location for the church. The seedlings that were planted then, now stand as witnesses to the stability of the church. In 1902, N. A. Robertson and his wife, Mary C., deeded 5 acres of land for the church and graveyard. The church, named Robertson Chapel, was soon under construction. Neighbors and church-goers helped cut the logs from the land of Mr. Robertson, J.E. Cassidy and brother, Gordon, set up a saw mill to cut the lumber. The church was built of heart pine. Most of the sub-flooring and decking of the new church was lumber from the old building. Mr. Robertson and his sister, Mrs. Stewart, furnished the church well with beautiful hanging kerosene lamps, a table, chairs, and a large bell in the belfry, which now stands in the front of the church. It was used for many years to toll the death in the community. The church was dedicated May 18, 1902 with Rev. Ackerman of Chattanooga, Tennessee, presiding. The need for a parsonage was urgent so the church could have its pastor nearby. The church trustees ordered a prefabricated house from Sears Roebuck. It was erected on the church property near the main road, now Highway 35. In 1923, a fire swept through the frame building and completely destroyed t. The church and community were soon busy constructing another. The brick sided building on the corner of Main and Thompson was soon occupied by the pastor. As Rainsville grew, a large and more modern church was needed. Church trustees and official board members were: Lester Thompson, L.M. Willingham, Lester Gray, John C. Richey, F.P. Davis, Dell Hall, Mrs. John C. Richey, and Rev. W. W. Brown. In 1949, the new church was constructed. Dell Hall dug the basement, using county equipment. Most of the work tearing down the old and building the new, was on a volunteer basis. The Women's Society of Christian Service raised funds and paid for the pews and pulpit. The church paid out with it's dedication on September 24, 1950 with the Bishop Purcell presiding. The annex was added in 1964 while the Rev. Mack Finny was pastor. Robertson Chapel was "Town and Country of the Year " in the Huntsville District the same year. Through the years of service, there have been three conference ministers provided by Robertson Chapel: J. C. Willingham, Acie Etherton, and Randy Etherton. Robertson Chapel has maintained the spirit of revival that gave it birth. Today there is expectation of growth, not only in numbers, but also in the ongoing process of becoming a disciple and witness of Jesus Christ. (taken from "The Heritage of Dekalb County, Alabama" book. ) SS/W stands for "same stone with" Scott, Dimple, no dates (name craved on rock headstone) Jones, Hayden (SFC US Army, WWII, Korea) b. 5-12-1914, d. 4-15-1985 Russell, Larve, b. 12-25-1908, d. -- -- ---- , SS/W Eugene Russell Russell, Eugene, b. 9-27-1919, d. 2-23-1999, SS/W Larve Russell Etherton, Acie Oscar, b. 3-4-1902, d. 3-19-1965, SS/W Grace Strange Etherton Etherton, Grace Strange, b. 12-20-1907, d. 5-9-1998, SS/W Acie Oscar Etherton Long, L.D., b. 9-8-1911, d. 11-5-1985, SS/W Margaret Long Long, Margaret, b. 6-5-1914, d. 2-26-1982, SS/W L.D. Long Long, Elmer, b. 1885, d. 1972, SS/W Minnie Long Long, Minnie, b. 1885, d. 1946, SS/W Elmer Long Rock Marker Rock Marker Fairris, Blondell, b. 9-24-1911, d. 6-12-1912 Causey, Lillian Victoria, b. 1-24-1888, d. 8-1-1897 Causey, Emma E.V. "Jones", Wife of W.A. Causey, b. -- -- ---- , d. 11-17-1896 Causey, George Elbert, "Elmer", b. 12-27-1893, d. 4-8-1911 Patterson, Klye Evan, b. 2-28-1998, d. 10-29-1999 Collins, Dale, b. 1-21-1922, d. -- -- ---- , SS/W Vivian Collins Pruett Collins, Vivian Pruett, b. 12-28-1917, d. 12-21-1998, SS/W Dale Collins Jones, Lela, b. 1878, d. 1963 Jones, Oscar G., b. 1-21-1890, d. 3-27-1946 Long, Mollie, b. 1875, d. 1941 Long, Hugh V., (S SGT US Army, Air Corps, WWII), b. 1-28-1913, d. 4-30-1987 Long, Ben Westley, ( CWT US Army, WWII, Korea), b. 4-20-1904, d. 10-22-1976, SS/W Annie Mae Long Long, Annie Mae, b. 1-26-1914, d. 11-28-2002, SS/W Ben Westley Long Jones, Malisa Ann, Infant daughter of Mr. And Mrs. H.D. Jones, 8-28-1953 Owens, Katie Merle, b. 6-3-1930, d. 1-17-1968 Marked grave Gray, Tommy Ervin, (PVT US Army, Alabama), b. 8-6-1940, d. 3-31-1960 Gray, Lesper P. , b. 8-2-1911, d. 8-11-1958, SS/W Edith S. Gray Gray, Edith S., b. 12-22-1912, d. 7-10-1978, SS/W Lesper P. Gray Willingham, Mamie A., b. 10-22-1911, d. -- -- ---- , SS/W W. Grady Willingham Willingham, W. Grady, b. 10-3-1910, d. 1-13-1987, SS/W Mamie Willingham Willingham, J. Clarence, b. 1915, d. 1983, SS/W Vinnie L. Willingham Willingham, Vinnie L., b. 1912, d. 2002, SS/W J. Clarence Willingham Seahorn, Joseph Clifford, b. 11-19-1938, d. -- -- ---- , SS/W Jessie D. "Dean" Seahorn Seahorn, Jessie D. "Dean", b. 9-25-1942, d. -- -- ---- , SS/W Joseph Clifford Seahorn Skaggs, Horace L., b. 2-20-1904, d. 7-29-1957 Skaggs, Keller C., b. 6-7-1872, d. 8-19-1952, SS/W Mary E. Skaggs Skaggs, Mary E., b. 3-17-1873,d. 1-15-1963, SS/W Keller C. Skaggs Parker, Estene C., 8-16-1917 Chesser, Rowe, b. 1-19-1896, d. 1-12-1981, SS/W Ethel Chesser Chesser, Ethel, b. 9-1-1897, d. 10-7-1966, SS/W Rowe Chesser Cheeser, Justin A., b. 1916, d. 1941 Cheeser, Bonnie L., b. 10-26-1925, d. 1-28-1963, SS/W James B. Cheeser Cheeser, James B., b1-25-1926, d. 12-5-1992, SS/W Bonnie L. Cheeser Cheeser, Frankie, 4-3-1934 Long, Ronald D., b. 4-6-1949, d. 4-7-1949 Long, Gwendolyn, 2-11-1948 Wilburn, James Oscar, b. 8-25-1882, d. 5-21-1962, SS/W Sara Maggie Wilburn Wilburn, Sara Maggie, b. 6-13-1891, d. 5-8-1961, SS/W James Oscar Wilburn Wilburn, Howard, son of J.O. and S. M. Wilburn, b. 2-22-1911, d. 10-31-1918 Grave Marker Long, Marven L., b. 4-21-1917, d. 1-8-1924 Jones, W. L. , b. 5-24-1874, d. 12-6-1936 Saroka, Beryl Marie, b. 1913, d. 1978 Pruett, Louisa, b. 11-17-1886, d. 11-2-1922, SS/W P.C. Pruett Pruett, P.C., b. 6-8-1882, d. 12- - 1922, SS/W Louisa Pruett Patterson, Donald Scott, 6-23-1991 Gonzales, Michael David, b. 11-30-1979, d. 12-6-1979 Jones, Sallie E., b. 1851, d. 1937 {wife of John Wesley Jones} Jones, John Wesley, b. 4-13-1851, d. 3-17-1896 {husband of Sallie E. Jones} Jones, Bellzora, b. 10-24-1876, d. 1883 Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Unknown Confederate Soilder Grave, no name and no dates Unknown Confederate Soilder Grave, no name and no dates Rock marker, can not read name Rock marker, can not read name Rock marker, can not read name Rock marker, can not read name Rock marker, can not read name Rock marker, can not read name Long, Marion F. b. ? d. 1923, SS/W Sarah Long Long, Sarah, no dates, SS/W Marion F. Long Roberts, Molly, (Rock marker, name hand written on rock, no dates) Wilson, Daughter of J.J. and K.A. Wilson, b. 2-16-1901, d. 6-27-1904 Wilson, Samial, son of J.J. and K.A. Wilson, b. 9-16-1912, d. 7-13-1913 Wilson, Cecil, b. 8-7-1908, d. 9-14-1944 Wilson, James J., b. 1872, d. 1948, SS/W Kate A. Wilson Wilson, Kate A., b. 1873, d. 1951, SS/W James J. Wilson Shankles, Betty J., b. 8-28-1935, d. -- -- ---- , SS/W Maureese Shankles Shankles, Maureese "Bud", (PFC US Army, WWII), b. 10-17-1922, d. 7-26-1997, SS/W Betty J. Shankles (married 3-26-1982) Shankles, James Buford, b. 3-7-1919, d. 3-31-1974 Shankles, Dellar J., b. 1887, d. 1958 Shankles, J.T., b. 10-7-1874, d. 2-3-1942 Shankles, Alcie, b. 8-20-1874, d. 8-13-1916 Robertson, Charlotte, b. 1-19-1856, d. 6-11-1916, SS/W Luff A. Robertson Robertson, Luff A., b. 2-8-1855, d. 5-19-1938, SS/W Charlotte Robertson Rock Marker Rock Marker Jones, Huldy Ann, b. 3-22-1816, d. 1902 Rock Marker Jones, Henry N., b. 6-1-1816, d. 1-10-1877 Fairris, Samuel R., b. 7-1870, d. 1-1877 Rock Marker Rock Marker Rock Marker Rock Marker Rock Marker Rock Marker Wilburn, Infants of J.O. and S.M. Wilburn, b & d 3-21-1914 Holcomb, Clara, no dates Shankles, Porter E., b. 1-4-1884, d. 10-2-1963, SS/W Dorilla P. Shankles Shankles, Dorilla P., b. 1-23-1892, d. 9-10-1987. SS/W Porter E. Shankles Boyd, T.A., b. 3-12-1860, d. 1-13-1896 Boyd, infant son of G.W. and T.A. , no dates Boyd, infant son of G.W. and T.A., no dates Boyd, infant son of G.W. and T.A., no dates Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Fairris, Elizabeth, b. 7-28-1845, d. 3-10-1915 Fairris, Mordecai D., b. 4-9-1837, d. 6-15-1921 Fairris, Ozell, b. 10-2-1908, d. 8-22-1982 Lackey, Edward B., b. 12-25-1902, d. 7-7-1952, SS/W Corine D. Lackey Jones Lackey Jones, Corine D., b. 12-18-1910, d. 2-13-2001, SS/W Edward B. Lackey Rock marker Lackey, Samarah, b. 1-11-1827, d. 3-2-1914 Lackey, John W., b. 1904, d. 1950 Lackey, Dessie A., b. 7-30-1904, d. 4-24-1985 Rock marker Shankles, G.W., b. 6-3-1862, d. 12-13-1925 Shankles, Lucinda, wife of G.W. Shankles, b. 9-17-1861, d. 7-21-1900 Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Robertson, Becky Elmina , daughter of N.A. and S. J. Robertson, b. 6-10-1865, d. 7-25-1865 Rock marker Fossett, Katie C., daughter of J. J. and T. A. Fossett, b. 4-29-1861, d. 1-8- 1862 Fossett, Mandy, daughter of J. J. and T. A. Fossett, b & d 5-7-1862 Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker Rock marker, hard to read Rock marker Shankles, marker (Shankles is all I can make out of it) Rock marker Graham, James W., b. 1876, d. 1944, SS/W Mattie L. Graham Graham, Mattie L., b. 1874, d. 1940, SS/W James W. Graham Graham, Glenn G., b. 6-18-1907, d. 11-23-1990, SS/W Alma M. Graham Graham, Alma M., b. 10-7-1911, d. 1-11-1969, SS/W Glenn G. Graham Fossett, J. J. , b. 2-15-1838, d. 8-14-1906, SS/W J.A. and G.W. Fossett Fossett, J. A. , b. 12-16-1837, d. 6-9-1907, SS/W J.J and G.W. Fossett Fossett, G. W., b. 1-24-1877, d. 2-17-1900, SS/W J.J. and J.A. Fossett Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Robertson, N.A., b. 1-27-1819(1810?), d. 11-11-188? Robertson, Jane, wife of N.A. Robertson, b. 4-25-1840, d. 1-30-1917 Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Graham, Walter A., (Alabama, PVT ?23 INF ? Div), b. 1888, d. 1936, SS/W Bertha L. Graham Graham, Bertha L., b. 1905, d. 1939, SS/W Walter A. Graham Davis, F.P, Jr., b. 1926, d. 1960 Davis, P, Sr., b. 9-30-1892, d. 10-31-1983, SS/W Estelle G. Davis Davis, Estelle G., b. 12-28-1845, d. 11-4-1997, SS/W P Davis, Sr. Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Stewart, W.L., b. 7-11-1888, d. 3-9-1913 Stewart, J.R., b. 2-20-1883. d. 5-20-1912 Marked grave Stewart, can not read name (might be J.W.) can not read dates Marked grave Pullen, H.M. , (T SGT US Army, WWII), b. 12-3-1918, d. 3-29-1989, SS/W Zera C. Pullen Pullen, Zera C., b. 10-25-1913, d. 7-24-1974, SS/W H.M. Pullen Green, T. Leander, b. 4-9-1862, d. 2-23-1923, SS/W Emma Z. Green Green, Emma Z., b. 6-26-1861, d. 3-2-1956, SS/W T. Leander Green Green, Augustus H., b. 1872, d. 1940, SS/W Danie J. Green Green, Danie J., b. 1881, d. 1959, SS/W Augustus H. Green Green, Owen, b. 3-6-1900, d. 7-6-1955, SS/W Virdie Green Green, Virdie, b. 3-11-1905, d. -- -- ----- , SS/W Owen Green Green, Wm. Billy, b. 1-4-1916, d. 12-7-1985, SS/W Reba V. Green Green, Reba V., b. 2-16-1922, d. -- -- -----, SS/W Wm. Billy Green (Mother & Son) Frasier, Hasel V., b. 2-22-1-25, d.-- -- ---- , SS/W Vera Ola Maxwell Maxwell, Vera Ola, b. 8-13-1907, d. 6-1-1983, SS/W Hasel V. Frasier Wilson, Hoyt, b. 12-10-1908, d. 6-18-1982, SS/W Mildred Wilson Wislon, Mildred, b. 3-30-1916, d. -- -- -----, SS/W Hoyt Wilson Lawler, Floyd J., b. 5-9-1904, d. 11-28-1952 Wilson, George W. ,b. 1874, d. 1954, SS/W Sleeter J. Wilson Wilson, Sleeter J., b. 1876, d. 1956, SS/W George W. Wilson Spears, John R., b. 4-8-1848, d. 1-14-1912 Marked grave Lawler, Nora (wife of C.B. Lawler), b. 10-24-1879, d. 3-17-1915 Lawler, Cicero B., b. 5-21-1876, d. 5-29-1947 Benefield, James W., b. 4-8-1882, d. 7-5-1936 Benefield, Josie V., b. 4-1-1886, d. 4-7-1954 Fossett, Martha, (wife of _____ Pendergrass), b. 6-18-1868, d. 6-27-1906 Pendergrass, infant, (son of ___ and MJ Pendergrass Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Thompson, Washington E., b. 8-17-1877, d. 9-20-1943, SS/W Beulah Shanks Thompson, Beulah Shanks, b. 4-14-1878, d. 10-30-1947. SS/W Washington E. Thompson Thompson, Jerry Allen, b. 3-16-1947, d. 2-26-1949 Vann, Glenn J. b. 9-26-1892, d. 2-7-1967, SS/W Velma V. Vann Vann, Velma V., b. 3-30-1905, d. 1-15-1979, SS/W Glenn J. Vann Benefield, J.D., b. 8-3-1906, d. 9-21-1947 Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Robertson, Mary Wester, b. 12-8-1909, d. 8-24-1917 Gray, Irby M., b. 10-31-1913, d. 11-13-1968, SS/W Melissa Dilbeck Gray Gray, Melissa Dilbeck, b. 11-1-1915, d. 7-30-1990, SS/W Irby M. Gray Jones, Grover C., b. 2-28-1885, d. 5-7-1969, SS/W Mallie Jones Jones, Mallie , b., 4- -1892, d. 4-25-1976, SS/W Grover C. Jones Bass, Bryson Fish, b. 12-24-1867, d. 5-21-1930 Bass, F.C., wife of Bryson, b. 1-13-1829, d. 5-23-1911 Marked grave Bell, Walter, b. 11-12-1908, d. 11-23-1966, SS/W Elizabeth Bell Bell, Elizabeth, b. 12-20-1914, d. 5-12-1976, SS/W Walter Bell ?? , infant son of ?? , born and died on 7-18-1918 Kiningham, Marietta R. Messer Hall, b. 1854, d. 1947 Bell, Riley Lou, b. 1916, d. 1934 Bell, Fannie M., b. 1882, d. 19__ , SS/W Riley N. Bell Bell, Riley N., b. 1882, d. 1916, SS/W Fannie M. Bell Marked grave Griffith, William L., (Serg Co. E. 8 BN GA INF) (CSA), b. 1842, d. 1881 Marked grave Marked grave Marked grave Hicks, William Elbert, b. 4-13-1911, d. 5-16-1971, SS/W Myrtis Vestie Hicks Hicks, Myrtis Vestie, b. 7-15-1905, d. 6-15-1989, SS/W William Elbert Hicks Gray, Lula, b. 3-1-1875, d. 8-22-1938, SS/W Robert P. Gray Gray, Robert P., b. 2-17-1879, d. 10-4-1935, SS/W Lula Gray Gray, Dee, b. 1883, d. 1971, SS/W Janie Gray Gray, Janie, b. 1892, d. 1978, SS/W Dee Gray Gray, Ernest, b. 1914, d. 1917 Gray, Lizzie, b. 1853, d. 1932 Howard, Infant son of Jon P. and Rubie, 6-19-1912 Dickson, Cleo L., wife of H. F. Dickson, 10-15-1901 Stephens, William L., b. 1881, d. 1953, SS/W Mrytle C. Stephens Stephens, Mrytle C., b. 1885, d. --------, SS/W William L. Stephens Johnson, baby girl of L.A. and I.C. Johnson, b. 8-20-1914, d. 8-22-1914 Johnson, Inus C., b. 3-11-1880, d. 3-14-1958, SS/W Lonnie A. Johnson Johnson, Lonnie A., b. 8-25-1880, d. 1-12-1961, SS/W Inus C. Johnson Johnson, Nurine L., 2-8-1893 Marked grave White, Ola V. Bell, b. 1917, d. 1952 Bell, infant son of N.G. and D.L. Bell, b. 5-12-1926, d. 5-12-1926 Bell, infant daughter of N.G. and D.L. Bell, b. 5-10-1925, d. 5-10-1925 Bell, Nora, daughter of N.G. and D.L. Bell, b. 1-4-1912, d. 3-8-1912 Bell, infant son of N.G. and D.L. Bell, b. 11-4-1912, d. 11-4-1912 Bell, infant son of N.G. and D.L. Bell, b. 8-21-1922, d. 8-21-1922 (all the children of N.G. and D.L. Bell listed above are buried together side by side.) Dickson, H. F., b. 8-20-1872, d. 7-20-1952 Dickson, Cludy, wife of H. F. Dickson, b. 6-8-1872, d. 12-16-1938 Bell, Sarah E., wife of H.C. Bell, b. 12-27-1846, d. 1-30-1909 Bell, Larkin H., b. 9-5-1873, d. 12-2-1911 Whittle, Amanda Bell Cuzzort, wife of E. Whittle, b. 1878, d. 1942 Sparks, Dewey, b. 6-20-1907, d. 11-20-1931 Sparks, infant daughter of (A.H. and A.A, not for sure about this), b. and d. 1-19-1918 Sparks, A.H., b. 9-18-1894, d. 11-19-1921 Harper, Vertie A., wife of _________ Harper, b. 11-6-1889?, d. 4-5-1936 Warren, Leonard F., son of J.F. and E.J. Warren, b. 10-29-1906, d. 3-14-1909 Warren, Jethero, son of J.F. and E.J. Warren, b. 4-19-1915, d. 1-22-1916 Bell, Della L. Ashley, b. 11-28-1887, d. 1-19-1957 Bailey, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. A. Bailey, 8-19-1934 Smith, Etta A., b. 12-6-1920, d. 9-4-1984 Bell, Estoria, 9-2-1915 Hall, Ernest Lee, b. 5-27-1914, d. 4-26-1971, SS/W Cumi C. Hall Hall, Cumi C., b. 6-14-1914, d. 6-10-1981, SS/W Ernest Lee Hall Sparks, Bertha, b. 8-26-1943, d. 12-31-1947 Marked grave Marked grave McLeod, Constance, b. 8-27-1921, d. 8-28-1921 McLeod, Carl, son of H.G. and Pluma McLeod, 8-7-1920 Sparks, Willie John, b. 10-8-1867, d. 7-30-1951 Sparks, Martha A., b. 6-7-1873, d. 8-7-1941 Reece, infant son of W.L. and Lula Reece, 7-2-1912 Bell, N.G., b. 12-5-1880, d. 12-22-1952 Carl, John L., b. 4-27-1910, d. 10-22-1979, SS/W Ethel Carl Carl, Ethel, b. 8-28-1913, d. 1-14-1986, SS/W John L. Carl Shadrick, Keith, b. 1-13-1963, d. 1-31-2003, SS/W Jackie Shadrick Shadrick, Jackie, b. 7-23-1969, d. -- -- --------, SS/W Keith Shadrick Lassetter, R.D., b. 11-4-1890, d. 1-19-1975, SS/W Alma Lassetter Lassetter, Alma, b. 3-28-1892, d. 6-4-1972, SS/W R.D. Lassetter