Claiborne Cemetery - Monroe County, Alabama ====================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information is included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed and copyrighted by: Benard and Leslie Hendrix ====================================================================== June 2005 The cemetery is located just off US 84 and AL 12, and the corner of Old Fort Claiborne Rd in West Monroe Co. near the Alabama River. At this time, there is also an old unused store in front of the cemetery. Global coordinates: N 31°32'45.5" W 087°30'45.3" or: N 31.54597° W 087.51258° This cemetery was surveyed in April of 2005. The graves are listed in the order that they were surveyed. Basically, we entered the cemetery, went to the left, followed the outer edge of the cemetery to the back and, returned up the middle. There were no graves found on outer edge to the right. Parantheses ()indicate something that was added by the surveyor and an asterisk * indicates that a letter or numeral was unreadable. Square brackets [] indicate the information was taken from the below-mentioned text-only survey. As noted below, this cemetery has been terribly vandalized, both by man and by nature. After the damage by hurricane Ivan in 2004, the lumber companies apparently came in to help clean it up. They did their share of damage also. I have included some pictures of that damage within this photo survey. It is a shame that the State of Alabama doesn't protect these cemeteries better. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE FOLLOWING SECTION IS TAKEN FROM A PREVIOUS SURVEY OF THIS CEMETERY FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING SITE: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/monroe/cemeteries/claiborne.txt and used with the author's permission -------------------------------------------- This file was contributed and copyrighted by: Chere Lee March 2003 Transcribed by Chere Lee, March 2003 Tombstone Records of an Old Cemetery at Claiborne, Alabama by Major Harry A. Davis, Washington D.C. The following records constitute all that is left of this cemetery. As I recall this cenetery in 1892-1893, it was more extensive and more complete than these records indicate. It is located on sloping ground near the Alabama River at Claiborne. On my visit to it in 1925 it was very apparent that many graves had disappeared, as well as the stones, owing to many large washouts by the elements, and no doubt many of the stones were removed by marauders and used for other purposes. My time was limited but I suceeded in interesting Mrs. William Deer, who resides at Claiborne, and who copied the remaining stones for me. Some information concerning Claiborne, Alabama, will make these rewards more appreciated. Claiborne is located on the Alabama River about midway between Selma and Mobile. During the period of 1817 to 1830 it was a center thru which practically all immigrants passed, and boasted of a population of some 2,500 souls, a larger population thn either of the early capitals, St. Stephens or Catawba. It was a shipping center for a very large territory. Claiborne of today is a relict of the past, nothing remains of its former splendor or prosperity. The only old home standing in 1925 was the "Torrey Place" and it was abandoned and in the last stages of dilapidation. AND THIS REFERENCE WAS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SAME DOCUMENT ----------- Cemetery records from Berks, Centre, Chester, Huntingdon, Schuylkill Counties, Pennsylvania, and Claiborne, Alabama: also Prather, Prince George County, Maryland; copied and indexed by Mary Owen Steinmetz and Mrs. J.V.R. Hunter; Manuscript On Film, Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1949. [Film number 20527 Items 1-2] +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UNNAMED (These are two unnamed graves. One can seen to be damaged by a fallen tree that has been removed.) UNNAMED (This is another unnamed small headstone or footstone. No engraving was found on the stone.) RODGERS, Gaten McKay (Born) May 9, 1998 (Died) May 10, 1998 (Engraved above the name and dates is) Our Little Angel BLANTON, Sarah Voncile H. (Born) Apr. 25, 1930 (Died) Feb. 27, 1972 UNNAMED (This grave was apparently damaged by a falling tree some time in the past.) GIBSON, Willie L. (Born) 1907 (Died) 1979 (This is a dual headstone) (Engraved between the two sections is) GIBSON GIBSON, Mary E. (Born) 1921 (Died) 1979 GIBSON, Catherine Louise (Born) Jan. 25, 1940 (Died) (no date given) GIBSON. Jerry Lee (Born) Dec. 9, 1938 (Died) Jan. 31, 1985 GIBSON, Willie Lee, Jr. (Born) Jun 3, 1944 (Died) Apr 21, 1998 (This is a bronze military-type marker with the following embossed below his name) PFC US ARMY VIETNAM Jun 3, 1944 Apr 21, 1998 UNKNOWN (This is an area that was apparently once a fence surrounding a grave or graves, but has been bulldozed.) CHAUDRON, Felix B. (Born) 1808 (Died) 1873 (Engraving above his name and dates in unreadable) (A round concrete footstone with a bronze or brass disc on top, is near his headstone and is engraved with) FBC 1808 1873 DUVAL, Mary H. (Born) (no date given) (Died) March 13, 1851 (Engraved at the top of her stone is) In Memory Of (Engraved under her name is) wife of F. A. Duval: (Engraved below her name and the name of her husband is) she died March 13th, 1851 (Engraved below her death date is) aged 27 years. (Engraved below her age is) Rest thee in peace dear Mary. F. A. Duval UNNAMED (This marker has been damaged and a major portion is missing) UNNAMED (This marker is small and unengraved) MANLY, Elizabeth T. (Born) Dec. 15, 1820 (Died) August 19, 1856 (Engraved at the top of her gravestone is) In memory of (Engraved below her name is) wife of S. M. MANLY (Engraved below her husband's name is) ` Born in the state of Mississippi Dec. 15th 1820 and died August 19th 1856, aged 36 years, 3 months --------------- Unveil thy bosom holy lamb, Take this new treasure to thy trust, Give to these sacred relics room To slumber in the dust. (This is a dual grave marker) MANLY, Frances E. born July 3rd 1854 died March 3rd 1857 (Engraved above her name is) Also (Engraved betweenn her name and dates is) Daughter of S. M. & E. T. MANLY E.M.A. (This is a footstone engraved with E.M.A. only) (Note: Is this fire damage?) HUNTER, Henry D. Born Jan. 31, 1821 Died Aug. 30, 1833. (Engraved above his name and dates is) Sacred to the memory of (Engraved below his name and dates is) aged 12 years & 7 mo. (and) Father I left a world where war & sin Swell onward as a river. And gain'd a world where I shall rest. In peace and joy forever. MALONE, Wm. born Sep. 1st. 1791 died June 28th. 1839 (Engraved above his name and dates is) In memory of (Engraved below his mame and dates is) He was an native of Pennsylvania, but had resided many years in Claiborne, and was estee m'd for his strict moral honesty and faith in the christian religion. SHARP, Mary (Born) (no date given) Died Nov. 1, 1848 (Engraved above her name is) In Memory Of (Engraved below her name is) who died Nov 1 1848 in the 16th year of her age. (Engraved below this data is) When in her death bed, She as a follower of Christ betray ************* his earthly house ********* **************************** **************************** **************************** ******************** Brother ******* WITHERSPOON, Elizabeth Hamilton (Born) (No date given) (Died) May 21, 1835 (Engraved above her name is) In memory of (Engraved below her name is) daughter of Rev Thos S & Ann Witherspoon who died on the 21st day 1835 aged 1 year and nearly 10 months. (There is some smaller engraving under this but it is unreadable) (There is also a footstone engraved) E. H. W. BAGBY, Emily N. (Born) (No date shown) Died May 28, 1825 (Engraved above her name is) CONSECRATED To the memory of (Engraved below her name is) Consort of Arthur P. Bagby who departed this life on the 28th day of May A. D. 1825 in the 21st year of her age ----------- In commendation of her many and exaulted virtues And as a lasting Monument of the Affectionate rememberance in which She will ever be held by her Bereaved and inconsolate Husband. FRANKLIN, (Unknown) (Born) (No date given) (Died) Jun 26, 1821 (Engraved above the name is) (In mem)ory of (Engraved below the name is) of New-York who departed this life Jun 26, 1821 aged 19 years, 5 months & *1 days (Note: From the survey mentioned at the beginning of this document, this person is apparently Samuel C. Franklin) SAMPSON, Elizabeth Rachel Born July 14th 1837 Died October 17 1841 (Engraved below her name is) eldest child of Henry and Mary Sampson (Engraved below her dates is) No mortal woes Can reach the peaceful sleeper here While angels watch the soft repose SAMPSON, Elizabeth Hooker (Born) (No date given) Died July 29, 1834 (Engraved above her name is) In memory of (Engraved below her name is) infant daughter of Daniel C. and Emeline M. Sampson. who died July 29, 1884; aged 17 months & 7 days. (Engraved below this is) I would not break thy peaceful rest for countless worlds of gold; (the remainder is unreadable) SAMPSON, Daniel B. (Born) (No date given) Died Sept. 12, 1834 (Engraved above his name is) Sacred to the memory of (Engraved below his name is) only son of Daniel C. & Emeline M. Sampson. who died Sept. 12, 1884: aged 3 years & 7 months. (Engraved below this is) Young in years Hast thou been gathered to the shroud ***** But what God wills he also sanctifies And oh! perchance his mercy must be shame When it seems dark & doubtful in our cross Tis better *************** should early close Than when the every page is ************* PORTIS, Samuel Goodwin (Born) (No date given) Died August 21, 1856 (Engraved above his name is) In Memory of (Engraved between his name and date is) A native of Nash County North Carolina (Engraved below his death date is) Aged 44 years 10 mos & 15 days PORTIS, Samuel Gordon (Born) (No date given) Died July 11, 1853 (Engraved above his name is) In Memory Of (Engraved between his name and date is) Son of Saml G. & Martha P. Portis (Engraved below his date is) Aged 10 years 9 Mos & 0 Days GOODWIN, H. H. (Born) (No date given) (Died) Feb. 1* AD 1860 (Engraved above the name is) In memory of (Engraved between the name and date is) who departed this life aged (unreadable) (There are five lines of unreadable small print below this) MCCOLL, John Unk Born Dec. 12, 1830 Died Nov. 27, 1853 (Engraved above his name is) Sacred to the memory of (Engraved between his name and dates is) who was born in Claiborne (Engraved below his dates is) ------------ **** soon to break the golden chain, ***************** to give him up, ********* our dearest wishes crushed, ***************** the bitter cup. ************* was he so early called, ************ life had scarce begun Nay *********** not, but meekly say, Father, thy will be done. (Note: Do those look like tire tracks on the stone?) UNNAMED, Footstone (No engraving found on either side) UNNAMED, Footstone (Only engraving found on unbroken side) A DRAUGHON, Jane Edwards Born February 18, 1820 (Died) July 12, 1821 (Engraved above her name is) SACRED to the memory of (Engraved below her name is) third child of James H. and Jane Smith Draughon: she was born at Claiborne,Ala on the 18th day of February, 1820:and departed this life at the same place on the 12th day of July, 1821.aged 1 year 4 months, and 23 days. "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven" (It is obvious that this headstone has been cleaned recently) LINDSEY, Arabella Kenan Draughon Born Feb.10.A.D.1822 Died Mar.12.A.D.1865 (Engraved at the top of her stone is) Sacred to the memory of (Engraved between her name and dates is) Wife of James M. Lindsey Daughter of James H. & Jane S. Draughon (Engraved below her dates is) In Thee O Lord, do I put my trust. PS.**** May heaven's dews be gently shed Where rest the blest, the peaceful dead. LINDSEY, James Madison Born A.D.1810 Died Apr.15.A.D.1883 (Engraved at the top of his stone is) Sacred to the memory of (Engraved between his name and dates is) Born in South Carolina (Engraved below his dates is) Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem* PS.122.2 May Heaven's hopeful smiles, Fall sweetly here. Where rests the sacred dust, To memory dear. UNNAMED, Footstone (Engraved on stone is) S C F UNNAMED (Size of grave indicates a child's grave) UNNAMED (Possibly two graves, no engraving found) LINDSEY, Mary Ann Eliza Draughon Born June 21, 1818 Died Oct. 12, 1845 (Engraved above her name is) In Memory Of (Engraved under her name is) Wife of Doct. James M. Lindsey Daughter of James H. & Jane S. Draughon (Engraved below her dates is) "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. ------ Erected by her bereaved HUSBAND WATKINS, Margaret Rachel Born Febuy.9th.1814 Died Octr.2nd.1858 (Engraved above her name is) SACRED to the memory of (Engraved between her name and dates is) wife of Richard L. Watkins (Engraved below her dates is) Blessed are the pure in heart For they shall see God. DRAUGHON, Jane Smith Williams Born March 21st, 1793 Died October 8th, 1853 (Engraved above her name is) SACRED to the memory of (Engraved below her name is) wife of James H. Draughon of Claiborne, Ala. and daughter of Isaac and Rachel Williams: she was born in Cumberland county, N.C. on the 21st day of March. 1793: and departed this life on the 8th day of October, 1853: aged 60 years 6 months and 18 days. (Engraved below this is) "Why do we mourn departing friends, Or shake at death's alarms? 'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends, To call them to His arms. FOSTER, Jane Edwards Draughon Born July 2d, 1826. Died September 12th, 1854. (Engraved between her name and dates is) Wife of George W. Foster and daughter of James H. and Jane S. Draughon (Engraved below her dates is) The name of the Lord is a strong tower the rightous runeth into it and is safe" (Engraved below her dates is) Thou art gone to thy home; on earth never more shall my fond vision rest on that form I adore But in dreams of the night my own dearest Jane E. In beauty and wisdom come oft back to me. And counsel me sweetly as ever in life, Thou wert wont my own lovely and long mourned wife. COOMBS, William (Born) (No date shown) Died February 27, 1838 (Engraved above his mane is) Sacred the memory of (Engraved below his name is) a native of Po[rt]land S[tat]e of Main[e] he died February 27, 1838 aged ** years (Engraved below this is) Alone ******** Dark h**** roll by For ***** and friendless Why L**** I not die? The **** will ***ightly Above the lone spot. Where ****eurt broken stru****es Is laid and *ore*o* (Note: More tire marks or drag marks?) BOYDEN, Joseph Born March 21, 1812. Died Sept. 26, 1842. (Engraved below his name and dates is) The memory of the just is blessed. WILSON, George Washington (Born) (No date shown) (Died) March 15th, 1827 (Engraved at the top of his stone is) I N Memory of (Engraved between his name and date is) who departed this life March 15th 1827 Aged 27 years. --------- This Marble is erected to his bereaved relative as a tribute to his virtues. When living he was in all the relations of life. As a Man h**est in de***g jus* As a Son dutiful and ******** As a Brother ************** UNNAMED (No identification found) BATES, Capt. Seymore (Born) (No date shown) Died Novenber 12th, 1842. (Engraved above his name is) I N Memory Of (Engraved below his death date is) Aged 30 years S B, (Footstone) (Assumed to be footstone of Capt. Seymore BATES) [BATES], Martha [A] (Born) (No date shown) Died Sept. 3rd, 18[30] (Engraved above her name is) Consecrated to the memory of (Engraved below her name is) consort of Capt. S. Ba[tes] who died 3rd. Sept. 18[30]. aged 15 years and 11 days. (Engraved below this are four more lines, almost all unreadable except for a few letters) BEZEAU, Camila Born July 4th, 1820, Died Sept. 4, 1840. (Engraved above her mane and dates is) SACRED to the Memory of (Engraved between her name and dates is) Daughter of the late Capt. W. Bazeau, U.S.A. ------- This tribute to her memory, erected by her Sister ADELINE SALOMON. Engraved at the bottom right corner is) J.Ri*er, N.Haben,Ct. BARNES, John Milton Born May 6, 1846 Died August 24, 1848 (Engraved above his name and dates is) In Memory Of (Engraved between his name and dates is) Son of John Y. & Mary E. Barnes (Engraved below his dates is) ------ Thy days, my little one, were few An Angels morning visit. UNKNOWN, My Little Alice (Born) (No date shown) (Died) (No date shown) (Engraved below her name is) To me for fourteen anxious months Her infant smiles were given And then she bid farewell to earth And went to live in heaven. Elizabeth S J L, (Footstone) (No other information shown) UNKNOWN, C B (Born) (No date shown) (Died) (No date shown) (Engraved below the initials is) Aged 20 years & 2 months. (Note: This may be a footstone) UNKNOWN (The only thing readable on this stone is) his age UNKNOWN (Nothing readable was found on either side of this stone) M. A. C., (Footstone) (No other infornation shown) CROW, John [L] Born April 1, 18[42] Died Dec. [21], [1843] (No other information is readable due to part of his stone is missing.) CROW, Amelia Born Jany 1st 1806 Died December 2nd 1819. (Engraved above her name is) In Memory of (Engraved below her name is) Consort of J.L. Crow. she was born Jany 1st 1806, and departed this life December 2nd 1819 ----- (Engraved below this in small script is) She sleeps the still lone sleep of death, Her sweet glad voice no more we hear: In sleep she ******* up her breath. In triumph closed her ***** career. In that pure ****** of joy above. Where seraph bands in rapture meet: Her soul ***** in songs of love. And worships at her Saviour's feet. CROW, Josiah L. Born June 27th 1811 Died July 26th 1855 (Engraved above his name and dates is) In memory of (Near his headstone is a footstone engraved) J. L. C. CROW, Elizabeth Born Nov. 25, 1830 Died July 10, 1855 (Engraved above her name is) In memory of (Engraved below her name is) Daughter of W. B. & R. Marshall, Wife of Josiah L. Crow UNKNOWN (The grave marker is turned to the tree trunk and is unreadable) TURNIER, Sarah H. Born (Engraved at the top of her stone, above her name, is) A tribute of affection by W. C. Emerson Sacred to the memory of (Engraved below her name is) who departed this life 8th June A.D. 1814 aged 24 years & 8 days. ----- Thy hand was mine in promise given, When thou wast called from earth to heaven; Thy image lives within my heart Thy memory shall neer depart. Thy *earning ****dy and charms Well fitted thee for angels arms; And **** immortal as this stone ***e thy name and i(mag)es known. (Note: Although only one photo is shown, several close-ups were used to decipher the engraving) FOSTER, Mary Louisa Born June 2nd 1831, Died September 18th 1843. (Engraved below her name and dates is) Erected by her Aunt Martha. (Near her headstone is a footstone engraved) M. L. F. UNKNOWN (The gravestone is virtually destroyed and unidentifiable) ALLEN, Doct. Nathaniel (Born) (No date shown) Died Aug. 5, 1822 (Engraved above his name is) Sacred to the memory of (Engraved between his name and date is) A native of New London, Con. who died 5th Aug. 1822; Aged 31 years, 1 month, and 12 days. ------- (Engraved below this is) Sleep ***** dust, beneath this sacred mound Which **** shall be the dew'd with friendships tear And of****h pensive look survey'd by her Who knew thee best. ****** among the memories of the just Thy ***** shall live ***************** friends Of ****************** ALLEN, John Nathaniel Born March 9, 1827 Died March 11, 1827 (Engraved above his name is) Sacred to the memory of (Engraved below his name is) Son of * * * **ne Allen FOSTER, [M]rs Martha Born March 9, 1771 Died [January 7, 1826] (Engraved above her name is) Sacred to the memory of (Engraved below her name is) wife of Rev. John Foster (Engraved below this is) Born in York District South Carolina March 9, 1771 Died (Near her headstone is a footstone engraved) M. F. (Note: Part of her headstone below this is missing) FOSTER, Rev. John Born February 7, 1766, Died July 21, 1827, (Engraved above his name is) Sacred to the memory of (Engraved between the word "born" and his date is) In South Carolina ALLEN, Henry Nelson (Born) (No date shown) (Died) July 4, 1815 (Engraved above his name is) This marble Is erected to the memory of (Engraved below his name is) Native of New York who departed this life July 4th 1815, In the ****th year Of his age. (Note: There is an additional eight lines of engraving that is in script and is so small and dim that it is unreadable) TORREY, Alexander Born Oct. 12th 1776. Died July 4th 18[35] (Engraved above his name and dates is) In Memory of (Engraved below his dates is) aged 58 year(s) [8] months and 22 (days) B[A]GBY, [Ar]thur K. (Bor)n Aug. 26, 1828. (Die)d Aug. 29, 1840. (Engraved above his name and dates is) Sacred to the memory of (Engraved below his name and dates is) 12 years & [5] days. RICHARDS, William H. (Born) (No date shown) Died Aug. 21st 1840 (Engraved above his name and dates is) Sacred to the memory of (Engraved between his name and dates is) who died in this town. Aug. 21st, 1840 aged 18 years. Erected by his brother. C.G.R. GORDON, Catherine (Born) (No date shown) Died Jan. 28, 1819 (Engraved above her name is) In Memory of (Engraved between her name and date is) A native of Williamsburg District South Carolina (Engraved below her date is) Aged 72 Years, 2 Mos. And 9 days. COLBURN, Margaret Elizabeth (Born) (No date shown) (Died) March 18, 1828 (Engraved above her name is) To the memory of (Engraved between her name and date is) Infant daughter of James B. & Martha J. Colburn who departed this life March 18, 1828: aged 4 ms & 28 ds Engraved below this is) Thy little hands thou'lt raise no more, To meet our arms: The bitter pang of Death pass'd o'er, And withered all thy charms: Yet let the trick ********rt be taught That thou'rt in peace: (There is at least one more line that is unreadable) (Near her headstone is a footstone engraved) M. E. C. COOPER, Elizabeth Thompson Born Feb. 8, 1831, Died June 10, 1835. (Engraved between her name and dates is) daughter of A.B. & M.W. Cooper: (Engraved below her dates is) Oh, what a sweet child was snatched away. Lord, make us submissive to thy Holy Will. COOPER, Three Infant Children Born & Died Nov. 4, 1829 July 27, 1847 Oct. 13, 1848 (Engraved between the "name" and dates is) of A.B. & M.W. Cooper: (Engraved below the dates is) Sleep, little ones, in peace. COOPER, Martha W. Born [Dec. 31], 1806 Died [Oct. 17], 1848 (Engraved above her name is) To The Memory Of (Engraved below her name is) Wife of A. B. Cooper Daughter of Peterson ***weatt and Elizabeth Williamson Born in Wilkes Co. GA. 31 Dec. 1806 Died at Claiborne AL. 17 Oct. 1848 (Engraved below this in small script is) To her friends around *** she **** (The other three lines of script are unreadable) WAINRIGHT, Lovey (Born) (No date shown) Died Oct. 1852 (Engraved above her name is) To the memory of (Engraved below her name is) Consort of H.D. Wainright. died Oct. 1852 aged 36 years. UNNAMED (No engraving was found on either side of this apparent footstone)