Martin Cemetery Or Cove Cemetery, Pope County, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Lina Boyd Date: 21 Oct 2008 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** From the junction of Highway 54 and Cove Road east of Russellville, turn left onto Cove Road. Cemetery is on left .1 mile. Markers in this cemetery are in bad shape. Several are off their base or broken. (This note was made when we copied this cemetery in the mid 1990s. Mr. R. C. Lewis, who lives just down Cove Road, has since cleaned up this cemetery, placed a new sign on the cemetery and repaired the stones.) There are many graves in this cemetery with no marker. This cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the county and also served as a burial place for the County Poor Farm at one time. Some of the unmarked graves could be residents of the poor farm. Sarah E. A. Bell 16 Dec 1852 12 May 1853 ?. J. Birdsong no dates This marker was not found, but was listed in the old cemetery book done about 1970 James H. Bradley 20 Mar 1798 25 Jul 1870 born in North Carolina husband of Martina Stinson married 1825 Martina Stinson Bradley 14 Apr 1801 05 Apr 1895 born Charlotte, North Carolina died Russellville, Pope County, Arkansas daughter of Samuel Stinson and Easter Bradley wife of James H. Bradley children: John M., Samuel S., Sidney H., Jemima E. J., Melvin R. Note: Article in paper dated 11 Apr 1895 lists her parents as Samuel Stevens and Easter Bradley. M. R. Bradley no dates Co. D, Ark. Infantry He was born 1833 in North Carolina His name ws Melvin son of James H. Bradley and Martina Stinson Jemimah Bradley no marker born 1835 died 17 Dec 1909 Pope County, Arkansas daughter of James H. Bradley and Martina Stinson child: Travis Obituary dates 23 Dec 1909 in the Courier Democrat newspaper Samuel S. Bradley 16 Mar 1829 09 Apr 1900 son of James H. Bradley and Martina Stinson (Sarah) Adeline Ewing no marker born 08 Feb 1840 Russellville, Arkansas died 22 May 1915 in Bethel community near Russellville maiden name McAnulty wife of C. Winter Ewing married 30 Sep 1868 Pope County, Arkansas Book D page 187 children: Mary E., Joseph, daughter, Obituary in newspaper dated 03 Jun 1915 Thomas W. Ferguson 11 Feb 1817 13 Sep 1852 Mrs. A. Ford no marker died 23 Aug 1884 Obituary in newspaper Aug 1884 Annie Fronabarger 15 Mar 1813 18 Jul 1855 aged 42 daughter of John and Jane Blackwood wife of John F. or J. Fronabarger children: John Franklin, 9 others William Gideon no marker born 01 Jul 1816 in Georgia died 12 Feb 1894 Pope County, Arkansas son of James and Susan Gideon husband of Lucinda Matthews married 16 Mar 1857 in Tennessee Obituary in newspaper dated 15 Feb 1894 Lucinda Gideon No marker born 1820 died 1875 wife of William Gideon children: John C., Sarah Elizabeth RAY CHRONISTER, William N., James J., George Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Leroy, Mary Josephine BRUTON WEAVER, Lorenzo Dow, Nancy Arabella, Granville Jerome, Robert Mason, Harriett ann CASPER and other other. Gideon Children (3) no markers I believe that two of these are William N. and James J., who disappear between census. V. Caroline Hill no marker born 1864 daughter of Benjamin O'Rear wife of G. T. Hill married 11 Nov 1888 Pope County, Arkansas Book F page 360 Note: The only marking for this grave is in the concrete border for the family plot where J. W. Rorex is buried. "HILL" is imprinted in the concrete. Caroline is listed as sister of Katherine O'Rear Rorex when Katherine died (newspaper article in 1909). Alvis W(orley) Martin 04 Apr 1858 03 Sep 1875 born in Tennessee son of Samuel Martin and Rebecca Ann Lawson Benjamin H. Martin 23 Aug 1885 27 Jul 1888 son of John H. Martin and Kissie E. M. O. Eubanks Infant Daughter Martin no dates Jessie A(nn) Martin 20 Aug 1864 26 Sep 1872 daughter of Thomas J. Martin and Sarah S. Petray John H. Martin 12 Dec 1839 21 Oct 1902 born in Tennessee son of Samuel Martin and Rebecca Ann Lawson husband of 1st Harriet A. husband of 2nd Kissie E. (M. O.) Eubanks married 21 Feb 1877 Pope County, Arkansas Book E page 123 child: William E. John T. C. Martin 1870 1950 Martha Martin 17 Nov 1874 16 Mar 1877 daughter of Thomas J. Martin and Sarah S. Petray Rebecca Ann Martin 08 Nov 1820 14 Oct 1883 born in Tennessee died in Pope County, Arkansas maiden name Lawson wife of Samuel A. Martin children: John H., Thomas J., William T., Elizabeth, Eliza Jane, Melissa C. ROBINSON, Samuel Jasper, James Newton, Alvis Wirley, Mary R. Obituary in newspaper 1883 Thomas J. Martin 05 Jul 1841 01 Aug 1897 born in Tennessee son of Samuel A. Martin and Rebecca Ann Lawson husband of Sarah S. Petray married 02 Feb 1862 Pope County, Arkansas Book D page 86 Sarah S. Martin 18 Aug 1844 14 Jun 1919 born Pottsville, Pope County, Arkansas died Pope County, Arkansas daughter of John and Martha Petray wife of Thomas J. Martin children: Jessie Ann, John Henry and 9 others Obituary in newspaper dated 19 Jun 1919 Samuel J(asper) Martin 28 Feb 1855 blank son of Samuel A. Martin and Rebecca Ann Lawson Wilbur W. Martin 04 Apr 1883 05 Sep 1884 son of H.H. and E. M. Martin William E. Martin 08 Aug 1869 25 Dec 1870 son of John H. Martin and Harriett A. Mary A. Mitcuim Feb 1860 25 May 1861 age 1 yr 3 months The last name of this marker was hard to read. Nora Ann Morton 1879 1931 maiden name Martin child: Ava HARRIS grave next to John T. C. Martin Alexander R. Oates 17 Feb 1844 07 Nov 1852 William N. Oates 09 Dec 1836 20 Nov 1852 B(enjamin) F. O'Rear no marker born 1811 (from census) child: Katherine ROREX, Caroline HILL Note: his grave is in the same plot as J. W. Rorex and his wife Katherine. He is Katherine's father. He is listed in the 1880 census as head of house with J. W. and Katherine Rorex in the home with him. The only marker is O'Rear, B. F. in the concrete border of the family plot. Charles H(enry) Petray 24 Jul 1879 20 Aug 1883 son of John W. Petray and Mary C. Read Obituary dated 1883 gives his birth 12 Jul 1879 and death 19 Aug 1883. Daughter Petray 09 Jul 1877 09 Sep 1878 daughter of John W. Petray and Mary C. Read Eliza Petray 04 Jan 1875 20 Aug 1883 daughter of John W. Petray and Mary C. Read buried in same grave as Charles H. Petray Obituary dated 1883 lists her as Elizabeth P. Martha "Patsy" Petray no marker born 22 Oct 1804 North Carolina died 30 Aug 1889 Potts Station, Pope County, Arkansas wife of John Petray child: J. W. Obituary dated Aug 1889 J. T. R. These initial are in the concrete border of family plot of J. W. Rorex. This could possibly be a child who died. J(ames) W. Rorex 12 Jan 1844 21 Sep 1905 born Stephenson, Jackson County, Alabama died Pope County, Arkansas husband of Katherine O'Rear married 22 Dec 1865 Stephenson, Alabama Obit dated 28 Sep 1905 and 12 Oct 1905 Katherine Rorex no marker born 12 Oct 1842 Stephenson, Jackson County, Alabama died 27 May 1909 Lewis, Missouri daughter of Benjamin O'Rear wife of James W. Rorex children: George, John, Sam, Sallie RAGSDALE, Thomas, Lee, Sidney Obituary dated 01 Jun 1909 In the border around family plot is stamped "Mother" next to J. W. Rorex. F(ranklin) H. Sossamon 11 Feb 1836 17 Feb 1860 son of William A. Sossamon and Fanny C. Teator M(atilda) C. Sossamon 15 Apr 1850 02 Mar 1860 daughter of William A. Sossamon and Fanny C. Teator W(illiam) A. Sossamon 21 Sep 1812 09 Dec 1864 born in North Carolina husband of 1st Fanny C. Teator married 05 Dec 1835 Cabarrus County, North Carolina husband of 2nd Amanda Clannock married 28 Jan 1862 Pope County, Arkansas Book D page 77 F(anny) C. Sossamon 09 Feb 1819 28 Feb 1860 born in North Carolina daughter of Peter Teeter and An Elizabeth Dry wife of William A. Sossamon children: Franklin H., Ellender G. or C., Peter A., William W., Daniel Jackson, Matilda C., Henry M., John A., Sarah P. An Elizabeth Teeter 1787 01 Jan 1859 age 71 yrs. 9 mo. 6 da. daughter of J. Martin Dry and Catherine Keppel wife of Peter Teeter married 25 Mar 1809 Cabarrus County, North Carolina children: George, Martin, Archibald, Paul, Peeve, Fanny Caroline SOSSAMON Prudy Teeter no marker died 1850 daughter of George and Katie Teeter This information was published in the Pope County Historical Association Journal. Edna G(race) Thompson 06 Oct 1896 12 Jan 1913 daughter of Thomas Bertram Thompson and Margaret Adeline Cagle Thomas B(ertram) Thompson 14 Apr 1846 07 Jun 1909 born Davidson County, Tennessee died Pope County, Arkansas son of Thomas Thompson Sr. husband of Margaret Adeline Cagle married 13 Sep 1879 in Arkansas Margaret A. Thompson 30 Jun 1859 31 Aug 1940 wife of Thomas Bertram Thompson children: Mary Magdalene SHINN, Bertram, Betty Elizabeth SHINN, Dorothy Ada MAY, Iva Callie OWENS, John, Charley, Neeley R., Eley (twins), Edna Grace. C. H. White no dates Lawson Withers No other information except that he is buried here. Published in Pope County Historical Journal. ---------------------------- I have included some obituaries and notices of deaths from the early newspapers of Pope County who are buried in this cemetery. These were published by J. B. Lemley and Elaine Weir Cia several years ago. These books by Mr. Lemley are now out of print. Lina Boyd April 11, 1895 Mrs. Martina Bradley, the daughter of Samuel Stevens and Easter Bradley, was born at Charlotte, N.C., April 14, 1801, and died at Russellville, April 5, 1895, lacking nine days of being 94 years old. Having married in 1825, the following sixteen years were spent in North Carolina, then in 1841 she and Mr. Bradley came to Russellville, near which she lived her remaining 53 years. She had professed faith in Christ and at the age of Fifteen joined the O. S. Presbyterian church, seven years later, however, she transferred her membership to the M. E. Church, of which she was ever afterwards a devoted member. ------------- Dec. 23, 1909 - Pottsville Old "Aunt" Jemimah Bradley, who has been confined to her room at Miss Rebekah Robertson's for a year with dropsy, quietly passed away last Friday morning and was laid to rest in the Cove Cemetery the same day. ------------- June 3, 1915 Adeline McAnulty Ewing was born in Bethel community near Russellville, Pope County, Arkansas, February 8, 1840, and died at her home Saturday May 22, 1915, at the age of 75 years, 3 months and 14 days. The early years of Mrs. Ewing's life were spent on a farm in Bethel. Her father was called home when she was yet a child. Thus she was early launched on a stormy boyage which, though the winds were abated at times never ended until her death. It was at this home her husband prepared for that "Grandma" spent her remaining years, here that she was joyous, here that she was sad, and here it was that she at last moored her boat on the other shore. "Grandma" was a young woman when the great conflict between the North and the South was waged, that accepted the deathof a brother as toll. This sorrow was met uncomplainingly as were other sacrifice, and usefulness; as a helpful, devoted wife she also proved a loving mother and true friend. Early in life she was converted and joined the Presbyterian church and though she was seldom able to attend church, she stayed true to her conversion and during the last illness her Bible was always on the bed beside her. The last moments were peaceful and fitting the close of a well spent life. Besides a host of friends and relatives she leaves to mourn her departure one brother, Bob McAnulty, of Bethel, one daughter, Mary E., and two grandsons, Clarence and Almon. A son Joseph, and a little daughter, preceded her to the grave. The remains were laid to rest in the old Cove cemetery Sunday morning, May 23, 1915. -------------- Mrs. A. Ford Died - At Sam Wilson's, on Saturday August 23, 1884, Mrs. A. Ford. She was buried at Cove grave yard Sunday. -------------- Feb. 15 1894 Mr. Wm. Gideon, aged about 60, died Monday mrning at his residence a few miles east of town, after a lingering illness. The interment took place Tuesday in Cove Cemetery. -------------- October 23, 1902 John Martin, one of the prominent farmers of this township, residing near Pottsville, died last Tuesday and was buried Wednesday morning. Mr. Martin was about 65 years of age at the time of his death. The remains were interred in the old Cove Cemetery Rev. Enyeart, the M. E. pastor at Pottsville officiating. --------------- Rebecca Ann Martin On Sunday at 6 o'clock p.m. Oct. 14, 1883, death visited the home of Father S. A. Martin, one of Pope County's most substantial citizens living three miles east of Russellville and took from him his bosom companion with whom he had lived 44 years. Rebecca Ann Martin, the deceased, ws 63 years old. She was the mother of twelve children, eight of whom still survive her, four boys and four girls all married and residing in Pope County. She was converted and united with the C. P. Church about thirty-six years ago in the state of Tennessee. She joined the M. E. Church in this county, in 1867. Since her conversion she has lived a consistent christian, and affectionate wife, and a deovted mother until death called her from labor to reward. Her funeral sermon was preached by the writer from Neb. 11th chapter and latter part of the 4th virse. Now her body lies in the Cove Cemetery awaiting the resurrection, and her spirit has gone to God who gave it to await along the shores of the shining river until soul and body shall enter upon full felicity. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of their many friends. By: J. T. Hendrickson ---------------- June 19, 1919 Mrs. Thos. J. Martin Sarah S. Petray was born near Pottsville Aug. 18, 1844, and closed out a long life of usefulness June 13, 1919. As a child she professed faith in Christ and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, where whe lived the life of a consistent disciple, whether in the valley or on the mountain top. Whe was marriedf Feb. 4, 1862, to Thos. J. Martin to which union was born 11 children, 9 of whom are living. Eight of her children were with her in her last hours. Twenty-two years ago her husband was taken from her and she was left to finish the rearing of the children which she did as only a devoted mother could do. Sister Martin is the lst of her family to pass into the more abundant life. Many friends and relatives, while grieved at her departure, congragulate her on the untiring beauty with which she so successfully ran her race for three-quarters of a century. A friend. ---------------- Died - Charles Henry Petray, son of John W. and Mary E. Petray was born in Pope County July 12, 1879, and died Aug. 19, 1883 ---------------- Died - Elizabeth P. Petray, daughter of John W. and Mary E. Petray was born in Pope County Jan. 4, 1875, and died Aug. 20, 1883. Charles and Lizzie were laid to rest at Cove church in the same grave on Aug. 21. ---------------- Mrs. Patsy Petray Died - At the residence of her son, J. W. Petray, near Potts Station, August 30, 1889, Mrs. Patsy Petray, aged about 70 years. The deceased has been an invalid for nearly sixteen years, and endured her suffering with remarkable fortitude. She was buried the 31th at Cove cemetery the Rev. Mr. Massey, of Atkins, officiating at the grave. ---------------- Sept. 28, 1905 - Pottsville Mr. J. W. Rorex, one of the county's oldest and best citizens, passed away last Thursday at his home two miles south of Pottsville. He leaves a decoted wife and six children to mourn his death. Funeral services were conducted on Friday by his pastor, Rev. Walls, at the Cove graveyard. Oct 12, 1905 More on J. W. Rorex from "In Memoriam" - His body was laid to rest in the Cove Cemetery, services conducted by Rev. W. V. Wall. J. W. Rorex was born in Jackson County, Ala., Jan. 12, 1844. He professed faith in Christ and united with the Baptist church at the age of seventeen, and a few days later entered the army of the Confederate State of America. He served the Southland which he loved with his life for four years. On Decemeter 22, 1855, he was married to Miss Catherrine O'Rear in Stephenson County, Ala. and moved to Arkansas in the fall of 1871. He was a deacon in the Baptist church at Pottsville at the time of his death. Six children survive him. --------------- Mrs. Katharine Rorex Mrs. Katharine Rorex, widow of the late J. W. Rorex for many years an honored citizen of this county, died at Lewis, Mo., May 27, 1909. She was at the time of her death, living with her son, Sidney Rorex. The body accompained by her son and his wife, arrived here Sunday on the five o'clock train, was taken to the home of Lee Rorex, another son, and was buried in the Old Cove Cemetery near the old homestead, Monday evening. The cause of Mrs. Rorex's death was the peck of a hen, which resulted in blood poison, and this brought rapid death. Mrs. Rorex was an O'Rear. She was born in Jackson County, Alabama, near Stevenson, Oct. 12, 1842; was married to J. W. Rorex, of the same community, dec. 22, 1865, came with her husband to Pope County, Ark., in 1871; stopped for two years at Pottsville, and then moved to a farm in Bradley Cove. Her husband died Sept. 21, 1905. The widow has been with her son, Sidney, in Lewis, Mo., the past two years. Mrs. Rorex was the mother of seven children, six sons and one daughter. All of these ae living except one son. The children, in order from oldest to the youngest are as follows: George lives at Fowler in Yell County; Joh, an honored Baptist minister, lives in Sunnyside, Wash., Sam lives near Pottsville, this county; Sallie, wife of Jess Ragsdale, lives at Fowler, Yell County; Thomas, dead; Lee lives in this city; and Sid is a telegraph operator at Lewis, Mo. They are all married, are honest and good people and are doing well, as they richly deserve. A purer minded man than their prepected father, Jim Rorex, never lived. He and I were born in the same community in North Alabama. He was an exceptionally quiet, orderly and amiable young man. Mrs. Rorex was a devout Christian woman for many years. She was a consistent and loyal member of the Baptist church in her community till her death. She was in every sense a true wife and faithful mother. She was a good woman; she did what she could. She was loved on earth, she is crowned in heaven. In addition to her children, she leaves a sister, Mrs. Caroline Hill, living near Pottsville, to mourn that she has left the walks of men, but to rejoice that she has taken up her abode in the "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." By: B. R. Womack - June 1, 1909. --------------