MEARS - BIRD Cemetery, Accomack County, Virginia
Wachapreague, VA area

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Physical examination of Mears/Bird Cemetery May 7, 1999 by Garland L. Isdell (Sr) and 
Lee Isdell.

The Mears/Bird Cemetery is referenced in Jean Mahalyka’s book Graven Stones: 
Inscriptions from Lower Accomack County, Virginia; 3rd. edition, Heritage Books, 1992 
as plot #113.  Her directions are as follows:
“.9m E or Rt600 to the N of Rt736 (Old Wachapreague Road); .3m in lane to edge 
of front yard.  2 plots; Bird family within wall; Mears familiy to the S. (Bird; 
Kellam; Mears; Turlington)”
This is now inaccurate as the old yellow farmhouse visible at the “lane” is now gone.  My 
specific directions would be to turn N from Wachapreague/Keller Rd onto “Bradford 
Lane”, (a newly named street).  Less than 100yds on Rt will be a dirt lane going into a 
field.  The relic of  the yellow farmhouse (chimney) is just visible, as may be another 
derelict home much further back up the lane.  The access lane is across the street from the 
home of Leon Hickman, the first home on the Lft. after turning onto “Bradford”.  Walk up 
the lane (the lane is treacherously potholed).  Continue up the lane PAST the chimney-
relic and towards the other derelict home.  Just in front of this second house and to the 
immediate LEFT of the lane is a thick patch of trees and growth.  The cemetery is within 
that thicket.

1.  In Memory of JOSEPH WHARTON MEARS
	One son of ABEL MEARS
	was born February 22, 1831
	died on October 14, 1836 
(Isdell note: would have been 5 yrs. Mihalyka read Oct.24, 1836)

2.  SUSAN, daughter of ABEL and MARGARET MEARS
	who departed this life February 24, 1841
	aged 6 yr, 6mo and 1 day

3.  In Memory of GEORGIANA S.
	daughter of ABEL and MARGARET MEARS
	Born June 2, 1844
	Jan 18, 1846
	Age 1 yr 7mo and 16 days

4.  A “Willow” pattern at the top of the headstone
	MARGARET
	Late Consort of (unreadable) ABEL
(Isdell Note:  Mihalyka says:  “Margaret B. w/o Abel of Abel. D.13 Nov 1852; age 45 yrs 
0 mo 5 days”)


5.  ABEL MEARS
	Aug 31, 1804
July 10, 1878

6.  MEARS centered in double headstone
6a.	ABEL THOMAS
	1852
	1932

6b.	JULIA E.
	1875
	1952

7.  SOUTHEY T MEARS
	1900
	1962

8.  PATIENCE O. MEARS (Mihalyka read Patience G.”)
	Wife of James H.
4 Nov 1816
	22 June 1884 (Mihalyka read 1889)

9.  JAMES H. MEARS
	Husband of Patience G.
	20 Mar 1820
	22 June 1891