ALLEGHANY COUNTY, VA - CEMETERIES – Indian Graves ----¤¤¤---- Source: Library of Virginia Digital Collection LVA Titled Files: Survey Report, Indian graves: 1937 June 30 Research made by L. Blanche Bess Cemetery Location: Go 14.5 miles southwest of Covington, Routes $60, #18, off Route #18 in a field. Alleghany County Owners: This piece of land was included in the original grant to John and Wm. Brown. Was conveyed by the attorney-in-fact of John Brown to Esther Rayhill, by deed of 15th day of June, 1808. This tract of land was inherited by Harriet E. Pinnell, a daughter of Esther Rayhill, upon her death the land fell to the only child of Harriet E. Pinnell, Harriet E., who married John B. Lynch. In November 1875 John B. Lynch and Harriet, his wife, deeded to John B. Davis, for the sum of $300.00 this tract of 17 acres, known as the “Big Field”, D.B. #7, page 296. John B. Davis, before his death, in 1918, deeded this 17 acre field to his grand-daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. William D. Hepler, who are the present owners (1937). Description: There is a tract of seventeen acres of land on the east side of Potts Creek in a bend thereof, known for many years as the “Big Field”. This place is near the Potts Creek railroad track. It is a very smooth, rich piece of land and has always been famous for its wonderful crops of corn and wheat. Historical Significance: It is now owned by Mr. William D. Hepler. Mr. Hepler was plowing there one day when he noticed that he had plowed up several bones. Bones had been plowed up at different times, but little had been thought about it, and no particular examination had been made of them; not even taking note whether they were human or animal. Mr. Hepler’s attention was drawn to these by the number he had plowed up, and upon closer inspection he discovered that the bones were those of a man of unusual size. He was particularly impressed with the size of the jaw bone and the teeth. After some study of the bones, Mr. Hepler was convinced that they were those of an Indian. He gathered up a number of bones, something like a basketful, and carried them to Lone Star Cemetery and buried them there. He said when he plowed into the grave he was surprised to find it literally lined with periwinkles, (shells from the creek), they were there he said in great quantities, and could be gathered up by the handful. This was something unusual, unheard of. This is the only grave we have ever heard of being filled with periwinkles. Mr. Hepler said they had the appearance of being there when the body was buried. Mr. Hepler’s theory as to the bones being those of an Indian, was strengthened and confirmed, when he found the Battle Axe and Tomahawk. Before this time when bones had been plowed up, it was thought that at some time someone had buried a horse or two there, but this theory was not so good, for it had not been a great while since people began burying animals. The usual procedure was to haul them to the woods, to a safe distance from the house and the water courses. There were a few people, great lovers of animals, who did bury them, when they lost a favorite horse, cow or dog, but it was not compulsory, and it was not done then, as it is now. The Battle axe and tomahawks and arrow heads are very interesting relics, and they are valued by the Hepler family. Since bones have been plowed up so often it has become the general belief there that this “Big” field has once been a burial place for the Indians. We have been told that several battle axes and tomahawks have been found there. The Hepler boys, sons of W.D. Hepler, took some of the Indian relics and also some of the bones to the Boiling Spring High School, nearby, where they excited a great deal of interest. This “Big” field is an old piece of land, and was included in the original grant to John and William Brown. And was conveyed by the attorney in fact of John Brown, to Esther Rayhill, by deed bearing date of the 15th day of June, 1808. Sources of Information: Informants: W.D. Hepler, Potts Creek, Virginia Mrs. J.S. Bowman, Potts Creek, Virginia ___________________________________________________________________ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Joan Renfrow NOTICE: I have no relationship or further information in regards to this family. ___________________________________________________________________