ALLEGHANY COUNTY, VA - CEMETERIES – Karnes Cemetery ----¤¤¤---- Source: Library of Virginia Digital Collection LVA Titled Files: Survey Report, Kearns cemetery: 1937 Aug. 12 Research made by Mary S. Venable Cemetery Location: Go 7 miles east of Covington, Route $60 leave at Low Moor, take a private road to this cemetery, one-fourth mile, behind the Church on the hill. Alleghany County OWNERS: 1822 Jacob Karnes 1843 Sampson, Campbell and 14 other brothers and sisters 1911 George Washing Karnes deeded to trustees DESCRIPTION: On the top of a knoll, which is flat, amidst oak trees, surrounded by a strong wire fence, with metal posts, barbed wire top-strand, lies this “Gods Acre”. It is sufficiently far from traffic and commerce for a fitting serenity, yet in the distance is vistas of the towns of Low Moor, Virginia and Clifton Forge, Virginia. It is semi-private with a private square for the Karnes Family. For many years it was the only cemetery at Low Moor and many, many graves are not marked. Indeed, it is said to be “full”, yet there are many requests for burial spaced because it is ideal. “One acre, more or less”, the deed calls for. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Jacob Karnes’ was the first family to reach Alleghany County. His stone mentions his twin brother, George, buried beside him, and further states that he was the father of 12 sons and 4 daughters. Of these, Sampson and Campbell are outstanding. There are many Karneses in this Cemetery who are not closely related to Jacob. One family moved to West Virginia and came back to Alleghany, settling at Low Moor. At one time the Karnes Family owned the town site and more than 1,000 acres surrounding it. Long division of estates by 26’s and 12’s caused some to sell out to others of the family, the grantors going West to make homes. Only one home remains today, the Low Moor Furnace site having absorbed the home of Sampson. Jacob Karnes and Betsy, his wife, and one grown daughter, Father of 12 sons and 4 daughters. Interred by him are his twin brother, George Karnes and Elizabeth, his wife. Pioneer. Farmer. Died about 1843, age 80 years Matthew B. Karnes May 5, 1838 – Sept. 1846 Jacob A. Karnes Octo. 7, 1840 – Sept. 1846 Suffer the little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven (Note: These two children died the same night from croup. “They had waded in the creek that day.”) Sampson Karnes Died June 24th, 1854 Aged 52 years At rest Out Mother Clarissa H. Karnes Aug. 1, 1811 May 22, 1894 She stretched out her hand to the poor, yea she reached forth her hand to the needy. Jane A. Sadler May 24, 1834 Jan. 3, 1882 (Note: Dau. of Sampson) I would be glad if the Lord would come. He soon came and He will come here in that day when he makes up his jewels. John H. Karnes of Company !. 27th Virginia Regiment Stonewall Brigade July 1836 – August 1861 Died of a wound received at the Battle of Manassas John D. Saddler Died March 20, 1895 Aged 72 years. At Rest William J. Dickson Born at Callaghan, Aug. 24, 1840 Died at Low Moor Jan. 25, 1885 The Lord gave and the Lord taketh away. (Note: He married the Dau. of Sampson: Becky) Erected by his wife Belle M. Karnes Born July 6, 1836 Died March 9, 1907 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Michael Karnes died Jan. 1878 aged 77 years 11 mos. 1 day Campbell Karnes Oct. 19, 1801 – March 26, 1874 Martha Karnes March 1799 – June 1878 No stone marks Sallie Tate Her grave is near Martha Karnes’ Frank L. Karnes Died May 21 ____ aged 68 years Edward M. Karnes C. Eugene and Frank W. infant sons are in this square Sallie A. wife of G.W. Surber Born 1851 Died 1884 Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord William B. Ruley son of E.I. and M. _. Ruley Died January 1862 age ___ (cannot be deciphered. Stone is crumbling) W.O. Fridley Born 1856 Died 1921 Some day we’ll understand Rebecca J. Bush Aug. 21, 1846 Jan. 25, 1899 Farewell, sister, we must part. Your soul to God, your memory in our hearts (Note: Sallie Tate made her home with the Karnes. She came back from Missouri and seems to have been adopted. She signed a deed relinquishing any claim she had on the home property.) One corner was reserved for slaves and that is said to be quite filled. George W.C. Karnes erected a stone to one of his slaves, Peter Jordan. Slave Cemetery In the corner of the Karnes Cemetery. It is said by one of the Trustees, that this corner of the graveyard is closely filled. During the period before the “Sixties”, this was the only cemetery at Low Moor and the slaves of the community were buried here. ___________________________________________________________________ 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. ___________________________________________________________________