ALLEGHANY COUNTY, VA - CEMETERIES – Smith Cemetery ----¤¤¤---- Source: Library of Virginia Digital Collection LVA Titled Files: Survey Report, Smith cemetery: 1937 Sept. 22 Research made by Robert Stover Cemetery Location: 7 miles north of Covington, Virginia on the east side of Jackson River on G.W. Armentrout’s farm, on Route #220 go 2.5 miles, turn left go north on Route #268 up Jackson River 4.5 miles. The cemetery is on the right of the highway going north. Alleghany County OWNERS: Abstract land titles from original to present owner: For deeds and patents of Wm. Smith, the original owner, see records Fincastle Courthouse, Botetourt County. 1835 Deed Book 3, page 133, the dower of Mary Smith, widow of above Wm. Smith, her interest in land of Wm. Smith one hundred thirty-three acres on both side of Jackson River was surveyed. In all probability the cemetery was included in this tract. 1841 The division and plat of real estate of Wm. Smith, deceased, is recorded in final settlements of Chancery Court decrees see final decrees 1841. From 1842 to 1855 Wright Smith, son of above Wm. Smith, deceased, buys interest of other heirs. Deed Book 4, pages 252, 395; Deed Book 5 page 19. Deed Book 166, pages 229, 371. 1889 Wright Smith wills to grandson Archibald Smith all real and personal estate. Will Book 4, page 195. 1889 R.L. Parrish, Commissioner in chancery cause of J.A. McClung vs Wright Smith, Administrator, sells and conveys to J.J. Hobbs lands of Wright Smith, deceased on Jackson River about six miles north of Covington, Virginia. Deed Book 22, page 456. 1889 J.J. Hobbs, conveys to Peter Smith and wife, Bettie, lands of Wright Smith, deceased, on Jackson River, three adjoining tracts (58, 44 and 78), aggregating one hundred eighty acres. Deed Book 22, page 457. 1908 Peter Smith and wife, Eliz. sell and convey to Geo. W. Armentrout one hundred eighty acres on Jackson River. Deed Book 36, page 383 Present Owner: G.W. Armentrout (1937) DESCRIPTION: This ground contains approximately one-fourth acre and is enclosed by a substantial fence and gate, the posts and wooden parts of the fence has been recently white-washed. The interior is kept up and is in good condition. There are approximately sixty visible graves. The cemetery lies about one-third mile to the west of Jackson River, and is situated somewhere near the middle of Jackson River Valley with Warm Springs Mountain on the east and Little Mountain on the west. The cemetery is still in use. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Inscriptions with tombstones: William Smith Jan. 10, 1828 Aug. 18, 1905 Death our dears’t ties can sever, Take our loved ones from our side, Bear them from our home forever, Over dark cold river tide. In Memory of Polly An Myers Wife of L.M. Sprouse Mar. 15, 1848 Nov. 9, 1903 She was a kind and affectionate wife, a fond mother, and friend to all Daniel P. Wade May 1854 July 6, 1926 Josiah Smith Mar. 24, 1839 – (blank) and Mary J. Smith Oct. 26, 1839 Oct. 9, 1921 No pains, no grief, no anxious fear, can reach our loved one sleeping here Pollie Smith d. July 1885 aged 80 yrs At Rest Wright Smith Oct. 1805 Oct. 1889 84 yrs & 24 da. Lewis Smith May 23, 1836 Sept. 17, 1912 Harretta Wife of Lewis Smith June 2, 1852 Mar. 6, 1915 Our Mother Francis J. Smith Sept. 19, 1844 Oct. 2, 1913 O death where is thy sting O grave there is by victory Eli May Smith Apr. 10, 1828 Apr. 13, 1904 Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord Manerva M. Smith Oct. 6, 1828 Mar. 28, 1872 Without Tombstones: William Smith died Feb. 1835 Approx. age 80 yrs Mary Smith died approx. 1845, approx. age 85 yrs. Their son: Moses Smith born Aug. 4, 1792 Ballard Johnson Smith born Mar. 4, 1830 Mr. Archie Smith, who is authority for above, also states that Joshua Suddoth and wife, Martha are buried here. Joshua Suddoth died approx. 1876, approx. age 75 yrs. Martha Suddoth died approx. 1870 William Smith was among the first permanent settlers on Jackson River. He was the first Smith on record on Jackson River. William Smith and wife, Mary (Fleet according to Archie Smith, a descendant) married Aug. 10, 1780. They had fourteen children whose births are: Peter b. July 27, 1781 Rebecca b. Sept. 8, 1782 (died young) David b. Jan. 9, 1784 Samuel b. Nov. 30, 1786 Polly Ann b. Feb. 20, 1788 Joseph b. July 22, 1789 Thomas b. Dec. 25, 1790 Moses b. Aug. 4, 1792 Sampson b. July 14, 1794 Maty b. July 17, 1796 William b. Apr. 9, 1798 Betty b. Apr. 17, 1800 James b. May 4, 1785 Write (Wright) b. Oct.2, 1805 Mr. Charley Dressler, of reliable authority, states that this is the oldest cemetery in this locality. The Mt. Pleasant Cemetery lies down the River, Route #268 about one mile where stood originally Mt. Pleasant Church which was built on the lands of William Smith, deceased, being that part of Wm. Smith’s land that fell to Geo. Hull and his wife (formerly daughter of the above deceased.) James Smith, another son of the above deceased, is buried in the old Dressler Cemetery about one and one half miles down the River to east of Route #268. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: Informants: Mr. Charley Dressler, Dry Run, Covington, Virginia, R.F.D. Court Records, Alleghany County, Virginia Deed and Will Books, Covington, Virginia Courthouse Family Bibles of Wm. Smith and son, Wright Smith, now in possession of Archibald (Archie) Smith of Indian Draft, Covington, Virginia, R.F.D. Route #1 ___________________________________________________________________ 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. ___________________________________________________________________