John Elam Family/Henry Cemetery, Charlotte County

Provided by Kathy Liston  (westview@lynchburg.net)   January 31, 2000

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This cemetery is on the front lawn of our house, Westview, built by John
Elam in 1832, in the Aspen Wall area near Brookneal.  He is buried here with
his second family, son-in-law, and sister-in-law.  The stones are plain,
with just names and dates.  We also believe there are some unmarked graves,
possibly infants.

John Elam     1769 - June 11, 1847

Martha J[ane Davis] Elam     1796 - November 29, 1873   [wife]

Ann Elizabeth Elam     November 13, 1828 - September 20, 1858  [daughter]

Susan J[ane] Elam     December 22, 1832 - September 14, 1890  [daughter]

Isabella D[avis Elam] Williams     September 9, 1830 - June 12, 1901
[daughter]

F[rancis] S. Williams     March 4, 1823 - July 13, 1882  [husband of
Isabella]

Ann G. Davis     1793 - November 1886  [sister of Martha]


Also in the cemetery are members of the Henry family, 20th century
descendants of Patrick Henry' youngest son.   Elizabeth Terrell Henry was
the grand-niece of John Wesley Elam's wife, Elizabeth Nowlin.  Elizabeth
Henry's mother, Kathryn Nowlin Terrell, inherited the property after the
death of John Wesley Elam.

James M[arshall] Henry [jr]  - 1905 - 1970

Elizabeth Terrell Henry     January 7, 1913 - July 27, 1966, Daughter of
Kathryn Nowlin and William Ervin Terrell [wife of James]

Kathryn Ann Henry     April 25, 1939 - May 28, 1955, Daughter of Elizabeth
Terrell Henry and James Marshall
Henry

In addition to the family cemetery, there are two African-American
cemeteries, one on our property and one on what is now an adjacent parcel.
These are only marked with field stones and coffin sinks, and, on our
property, yucca (a plant also known as Sword of Joseph, that is often found
in conjunction with African-American burials, especially slaves.)  Based on
information from a 93 year old neighbor, I know that the adjoining parcel
cemetery contains black Elams and Giles, as well as others (it is a large
plot), some of whom were buried there in the early 20th century.  The only
name I currently have is James Giles (b. ca.1854 - died ca. 1908), but if I
discover any more I will post them.  I have no idea who is buried in our
second cemetery, but I speculate that it may be Elam slaves, and that the
other cemetery was used after slavery ended.


Cheers!  Kathy