CUMBERLAND COUNTY, VA - CEMETERIES – “Northfield” Cemetery ----¤¤¤---- Source: Library of Virginia Digital Collection LVA Titled Files: Survey Report, Northfield cemetery: 1936 May 14 Research made by Marie Keller Frazee Cemetery Location: .8 mile north of Cumberland, Virginia on Route #60, right 2.3 miles on Route #60, old route. Cumberland County DATE: 1842, date of oldest grave. OWNERS: Mr. & Mrs. Gray, Cumberland, Virginia DESCRIPTION: The cemetery is surrounded by two rows of huge boxwoods. Inside this circle, is a stone wall about five feet tall, made of huge stone blocks that were dressed by Dr. Henderson’s slaves. There are steps leading part the way up the wall, then the wall is cut out and a hand-wrought gate, also made by the slaves, is there. There are two remaining steps up to the level of the cemetery. Around the inside of the stone wall are about twelve or fifteen yew trees which are very rare because of the inadaptability of yew trees to this climate. The cemetery has been well taken care of. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dr. Henderson was a peculiar man and for some reason, he did not wish his body to be buried below the ground level, so this is the reason for the elevated cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have been offered one thousand dollars each for the yew trees which are in the cemetery, but they can not be moved because the roots have become entwined with the stone wall and probably have reached into the graves. The following inscriptions were found in this cemetery: Large upright slab inscribed: Mrs. Anna J. Perkins Born Jan. 21, 1825 Died Jan. 3, 1894 I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness. Large upright slab inscribed: Judge William A. Perkins Born Jan. 8, 1817 Died Jan. 18, 1889 So He giveth His beloved sleep. A small upright slabs: Baby Perkins Died 1865 William Allan Perkins Son of William A. and Annie J. Perkins Sept. 9, 1861 March 18, 1862 Fannie Archer daughter of William A. and Annie J. Perkins Oct. 31, 1859 Mar. 9, 1862 Robert Henderson son of William A. and Annie J. Perkins July 1, 1853 June 21, 1854 Large flat slab inscribed: Sacred to the memory of Mary H. Rutherford Beloved wife of Edward H. Rutherford and daughter of Dr. Robert Henderson who departed this life on March 31st, 1846 in the 22nd year of her age. This last Tribute of love is Erected to her memory by a Bereaved and devoted husband. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Monument with sides of base inscribed: Front: In memory of Robert M. Rutherford Co. G., 3rd Va. Cavalry Born Dec. 11, 1844 Died Jan. 18, 1863 Left side: Stricken down by disease, He has gone in early youth To Him who said, “I love them that love me and they that seek me early shall find me.” Right side: With an ardent love of country, He entered the army before He was 18 years of age, And there served with zeal and gallantry That won the Love and esteem of his comrades. Large upright slab inscribed: Mrs. Louisa Henderson Born Dec. 2, 1802 Died Feb. 19, 1870 When Christ who is our life shall appear, Then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Monument inscribed: Robert Henderson, M.D. Born in the town of Sligo Ireland August 10th, 1795 Emigrated to Va. August 1816 And settled in Cumberland Co. Where he resided until his death Feb. 14, 1862 To his memory this monument is erected By his beloved and bereaved wife. Mark the perfect man and behold the upright For the end of that man is peace. Large flat slab inscribed: In Memory of Mrs. Martha E. Page wife of Alexander T. Page and daughter of Dr. Robert Henderson She was born Feb. 14, 1821 And died Feb. 16th, 1842 This tribute of regard is paid By a devoted husband to the wife of his youth. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord Large upright slab inscribed: Alexander T. Page Born Nov. 21st, 1819 Died April 4th, 1845 This simple tribute was erected to his memory by Dr. Robert Henderson. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: Tombstone Inscriptions Visit by worker. ___________________________________________________________________ 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. ___________________________________________________________________