PITTSYLVANIA CO., VA - CEMETERIES – Tunstall Cemetery

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Source: Library of Virginia Digital Collection


LVA Titled Files: Survey Report, Tunstall graveyard:
                  1937 Apr. 22
                  Research made by Mattie S. Meadows

Cemetery Location:  2.8 miles south of Chatham, Virginia, on Route #29, thence 
                    east 1.2 miles on Route #703, thence north on private road 
                    .5 mile.
                    Pittsylvania Co., Virginia


DATE:

1810.

OWNERS:

William (Whitmell) Tunstall and his descendants, Saunders. (1937)

DESCRIPTION:

The graveyard is located about 500 yards southeast of “Belle Grove”, and was 
originally owned by William Tunstall.  It comprises about .75 acre of land and 
is enclosed with an iron fence.  It is a beautiful landmark.  Periwinkle and 
dwarf boxwood are found in abundance and there is a row of tree boxwood inside 
the fence and extending all of the way around it.  There are also several large 
oak, hickory and cherry trees on the inside of the fence.  Several of the graves 
have no markers.  All of the markers bear the name of Tunstall with the 
exception of two graves which are marked Saunders.   The cemetery is in very 
good condition with the exception of the undergrowth.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:


Sacred to the memory of
Whitmell Pugh Tunstall
Son of William and Sarah P. Tunstall
Born at Belle Grove, Pittsylvania Co., Va. April 15, 1810
Died at Belle Grove, near Danville, Va., Feby. 19, 1854
in the 44th year of his age
(On the back of this stone is the following:)
This humble tribute to his many virtues but feebly expresses the affection of 
his devoted sister, E. B. Townes.


Sacred to the memory of
William Tunstall
Born in Henry County 30th day of March 1772
Appointed Clerk of Pittsylvania Co., 16th of May 1791
remaining in office till 20th of June 1836, at which time he died in the City of 
Philadl.


Sacred to the memory of
Sarah P.
consort of William Tunstall
Born in Bertie Co., N.C. July 9, 1774
Died at Belle Grove, April 26, 1810


Sacred to the memory of
Col. Peter Saunders
Who was born in Franklin Co., July 21st, 1776
Died at his residence in Pittsylvania Co. 25th, May 1847


Sacred to the memory of
Jane Jones Saunders
Daughter of Col. Peter Saunders
who died at the residence of J. S. Hale near Rocky Mount, Franklin Co.
on the 5th day of Dec. 1861
in the 63rd year of her age


NOTE:
() were added by a report from Mabel Moses dated Feb. 2, 1937
She also adds:

Whitmell, Virginia, a village in Pittsylvania County and Tunstall District were 
named for Whitmell Tunstall, a very prominent citizen and leader in a movement 
for a railroad from Richmond to Danville, Virginia.

Mr. Tunstall introduced a bill to charter the Richmond and Danville railroad 
April 1838.  Again in 1845 Pittsylvania County petitioned that the railroad from 
Danville to Richmond be built.

After a struggle of nine years, the charter was granted on March 9, 1847.  The 
first train entered Danville June 19, 1856, but Mr. Tunstall did not live to see 
the completion of the railroad of which he had been elected President.


SOURCES OF INFORMATION:

Informant:  Miss Laura Crewes, Chatham, Virginia

Court Records, Chatham, Virginia

Tombstone Inscriptions

Visit by worker.

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	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.
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