ALWALKER-L Archives

From:
Subject: [ALWALKER] Epidemic May June 1841
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 21:47:01 +0000

Linda,
I was wondering what had happened to you as it has been a long time since we communicated. Sorry to learn that you have had health problems. I know what you are talking about there as last year was not the best year I ever had either and I won't go into that.
The epidemic you are talking about did come through in the same time frame as when Mary and her two daughters died. I can not prove that this was the cause of their deaths, but I have always though it was related.
If you have ever heard about the old town of Baltimore which is now located in Cullman County and on the banks of the Mulberry River. This epidemic came through Baltimore taking one life after another. I have read and been told about as the people died, they were buried next to the road and when all had been buried, the town was set on fire and the living moved on. I know where the old town was located and where the old cemetery is today.
From Old Baltimore, the epidemic moved down the Mulberry River and if you have been to the original Gravlee home-place in Early/Rice (or whatever) Bottoms, you will see that it is not far at all from Old Baltimore. As a matter of fact, the Old Baltimore Road ran behind the home-place and crossed Campsbellville Road. Then the road went in front of Hopewell Church (now called Rice Chapel). This area was also called other names such as Gravleeton and Post Office at the Gap.
I have no documentation that Mary Blythe Gravely Drennen, Sarah Gravely Stewart (wife of Manley Stewart) or Margaret Gravely Butt (wife of William Butt) are buried at Rice Chapel, but I believe they are. As I said, Rice Chapel was called Hopewell Church when it was first organized and this is documented. As you stand behind Rice Chapel Church in the cemetery, you will find an area that has concrete blocks for grave markers. This entire are is where the Gravlee, Roberts and Stewart (all my ancestors and relatives) families are all buried. I have old photographs of the cemetery and some that were made in July 1989 that show the slab (tent type) rocks in place. They are no longer at Rice Chapel as some are in yards for walkways. I have photographs showing names etched in these rocks.
If you are interested, try the link below the the Walker County site for the Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance. Take a look and let me know what you think.
Good to hear from you.
Gene
http://www.alabama-cemetery-preservation.com/ACR64/index.lasso

This thread:

• [ALWALKER] Epidemic May June 1841 by