Ancestors and Descendants of Thomas & Esther Wilson
and History of Wilson Cemetery

This genealogical brief provides the known ancestors through the second generation descendants of Thomas and Esther Graves Wilson; early residents of extreme southeast Winston County, Alabama. Particularly, this information addresses a need identified by Aubrey E. Graves in his genealogical text Pioneer Settlers of Blount and DeKalb Co., AL where his research failed to produce the descendants of Esther Graves. Bridging this gap provides the descendants of Tom and Esther with the lineage from some of their English, American pioneer, and Revolutionary War ancestors.

Thomas Wilson was born in 1830 in South Carolina of parents that were also born in South Carolina. He first appears in official records through his March 28, 1851, marriage to Esther Graves in DeKalb County, Alabama (1). Although unconfirmed by official records, Thomas was believed to be from Anderson, Abbeville District, South Carolina, and his siblings or half-siblings are believed to include B.F. (Ben) Wilson, Abbie Wilson Flannagan, and Sally Wilson Powell (2).

Esther Graves Wilson (3) was a true granddaughter of the American Revolution. She was the first child of Hiram and Juda "Judy" Brown Graves (4) of DeKalb Co., Alabama. Hiram Graves was the son of John and Betty Beeson Graves and the grandson of James Graves (b. cir. 1750). Betty Beeson Graves (b. 1776) was the daughter of the American Revolutionary Army Officer, Captain Edward Beeson (b. cir. 1757) (5) and his wife, Selena Lamb Beeson. Captain Edward Beeson was the son of Benjamin (b. 1739) and Elizabeth Beeson. Benjamin Beeson was the son of Richard (b. 1684) and Charity Grubb (b. 1687) Beeson. Richard Beeson was the son of Edward and Rachel Pennington (b. 1650) Beeson, Sr. who both left England between 1682-84 with the Penn emigrants (6).

At the time of the 1860 census, Thomas and Esther Wilson already had four children: John L., William, Alexander, and Susan Juda. Also living with Thomas in 1860 was Ordrel Wilson, a 57 year old female which could have been Thomas' mother or other relative although no confirmation has been found to support any relationship. Thomas and his family lived in the eastern census division of Walker County, Alabama, near the Hanby's Mills Post Office. Hanby's Mills was located on the Mulberry River approximately 3 miles southeast of Arkadelphia, AL (7). Tom owned 40 acres of land of which 35 were cultivated for farming. During the year ending June 1, 1860, Tom tended 3 horses, 1 milk cow, 2 oxen, and 2 other cows. With this livestock and real estate Tom supported his family and produced 200 bushels of Indian corn, picked 2000 pounds of cotton (5 bales), and made 10 pounds of butter. (8)

In 1860 Tom and his family were listed next to the B. F. Wilson residence and very near the residence of Washington Wilson. (9) B. F. and Washington had 120 and 524 acres of land, respectively (35 and 130 acres were cultivated). Washington had moved from South Carolina in the 1830's and had entered government land in 1835 farther down the Mulberry River in Township 14, Range 5. (10) Although the 1840 and 1850 census records do not indicate that Washington had a son of Thomas' age, it is possible that Washington may have been a relative that influenced Thomas' decision to settle so very nearby. (11)

In 1861, the fifth of Thomas' children, Hiram, was born. In approximately 1862, (12) Thomas, Esther, and their family moved to the Rock Creek area of Township 12, Range 6. Thomas did not own any slaves and, like many other residents of the Winston County hills, chose not to fight in the Civil War. Thomas avoided Confederate service by hiding out in caves along the Rock Creek bluffs to elude the conscription troops. These caves are still visible when the Smith Lake water level is low. Thomas periodically emerged from hiding to help others with the crops or to make shoes for people in the community. Thomas was also said to be near-sighted. (13)

Living near Thomas was his good friend, James Calvert. James, also sought to avoid the conscription troops but was found and taken off to war. In a letter to his wife, Delilah, James wrote asking for news about his neighbors with a specific message for his friend Thomas Wilson:

"... I have herd that the yankes is in Walker I want to hear from thare whether it is so or not I want you to right tell me whether you have got whet sode or not, what you have dun and what you can get dun right what all the nabers is doing tell thomas wilson to sell that jack if he can sell him to any advantage ..." (14)

James never returned to Winston County and died of pneumonia in a Union prisoner of war camp.

Thomas' activities immediately following the Civil War are unknown. However, the last two of Thomas' seven children, Henry and Sarah, were born in 1864 and 1866. In a single deed executed on February 9, 1870, Thomas purchased 840 acres of land from John L. Reed of Winston County, Alabama, for $1000. Fourteen of the twenty-one, 40-acre tracts were contiguously located in Sections 13 and 14 of Township 12, Range 6. These adjacent tracts include the land upon which Wilson Cemetery was established (NW of SW of Section 13 of Township 12, Range 6). (15) In the 1870 census, Thomas' real estate was valued at $1500.

In 1877 and 1879, Thomas and Esther saw their sons, William and John L., marry Nancy Ann and Susan Agnes Blevins, daughters of John and Elizabeth Blevins. John L. eventually moved away and settled in Lampasas County, Texas. (16) In 1879 and 1889, Alexander and his sister Sarah Wilson married Sarah Elizabeth and James Jr. Calvert, children of James and Delilah Stewart Calvert. These marriages created many double-first-cousin grandchildren of Thomas and Esther Wilson.

For the descendants of Thomas and Esther Wilson that are also descendants of James and Delilah Calvert, Delilah (b. cir. 1824) was the daughter of Samuel Stewart. James (b. cir. 1829) was the son of John W. (b. 5 or 8 Oct. 1806) and Elizabeth McCutcheon (b. cir. 1808) Calvert. Elizabeth was the daughter of John D. McCutcheon. John W. Calvert was the son of Joseph (b. 5 Jan. 1782) and Elizabeth (b. cir. 1785) Calvert. (17)

By 1900, Thomas and Esther again lived alone in Winston County having raised their seven children. Esther is believed to have died of tuberculosis in 1903 and Tom died in 1905. They are both buried under a large cedar in Wilson Cemetery overlooking the Rock Creek branch of Smith Lake. Their sons Hiram and Henry and daughters Juda and Sarah are also buried in the same family cemetery. A history of Wilson Cemetery and a listing of its headstones are appended to this text.

The following summarizes the records on the children and grandchildren of Thomas and Esther Graves Wilson:

THOMAS W. WILSON; (18) born 4 Oct. 1830 in SC, died 16 July 1905, buried Wilson Cemetery, Winston Co., AL, married 28 Mar. 1851 in DeKalb Co., AL to ESTHER GRAVES, daughter of Hiram and Juda Brown Graves; born 1829 in AL, died 22 May 1903, buried Wilson Cemetery, Winston Co., AL.

Born to Thomas W. and Esther Graves Wilson: (19)

1. John L. Wilson, son b. 12 Jan. 1852 in Walker Co., AL, d. 9 Nov. 1946, bur. Copperas Creek Cem., Sutton Co., TX, mar. 1879 to Susan "Susie" Agnes Blevens
2. William Wilson, son b. Jan. 1854 in Walker Co., AL, d. summer 1904, bur. Mason Co., TX, mar. ~1877 to Nancy Ann Blevins
3. J. Alexander "Alex" Wilson, son b. 31 Mar. 1856 in Walker Co., AL, d. 9 Feb. 1930, bur. Bethel Cem., Winston Co., AL, mar. 27 Mar. 1879 in Walker Co. AL to Sarah Elizabeth Calvert
4. Susan Juda Wilson, dau. b. ~1859 in AL, d. 1893, bur. Wilson Cem., Winston Co., AL, mar. John Abbott
5. Hiram Wilson, son b. 9 Apr. 1861 in AL, d. 22 Feb. 1942, bur. Wilson Cem., Winston Co., AL, mar. ~1883 to Rebecca Ann England.
6. Henry Wilson, son b. 15 Apr. 1864 in AL, d. 1 Jan. 1904, bur Wilson Cem., Winston Co., AL, mar. 17 Mar. 1892 to Angeline "Bid" Harris
7. Sarah Mandy Wilson, dau. b. 23 Sep. 1866 in Winston Co. AL, d. 12 Oct. 1897, bur. Wilson Cem., Winston Co., AL, mar. 5 Nov. 1889 in Winston Co., AL to James Calvert, Jr.

JOHN L. WILSON, (20) son of Thomas and Esther Graves Wilson; born 12 Jan. 1852 in Walker Co., AL, died 9 Nov. 1946 in Kerrville, TX, buried in Copperas Creek Cem., Sutton Co., TX, married 1879 (21) in Winston Co., AL to SUSAN "SUSIE" AGNES BLEVENS, dau. of John and Elizabeth Blevens, born 3 Mar. 1853, died 11 Feb. 1921 in Roosevelt, Kimble Co., TX, bur. Copperas Creek Cem., Sutton Co., TX.

Born to John L. and Susan Agnes Blevins Wilson: (22)

1. Martha E. Wilson, dau. b. in Winston Co., AL, mar. prior to 1900 to A. B. Wadd
2. John Wilson, son b. Sep. 1880 in Lampasas Co., AL
3. Edna A. Wilson, dau. b. Apr. 1884 in Lampasas or Mason Co., TX, mar. Elmer Lay
4. William H. Wilson, son b. Jun. 1886 in Mason Co., TX
5. Thomas Wilson, son b. Mar. 1889 in Mason Co., TX
6. Maggie M. Wilson, dau. b. May 1895 in Mason Co., TX, mar. Mr. Holland

WILLIAM "BILLY" WILSON, (23) son of Thomas and Esther Graves Wilson; born Jan. 1854 in Walker Co., AL, died summer of 1904 (24), buried Fredonia, Mason Co., TX, married in 1877 to NANCY ANN BLEVINS, dau. of John and Elizabeth Blevins, born 6 Apr. 1855, died 2 Jan. 1930, buried Old Bethel Cemetery, Winston Co., AL

Born to William and Nancy Ann Blevins Wilson:

1. John Wilson, son b. 26 Sept. 1878 in Winston Co., AL, d. 28 Jul. 1973, bur. Curry Cem., Walker Co., AL, mar. 6 Nov. 1902 Pairlee Adeline Head
2. Thomas Wilson, son b. 22 Mar. 1879 (25) in Winston Co., AL, d. 1954, bur. New Hope Cem., Walker Co., AL, first mar. 24 Apr. 1904 Lelia Jane Barron, second mar. 21 Feb. 1919 Julie Bell Myers
3. Susan Wilson, (26) dau. b. Nov. 1882 in Winston Co., AL, mar. 1902 Jonnie Lay
4. George Wilson, son b. Oct. 1885 in Winston Co., AL, first mar. 1908 Pheobe Tingle, second mar. 1910 Donnie McClellan
5. William Hiram Wilson, son b. Apr. 1887 (or 17 Feb. 1888) in Winston Co., AL, d. 13 May 1971, bur. New Hope Cem., Walker Co., AL, mar. 1910 Adelia Annette Stewart
6. Benjamin Wilson, son b. Apr. 1890 in Winston Co., AL, d. 30 Aug. 1926, bur. Old Bethel Cem., Winston Co., AL, mar. 1915 Lillie Aaron
7. Nathan Wilson, son b. 27 Nov. 1893 in Winston Co., AL, d. 28 Sep. 1969, bur. Sardis Baptist Church Cem. Winston Co., AL, mar. 5 Oct. 1919 Hassie Lee McClellan
8. Hettie Ester Wilson, dau. b. Nov. 1896 (or 1895) in Winston Co., AL, mar. 20 Oct. 1912 James A. Reece

J. ALEXANDER "ALEX" WILSON, (27) son of Thomas and Esther Graves Wilson; born 31 Mar. 1856 in Walker Co., AL, died 9 February 1930, buried in Old Bethel Cemetery., Winston Co., AL, married 27 Mar. 1879 at Delilah Calvert's residence in Walker Co., AL to SARAH ELIZABETH CALVERT, daughter of James and Delilah Stewart Calvert; born 1856 or 1859 in Walker Co., AL, died 1948, buried in Old Bethel Cemetery, Winston Co., AL.

Born to J. Alexander "Alex" and Sarah Elizabeth Calvert Wilson:

1. James "Jim" Wilson, son b. 21 Dec. 1880 in Winston Co., AL, d. 2 May 1968, bur. Bethel Cem., Winston Co., AL, mar. 17 Jan. 1909 to Julia Viola Aaron
2. Henry Thomas Wilson, son b. 9 Dec. 1882 in Winston Co., AL, d. 18 Nov. 1969, bur. in Bethel Cem., Winston Co., AL, first mar. 20 Dec. 1908 in Melville, Winston Co., AL to Mary Jane Stephenson, second mar. 12 Dec. 1920 in Jasper, Walker Co., AL to Vada Leola Deason
3. Delilah "Lila" Wilson, dau. b. 27 Oct. 1884 in Melville, Winston Co., AL, d. 4 Feb. 1960, bur. Bethany Cem. Cullman Co., AL, mar. 23 Sep. 1915 in Old Melville, Winston Co., AL to William "Will" E. Freeman
4. Sarah Jane Wilson, dau. b. 26 Dec. 1887 in Winston Co., AL, d. 29 Dec. 1912, bur. Bethel Cem., Winston Co., AL, mar. 8 Aug. 1909 in Melville, Winston Co., AL to Joseph Hamilton Stephenson
5. Nancy Elizabeth Wilson, dau. b. 1 Feb. 1889 (28) in Winston Co., AL, d. 28 Aug. 1974, bur. Bethel Cem., Winston Co., AL, mar. 25 Feb. 1915 in Winston Co., AL, to Oates Fields
6. Minnie Carolyn Wilson, dau. b. 5 Feb. 1890 in Winston Co., AL, d. 15 July 1990, bur. Livingston Chapel Cem., mar. 29 Dec. 1912 in Winston Co., AL to John Hill Williams
7. Walter Jackson Wilson, son b. 19 Jun. 1892 in Winston Co., AL, d. 15 Apr. 1985, bur. Bethel Cem. Winston Co., AL, mar. 11 Mar. 1917 in Ardell, Walker Co., AL to Hollie Burrow (Sinyard)
8. Susie Luvinnie "Vinnie" Wilson, dau. b. 10 Dec. 1894 in Winston Co., AL, d. 5 Feb. 1979, bur. Cullman City Cem., Cullman Co., AL, mar. 24 Nov. 1914 in Cullman Co., AL to Williams Freeman
9. John D. "Dooley" Wilson, son b. 22 Aug. 1896 in Winston Co., AL, served in World War I, d. 24 or 25 Jan 1986, bur. Bethel Cem., Winston Co., AL, mar. 19 Nov. 1950 in Winston Co., AL to Vera Byram
10. Juda Wilson, dau. b. 30 Nov. 1898 in Winston Co., AL, mar. 21 Jan 1921 in Trade, Cullman Co., AL to Ernest E. Strickland
11. Artha Arebella Wilson, b. 25 Oct. 1902, d. 28 Jan 1904, bur. Wilson Cem. Winston Co., AL

SUSAN JUDA "JUDY" WILSON, (29) daughter of Thomas and Esther Graves Wilson; born 19 Dec. 1858, died 25 Jan. 1893 (30), bur. Wilson Cemetery, Winston Co., AL, married ~ 1879 JOHN STANLEY ABBOTT (first wife), son of James Stanley and Rebecca Blevins Abbott, born 12 Oct. 1857 in Walker Co., AL, died 16 Apr. 1917, buried Blooming Grove Cemetery, Walker Co., AL.

Born to John Stanley and Susan Juda "Judy" Wilson Abbott:

1. Thomas Christopher Abbott, son b. 7 Sep. 1880 in Walker Co., AL, d. 25 Apr. 1968, bur. Roselawn Memorial Park in Little Rock, Ark., mar. 10 Sep. 1908 in Elkton, KY to Mina Garrard Miller
2. Rebecca Abbott, dau. b. ~1882, bur. Williams Chapel, Walker Co., AL, mar. Charles Bobo
3. James Hiram Abbott, son b. 18 Jul. 1884, d. 2 Dec. 1939 in Walker Co., AL, mar. 30 Aug. 1908 to Carrie Davis
4. John Henry Abbott, son b. ~1886 in Walker Co., AL, d. 25 Dec. 1973, bur. Curry Cem. Walker Co., AL, mar. 25 Dec. 1906 to Minnie Mae Smith
5. Sarah Esther "Hetty" Abbott, dau. b. 16 Jun. 1888 in Walker Co., AL, mar. Martin Simmeon Rushing
6. Roxie Jane Abbott, dau. b. 15 Nov. 1891 in Walker Co., AL, d. 24 Feb. 1933, bur. in Wheat Community, mar George Meredith Burrow, bur. Bethany Cem., Cullman Co., AL

HIRAM WILSON, (31) son of Thomas and Esther Graves Wilson; born 9 Apr. 1861 in AL, died 22 Feb. 1942, buried in Wilson Cemetery, Winston Co., AL, married 1883 to REBECCA ANN ENGLAND; born 8 May 1856, died 11 Dec. 1920, buried in Wilson Cemetery, Winston Co., AL

Born to Hiram and Rebecca Ann England Wilson:

1. Sarah Wilson, dau. b. 1 Jan. 1885, d. 6 Mar. 1886, bur. Wilson Cem., Winston Co., AL
2. Willie Wilson, b. 22 Feb. 1889, d. 11 Dec. 1895, bur. Wilson Cemetery, Winston Co., AL
3. Hettie Wilson, dau. b. 8 Mar 1895, bur. Curry Cem., Curry, Walker Co., AL, mar. John Smith
4. John H. Wilson, son b. ~Feb. 1887, bur. Bethany Cem., Cullman Co., AL, mar. Roxie Smith
5. Emma L. Wilson, dau. b. ~Sep. 1891, bur Bethany Cem., Cullman Co., AL, mar. George Chandler
6. Susie M. Wilson, dau. b. ~Mar. 1895, bur. Curry Cem., Curry, Walker Co., AL, mar Charlie Rivers
7. Benjamin F. Wilson, son b. ~Jan. 1898, bur. Memory Garden, Jasper, Walker Co., AL, first mar. Ara Calvert, second mar. Georgia May Chandler, third mar. young nurse.
8. Lonnie Wilson, informally adopted dau. at three weeks old, bur. Curry Cem., Curry, Walker Co., AL, mar. Mr. Fuller.

HENRY WILSON, (32) son of Thomas and Esther Graves Wilson; born 15 Apr. 1864 in AL, died 1 Jan 1904, buried Wilson Cemetery, Winston Co., AL, married 17 Mar. 1892 to ANGELINA "BID" HARRIS; born 10 Mar. 1873, died 7 Mar. 1907, buried Wilson Cem., Winston Co., AL.

Born to Henry and Angelina "Bid" Harris Wilson:

1. Maudie E. Wilson, dau. b. Dec. 1892, bur. Williams Chapel Cem., Walker Co., AL, mar. Mit Myers
2. William Frank Wilson, son b. June 1894 mar. Ruby Campbell
3. Birtie Esther Wilson, dau b. 6 Dec. 1896, d. 30 Mar. 1981, bur. Curry Cem., Curry, Walker Co., AL, mar. 16 Jan. 1912 James Marion Abbott
4. Carrie B. Wilson, dau. b. Feb. 1899, mar. Rev. Whit Harbison, bur. Livingston Chapel Cem., Cullman Co., AL

SARAH MANDY WILSON, (33) daughter of Thomas and Esther Graves Wilson; born 23 Sep. 1866 in Winston Co. AL, died 12 Oct. 1897, buried Wilson Cemetery, Winston Co., AL, married 5 Nov. 1889 in Winston Co., AL to JAMES CALVERT, JR., son of James and Delilah Stewart Calvert; born 8 Apr. 1864 in Walker Co., AL, died 25 Nov. 1911, buried in Wilson Cemetery, Winston Co., AL.

Born to James Jr. and Sarah Mandy Wilson Calvert:

1. Thomas Jackson Calvert, son b. 7 Aug. 1891 in Cullman Co., AL, d. 13 Dec. 1952, bur. Tuscaloosa Co., AL, mar. 14 May 1923 in Jasper, Walker Co., AL to Catherine Knight.
2. Ida Calvert, dau. b. 18 Aug. 1893 in Cullman Co., AL, d. 31 Aug. 1983, bur. Prospect Church of Christ Cem., Guthrie Crossroads, Cullman Co., AL, mar. 26 Dec. 1915 in Walker Co., AL to John William Elias Sinyard.

(Editors note: The following is the text from a 1977 document written in Johnny Sinyard's handwriting and has been edited only for punctuation, capitalization, and to expand abbreviations. Footnotes have been added for clarification.)

"I will begin the history of the Wilson Cemetery with William Calvert born 1792 in Tenn., died 1859 in Hancock (now Cullman) Co., Ala., buried in Huston Calvert Cemetery on Brushy Pond Mountain, Cullman County, Alabama, married about 1812 to wife Sarah Wright. I will say that I remember Robert Calvert, a son of William Calvert, who was born 17 Nov. 1819, in Alabama, died 12 November 1901, 2nd marriage in about 1840 to America Ann Lay, daughter of J. C. (Colonel) Lay. To this union I will mention of their sons, Mills Calvert, born Apr. 28, 1850, in Alabama, died Nov. 14, 1931, and Huston Calvert, born 19 February 1854, in Alabama, died October 2, 1937.

This William Calvert that I have started with was in possession of some land: possibly the land on which the Wilson Cemetery was established. (34)

Early in the beginning of the 19th century two brothers came from Ireland: Charles H. Harbison, born Jan. 30, 1805, and Sam Harbison. The brothers settled on Rock Creek in Winston County, Alabama. William B. Day and Charles H. Harbison bought 40 acres of land from Wm. Calvert and wife for $100.00 December 24, 1841, which was part of the Tom Wilson farm on Rock Creek, which became the Hill Harbison farm and later became the Clifton Calvert farm and at the present time this farm belongs to Arvill Calvert and sons.

Thomas Wilson as named above was born October 4, 1830, died July 6, 1905. Ester Graves Wilson, wife of Thomas, was born 1829, died May 22, 1903. Thomas Wilson and family moved to this farm about the year 1862. At that time Uncle Hiram Wilson was about 1 year old. At this time there were 4 or 5 graves here. There is Uncle Henry Wilson and Aunt Bid Harris Wilson's graves over there. Sarah Wilson Calvert, wife of James Calvert, who were my wife's parents, their graves are over there. Aunt Judy Wilson Abbott grave also.

Now we will go back to the Charles H. Harbison who bought the 40 acres of land from Wm. Calvert on Rock Creek December 24, 1841. Charles H. Harbison married Ibie Davis. To this union were born Simeon and Martin Harbison. Simeon Harbison married Francis Nesmith. To this union were born John Hill Harbison (He was a well known Missionary Baptist minister; as many of you well remember Whit Harbison, son of Uncle Hill Harbison, was also a well known Missionary Baptist minister). Now let's get back to Sam Harbison, who was named earlier, who also married a Miss Davis and to this union were born 5 boys: Davie, Matt, Charley H. Harbison (Uncle Charley), John, and Harvie (Harvie is buried here).

Davie Harbison Married Emily Calvert, died October 8, 1888. Davie died May 18, 1864(?), near Memphis, Tennessee, buried in military cemetery.

Matt Harbison married Malinda Calvert, born 1831, died September 20, 1865, was married October 10, 1858. Matt Harbison died July 15, 1864 near Rome Georgia, buried in military cemetery, Rome, Georgia.

Now we will try to give a little history on the Calverts. Joseph Calvert, born January 5, 1782, died August 25, 1841, in Blount County, Alabama, is believed to have been born in Tennessee. He married Elizabeth ? about 1802-04. Elizabeth was born about 1785, died September 21, 1829, in Blount County, Alabama. The second son of Joseph and Elizabeth Calvert was John Calvert, born October 8, 1806, in east Tennessee, died 1864 near Hortense, Polk County, Texas, married November 10, 1826, to wife Elizabeth McCutcheon. John W. and Elizabeth bought and or entered 80 acres on Rock Creek, Winston County, Alabama (35). This land was sold the fall of 1858 and moved to Texas. The second child of John W. and Elizabeth McCutcheon Calvert, James Calvert, born 1829 in Walker County, Alabama, died January 15, 1863 in Rock Island Barracks, Illinois, as a prisoner of war, buried Rock Island Cemetery grave #199, married Delila Stewart, daughter of Samuel Stewart; born 1824, died September 4, 1915, buried here. These are Ida Calvert Sinyard's grandparents. Lavina Calvert, daughter born and died between 1857 and 1862 and she is buried here. Samuel J. Calvert, son of James and Delila, born 13 June, 1857, died March 27, 1921, buried here, married Mary Jane Stephenson, born January 20, 1861, died 15 February 1903, buried here.

Then there is Uncle William Marion, son of James and Delila Calvert, born February 5, 1862, died March 6, 1946, married Elvira Brooks, born 27 February 1860, died November 23, 1942.

James Calvert, Jr., son of James and Delila Stewart Calvert, born April 8, 1864, in Walker County, Alabama, died November 25, 1911, and is buried here, married November 5, 1889 Sarah Wilson, daughter of Tom and Ester Graves Wilson, born September 23, 1866, in Winston County, Alabama, died October 12, 1897. James and Sarah Wilson were Ida Calvert Sinyard's parents.

I did not have any information on the Campbells, Blevins, Tingles. If anyone is interested in these 3 families can check the markers furnished by the United States government and learn about their service in the Civil War. Let us not forget Uncle Riley Harris and Aunt Rue Rushing Harris who were among the early settlers in this community. I have heard that Uncle Riley Harris was more than 100 years of age at his death. He and his wife are buried here. Then there was Uncle Pink Starnes who is buried here and we do not know who is buried in many of the graves or when.

Now to estimate how long the Wilson Cemetery has been established, we would go back to about 1840 or 1850. From 1840 or 1850 to 1977 would be 127 or 137 years ago."

List of Headstones:

(Editor's Note: The basis for the following list is found in the book "Cullman County Churches and Cemeteries," compiled through a project of the Cullman County Commission under the direction of Ann Cochrane Gregath. Specific contributions for Wilson Cemetery were provided by Pat Fine and Dan Ponder. Corrections and additions have been made to the list where appropriate.)

Location: Approximately 120 foot square plot in the SE corner of the NW quarter of the SW quarter of Section 13, Township 12, Range 6, Winston County, Alabama.

ABBOTT, Juda ("Judy" Wilson); daughter of Tom and Esther Wilson (36)

BLEVINS, J. N. O.; Co. K, 1st Alabama Cavalry

CALVERT, A. A.; April 9, 1892 - Oct. 1, 1905, (37) son of William Marion and M. J. Elvira Brooks Calvert

CALVERT, Delila (Stewart); 1824 - Sept. 1, 1915, wife of James Calvert

CALVERT, Elvira (Brooks); Feb. 1(?), 1860 - Nov. 23, 1942, wife of William Marion Calvert

CALVERT, James (Jr.); April 8, 1864 - Nov. 25, 1911, son of James and Delilah Stewart Calvert

CALVERT, Lavina; daughter of James and Delilah Stewart Calvert

CALVERT, Mary Jane (Stephenson); Jan. 20, 1861 - Feb. 15, 1903, wife of Samuel J. Calvert

CALVERT, Samuel J.; June 13, 1857 - March 27, 1921, son of James and Delilah Stewart Calvert

CALVERT, Sarah M. (Wilson); Sept. 23, 1866 - Oct. 12, 1897, wife of James Calvert, Jr., daughter of Thomas and Esther Wilson

CALVERT, William M.(Marion); Feb. 5, 1862 - March 6, 1946, son of James and Delilah Stewart Calvert

CAMPBELL, (Child);

CAMPBELL, Alexander; May 8, 1878 - Feb. 8, 1908

CAMPBELL, Almedia; Aug. 29, 1873 - Oct. 18, 1875

CAMPBELL, Byrd; 1850 - 1912

CAMPBELL, G.; Aug. 8, 1870 - Aug. 14, 1870

CAMPBELL, Henry J.;

CAMPBELL, James; Feb. 11, 1874 - Aug. 29, 1890

CAMPBELL, J. C.; 1830 - March 5, 1888

CAMPBELL, Jno. R.; May 22, 1835 - Oct 28, 1908, Company K, 1st Ala. Cavalry

CAMPBELL, L. E.; May 1, 1905 - May 1, 1905

CAMPBELL, Lonnie B.; Dec. 8, 1905 - March 11, 1908

CAMPBELL, M. W.; April 29, 1861 - Sept. 25, 1867

CAMPBELL, Rachel; 1842 - April 21, 1904

CORDELL, Baby;

CORDELL, Minnie O.; May 14, 1900 - June 22, 1900

CORDELL, Sarah;

ESTES, Joseph E.; Aug. 4, 1903 - Sept. 12, 1903

FARMER, Enervey A.; Jan 31, 1905

FARMER, M.; June 19, 1904

HARBISON, Flora Ann Campbell; Aug. 22, 1857 - Feb. 10, 1904

HARBISON, Harvie; (38) son of Sam and Miss Davis Harbison

HARRIS, D. H.;

HARRIS, Riley; (39)

HARRIS, Rue (Rushing);

LIGHT, Kate Campbell; 1848 - 1896

OLSON, Flora; Nov. 30, 1884 - Oct. 31, 1913

SMITH, Andrew; Jan. 12, 1901 - July 8, 1901, grandson of Hiram Wilson

STARNES, Pink H.; 1851 - 1890

TINGLE, George S.; 42 U. S. U. Infantry

WILSON, Angeline ("Bid" Harris), Mar. 10, 1873 - Mar. 7, 1907, wife of Henry Wilson

WILSON, Artha Arbella; Oct. 25, 1902 - Jan. 28, 1904, daughter of Alexander and Sarah Elizabeth Calvert Wilson, died while family was visiting Thomas Wilson

WILSON, Esther (Graves), 1829 - May 22, 1903, wife of Thomas Wilson

WILSON, Henry; April 15, 1864 - Jan. 1, 1904, son of Thomas and Esther Wilson

WILSON, Hiram; April 9, 1861 - Feb. 22, 1942

WILSON, Revecca Ann; May 8, 1856 - Dec. 11, 1920, wife of Hiram Wilson

WILSON, Sarah; Jan. 1, 1885 - Mar. 6, 1886, daughter of Hiram and Revecca Ann Wilson

WILSON, Thomas; Oct. 4, 1830 - July 16, 1905, husband of Esther Graves Wilson

WILSON, Willie; Feb. 22, 1889 - Dec. 11, 1895, son of Hiram and Revecca Ann Wilson

Among the other 51 unmarked graves are three with initials only:
H;
H. J. G.;
J. B. AND B. C.; 1852

NOTES:

1. DeKalb County Marriage Records, Marriage witnessed by B. F. Wilson
2. 1983 interview by Doyle Wilson of Susie Rivers, grandaughter of Thomas Wilson.
3. During her life Esther was also listed in official records as Edy, Hester, Etta, Hetty, Hetta, and Ester in the Federal Census' of 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, and Wilson Cemetery headstone, respectively.
4. Graves, Aubrey E., Pioneer Settlers of Blount and DeKalb Co., AL, 1968. Confirmed by 1850 Federal Census, DeKalb Co., AL, and by 1916 DeKalb Co., AL probate of Nancy Graves estate.
5. Captain Beeson joined the Revolutionary Army in the spring of 1778 and was assigned to Capt. David Brower's Company of Col. Thomas Dugan's N.C. Regiment. He was commissioned in April, 1779.
6. Beeson, Jasper Luther, Beeson Genealogy, 1926.
7. Specifically, Hanby's Mills is in Township 13, Range 4
8. 1860 Federal Census, Winston Co., AL, Schedule 4 - Productions of Agriculture
9. Wilson, Barnett, The Wilson, Hallmark, Hendricks, Wewitt Families, 1982. This reference included ancestors and descendants of Washington Wilson but provides no link to Thomas and Esther Graves Wilson.
10. Federal Land Tract Book
11. Another family that could have influenced Thomas to move to Walker County was that of Thomas and Mary Wilson. This Thomas was 30 years older, also came from South Carolina in the early 1830s, and entered government land in nearby Township 13, Range 5 in 1832. In 1850 this older Thomas lived near the Gap post office which was approximately five miles west of Hanby's Mills in Township 13, Range 5. However, in 1850 this Thomas already had a thirteen year old son named Thomas J.
12. Sinyard, Johnny W., A History of Wilson Cemetery, 1977, appended to this research
13. Interview with Milton Sinyard, great grandson of Thomas Wilson, Milton's father showed him the caves where Tom Wilson made his shoes. At that time, the wooden peg blocks used by Tom to assemble his shoes were still there.
14. Campbell, Dewayne, "Letters from One Who Never Returned," The Cullman Tribune, Sept. 22, 1983
15. The tract of land where Wilson Cemetery is located was first entered on December 6, 1833, by Thomas Calvert.
16. The Devil's River News, 15 Nov. 1946, obituary for John L. Wilson.
17. Lott, Dewel, Our Calvert Kin
18. Middle initial W. only found in a land secured loan Tom gave and recorded in Double Springs, Winston Co., AL courthouse. Following default on the loan the land was sold at auction to Alexander Wilson.
19. The 1900 Census indicates 7 children with 5 surviving consistent with the 1890s death of Susan and Sarah.
20. Information for John L. Wilson obtained through obituaries and the 1980 and 1900 Federal census records.
21. Marriage year from John L. Wilson obituary is inconsistent with 1880 census record of age of first child.
22. The 1900 census indicates that Susie had 12 children of which only 6 survived.
23. Information for William Wilson provided by Gilbert Simpson Dill, grandson-in-law of William Wilson, and confirmed by 1900 census records.
24. William had moved to Texas because of his health, arrived in time to plant a crop, but died of TB before the crop could be harvested. Family members traveled to Texas to harvest his crop.
25. Even though this birth date of Thomas is confirmed by 1900 census records and tombstone inscription, the six month difference in this date and the birth date of John may indicate an error.
26. Not listed in 1900 federal census
27. Information on J. Alexander Wilson provided through Steve M. Wilson, great-grandson, and confirmed by 1890, and 1900 Federal census and courthouse marriage records.
28. Headstone lists birth year as 1885 but this would be too soon after birthdate of sister Delilah
29. Information for Susan Juda Wilson was provided by John Abbott or Arkansas
30. Passed away while visiting her parents, Thomas and Esther Wilson, and since the Sipsey River was flooded she was buried in Wilson Cemetery.
31. Information for Hiram Wilson provided by Lawasel Campbell, grandaughter.
32. Information for Henry provided through Melzie Wilson Wilson, grandaughter.
33. Information for Sarah Wilson Calvert provided by Milton Sinyard, grandson.
34. Wilson Cemetery is an approximately 120 foot square plot located in the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 13, township 12, range 6 in Winston County, Alabama. This 40 acre tract (NW of SW, S13, T12, R6) was first entered by Thomas Calvert on December 6, 1833. By 1870 this tract was in the possession of John L. Reed. According to Winston County Courthouse records, Thomas Wilson purchased 840 acres of land, including the tract where Wilson Cemetery is located, on February 9, 1870 for $1000 from John L. Reed.
35. John W. Sinyard also had in his papers a copy of a United States of America land grant to John Calvert of Hancock County, Alabama, for 80.25 acres (W of NW of Section 18 in Township 12 of Range 5) dated March 1, 1858. The certificate number was 23257 recorded in volume 45, page 355 and signed by President James Buchanan. This land was not included in the 840 acre sale by John L. Reed to Thomas Wilson in 1870.
36. Added according to "A History of Wilson Cemetery," Johnny W. Sinyard, 1977
37. Headstone dates are inconsistent with "Our Calvert Kin," Dewell Lott
38. Added according to "A History of Wilson Cemetery," Johnny W. Sinyard, 1977
39. Added according to "A History of Wilson Cemetery," Johnny W. Sinyard, 1977

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