Ettrick Mill Cemetery Papers 1951

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia State University
Johnston Memorial Library
Virginia State University
P.O. Box 9406
1 Hayden Drive
Petersburg, Virginia 23806
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Juan-Pablo Gonzalez
Phone: (804) 524-6945
Phone: (804) 524-5582
Fax: (804) 524-6959

Summary

Creator:
Ettrick Mill Cemetery.
Abstract:
Plat map and a short history of this cemetery established by one the the cotton mills which operated in Ettrick during the antebellum. Forty-seven soldiers are buried there, forty-six of which are confederate. Acc #1982-47
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

An excellent plat map of the Ettrick Mill Cemetery. The plat contains names and locations of people buried there.

Biographical / historical:

The Ettrick Mill Cemetery began in the 1800's when the Hartley Company designated an area as a burial ground for their workers. Many of their employees were from North Carolina and various places in Virginia, Which made it difficult to ship their bodies home after they died. The cotton mill owned the property but the cemetery was operated as a public cemetery,however, cotton mill workers recieved burials there free of charge.

After the factory closed, the cemetery was not maintained well. Mrs. Sadie Archer Bowman became interested in restoring the cemetery in conjunction with her work with the Home Demonstration Club. In 1949 Virginia State University acquired several acres of the plat which did not contain graves. The money from that was turned over to Mrs. Bowman and was used to restore the cemetery.

In addition to the mill workers Forty-five confederate veterans and one Union soldier are buried in the cemetery. On October 17, 1951, the Chesterfield Chapter of The United Daughters of The Confederacy dedicated a marker in memory of the confederate soldiers.

Acquisition information:
A gift from Sadie Bowman's son,James R. Bowman.
Physical description:
1 item.