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From: "Vince King" <>
Subject: [GALUMPKI] Old Nimblewill Methodist Church Cemetery
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 19:56:06 -0600
References: <005201c3dca6$7eb55240$6601a8c0@ToshibaLaptop>


Hello all,

I am a Jay Family Researcher. Rev. David Jay Sr. (1765-1839), an early
Methodist minister, lived in the Nimblewill Creek valley with his extended
family from ca 1836 to 1850. This extended family included John S. Lusk,
William B. Rutherford, Martha Jay Harris, Wesley Jay, David Jay Sr. and
Reuben Gamblin. The Rev. Jay died in the valley in Feb 1839. He owned land
lot #249 which sits in the Nimblewill Gap valley at the base of the hill
were the "old Nimblewill Methodist Church Cemetery" is located. I am quite
certain that the Jay family buried their people on that hill, probably
started the church (he gave land and founded Hopewell Methodist in Warren
Co. TN in 1818 and Hopewell Methodist Church in Hall Co. near Murrayville GA
in 1836 before leaving for Lumpkin Co.).

Last weekend I visited this cemetery and surveyed all the marked graves
hoping to find evidence of David Jay's burial. There are only a few marked
graves.......Jesse Chester, John J. Grizzle, Cochrans and Howells whose
deaths span the 1880's to 1920's. There are however well over 100 small
unmarked marble stones just gently stuck in the ground. One marked field
stone was found however with the inscription....JSL 1837. I am quite
certain this is John S. Lusk. He is David Jay's son-in-law who died in the
valley in March of 1837 (his estate papers are in the Lumpkin Co.
courthouse).

This indicates to me that the cemetery was "taking burials" as early as
1837......was probably the site of David Jay's internment in 1839 and the
other Jay family members who died in that valley between 1837-1845.

Does anyone know the history of this cemetery? Does anyone know who
maintains this cemetery? Who might be the best to contact concerning the
"early" history of this church or the area?

I obtained digital photos of all marked graves, measured the cemetery and
have a good basic survey and description.

I would love to correspond with ANYONE having information on this cemetery.

Vince King
Denton, TX


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