Old Bethany Cemetery

 

Bethany Cemetery was founded in 1847 on the property owned by William Hamner, a resident of the old community known as Bethany.

 

Early Settlers in this area were Bryan, Davis, Hamner, Harrell, Hooker, Nolley, Pride, Rutledge, Stark, Strong and Wiseman. Many of the early settlers are buried at Old Bethany.  

 

The oldest headstone is that of an infant, Joseph J. Summerell, born December 9, 1850 and died July 30, 1851.  The graves of three infants are the oldest dated markers. The oldest adult marked grave is Mary F Bryan, wife of Aaron M Bryan, born February 5th 1818 and died May 18th, 1860.

 

Several former ministers of Bethany Christian Church, including Dr. J. Sydney Carnes, Guy W. Carroll, William C Day, David E. Ratzlaff, and Charles L. Woodall, have chosen Old Bethany as their final resting place.