Mt. Gilead is a small, overgrown cemetery in rural Mason County, Kentucky, just on the line with Fleming County, on Highway 597, where Highways 1234 and 597 come together. Just looking at this photo you would not suspect the number of gravestones in this cemetery! Ritchey and I braved the weeds and brambles to get our photos!
Nancy M. Mattingly, born March 15, 1818, died September 12, 1903. In my father’s house are many mansions.
This stone is quite beautiful! Notice the castle-like house at the top of the stone.
One of two rock walled plots within the cemetery.
Three above-ground stones within the walled area.
The second walled area – filled with trees! A few stones rest on the trees and stand closer to the wall.
J. P. Campbell, born March 2, 1808, died October 16, 1895. Sarah, wife of J. P. Campbell, born (no date), died September 1, 1874.
Steps of the church?
Joseph Hampton, born February 7, 1798, died August 10, 1859. Judith K., wife of J. Hampton, born February 22, 1800, died June 1, 1874.
James Wallingford, born July 17, 1793, died May 1, 1865
Beautiful stone! Caption at bottom reads, “As a Husband, devoted. As a Father, affectionate. As a Friend, ever kind and firm. In life, he exhibited all the gifts of a Christian, in death his spirit returned to God who gave it.”
Sarah, wife of James Wallingford, born December 18, 1792, died July 27, 1860
Aunt Betsy Browning – no dates.
Mary E., daughter of John and Lucy Ann Breeze, born August 28, 1860, died November 3, 1863
A view of several other stones.
Samuel Bramel, born July 20, 1800, died April 27, 1881. Mary J., wife of Samuel Bramel, born August 10, 1802, died June 10, 1849.
In memory of Nicholas Wallingford, was born December 14, A.D. 1739, and departed this life September 5, A.D. 1829, aged 69 years, 8 months and 21 days.
At the bottom of the stone reads, “His race was swift, his rest sweet. His views divine, his bliss complete. His song sublime, his transports swell. His state eternal, God his all.” This gentleman was the oldest person found buried in the cemetery.
Notice the beautiful carving at the top of the stone – such intricate work for a stone this old. A large bouquet of leaves, with a corresponding one above that is upside down, with a long drape of cloth around the top of the stone.
These are just a few photos we took during our visit at Mt. Gilead Cemetery. Perhaps one day you will visit! Let me know if you have relatives buried in this cemetery.
Categories: Cemeteries
My gg-grandfather, Barton Mattingly, is buried here. I thought about taking a drive some day to see if I could find his stone.
I checked my photos and didn’t see one for Barton Mattingly – although there was an Andrew Mattingly and a few others buried there. Some of the stones are buried deep in the tall grass, and some difficult to read. I do know there is a Barton Mattingly buried at St. Charles Catholic Church in Marion County, Kentucky!
Nicholas Wallingford was my 6 times Great Grandfather…so sad to see this cemetery in such ruins….Thank you sooo much for braving through the weeds and brush to get these photos for us…..Joyce Bowling Richmond KY
Nicholas was also my 6th great grandfather. I am thankful that the stones have survived this long so our generations are able to witness.
I am working on Andrew Benintendi’s ancestry. He is a current baseball player for the Boston Red Sox. Nicholas Wallingford is his 5th great grandfather. Thanks for providing the great pictures.
You are very welcome!
You mentioned to notice the castle-like house at the top of the stone? I know there were Wallingford homes nearby the cemetery. I am sorry I did not see it.
I was at the cemetery in 2019. A gardener was mowing and cleaning up the cemetery. Antoinette
Sanford and Sarepta Cooper Beckett are buried here. My great great great great grandparents. i was just literally there this weekend. I’m happy to say somebody did clean it up a good bit, so thank you very much to who ever did that
Do you know where “Old Gilead Church Cemetery” in Fayette County, KY is located? I’m searching for George Gray who was buried there upon his death of July 1 1824.
Joseph Thornton Wallingford is buried in that cemetery. He was my 5th GGF. Benjamin Franklin Wallingford was his father. He is buried there as well, although I don’t know exactly where.
Can you give me a name of a Moores or Scrivner buried in mt Gilead Cemetery Cottonburg ,Ky,USA MADISON COUNTY
I will check my photos.
Would you have photos of John Wallingford’s old plantation, if any of the buildings still exist. In Mt. Carmel where he was buried?
I do not, but if I have time I will check the local newspapers.