In Search of Uncle John Henry and Aunt Nora ~

I went again, to visit the final resting place of Uncle John Henry and Nora Arwood.

I have wanted to see it once again, for such a long time. I feel I have gotten to know the man through my searching and also through the stories that family has relayed to me.

Reading what the "Sage of Pigeon Roost" has written about John Henry and his life, has opened my eyes to the way that circuit ministers must have lived their lives during those early years .

It was not an easy life, but one that was well rewarded.

Arwood family are also buried there, alongside of John and Nora.

Son Robert Henry, and his wife Vertie Ann. Robert was a twin to Henry Robert.



Robert Henry and Vertie's son, Dallas and his wife, Alice.
Three generations of Arwoods are resting here in this small country cemetery.

Harvey Miller, himself a nephew of Aunt Nora, knew well how important saving memories is. And for his many wonderful writings, in the Pigeon Roost news, I am very grateful.

I entered that cemetery the same way I enter most cemeteries these days, with tears welling up in my eyes. I just can't seem to help it, I get so very emotional with each "meeting" of our long lost family. This search has become so important to me.

The setting of Sinking Creek is ideallic for a cemetery. There are distant mountains and colorful trees all around. The ride up to the scene is so picturesque. Anticipation was building as we made our way in to where the cemetery is located.

Along the main highway, alongside of Sinking Creek, we pulled over to take pictures.

I stood admiring a home overlooking the creek, through the trees, with a large "A" framed foyer with large glass panes, and as I moved in closer for a look, something rolled underneath my foot. I looked down in amazement and saw a buckeye lying there.

This elusive nut was the first thing my Dad sought out when we went up to Pigeon Roost. We searched the trees near the old cement factory but could not locate any buckeyes. Finding this buckeye was very exciting for me, I smiled and said, "Thanks, Dad".

He was right there beside me in spirit, I felt for sure.

I am sure that John Henry chose this setting because Nora wanted to be buried here. Her parents are right behind their graves. There are also other Barnett family members buried here. I felt right at home, among our family.

A buckeye tree is watching over them all. Grin.