Gunnings Cemetery
Located near Central High School on Highway 126 (Memorial Boulevard) just southeast of Interstate 81, in the Gunnings Community of Sullivan County, Tennessee. The cemetery is well kept. There is the possibility of several unmarked graves, especially in the center of the cemetery. An effort has been made to count these unmarked graves and fieldstones. The story is told that the first grave was that of a little girl, traveling with her family through the area. She became sick and died and was buried on the nearby hill. This would have been prior to 1760, since the oldest marked grave in the cemetery, according to older transcriptions is that of a Mr. Crawford who died in 1760 at the age of 23 years. This stone has now become illegible.
A historic marker (1A-35) at the entrance to the cemetery reads, “Taylor’s Meeting House. The Presbyterian Church established here in 1773 is probably the first church of any denomination to be established within the borders of Tennessee. It was also used as a fort, and school was held here on Sundays in pioneer times.” Tennessee Historical Commission
Originally annotated by S. Kathryn Bowling McKown. Photographed and transcribed March-June 2005 by Donna Briggs, Jan Clark, Betty Jane Hylton, Chester Willis and Bob Shell.
Special thanks to Donna Briggs and Phil Steadman for so generously sharing their work with Sullivan GenWeb.
The Gunnings Cemetery Decoration Day is held the second Sunday in September. For additional information, please contact Phil Steadman, President of the New Gunnings Cemetery Association at stea1341(at)aol.com.
Map location: 5277B Indian Springs Quad
GPS location: 36°31.53N 082°22.55W MAP
Additional information submitted by:
AC Almeta Ann Shipley Crawford and Savannah Sue Shipley Roberts
CF Charles Ford
BHP Betty Hays Peterson
BP Bruce Powell
GCW Gladys Carmack Weddle
JS James Stalcup
SS Sharon Steele-Smith
When the decoration at Gunnings?
Thanks,
Marsha
Second Sunday in September.
I need to contact Phil steadman. My aunt passed away and I need to get a plot
I grew up near Gunnings Cemetery and my wife and I would like information on burial plots there. Who do I contact?
The Gunnings Cemetery Manager is Phil Steadman a 423-239-4294.
The most heart felt THANKS to the survey crew who logged this cemetery…. especially from us who wished we could do it, but are no longer physically able to it. I am SURE there is a very bright STAR in Heaven for each of you. THANK YOU so much for
us who remember, and making sure the future doesn’t forget.
Brenda
Does anyone know the date for the decoration at Gunnings for this year – 2014?
Thanks.
I live in NC and I always have to ask.
Checking again about the decoration for 2019. Is it still the second Sunday in Sept? ‘
Thanks,
Marsha
How do i find the location of a grave in the cemetery? I have a picture of the headstone and the ref number with the picture
Thanks anyway. I found them after I sent the first message.
Who is the manager of Gunnings Cemetery now and phone number?