This cemetery is located in the pasture field behind 965 Cox Hollow Road. Research indicates that there are probably four other graves here—children of John Harvey and Cynthia who died before the age of ten. The property where the cemetery is located is the Cox Family farm, which has been in the family since 1801.  There is a possibility that other graves are here as well.

Photographed by Donna Briggs

Map Location: 5375P Sullivan Gardens Quad

In 1801, John Cox and Leah (Jobe) Cox bought 112 acres of property in Sullivan County from William Denton. They moved here from Cocke County, Tennessee and raised a family of nine children.  Their son, John lived on the property along with his wife, Mary (surname unknown).  They were the parents of five children, including John Harvey.  In approximately 1844, John Harvey married Cynthia Copas, daughter of Nathan Copas and Rhoda Fitzgerald.  John Harvey’s brother, Ezekiel married Cynthia’s sister, Elizabeth.

Most of the original 112 acres of  property is still in the hands of Cox descendants.

John Harvey fought for the Confederate Home Guard during the Civil War and there are several family stories that have been passed down concerning his service:

1. It was said that there was an effort to hang John Harvey.  It was unclear whether it was attempted by Yankees, or by Rebels. All accounts agree that it was a “botched” effort and a “brother” cut him down.  It could have been some members of the “home-guard” who considered him a traitor.  Instead of a brother saving his life, (his brother Ezekiel died before 1860) it may have been his 1st cousin, John Hulse Cox who was also a member of the “Home-Guard.”

2. Another story is that during the day, Cynthia would take the children and hide out in a cave on the hill on the backside of their property.

3. Yet another story was told that there was a “falling-out” between John and his father-in-law, Nathan Copas, whose two sons, Richard and Van died in Union prison camps.  The “falling-out” was reportedly so bad that Nathan “took a shot at John Harvey.”  Another version of this story was that John Harvey met up with a Union soldier on the field who was about to take a shot at him.  The Union soldier (possibly his daughter-in-law’s father) took a closer look and said, “John Harvey is that you?”  John replied that it was and they both lowered their guns without taking a shot.

John Harvey and Cynthia raised four children to adulthood and research indicates that there were at least four others who died before the age of ten.  John Harvey’s son John Wesley died in 1891 and is buried on the farm.  John and Cynthia’s son Melvin raised his family on the same property, as did Melvin’s son, Richard Carl.

Sullivan County Deed Book 4, page 438:

Indenture made this 27th of August in the year 1801 Between William Denton of Sullivan county & State of Tennessee of the one part & John Cox of the County of Coke [Cocke] & the aforesaid State of the other part. Witnesseth that the s^d William Denton for & in consideration of the sum of 483 dollars to him in hand paid the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath given Granted Bargained & Sold Conveyed & Confirmed unto him the S^d John Cox his heirs & assigns forever all that tract or parcel of land situate in the County aforesaid on a branch of Kindricks Creek Beginning at a small black Walnut thence South 33 deg. East 106 poles to a Spanish oak thence on a ridge north 48 East 40 poles to a red oak thence North 38 East 135 poles to a locust thence with Edward Perkins line North 26 Deg^r West 100 poles to a white oak his corner thence South 35 West 84 poles to two white oaks thence with Joneses line South 61 west 78 poles to a Spanish oak thence north 27 deg^r West 10 poles to a white oak thence South 61 deg^r West 50 poles to a sowerwood & Bunch Hickory saplins thence South 36 East 15 poles to a white oak on an old corner thence South 57 west 34 poles crossing a branch to a white oak & hickory thence South 6 East 16 poles to a white oak thence north 71 east 20 poles to a walnut thence north 58 East 41 poles to the beginning. Containing 112 acres be the same more or less together with all improvements woods ways waters mines minerals hereditements & appurtenances to the premises or any part there of to have & to hold to him the S^d John Cox, his heirs & assigns against him the Sd Wm Denton & his heirs & against all & every other person or persons whatsoever Claiming by from or under him or them to this I will warrant & forever defend as a Indefensible Inheritance in fee simple in witness whereof the Sd William Denton hath hereunto set his hand & Seal the day & year above written.  Denton (seal) Sealed & delivered in the presents of: Job, Zachariah (X) Job 25 May 1802.