Old Fairview cemetery WV- causes of death-life facts

Heather and Leo team up to help tackle this big, old cemetery in West Virginia! We do know we need to slow down and linger more on the graves, we are a work in progress! thanks for the support =)
Join this channel to help us grow!
/ @thehillbillyfiles

[@debdewitt4779]

Heather I hope you are alright and didn't get hurt in the fall thank you and Leo for your work and remembering these people stay safe and be careful

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you so much!

[@7karnold]

Thanks for another great video! Always love hearing the train sounds in background! Y'all stay safe out there!

[@DeckApe]

Wow thanks a lot Heather. you did a superior job bring us this. The task you and Joe have put on yourself is wild. All the hours you two have pit in working on these Old and in some cases forgot on Cemetery. Along with the back story is crazy. Once again thanks. And be safe. Your not as young as you where once good lady.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Our pleasure! Thanks James!

[@terrybarnhill6144]

Hey there Leo and beautiful miss Heather I love your videos you people are real down-home folks .

[@JoJo-oc2zp]

I have been interested in old, old headstones since I was in grade school because of their history. (I am 76) I had to stop sharing that information with others because of their ignorant, rude remarks. The older headstones were often so decorative, and told a story,, unlike modern ones. But sit-down mowers changed all of that.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I totally agree, and yes people try to ruin everything if they can. Nothing like the old headstones

[@meloniemurillo2885]

Hope your ok from the fall. Those hills can be difficult and sometimes dangerous to navigate. Thank you for the videos.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I'm fine and thank you 🙏

[@betsyholway7500]

I so enjoy your videos. You're having so much fun remembering the dead. Pictures and information while showing the grave

[@johnreed8336]

Thank you for taking me along on your journey and the hard work of finding more about people's history . Most important of all keep safe & well both of you . Greetings from Derbyshire , England

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Our pleasure!

[@michaelbedinger4121]

Hi Leo and Heather, very interesting video. I live in Gladstone, Oregon, it is a suburb of Portland, Oregon. Almost all of the cemeteries that I know of, are located on hills. This is a very interesting cemetery. The graves of young children are always sad 😔. So is the, I guess I can say it, Potter's field. Very sad, all those unmarked graves. That one crypt that is way overgrown, is going to be one Hell of a job to clean up. So many stories to tell here, hopefully you guys can come back a second time. Thank you very much, Leo and Heather, for telling what stories you can here today. 😀 Take care.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks Michael! I think most places use hillside when possible, makes the most sense

[@michaelbedinger4121]

@The Hillbilly Files - Legends and Locations You are welcome. Yes, it does make the most sense, if hills are good for Nothing else, but cemeteries. But here in the Portland area, because of urban sprawl, some hilly areas are being used for home construction 🚧 🙄. Some. Thank you very much for getting back to me. Have a great day.

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

Beautiful countryside...not a bad place to spend eternity I reckon !

[@7karnold]

I agree! Beautiful country side!

[@noahroad6577]

That is an exceptional Cemetery…Stunning. I’m a bit bias to my beautiful Pennsylvania, but I’ve yet to see a Cemetery here that could match that. You (both) have a lovely channel and are charming to listen to. I just subscribed. Good idea (your videos) and you both have a good heart.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you!

[@edwardstroko4665]

Another awesome and informative video!!!!😎💪🇺🇸🙏

[@billrothrock6477]

Thank you for another great video.

[@jmorgan5252]

I hope you were not injured from that fall, otherwise this is a great video Thanks Heather and Leo

[@alanwilliamson9350]

I like the ones with the photos on them, gives a face to go with the name and is something you don't see often in my part of Virginia.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I agree, thanks Alan

[@Skunkape74]

Crazy stuff...I guess Tuberculosis was to their time what Covid has been to ours... Interesting video...Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 👍

[@ohmeowzer1]

Loved this thank you so much..be careful and hope your ok

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I am! Thanks for watching

[@ohmeowzer1]

@@thehillbillyfiles your welcome I watch every video.I am glad your ok .I am a nurse so I worry about you

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Your very sweet thanks 🙏

[@GeorgeSmith-ze5vk]

When you showed the head stone for George Smith.. it felt like someone walked over my grave…

[@Gotcha64]

❤another great video

[@corinnestearns6661]

I was always told by generations that cemeteries were on hills because they felt the deceased were closer to God. 🕊️

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Hiram was such a popular name in the 1800's and I found around 5 in my family tree. I thought it must be Biblical so I looked it up. It is an old Hebrew name meaning exalted brother or high-born. I see the name on your show a lot too.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Very interesting thanks

[@TheOutdoorLivingChannel]

Got A Question my Friend !! I’m from Buchanan County, so I’m very close to you guys. !! Anyway how are you finding the death certificates and the photos. I have been trying to research my family history and I have found a lot on find a grave website, but I’m needing the death certificate and pictures, I would love to know what my grandfathers looked like . Let me know if you can help me out. Thanks and Awesome Video.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

ancestry and my heritage have some death certificates, it isn't free but you can get trials long enough to look

[@paula65606]

I enjoy the videos, but the boxes with information are not left up long enough. You have to rewind to see the information. Thank you.

[@betsyholway7500]

Can you give us longer to read? If I pause it there's a big line through the screen. Love ya

[@overtheGarage-ue8lh]

I wish you guys would consider doing a story about Amy Billig. It happened in 1974. She was kidnapped and her mother spent the rest of her life looking for her. I was in the 7th grade and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I never stopped praying for her.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I'll check it out

[@benthehutch]

You post fantastic content! Your work is very informative and I am sure I speak for many in expressing appreciation for its quality. Local WV history buffs might find interesting my KZbin video about W E R Byrne and the Camp at the End of the World in Clay Co. WV. It is fascinating how many intriguing people lived or passed through small communities as they were developed in the 18th and 19th centuries.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks for watching!

[@7karnold]

Better get some traction on those boots. You definitely fell with grace and humor though! Lol

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Haha I won't be wearing them for hills anymore and thanks lol

[@stanleymiller9977]

Whats the oldest head stone in there ??

[@shirleydenton4747]

Flat land is at a premium in West Virginia, plus most lowlands flood to some extent. So many cemeteries strewn all over West Virginia when people had to bury their family nearby. With the fast pace of life, I am still amazed how dedicated people are to the upkeep of family cemeteries. My uncle who recently died, spent his later years concentrating on cemetery upkeep and placing stones at some graves that were unmarked. He would have loved your videos as I do.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you Shirley!

[@cathymcglasson6947]

Please take care of yourselves! I don't know what I'd do without my dose or you two.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Aww thank you Cathy ❤️ we love you too

[@cathymcglasson6947]

@@thehillbillyfiles Your welcome

[@7karnold]

In searching my family tree I have traced alot of folks from Virginia and through the Appalachian mtns. Always checking to see if there are family members you guys research. Love the history behind all the old cemeteries. You guys do a wonderful job paying respect! 👏

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks so much!

[@ohmeowzer1]

Please do more walks like these and I would,love to see pictures on the gravestones if any..I do love the pictures you showed it makes it much more personal

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Will do and thank you 🙏

[@rhonatamichellenew3706]

Love your videos ❤️

[@kimberleyannedemong5621]

Are you ok after falling. I hope so. I was going to say your boots are so cute & look warm but after they tried to kill you that may not be the thing to say. Such a pretty day there. I really enjoy these videos that you give us cause of death family relations etc when you can find them. I really do hope you are ok. I didn't hear sniffling but if you did don't worry about it. My nose runs in the cold too. Ii think probably most people's do. If course I never remember to bring Kleenex or a hankie 😺😁. Thanks for another good video. You never disappoint me.

[@ohmeowzer1]

I loved your post you said all I couldn’t find the words …my senior moments lol ,.❤thank you kimberlyanne

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I always love your comments 🤩 I am fine and thanks for uplifting us

[@kennethtephabock5634]

You have some of the greatest American history ever thank you

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you!

[@ashleysowers9904]

We have a small cemetery up here in southern Ohio called Fairview cemetery, it’s mainly all family and friends from the first people who ever lived in our town

[@arkansasboy45]

Some things you just never do and breaking into a vault is one of those things.

[@overtheGarage-ue8lh]

27:09 I think the caskets in this mausoleum are in metal vaults, so the casket is not exposed to the elements.

[@helenshea3446]

Loved this video. I was born, raised, and live in Colorado. But I descend from a lot of folks from this area. 4 of my 3x great grandparents come from that area. James L.( Also known as Aaron was born 1808 in Crossroads Virginia. Died 1851 buried Old Cross roads cemetery. His wife was Sarah ( Sally) Thomas born 1810 in Wana. Died 1903 buried in same cemetery. Then there's the Ammons family. Benjamin Ammons and Permilia Some Ammons owned land around Fairview. She is buried in the Old Ammons homestead cemetery. I truly hope to get to venture that way someday soon.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I hope you get to venture there soon, I'm sure it would be worth it

[@Houndini]

Crossroads VA. It's still there!! Drove through there yesterday. I live almost directly due west from there on WV -VA boarder. Originally born in Logan County raised & retired from Southern WV Coal Fields . Moved to that area to enjoy myself hunting & fishing.

[@Elysian777]

Heather is so bright and thoughtful (and cute). Hope Leo knows what a lucky man he is :). Love his voice too- you are a great pair. ps- those rounded top vaults are called barrel vaults. They will have a vent pipe on top and small vents on the side to funnel the gases up and out.

[@tweedlebee-eo2kq]

you look beautiful heather ♥️ thank you and Leo for the awesome videos! love ya'll

[@lazarusmesserian8186]

Thanks Heather to you and Leo for the walk down memory lane. I saw some families that I was familiar with growing up. In the meantime, take care of yourself.

[@ohmeowzer1]

I watch your channel and faces of the forgotten with Ron ..you are both excellent channels .such lovely people you all are . I am a senior citizen and enjoy both channels . I could hug you all for remembering these lives forgotten in time ,you and Ron should work together. I love you and this old lady thanks you .

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks so much, your such a nice person 💗

[@lisabergan9590]

Why did they have so many paupers graves in that little town?

[@cynthiacarter514]

Catching up on some of your videos I have not seen yet. Great photography, great research, great stories, great graveyard walk.Please be careful.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you like them! thanks

[@jenniesmith1106]

I felt bad when you fell. Hope you’re okay.

[@katw3070]

Several of my family members and family friends are buried in Fairview Cemetery. There are photos on two of the headstones. Many years ago, there was a house overlooking the far right side of the cemetery and, if I recall correctly, there was a Wellman family who lived there at the time. It’s sad to see the condition of some parts of the cemetery. I’ve been unable to return for a long time, but a family friend has said he goes there yearly and takes care of my family’s gravesites. I don’t know if there’s regular maintenance there, but I hope so.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks Kat for the comment

[@annarobinson8183]

I hope you are okay and Ty for sharing this video and beautiful hillside and view

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I'm fine and thank you 🙏

[@ohmeowzer1]

I’m gonna mention your channel on faces of the forgotten …so you get more subscribers..and maybe Ron will contact you

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Appreciate that, I watch Ron sometimes

[@monicaann5459]

I grew up just off that hill. We was always told that the second brick structure it was dome , was bricked over cause it was a woman hold a child in a rocking chair. The bodies started deteriorating and vandals so it was bricked over. This story was told for generations. Thought I would throw that in here. Great video on this cemetery.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Interesting and thank you!

[@bevkern3858]

Not funny but was .😊

[@bethgiesey9405]

I hope your ok Heather

[@GreeneyedkittyNKimJongMeow]

Heather, I love you and Leos videos. So much history. I live in Bristol VA and our history seems to be mostly forgotten. My Appalachian family has roots in Dickenson, Russell, Scott and Washington COs VA. I grew up in Charleston SC.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks for the support! Bristol had a lot of history as well

[@mariallen3995]

I love your videos. What I am wondering is when the cemetery is on there land did they buy it that way or inherited the land? It is history and they keep people out from learning. I am sure I have ancestors out there. I would have to go through my ancestry to see who would be out there.

[@steveball1339]

What a beautiful experience on a beautiful day. Thank you for sharing. I am glad your ok after that fall !

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Yes, thank you

[@rccharles6772]

And another advantage using a hill is water wont collect around the coffins

[@guitrC1]

I really enjoy your investigation so much, I hope you continue. Thank you, and God Bless

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks 🙏

[@bigdog593]

I'm from Parkersburg wva and have been 2 Matawan and Williamson area have some good friends from the area and know a few hatfields love the area

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I love Parkersburg

[@sherrilee230]

Some of the Cripps need to be cleaned back before nature takes over. The dear rate was high and it took it's toll on the children.with them going to school and all. And I feel for you walking on that hill side. Thank you this was another awesome video. I'm always watching for my late husband name and my family's name

[@cherylverhelst8245]

I sure hope you aren’t hurt after that fall Heather. Made me think about the shoes I should bring on our trip down there since I will be walking in those cemetery’s to. You take care.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks Cheryl!

[@denisehibbs9576]

Interesting ! I'm suprised that there's pics on a few graves. I haven't seen many in Ky. A lot of them died from TB. Thanks !

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks Denise

[@kerrydennison7947]

That Lawson mausoleum like an old receiving vault. they used to placed the remains at before they could even dig up The Frozen ground, and ironically and some religious denominations burial on top of a hill is preferred, has to do something with Jesus being crucified on Mount Calvary Hill, I think they belief is that they will be closer to God when the second coming occurs,

[@marvinjohnson424]

Those people have some quiet neighbors 😊🇺🇸

[@pennypress8131]

J.L. Griffith is John Griffith He was married to Virgie Griffith they had a son named Leslie. John was an African American methodist minister according to the 1920 census they lived in Williamson on fifth Avenue and Alley street

[@patdiamond5941]

the little road next to the house up on top of hill , goes around and has graves up top there too , my Dad Bob Howard is burried there and Brother Bobby D. Howard they were Williamson City Police officers . also off from them is the first woman to die in the coal mines was burried there too , cant remember her name right off may be Gannon but not sure

[@rickyboothe2434]

Those ripples are probably sunken graves

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Yes they are Im sure

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Thank you for videos. A lot of history in cemeteries. Typical cemetery in West Virginia, graves on the hillside.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

yes, and thanks for watching

[@FeralSheryl1818]

I enjoy your videos. TY my family is from WV and coal miners

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks for watching!

[@debroahisaacs2452]

I wanted to read what you put up but it's up and gone. Too fast.😢

[@timgriffith2094]

Griffith might be one of my relatives.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Possible!

[@swearenginlawanda]

A LOT of tuberculosis going on there

[@lindasingleton1828]

Wish someone could clean those stones up.

[@pakedermsfavs9080]

Did you ever find out who RevJ Griffith was ?

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I did! he was a African american traveling preacher

[@pakedermsfavs9080]

@@thehillbillyfiles thanks amazing . Isn’t this history stuff fun ? I’m a genealogist I’m sitting at brick walls right now but I love it ! Great job !

[@jamielieberg7053]

Great Video thank you very much also, I love the way you show us how they died it makes the people seem more real unlike other cemetery sights it's a cold day on Feb 1 it's 3F keep warm

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks so much! Brrr thats chilly

[@lisabarger574]

Miss doing this with my husband,was sure thankful for the times we had together, All Treasured🪦🌹💕🥺

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I'm sure you do miss it, I'm sorry. I'm glad you have the memories

[@lisabarger574]

@@thehillbillyfiles thank you, really injoy watching and listening to y'all's videos 💕 , and the History of so many,Thanks Lisa