Patton Cemetery; Thomas Patton farm - Noah, Coffee County, Tennessee
By Susan Booker September 21, 2002 at 12:10:04
I visited the old, abandoned PATTON family cemetery near Noah in Coffee County, TN, a few days ago, and cleaned it up a bit - it was very overgrown and neglected, but had been newly fenced and gated (with chain link - not terribly attractive). Thomas and Jane SHAW PATTON rest here, as do several of their descendents and connections, including members of the STEPHENS family. Many of the old markers were in poor condition, although Thomas's and Jane's are still standing and are legible. There are probably around 15-20 graves in this old cemetery.
Thomas PATTON, a Scots-Irish 1790 immigrant from County Derry, Ireland,was the son of Barbara and Cornelius PATTON.With his grown son Neeley and his brother Daniel PATTON (my g-g-grandfather) and their families, Thomas PATTON was among the first white settlers of what was then Bedford County, TN, after the Cherokee cession of lands, coming from North Carolina c. 1806. A number of records indicate that this Neeley PATTON was the brother of Daniel and Thomas, but this is incorrect - he was Thomas's adult son, named for his uncle Neeley PATTON who worked for the East India Company and who never came to America. In later years, the PATTON brothers were joined by their sister Jane ERWIN PATTON and her husband Andrew ERWIN, who moved to nearby Wartrace, TN. These PATTONS were siblings of the well-known James PATTON of Asheville, NC, who was the first of his family to come to America, in 1786. James PATTON's well-known autobiography has been posted online by the University of North Carolina, and contains more information about this family.
I would urge any descendents of this line who may be in or near this area to visit this old pioneer cemetery, which is located next to the paved road at Cheatham Springs, and if possible, to care for it more. The graves were covered with young ailanthus trees, and it looked as if no one had been there in quite some time. I had to cut a path from the gate back to the graves through a variety of weeds as well as the ailanthus trees. The most recent markers date to the 1920s, and the oldest appear to be the unmarked fieldstones which may very well mark the unknown resting places of my g-g-grandparents Daniel and Rachel JARRETT PATTON, who lived nearby. Several of the markers were broken and some had been leaned against one of the two mature trees in the middle of the approximately 35'X 35' cemetery (most of the graves are found in or near the middle of the cemetery).
I worked for over an hour, and cleared the graves and the areas immediately around them, but didn't have the time or the tools to completely remove all the weeds, young trees, dead branches, and other plants which had volunteered there. I was unable to remove the debris from the area, so simply piled it to one side, away from the graves. There were no signs of garbage dumping, thankfully, and other than the broken monuments, which appeared to have suffered this damage some time ago rather than recently, this very historic cemetery suffers from neglect rather than vandalism. I live several hundred miles away and am rarely in this area - this was only my second trip in about five years, or I'd do more for it myself. Clearing out the cemetery would not be difficult, and would simply require time rather than strenuous labor. I was short of that, alas, as earlier rain had delayed me and I was many miles from home.
The large farm across the road, which once belonged to Thomas and Jane SHAW PATTON and which I am told remained in the hands of PATTON descendents well into the 20th century, is now for sale by its owner. No one was at home, and I have no information about the asking price or the acreage of the farm, nor do I know the present owner's name. The house is a newish brick ranch house, well-cared for, but the large dairy barn appears considerably older - perhaps early 1900s. Its red paint is attractively faded, but it appeared to be in good condition from the nearby road.
The valley is very green and pastoral, with the small, clear Noah Fork of the Duck River flowing through it, and wooded rounded foothills on either side. The "for sale" sign, which termed it the "historic Cheatham Springs Farm", also said "Willing to subdivide", which I sincerely hope does not occur. Those PATTON descendents or others who live closer to the Manchester/Wartrace/Beech Grove/Noah area may wish to investigate. This is a very scenic area, readily accessible just off US 41, and only about an hour south of Nashville. It would be a nice weekend retreat or working farm, suitable for dairy cattle or horses or other grazing animals. The fields are presently in pasturage, but could no doubt grow corn or other crops.
The old historic Cheatham Springs are at the crossroads just a few feet from the cemetery; across from the house and barm, and the little old general store building there (wooden, in fair condition, with lots of character) is presently for rent. The old stone springhouse just below the store is in good condition, and there is also an old wooden gazebo-like structure, in fair condition, with a pump above the springhouse.I am uncertain if these springs, which emerge from a cluster of low limestone boulders, are part of the property which is for sale, but assume not, as the "for rent" sign was on the adjacent store building.
The store appeared to have been closed for some time, but it would make a nice small antique shop or other small business, and the springs area could easily be cleared and landscaped to enhance their attractiveness. The springs are accessible with only a little difficulty now, and a pathway could be constructed to them without much trouble. There appeared to have been an old dirt road down to and along the side of the springs (which are just a few feet below the store) in past times.
I have no idea if the water is potable, but it was clear and cold, and inhabited by a lot of little frogs. This area - cemetery, farm, store and springs - is very quiet, but only five minutes from US 41 and not far from I-24. Noah and nearby Cheatham Springs are about six miles north of Manchester, TN.
Here's hoping that some PATTON descendents will take an interest in the opportunities listed here, and that the old cemetery will be properly restored and cared for, the farm sold to a caring individual, and the store and springs rented and spruced up to achieve their potential. I have no financial interest in this whatsoever, but hope that someone who appreciates the history and beauty of this lovely little area will become its new owner.Anyone out there recognize yourself in this description?
https://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/patton/4101/
