I visited the Elizabeth Cemetary in Saltville, VA, the salt capital of the Confederancy on Oct. 31. Trick or treaters were trafficking Main Street near the cemetary late in the evening nearing darkness.
Article composed by Tom Bishop, Executive Director, Patrick County Chamber of Commerce
A cannon that was used by the Confederates sits on the hill at the Elizabeth Cemetery. It was uncovered in the 1930's. The land on
which the cemetery lies was set aside by Madam Russell and is named for her. The graves date from the very early 1800's and many contain the remains of Confederate soldiers killed in the two battles of Saltville.
Gen. J.E.B. Stuart’s mother, father and brother are buried
there. Elizabeth Letcher Stuart's monument says she is from Patrick County, VA.
Her husband Archibald was initially buried at Laurel Hill in Ararat, VA (Patrick County) then exhumed and moved to Saltville to be buried with his wife Elizabeth.
Archibald Stuart, born in Lynchburg, Virginia. He became an officer in the War of 1812 and studied law afterward. After being admitted to the bar, Stuart commenced practice in Lynchburg. He became a member of the Virginia House of Delegates in 1830 and 1831 and a delegate to the Virginia Constitutional Conventions in 1829, 1830, 1850 and 1851.
Archibald Stuart was elected a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives in 1836, serving from 1837 to 1839. After being unsuccessful for reelection, Stuart resumed practicing law. He served to the Virginia Senate, serving from 1852 to 1854. Stuart died at his home, "Laurel Hill" in Patrick County, Virginia, on September 20, 1855.
