Leaving Orangeburg, SC this morning, I set my GPS for Pilot Mountain, NC, the roots of my Stone line. It was here that my 4th great grandfather, Enoch Stone, owned a plantation and worked it with slaves.I wasn't sure what I would find, but I was up to the adventure.
After traveling for several hours in the rain and temperatures dipping into the thirties, I was relieved to finally arrive in Pilot Mountain. After checking into a motel, I set out to see what I could discover of my Stone history.
I found this old Stone Family Cemetery, situated in the area of where the old Stone Plantation was probably located. Approaching the cemetery, I had a feeling of reverence, hoping to find the resting place of Enoch Stone.
After trying to read the weathered engravings on several headstones, I found Enoch Stone's headstone, along with his wife Elizabeth, and a son John. Enoch was born in 1791, and died in 1876.I stood there and reflected upon the importance of my Stone name and the heritage that my ancestors preserved and passed down through the generations. It was Calvin Gordon Stone, son of Enoch Stone, that first accepted the church from Mormon missionaries that passed through the area.
As I surveyed the area surrounding the cemetery, I found several streets that bore the Stone name, as well as some old dwellings that very well could have been part of the Stone plantation.All in all, it was a good experience for me to walk and reflect upon my Stone ancestry.
The Pilot Mountain area is not only famous for the Stone family, but also for Andy Griffith. He was raised in this home in a town called Mount Airy, located right next to Pilot Mountain.
The town of Mt Airy, has an interesting resemblance to the TV town of Mayberry. As I traveled through the town I obeyed the speed limit, not wanting to be pulled over by Deputy Barney Five.If the weather cooperates tomorrow, I'll head through the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. I understand it has some wonderful motorcycle roads.
See you tomorrow!
That is cool about the Stone Plantation. I didn't know about any of that so thanks for sharing that with us. I heard about your scary story on the road. You are in our prayers and I hope you are safe. We love you!
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