SYLVAN HALL (PHILIPS) CEMETERY

The following came from Frances Martin, the wife of James Roderick (Rod)
Martin, a descendant of Martha (Patsy) Philips and her husband, Thomas Martin,
a doctor from Louisiana who was of Irish descent. Martha Patsy Philips was the
daughter of Joseph Philips, Jr., and Milberry Horn.

--From a photocopy from microfilm of the will of Joseph Philips, Deceased.

Recorded September 3, 1822, in Will Book #8 1821-1826 of Davidson County, TN.

In Joseph Philips’s Will, as part of Item 4 William D. Philips is given "the land on
which I now live, together with all that I purchased…" and as the last sentence of
Item 4 "I will and order such sum as may be necessary in the opinion of my
executors, be by them expended in enclosing the family graveyard."

An unusually substantial wall was built around the family graveyard after the
death of Joseph Philips. The wall is about three feet in height by three feet in
thickness and was constructed by the Philips slaves, no doubt, from slabs of
native limestone taken from one of the neighboring quarries.

Several large trees just outside the wall, possibly slanted as young saplings over
a hundred years ago, shade the gravestones now in the summer. The graveyard
is located on the very crest of a hill rising several hundred yards behind the brick
homestead and outhouses, and overlooks the gently rolling, rich fields below and
a cheerful brook that flows not far from the house—a pleasant retreat for the
shade of the old pioneer from the Carolinas and his descendants, and a gentle
reminder to the passing traffic on the paved highway at the foot of the hill, that
time is indeed fleeting, and that he who would leave evidence of his having lived
for oncoming generations to observe must choose wisely and build exceedingly
well.

Milberry Horn Philips, mother of nine children, was left a widow, on May 22, 1822.
Three of the children having died before the death of their father, Milberry
remained with her only surviving son, William Duncan Philips, and lived at the
homestead where she had first started her life in Tennessee;

‘Sylvan Hall’ is six miles from Nashville just off the beautiful Dickerson Pike on
the left just before arriving at Old Hickory Blvd. The site of the Philips home
place is now the site of the Bellshire Methodist Church.

Milberry died in her 87th year, and is buried by the side of her husband in the
graveyard where he had been put to rest twenty-nine years before."
 Inscriptions on Grave Markers
Larry Feldhaus, 6 March 2010

Sources
1. 1931: From the Tennessee Records, Tombstone Inscriptions and Manuscripts,
Historical and Biographical, Volume 1, by Jeannette T. Acklen, Nashvhille.
http://books.google.com/books?
id=QfcnbIEcKHEC&lpg=PA170&ots=dO5CPwdZ9P&dq=sylvan%20hall
%20inscriptions&pg=PA170#v=onepage&q=sylvan%20hall
%20inscriptions&f=false
2. Unknown Date: From information compiled by Christine (Paradise) Sumner,
wife of William Parks Sumner Jr. and mother of Ann Elizabeth (Sumner) Shook
and John William Sumner.
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~aljackso/Sumner.htm
3. 2000: Davidson County Cemetery Survey Web Site, July 26, 2000.
http://www.davidsoncocemeterysurvey.com/Cemeteries/M/philips+sylvan_hall_c
emetery.htm
4. 1930: Copied from tombstones at Silvan Hall Cemetery by Mrs. Katherine W.
Ewing, 124 Tyne Drive, Nashville, TN in 1930.
5. 2001: 18 Feb 2001 inventory of Sylvan Hall Cemetery by Craig Kelley Adkisson.

Joseph D. Philips: Born 3 Oct 1763 in Edgecombe County NC and died 22 May
1822 in Davidson County TN. (Husband of Milbery Horn)
Source 1 - 1931:
Joseph Philips, Oct. 31, 1763-May 22, 1822; born in North Carolina and settIed on this
place in 1791.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Joseph Phillips (spelled with two l's), October 31, 1763, May 22, 1822, born in North
Carolina and settled on this place in 1791.
Source 3 - 2000:
PHILIPS
Front inscription: JOS. PHILIPS/ BORN/ OCT. 31, 1763/ DIED/ MAY 22, 1822./MILBIRY
PHILIPS/ WIFE OF J. PHILIPS/ BORN/ DEC. 4, 1764/ DIED DEC. 19, 1851/ BORN IN
N. C./ & SETTLED ON THIS PLACE 1791
Source 4 - 1930:
Joseph Philips, born Oct 31 1763 and died May 31 1822. Settled in this place in 1791.
Source 5 - 2001:
“JOSEPHPH PHILIPS/Born/Oct. 21, 1763/ Milbiry) Died/May 22, 1822/MILBIRY
PHILIPS/wife of J. PHILIPS/Born/Dec. 4, 1764 /Died Dec. 19, 1851/Born in N. C./&
settled on this place in 1791.”(large thick slab)
Milbery Horn Williams Philips: Born 4 Dec 1764 in Edgecombe County NC and
died 19 Dec 1851 in Davidson County TN. (Wife of Joseph D. Philips)
Source 1 - 1931:
Milbiry Philips, wife of J. Philips, Dec. 4, 1764-Dec. 19, 1851; born in 1859 North
Carolina and settled on this place in 1791.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Milbiry (Horn) Phillips, wife of J. Phillips, December 4, 1764, December 19, 1851, born
in North Carolina and settled on this place in 1791.
Source 3 - 2000:
PHILIPS
Front inscription: JOS. PHILIPS/ BORN/ OCT. 31, 1763/ DIED/ MAY 22, 1822./MILBIRY
PHILIPS/ WIFE OF J. PHILIPS/ BORN/ DEC. 4, 1764/ DIED DEC. 19, 1851/ BORN IN
N. C./ & SETTLED ON THIS PLACE 1791
Source 4 - 1930:
Wife: Milbiry Philips, born Dec. 4 1764 died Dec 19 1851.
Source 5 - 2001:
“JOSEPHPH PHILIPS/Born/Oct. 21, 1763/ Milbiry) Died/May 22, 1822/MILBIRY
PHILIPS/wife of J. PHILIPS/Born/Dec. 4, 1764 /Died Dec. 19, 1851/Born in N. C./&
settled on this place in 1791.”(large thick slab)

William Duncan Philips: Born 19 Apr 1804 in Davidson County TN and died 15
Jun 1879 in Davidson County TN. (Husband of Elizabeth Dwyer)
Source 1 - 1931:
William D. Philips, son of Joseph and Milbiry Phillips, born on this farm, April 19, 1804;
died where he was born and lived, June 15, 1879.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
William D. Phillips, son of Joseph and Milbiry Phillips, born on this farm April 19, 1804,
died where he was born and lived, June 15, 1879.
Source 3 - 2000:
Front inscription: WILLIAM D. PHILIPS,/ SON OF/ JOSEPH & MILBERY PHILIPS/
BORN ON THIS FARM/ JUNE 10 1804/ DIED WHERE HE WAS BORN; LIVED JUNE
15, 1879/ELIZA DWYER/ WIFE OF/ WILLIAM D. PHILIPS/ DAUGHTER OF/DANIEL &
BRIDGET DWYER/BORN AT ROSCREA TIPPERARY CO. IRELAND/ AUG. 3, 1801/
DIED NOV. 10, 1871.
Source 5 - 2001:
“WILLIAM D. PHILIPS/son of/JOSEPH & MILBERRY PHILIPS/Born on this farm/
(June?) (10?) 1804 Died where he was born & lived June 15, 1879/ELIZA DWYER /wife
of/WILLIAM D. PHILIPS/daughter of/DANIEL & BRIDGET DWYER/Born at Roscrea
Tipperary Co. Ireland/Aug. 3, 1801/Died May 10, 1871.” (large thick slab with cross on
top and inscription on the side)
Elizabeth Dwyer Philips: Born 3 Aug 1801 in Roscrea, Tipperary County, Ireland
and died 10 Nov 1871 in Davidson County TN. (Wife of William D. Philips)
Source 1 - 1931:
Eliza Dwyer, wife of William D. Philips, daughter of Daniel and Bridget Dwyer, born at
Roscrea, Tipperary County Ireland, Aug. 3, 1801; died May 10 1871.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Eliza Dryer, wife of William D. Phillips, daughter of Daniel and Bridget Dryer, born at
Roscrea, Tipperary County, Ireland, August 3, 1801, died May 10, 1871.
Source 3 - 2000:
Front inscription: WILLIAM D. PHILIPS,/ SON OF/ JOSEPH & MILBERY PHILIPS/
BORN ON THIS FARM/ JUNE 10 1804/ DIED WHERE HE WAS BORN; LIVED JUNE
15, 1879/ELIZA DWYER/ WIFE OF/ WILLIAM D. PHILIPS/ DAUGHTER OF/DANIEL &
BRIDGET DWYER/BORN AT ROSCREA TIPPERARY CO. IRELAND/ AUG. 3, 1801/
DIED NOV. 10, 1871.
PHILIPS?
Front inscription: BENEATH THIS SLAB AFFECTIONS (ILLEGIBLE) PAID/ BELOVED
ELIZA'S DEAR REMAINS ARE LAID/ LET DAISES GROW AROUND THE SPOT HE
FOUND/ AND FRESHEST (ILLEGIBLE) DECK THE SACRED GROUND/ AH WHAT
AVAILS IN THAT KIND
FRIEND ARE (ILLEGIBLE) OR WHAT AVAILS THE SYMPATHETIC TEAR/ COULD
FRIENDLY (ILLEGIBLE) THE PHYSICIAN (ILLEGIBLE) 3 MORE ILLEGIBLE LINES
Source 5 - 2001:
“WILLIAM D. PHILIPS/son of/JOSEPH & MILBERRY PHILIPS/Born on this farm/
(June?) (10?) 1804 Died where he was born & lived June 15, 1879/ELIZA DWYER /wife
of/WILLIAM D. PHILIPS/daughter of/DANIEL & BRIDGET DWYER/Born at Roscrea
Tipperary Co. Ireland/Aug. 3, 1801/Died May 10, 1871.” (large thick slab with cross on
top and inscription on the side)

Margaret “Peggy” Thomas Philips Williams: Born 30 Sep 1799 in Davidson

County TN and died 14 Apr 1844 in Davidson County TN. (Wife of Josiah
Williams)
Source 1 - 1931:
Margaret Thomas, wife of Josiah F. Williams, daughter of Joseph and Milbrey Philips,
Sept. 30, 1799-1844.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Margaret Thomas, wife of Josiah F. "Williams, and daughter of Joseph and Milbrey
Phillips, September 30, 1799-1844.
Josiah Frederick Williams: Born 2 Feb 1786 in Halifax County NC and died 29
Nov 1851 in Davidson County TN. (Husband of Margaret Philips)
Source 1 - 1931:
To the memory of Josiah F. Williams; this monument is erected by his children ; he was
born on the 2nd day of Feb., 1780, and died on the 29th day of Nov., 1851. His life was
characterized by inflexible honesty, sterling ------ the most unpretending -------
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
To the Memory of Josiah F. Williams, this monument is erected by his children, he was
born on the 2nd day of February, 1780 and died on the 29th day of November, 1851.
His life was characterized by inflexible honesty, sterling , the most unpretending , etc.

Sarah “Sallie” Philip Williams: Born 1 Aug 1788 in Edgecombe County NC and
died 19 Jan 1859 in Davidson County TN. (Wife of William Williams)
Source 1 - 1931:
Sally Philips, Aug. 1, 1783 – Jan. 10, 1859, Wm. Williams and Sally Philips married Feb.
11, 1807.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Sally Phillips, August 1, 1783, January 19, 1859, William Williams and Sally Phillips
married February 11, l807.
Source 3 - 2000:
Side inscription: SALLY PHILIPS/ BORN/ AUG 1 1783?/ DIED/ JAN 19, 1859?. Side
inscription: WM. WILLIAMS/ AND/ SALLY PHILIPS/ MARRIED/ FEB 11, 1807.

Williams Williams: Born 15 Apr 1776 in Halifax County NC and died 6 Mar 1862 in
Davidson County TN. (Husband of Sally Philips)
Source 1 - 1931:
Wm. Williams, April 15, 1776 – Mar. 6, 1872
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
William Williams, April 15, 1776, March 6, 1872.
Source 3 - 2000: Front inscription: WM. WILLIAMS/ BORN/ APR. 15, 1776/ DIED/
MAR. 6, 1862.
Source 5 - 2001:
“(On one side) Wm WILLIAMS/Born/Apr. 15, 1776/Died/Mar. 6, 18(62 or 72)!(on one
side) SALLY PHILIPS/Born Aug.1, 178(3?)/Died/Jan. 19, 18(59?)/(on one side)
Wm //WILLIAMS/and/SALLY PHILIPS/married/Feb. 11, 1807.” (This large
monument composed of several sections has fallen.)
Joseph Philips Williams: Born 16 Feb 1824 in Davidson County TN and died 14
Apr 1846 in Davidson County TN. (Son of William Williams and Sally Philips)
Source 3 - 2000:
WILLIAMS Born: 1814 Died: 1826
Front inscription: J. P. WILLIAMS/ BORN FEB. 16 1824/ DIED APR. 14, 1846

Charlotte Philips: Born 25 Nov 1795 in Davidson County TN and died 23 Jul 1811
in Davidson County TN. (Daughter of William Williams and Sally Philips)
Source 1 - 1931:
In memory of Charlotte Philips, who died July 23, 1811, in the 16th year of her age.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
In Memory of Charlotte Phillips, who died July 23, 1811 in the 16th year of her age.
Source 3 - 2000:
PHILIPS
Front inscription: IN MEMORY/ OF/ CHARLOTTE PHILIPS/ WHO DIED JULY 23,
1811?/ IN THE 16TH YEAR OF HER/ AGE
Source 4 - 1930:
In memory of Charlotte Philips who died Jul 23, 1811 in the 16th year of her age.
Source 5 - 2001:
“J. P. WILLIAMS/Born Feb. 15, 1824/Died Apr. 14, 1846.”

Rebecca Philips: Born 16 Apr 1790 in Edgecombe County NC and died in July
1792 in Davidson County TN. (Daughter of Joseph D. Philips and Milbrey Horn.
Source 4 - 1930
Rebecca Philips born Edgecomb Co. 1790 Died Davidson Co. 1792
Henry Horne Williams: Born 3 May 1814 in Davidson County TN and died 14 July
1826 in Davidson County TN. (Son of William Williams and Sally Philips)
Source 1 - 1931:
Henry Williams, a moral and intelligent youth, May 3, 1814-July 14, 1826.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Henry Williams, a moral and intelligent youth, l May 3, 1814, July 14, 1826
Source 3 - 2000:
Front inscription: HENRY WILLIAMS/ A MORAL &/ INTELLIGENT YOUTH/ WAS
BORN 3RD MAY 1814/ DIED 14TH JULY 1826/ DOMINUS DEUS REGINAT.
Source 4 - 1930:
Henry horn Philips died age of 19, 1816.
Source 5 - 2001:
“HENRY WILLIAM S/A moral & intelligent youth/was born 3rd May 1814/Died 14 th July
1826/Dominus Deus reginat.”

Elisha William: Born about 1749 in Halifax or Bertie County NC and died 17 Aug
1811 in Davidson County TN. (Father of Joshiah Williams and William Wlliams)
Source 1 - 1931:
Elisha Williams; died, Aug. 17, 1811; age. 62 years. Married Mar. 25, 1775, and had six
children: William, Betsey, Joshua, Elisha, Josiah, Martha.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Elisha Williams died August 17, 1811, age 72 years, married March 25, 17?5 and had 6
children, William, Betsey, Joshua, Elisha, Josiah, Martha.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Norfleet Williams McIver: Born 2 Jan 1807 in Davidson County
TN and died 24 Mar 1826 in Rutherford County TN. (Daughter of Johsiah Williams
and Margaret Philips)
Source 1 - 1931:
Sacred to the memory of Eliza N., daughter of Wm. Williams, wife of Evander Mclver,
departed this life Mar. 28, 1826, in the 19th year of her age.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Sacred to the Memory of Eliza N., daughter of William Williams, wife of Evander McIver,
departed this life March 28, 1826, in the 19th year of her age.
Mary Warton Williams Porter: Born 26 Oct 1816 in Davidson County TN and died
21 Mar 1839 in Davidson County TN. (Daughter of William Williams and Sallie
Philips)
Source 1 - 1931:
Mary, daughter of William and Sarah Williams, and wife of Robert M. Porter; born, Oct.
26, 1816; married, Dec. 4, 1838; died, Mar. 21, 1839.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Mary, daughter of William and Sarah (Sally) Williams and wife of Robert M. Porter, born
October 26, 1816, married December 4, 1838, died March 21, 1839.
Source 3 - 2000:
PORTER Born: 1816 Died: 1839.
Front inscription: MARY/ DAUGHTER OF/ WILLIAM & SARAH WILLIAMS/ AND WIFE
OF/ ROBERT M. PORTER/ BORN OCTOBER 26, 1816/ MARRIED DECEMBER 4,
1838/ DIED MARCH 21, 1839/ HONORABLE AGE IS NOT THAT WHICH STANDETH
IN/ (ILLEGIBLE) OF TIME NOR THAT IS MEASURED BY NUMBER/ (ILLEGIBLE)
WISDOM IS THE GRAY HAIR UNTO/ (ILLEGIBLE) UNSPOTTED LIFE IS OLD AGE.
(ILLEGIBLE) DIE IN THE LORD.
Source 5 - 2001:
“MARY/daughter of/WILLIAM & SARAH WILLIAMS/and wife of/ROBERT M.
PORTER /born/October 26, 1816/married December 4, 1838/died March 21, 1839/Hon-
orable age is not that which standeth in/ (illegible) of time nor that is measured by
number/(illegible) wisdom is the gray hair unto/(illegible) unspotted life is old
age./(illegible) die in the Lord.” (Stone is down and bottom broken off.)

Martha “Patsy” Hunter Williams: Born 29 Nov 1809 in Davidson County TN and
died 3 Nov 1833 in Davidson County TN. (Daughter of William Williams and Sallie
Philips)
Source 1 - 1931:
Martha H. Williams, Nov. 29, 1809 - Nov. 3, 1833.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Martha H. Williams, November 29, 1809, November 3, 1833.
Source 3 - 2000:
WILLIAMS Born: 1809 Died: 1833
Front inscription: MARTHA H. WILLIAMS/ WAS BORN 29 NOV. 1809/ &/ DIED 3RD
NOV. 1833.
Source 5 - 2001:
”MARTHA H. WILLIAMS/was born 29 Nov.1809/died 3rd Nov. 1833.”
(Footstone:“M.H.W.”)
Robert Williams: Born about 1838 in Davidson County TN and died about 1838 in
Davidson County TN. (Son of Josiah Williams and Margaret Philips)
Source 1 - 1931:
Robert, infant son of J. F. and M. T. Williams.
Source 2 - Unknown:
Robert, infant son of J. F. and M. T. Williams.

Evander McIver Williams: Born 25 May 1829 in Davidson County TN and died 27
Dec 1855 in Davidson County TN. (Son of William Williams and Sarah Philips)
Source 1 - 1931:
Evander Mclver Williams, May 25, 1829-Dec. 27, 1855.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Evander McIver Williams, May 5, 1829, December 27, 1855.
Source 3 - 2000:
WILLIAMS Born: 1829 Died: 1855.
Front inscription: EVANDER MCIVER/ WILLIAMS/ BORN/ MAY 25, 1829/ DIED/ DEC.
27, 1855/ REV. XIV 13.
Source 5 - 2001:
”EVANDER McIVER/WILLIAMS Born/May 25, 1829/Died/Dec. 27, 1855/Rev. XIV13.”
 Short column without inscription. Apparently moved from original position.

David Dwyer Williams: Born 11 Jan 1829 in Davidson County TN and died 17 Feb
1829 in Davidson County TN. (Son of Josiah Williams and Margaret Philips)(Since
Elizabeth Dwyer didn’t marry William D. Philips until 1828, it’s likely the date of
David’s birth is 1829 and not 1822)
Source 1 - 1931:
David D., son of J. F. and M. T. Williams, Jan. 11, 1829-Feb. 17, 1829.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
David D., son of J. F. and M. t. Williams, January 11, 1829, February 17, 1829.
Source 3 - 2000:
WILLIAMS Born: 1822 Died: 1829
Front inscription: DAVID L. SON/ PF J. F. & M. T./ WILLIAMS/ BORN JANY 11TH,
1822/ DIED FEBY 17TH 1829
Source 5 - 2001:
“DAVID L./son of/J. (F?) & M. I. /WILLIAMS/born Jany 11th, 1829/died Feb. 17, 1829.”
(Footstone: “D L W”)
William Philips: Born 3 Sep 1846 in Davidson County TN and died 11 July 1862 in
Davidson County TN. (Son of William D. Philips and Elizabeth Dwyer)
Source 1 - 1931:
William, son of Wm. D. and Eliza Philips, Sept. 3, 1846 - July 11, 1862.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
William, son of William D. and Eliza Phillips, September 3, 1846, July 11, 1862.
Source 3 - 2000:
PHILIPS?
Front inscription: ONLY LEGIBLE WORD OF INSCRIPTION IS “SLEEPS”.
Source 3 - 2000:
PHILIPS Born: 1846 Died: 1862
Front inscription: WILLIAM/ SON OF/ WM D. & ELIZA/ PHILIPS/ BORN SEPT 3, 1846/
DIED/ JULY 11, 1862
Source - 2001:
“WILLIAM/son of/Wm. D. & ELIZA/PHILIPS/born/Sept. 3, 1846/Died/July 11, 1862.”
(Footstone: “W P”)
 
William Perkins Harding: Born 18 Sep 1822, Davidson County TN and died 16
Sep 1903 in Davidson County TN. (Husband of Milbery Catherine Philips)
Source 1 - 1931:
Father—William P. Harding.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
"Father" William P. Harding.
Source 3 - 2000:
HARDING
Front inscription: FATHER/ WILLIAM P. HARDING/ MOTHER/ MILBERRY C. PHILIPS
Source 5 - 2001:
“Wm P. HARDING/and wife/MILBRYC. PHILIPS.”
Source - 2001:
“Father/WILLIAM P. HARDING/Mother/ MILBERRY C. PHILIPS.”
Milberry Catherine Philips: Born 8 Feb 1833 in Davidson County TN and died
about 1864 in Cleveland, Bradley County, TN.( Wife of William Harding and
daughter of William D. Philips and Elizabeth Dwyer)
Source 1 - 1931:
Mother—Milberry C. Philips.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Mother" Milberry C. Phillips”.

Sarah Philips: Born about 1829 in Davidson County TN and died about 1829 in
Davidson County TN. (Daughter of William D. Philips and Elizabeth Dwyer)
Source 1 - 1931:
Sarah, infant child of Win. D. and ----- .
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Sarah, infant child of William D. and Eliza Phillips who died July 1823, age 6 months.

Joseph Hooper Philips: Born 2 Jan 1803 in Davidson County TN and died as an
infant in Davidson County TN. (Son of Joseph D. Philips and Milbery Horn)
Source 1 - 1931:
Joseph Philips, who died July, 1823; age, 6 months.
Source 3 - 2000:
PHILIPS Died: 1823
Front inscription: JOSEPH PHILIPS/ WHO DIED JULY 1823/ AGED 6 MONTHS
Source 4 - 1930:
In memory of Joseph Philips who died Jul 1803 aged 6 months.
Joseph John Sumner: Born 14 Aug 1780 in ? and died 28 Dec 1813 in LA. (Son of
Joseph D. Philips’ sister Martha Philips and Joseph Sumner)
Source 1 - 1931:
Beneath this inscription lies the unfortunate Joseph John Sumner who was born Aug.
14, 1780, and perished in the Gulf of Mexico on the morning of Dec. 28, 1813. Oh! Gulf
of Mexico, why hast thou thus deprived us of this our most affectionate friend. As the ---
— of spring fadeth away the leaves, etc., etc.
Date Source 2 - Unknown:
Beneath this inscription lies the unfortunate Joseph John Sumner who was born August
14, 1780 and perished in the Gulf of Mexico on the Morning of December 28, 1813 ...."
Source 3 - 2000:
SUMNER
Front inscription: (BENEATH?) THIS INSCRIPTION LIES THE UNFORTUNATE/
JOSEPH JOHN SUMNER/ WHO WAS BORN AUGUST THE 14TH, 17(8?)0 AND
PERISHED IN THE GULF OF MEXICO/ ON THE MORNING OF THE 28TH OF
DECEMBER 1813/ OH! GULF OF MEXICO, WHY HAS THOU THUS/ DEPRIVED US
OF THIS OUR MOST AFFECTIONATE/ FRIEND/ AS THE HERBACE OF SPRING
FADETH AWAY,/ THE LEAVES OF AUTUMN WITHER AND DIE/ SO HAS THOU IN
LIKE MANNER/ CUT SHORT OUR HOPES AND BLASTED OUR/ EXPECTATIONS IN
THE DEATH OF THIS WORTHY MAN./WILLIAM HENRY/ SUMNER/ SON OF/ THE
ABOVE, SEPT. 24, 1813-JUNE 30, 1816
Source 5 - 2001:
“(Beneath?) this inscription lies the William H.) unfortunate/JOSEPH JOHN
SUMNER/who was born August the 14th, 17(8?)0 and perished in the Gulf of Mexico/on
the morning of the 28th of December 1813/ Oh! Gulf.of Mexico, why has thou thus
/deprived us of this our most affecionate/friend/as the herbace of spring fadeth
away./The eaves of Autumn wither and die/so has thou in like anner /cut short our
hopes and blasted our/ expectations in the death of this worthy man./WILLIAM
HENRY/SUMNER/son of the above was born William H.) September/the 24th 1813
and died June the 30th 1816/My little babe close to my (left?) doth he/Entombd without
a mournful sigh: Thus may you living Mortal see:/that all men were born to die.” (large
slab which has fallen)
 
William Henry Sumner: Born 24 Sep 1813 in Davidson County TN and died 30
Jun 1816 in Davidson County TN. (Son of Joseph John Sumner above)
Source 1 - 1931:
William Henry Sumner, son of the above, Sept. 24, 1813 - June 30, 1816.
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
Buried beside him is a son, William Henry Sumner, September 24, 1813, June 30,
1816.
John Hudson Sumner: Born ? and died ?. (Presumed to be another son of
Joseph John Sumner above)
Source 2 - Unknown Date:
SUMNER, John H.
“Beneath this slab rest the remains/of/JOHN HUDSON SUMNER/Born November 4th,
1811:/Died June 22nd, 1837/He was a kind son and affectionate/brother strictly moral
through life/but in death his whole reliance was/on the merit of Him who came into/this
world to seek and to save/Adam’s fallen race./Disturb not this grave if you respect
the/last wish of the virtuous dead.”
 Source 3 - 2000:
SUMNER Born: 1811
Front inscription: JOHN HUDSON SUMNER/ BORN NOVEMBER 18?, 1811/ DIED
JUNE 22? 1817? 10 ILLEGIBLE LINES
Source 5 - 2001:
“Beneath this slab rest the remains/of/JOHN HUDSON SUMNER/Born November 4th,
1811:/Died June 22nd, 1837/He was a kind son and affectionate/brother strictly moral
through life/but in death his whole reliance was/on the merit of Him who came into/this
world to seek and to save/Adam’s fallen race./Disturb not this grave if you respect
the/last wish of the virtuous dead.”
The information shown below was drawn by Craig Kelley Adkisson on February
18, 2001 based on an inventory of the Sylvan Hall Cemetery.
 Williams & Sally Philips Williams
1) J.P. Williams
1) [fragment: fallen]
2) [obelisk fragment: fallen]
3) [obelisk fragment: fallen)
4) Henry Williams
2) Martha H. Williams
3) Mary Williams Porter
5) ]"..Sleeps"]
4) Evander McIver Williams
5) [obelisk fragment: fallen]
6) David L. Williams
7) [obelisk fragment: fallen]
8) [fragment: upright]
9) footstone: M.H.W.
10) footstone: H.W.
11) [rectangular fragment with design]
12) [fragment: fallen]
13) E l i z a ?
14)William P. Harding. & Milbry C.Philips Harding
15) [obelisk fragment: base)
16) [fragment: fallen]
17) [fragment: fallen]
18) ? b r o k e n
19) D.L.W. (footstone?)
20) ? [fragment by wall]
21)William P.. Hariiing.& Milbery Philips Harding
22) William Philips
1) [ b r o k e n ]
23)?(in 20th year... )[Henry Horn Philips?]
24) Charlotte Philips
25) Joseph Philips
26) John Hudson Sumner
27)?
28)?
29) Joseph John Sumner
30) A) footstone: upright
B) fragment: fallen
31) [ f r a g m e n t ]
32) Joseph Philips & Milbry Philips
33) f o o t s t o n e
34)William D. Philips & Eliza Dwyer Philips
35) [fra g me n t]
36) footstone: S.P. [Sarah Philips?)
37) footstone: W.P.
38) [rectangular fragment with design]
39)?
40)?
41)?