Potter Valley Cemetery Auxiliary

History of the Potter Valley Cemetery
Adapted from Delight Shelton’s book, From Acorns to Oaks

The origins of the Potter Valley Cemetery trace back to a gift of land from James Neil, who donated two acres for burial purposes. The earliest marked grave dates to 1858, though many graves are unmarked or marked with wooden headstones that have since deteriorated beyond legibility.

James Neil eventually sold his property to J.P. Smith, who, on January 25, 1884, deeded an additional one acre to the cemetery—along with the original two acres—for $40 in lawful money. These three acres form the four sections currently divided by the access lanes.

Later, on May 27, 1910, J.P. Smith deeded another acre for $50 in gold coin. This area now serves as the parking lot and Section 5, located east of the parking area.

Lot sales were not officially recorded until 1906, and burial records were not kept until 1971. Up until 1945, no paid help was employed; graves were traditionally dug by friends and family members of the deceased.

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