Graveyard Tour – Shiloh Lutheran Church
Revolutionary War soldier, Francis Ketner, is buried in The Old Cemetery near Shiloh Lutheran Church in Lewisville, North Carolina. The Daughters of the American Revolution placed a plaque at the foot of the gravestone to honor Ketner’s service.
The Old Cemetery
The final stop of the 2009 Historic Graveyard Tour that was held on May 2, 2009 was The Old Cemetery at Shiloh Lutheran Church, the oldest congregation in Lewisville, and the oldest Lutheran Church in Forsyth County. Located a quarter mile east of Shiloh Lutheran Church — tucked away in a peaceful nook in the woods — The Old Cemetery offers a bit of “revolutionary” history and local legend for all who walk that sacred ground. The site of the original church is located further into the woods, not too far from The Old Cemetery.
Preserving History
Terry Dull, a long-time member of Shiloh Lutheran Church, hosted the last portion of the Historic Graveyard Tour. About eight years ago, Terry and his wife Bette began researching the history of the church and the old graveyard. They wanted to preserve the church’s rich history for future generations. In 2002 Terry and Bette published their findings in a 36-page booklet titled The Old Deutsch Meeting House Graveyard, just in time for the church’s 225th anniversary.
For more HISTORY, PHOTOS and AUDIO, please continue to the NEXT SECTION.
Terry Dull, long-time member of Shiloh Lutheran Church, shares some of the history of Shiloh’s old cemetery with participants in the 2009 Historic Graveyard Tour.
German Roots
The roots of what would become Shiloh Lutheran Church began in 1777, when a group of German residents organized a church. Lutheran Church historians have written of a settlement of German Lutherans living in what would later become Lewisville, prior to the arrival of Moravian settlers in the area by the early 1750s.
The church, which eventually was called “The German Church Beyond Muddy Creek” by the Moravians, was served both by visiting Lutheran and Moravian preachers. As early as 1776, Moravian records bear evidence of regular visits by Moravian preachers and of the services, baptisms and funerals over which they presided.
In 1810, Lutheran Church records recognized the church as “belonging to the Lutherans and Reformed.” Those records further state:
All House-fathers thanked the Brethren [Moravians] for their faithful service in serving this church with preachers, and asked that they might continue to do this as often as the congregation might be in the position to arrange for it.
Moravian records indicate that its preachers continued to minister to the Muddy Creek Church until at least 1854, the date of the last mention of the Muddy Creek Church in Moravian records.
The Church by Many Names
The original church has been referred to somewhat differently in various records over the years. One of its names was “The Old Deutsch Meeting House.” The term “Deutsch” is the German language word for “German.” Over time, the pronunciation of the word “Deutsch” (pronounced “Doitch”) erroneously evolved to “Dutch,” resulting in the reference, “The Old Dutch Meeting House,” even though the members were most certainly German, not Dutch.
As previously mentioned, Moravian records include the use of the name, “The German Church Beyond (or By, Near, On) Muddy Creek” — or simplified to “Muddy Creek.” In 1813 the church was named Gerber’s Church, because of the gift of two acres of land for the church building and graveyard from George Gerber’s 245-acre plantation.
Of the nearly 300 graves in Shiloh Lutheran Church’s old cemetery, the identities of nearly a third of the graves are unknown.
Lewisville Historical Society information sets circa 1860 as the year that the church became known as “Shiloh.” In addition, Lutheran records refer to a visit to “Shiloh church” by Lutheran official, William A. Lutz, in 1876, the date considered by many in the Lutheran Church as the beginning of the present-day Shiloh Lutheran Church.
Notable Graveyard Information
Folklore has it that The Old Cemetery may include unmarked graves of two Indians and three black women (who were not slaves). While a few graves have been added within the last several decades, most are considerably older. Some of the more significant graves in The Old Cemetery include:
- Francis Ketner — Revolutionary War soldier. Born in Pennsylvania in 1748 and died in 1831 at age 83. Married for 59 years.
- Wilheminia Doll (Dull) — Oldest grave. Born in 1772 and died in 1792 at age 20. Tombstone written in German.
- Emma Shelton — Oldest person. Born in 1897 and died in 1987 at age 90.
Purchasing the Booklet
Copies of The Old Deutsch Meeting House Graveyard booklet (containing a brief history of the church and a map of the graveyard and the known names associated with graves) can be obtained by calling Shiloh Lutheran Church at (336) 945-5255. Church office hours vary, so please leave a message if your call is not immediately answered. A $5.00 donation is requested.
Directions to The Old Cemetery
The Old Cemetery is not visible from Shiloh Lutheran Church. (The church’s modern graveyard, on the other hand, is located near the present sanctuary.) Upon approaching Shiloh Lutheran Church at 703 Lewisville-Vienna Road in Lewisville, turn onto the drive on the RIGHT-HAND SIDE of the church.
The Lewisville Historical Society placed this historical marker at Shiloh Lutheran Church in 1994.
Follow the drive and bear to the right when you come to a fork. Continue driving on the paved stretch that narrows to driveway width. Keep a watchful eye as you eventually round two blind curves and then pass by homes on your left and right. You’ll soon come to the end of the paved drive and begin traveling on a short stretch of dirt road that leads through a wooded section to a clearing on your left that is The Old Cemetery. (View a Google map of The Old Cemetery.)
A Peaceful Resting Place
When Terry and Bette Dull completed The Old Deutsch Meeting House Graveyard booklet, there were 294 marked graves in The Old Cemetery. Since then, two more graves have been added, including Terry’s wife Bette, who passed away in 2008.
Bette’s final resting place at The Old Cemetery seems quite fitting. Having grown up as a Moravian — and remaining a Moravian at heart — Bette played an important role in preserving the history of The Old Cemetery near Shiloh Lutheran Church, whose early spiritual life was shaped by Moravians.
A quiet, peaceful atmosphere pervades The Old Cemetery.
Whispers in the Wind
If you’ve never visited The Old Cemetery behind Shiloh Lutheran Church in Lewisville, I encourage you to do so. In that quaint clearing, nature’s soothing sounds evoke a feeling of reverence. The wind itself whispers through the towering trees, as if conveying to those who are listening that each life represented on that sacred ground is uniquely precious.
Photo Gallery, Google Map and Audio
Check out the links below for the PHOTO GALLERY, the GOOGLE MAP and the 5-minute AUDIO RECORDING of Terry Dull providing additional information on The Old Cemetery.
PHOTO GALLERY: The Old Cemetery PHOTO GALLERY
GOOGLE MAP: The Old Cemetery MAP
AUDIO: The Old Cemetery Tour RECORDING (MP3, 5 MIN.)
CHURCH WEBSITE: Shiloh Lutheran Church
ATTRIBUTIONS: Sources for this article include The Old Deutsch Meeting House Graveyard, the Lewisville Historical Society, and Shallow Ford Country, by G. Galloway Reynolds.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy reading about the other local historic graveyards featured on this website.
I visited the cemetery in fall of 2009. I was looking for my 4th great grandfather (whom I did not find), but did find the grave of his son Abraham Stoltz. Abraham’s father was Johan Heinrich Stoltz who died in 1773, maybe 1774. I have been trying to locate Johan Heinrich’s resting place for several years. His wife, Anna Barbara Stoltz Hauser & my 4th great grandmother, is buried in Bethania’s Moravian graveyard. When Heinrich died, she Married George Hauser, a Moravian. I noticed several unmarked grave markers in Shiloh’s old cemetery and was wondering if there are any old written records listing the names of all who may be buried there. Any help in locating Johan Heinrich Stoltz’s resting place would be most appreciated.
Hi, Linda —
I have a copy of the booklet, The Old Deutsch Meeting House Graveyard. I’ve looked over the list several times, but I’m not seeing Johan Heinrich Stoltz listed for any of the grave markers. (There are quite a number of graves that are marked “Unknown.”) In fact, I don’t even see a listing for Abraham Stoltz, for whom you indicated you found a grave. Unless I’ve overlooked the names, the only Stoltz listed is a “Mary Magdamm Stoltz.”
You might want to call Terry Dull, who is one of the folks in charge of the graveyard. His number is 945-5191. Or if you wish to first purchase a copy of the graveyard booklet, just give Shiloh Lutheran Church a call sometime during the week at 945-5255. Leave a message if no one answers and let them know you’d like to pick up a booklet. When I wrote this article, they were asking for a $5.00 donation for it.
Sorry I can’t be of much help to you, but I do hope you’ll be able to locate Johan Stoltz’s grave.
All the best,
Deb
I am a 5th-generation member of Shiloh Lutheran Church. I have many relatives buried in The Old Cemetery (and many more recent in the cemetery at the church). Every time I visit The Old Cemetery, I am in awe of the beauty of the place. My great-grandparents, E. Columbus Yates and Mary Jane Eddinger Yates, are buried in the old cemetery, along with many other relatives. I would indeed like a copy of the booklet. My niece has done an extensive search of the Yates/Dull ancestry. Your work is very much appreciated. Thank you.
It’s especially nice to hear from you, Ruby, as someone who is directly connected to The Old Cemetery. It’s definitely a special place. I think you’ll reading enjoy The Old Deutsch Meeting House Graveyard booklet.
Thanks so much for stopping by the website and for taking a few moments to leave a comment.
I am from the lineage of Francis Ketner, who is buried in Shiloh Lutheran Cem. I have enjoyed stumbling upon his grave site.
I am finishing a Ketner history, and I would like to have a good picture for my book of the Old Shiloh Lutheran church. I have the program and the pictures of the service when they placed the bronze plaque on his grave.
Thank you for allowing me to have a little part in admiring what is on the Internet.
Lois Ketner Angel
Greetings, Lois —
It’s great to hear from a Francis Ketner descendant! How wonderful that you’ve put together a family history. I have two photos of Shiloh Lutheran Church for sale in my photo gallery. They’re professionally retouched, and I think the prices are reasonable. You can see them at the following link:
https://lewisvillephotos.shootproof.com/gallery/6505289/album/4860795
I really appreciate your stopping by, Lois. All the best to you.
Hi, Deb. I’m looking for any signs of an Edward Hughes and his family, wife Ann Zanes, who operated the ferry at Shallow Ford in 1750s-ish. Edward was also a sheriff in 1759. I’m trying to find his children or any ancestors of Edward’s and Ann’s. Any chance there are any Hugheses buried in the Lewisville cemetery that you have researched? Thank you. Kim
Hi there, Kim! I’ve looked through the booklet, The Old Deutsch Meeting House Graveyard, and I find no reference to anyone with the last name of Hughes or Zane being buried in The Old Cemetery at Shiloh Lutheran Church. Of course, there are a number of unmarked graves there, too.
You might want to get in touch with Darla Johnson, who is a member of the Lewisville Historical Society. She also co-authored a book, Images of America: Lewisville. As a member of our local historical society, Darla may have come across some information on Edward Hughes and his family, or she may be able to direct you to someone in another historical society who can assist you. I’ll email Darla’s email address to you.
I do hope you’ll be able to find more info on your ancestors, Kim.
All the best to you,
Deb
Hi – I was so excited to find this website and learn about the history of Lewisville, and the old cemeteries and congregations there. My ancestors, the Stipe family, were settling in that area in the late 1700s early 1800s. I’ve found three of my ancestors, including my 3rd great-grandmother Elizabeth Stipe buried at Concord; but I’m hoping to find more information about their participation in that community.
They were German (possibly listed as Steup), and have Moravian connections; but I know that many of them were actually Methodist and possibly Lutheran. My direct ancestors were Henry and Elizabeth Stipe; their two oldest sons were Lewis (b. 1802) and John (b. 1804). Their third child was Christian Stipe, who died at a young age and is buried at Concord as well. Lewis stayed in the area and raised his family there, and according to family notes and journals, was the author of many inventions, including improvements to the mills in the area.
John is my 3rd great-grandfather and he made the journey to Georgia when he came of age to establish himself in the counties opening up from the Creeks and Cherokees. He returned to NC in the 1830s and brought his father, and most of his siblings (except Lewis) to Georgia with him where they settled permanently. I would love to know if anyone has information on the Stipe or Steup family in that area or could offer some suggestions on how I could do more research from so far away.
Thanks,
Debbie Vaughan
Greetings, Debbie! It sounds like you’ve been working hard to learn more about your family roots. I looked through the booklet that I have, The Old Deutsch Meeting House Graveyard, which lists the marked graves in The Old Cemetery at Shiloh Lutheran Church. Unfortunately, I see no mention of anyone named Stipes or Steups.
I’ll send you the email address for Darla Johnson, who is a member of the Lewisville Historical Society. Perhaps Darla will have some information for you, or perhaps can point you to someone who might be of assistance to you.
Thanks so much for dropping by the Lewisville Photos website.
All the best to you,
Deb
I always enjoy looking at the pictures, etc. that I have been able to obtain for my Ketner family. My book is finished with a three-volume set, about 1,200 pages in all. This book was finally titled “KETNER’S JOURNEY.” It will be placed in the next few weeks in the main genealogy library in Winston-Salem, N.C.
I would like to take this time to thank everyone from the Forsyth County area who has contributed pictures, etc. for my family. This has been a joy to me and a 35-year journey; and it has been worth every hour, every cent spent in all of these years to put this together to honor those who came ahead of me.
Thanks to everyone who has helped along the way.
Lois Ketner Angel — San Antonio,TX 78211
I am a descendent of Francis Ketner. How do I get a copy of your book or access it? Thank you. Debbie Jackson, Spring Texas
Congratulations on the completion of your book covering your family’s genealogy, Lois! Your labor of love truly honors the lives of your ancestors. Thank you for providing an update on the availability of your book in the Forsyth County library.
Blessings to you and yours,
Deb
The Sheltons that are buried there are my direct ancestors!!! Would love to converse with anyone related to this family!! Contact me at Thutchins3@triad.rr.com