Buckingham Mystery: Dunn’s Chapel
Crossing Sharps Creek, photo by Joanne Yeck
Writing history or doing genealogical work in Buckingham County is, of course, perennially plagued by the loss of the courthouse in 1869. Still more challenges are presented by the burning of private homes (and the proprietor’s contents with them – letters, farm books, ledgers, diaries, etc.). Still more come with the loss of public buildings through fire or demolition.
In the mid-late 19th century there was a Methodist Chapel in Buckingham called Dunn’s Chapel. I believe it was in the general vicinity of Sharps Creek, or Hunt’s Creek, or even Diana Mills. It might have been near Arvonia and the slate quarries.
My cousin, Sarah “Sallie” J. (Harris) Allen (1825-1902) attended services there before switching to Sharon Baptist Church sometime before 1873. The Allens lived near Slate River and Hunt’s Creek.
In 1871, Carter Woodson, Sr. recorded that his daughter, Leticia, was born at Dunn’s Chapel. This indicates to me that there might have been a post office there as well. In 1870, the Woodsons lived near the quarries.
Does anyone know more about Dunn’s Chapel?
slate river ramblings . . . . 
It was great to find the Buckingham County Runaway wife…Robert Bransford and Jane are my GGGGrandparents. If you would like to know more about them just contact me. Gary at fantasyland@earthlink.net Thanks for a glimpse into the past
Gary, Thanks for visiting Slate River Ramblings. I am currently doing some research of my Bransford line and will write to you. Joanne
I have the 1834 Gazetteer for Buckingham County, no Dunn’s Chapel PO in it. I have a feeling it’s too early. The number of churches swelled mid-century with the growing population.
I think Martin’s Gazetteer was published before the Civil War, perhaps about 1840, and listed every P. O. and village in Virginia.
Harold, I’m working it. Let’s cross our fingers that there was a post office there!
Perhaps Martin’s Gazetteer would be helpful.
Interesting idea. There is Chataigne’s Virginia Business Directory and Gazetteer for 1880.