Historic Old Shiloh Cemetery: A Tribute to Early Settlers and War Heroes
Nestled along the border of North and South Carolina, the Historic Old Shiloh Cemetery in Grover stands as Cleveland County’s oldest burial ground, featuring 114 graves that date back over 200 years. This cemetery has witnessed the passage of time, serving as a resting place for individuals from four significant wars, including the Revolutionary War, the Indian Wars, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Among those interred are the region’s earliest settlers, a state senator, and a woman whose unique burial position places her feet in South Carolina and her head in North Carolina.
Unfortunately, the cemetery fell into disrepair over the years, becoming overgrown with weeds and a target for illegal dumping. However, a revival is underway, led by the descendants of many of those buried there, particularly the Hambright family. Their efforts aim to restore the cemetery to its former dignity.
The cemetery’s significance is further highlighted in the book Essays on North Carolina History, authored by Clarence W. Griffin, a former newspaper editor and vice president of the N.C. Literary and Historical Association. Griffin’s work delves into the history of the cemetery and its notable occupants, including Lt. Col. Frederick Hambright, a Revolutionary War hero who passed away in 1817 and played a key role in the American forces at Kings Mountain.
