John Weatherford Grave

The grave of notable Baptist, John Weatherford, lies in a wooded area near Shockoe Baptist Church, at 16 Spring Garden Road. His tomb inscription reads

Elder John Weatherford
A devoted Baptist Minister
Born in 1740, began to preach in 1764.
He lay in Chesterfield jail in 1773 5 months for preaching.
He moved to Halifax in 1813 and died Jan. 23, 1833.

In the cemetery behind Shockoe Baptist, a memorial cenotaph inscription reads:

Elder John Weatherford
A Devoted Baptist Minister
Born in Charlotte Co. 1740
Lay in Jail in Chesterfield Co. in 1773 five months for preaching.
Moved to Halifax in 1813, to Pittsylvania 1823
Died Jan. 23, 1833
A sufferer for conscience sake
An earnest and faithful minister of the Gospel.

copyrighted and used by permission from David Beale, Baptist History in England and America: Personalities, Positions, and Practices

One half mile west is the grave of Elder John Weatherford (1740?-1833) Baptist preacher for 70 years and early advocate of religious liberty. Jailed five months in Chesterfield in 1773 for unlicensed preaching, his release was secured by Patrick Henry.

Featured Image Credit: John Weatherford’s Grave Historic Marker. www.virginia.org/listing/john-weatherfords-grave-historic-marker/4813.