On this page: Photos. History, Location, Gravestones and Inscriptions, Sorted Chronologically
Latest update: Saturday, 14 March, 2015
• PHOTOS
In October 2011, Loretta EDGAR EMBRY, 5X great granddaughter of Adam and
Mary EDGAR, and her father Roger Renwick EDGAR, 4X great grandson of
Adam and Mary EDGAR, explored the cemetery of Rocky Creek Reformed
Presbyterian Church, where their ancestors are probably buried -- perhaps under
one of the unmarked stones they photographed. In 1791 Adam EDGAR sold
about two (2) acres of his family homestead to the church and cemetery, so
Roger and Loretta are also standing on family land.
(Click on photo for slideshow.)
HISTORY
The Cemetery is the only testament left to the Rocky Creek Reformed Presbyterian Church, Chester County, SOUTH
CAROLINA.
• "First stop was the site of what, after 1810, was the "Old Brick Church" of the Rocky Creek congregation. The building
is gone, but the cemetery has been well kept by the Chester Scouts, encouraged by Dr. and Mrs. Malcolm Marion
of Chester. The iron gate and stone wall stand well preserved, for which the R. P. General Synod so faithfiilly took
offerings in the 1890's and early 1900's." The Covenanters of South Carolina, ULMER 1999
• "No trace of the Covenanter church can be found today, but the cemetery used by these hardy people is nearby.
It is in good condition, fairly accessible, but hidden away in pine-lands... There are twenty-five marked graves and
several unmarked ones in the Covenanter cemetery. Five ministers are buried here, and family names on tombstones
have a Scotch-Irish ring: McMillan, McKinner, Riley, King, Nisbet. "USC Names in South Carolina
• "The Brick Church situated three miles from Pleasant Grove, on the plantation now owned by John Hood, has all
been removed, nothing but the graveyard left." The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 14, 1876; Sketch
• "The Rocky Creek Cemetery... On March 24, 1957 Dr. and Mrs. James V. Crowder copied the markers. (7) In 1997,
the markers are still in very good shape." The Covenanters of Chester County, SC, ULMER 1997
LOCATION
(The cemetery location and directions are included with the Church history.)
GRAVESTONES AND INSCRIPTIONS
There are twenty-five marked graves and several unmarked ones in the Covenanter cemetery. Four of the marked graves are
of ministers who preached at the Church.
• "The spot with the burying ground near it, in which lie the remains of King, McKinney, Riley and Donnelly, may well
be viewed with a kind of sacred regard by Covenanters."
The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 14, 1876; FARIS
• "There are twenty-five marked graves and several unmarked ones in the Covenanter cemetery. Five ministers
are buried here, and family names on tombstones have a Scotch-Irish ring: McMillan, McKinner, Riley, King, Nisbet."
• "For the inscriptions in the graveyard of the "Old Brick Church" we are indebted to the kindness of Mr. James
N. Knox, near Chester, a Christian gentleman of much excellence and highly esteemed in the community where
he resides, and his daughter Jane, by whom they were copied; and for that of Mr. Madden, to his son, Dr. Thomas
B. Madden, of Winsboro', whose kind attentions during our brief stay are gratefully remembered." The Reformed
Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 15, 1877
? "Although there are a number of burials in the Cemetery there are only five graves with headstones: they are the
five pastors who served the congregation. The other graves are marked only with field stones. According to Robert
Copeland, 'Unless you're descended from one of those five pastors, you'll not find anything helpful
by visiting the cemetery.'" RootsWeb
These inscriptions are published at The Covenanters of Chester County, SC, ULMER 1997. "On March 24, 1957 Dr. and Mrs.
James V. Crowder copied the markers. (7) In 1997, the markers are still in very good shape."
• MARTHA COOPER / Died 23 January 1813 / aged about 91 years
• MARTHA COOPER [Gravestone Photo]
Died 21 March 1823 / aged 25 years
• JOHN COOPER / Died 4 August 1828 / in his 76th year
• Rev. THOMAS DONNELLY [Gravestone Photo]
Died 28 November 1847
• "The spot with the burying ground near it, in which lie the remains of King, McKinney, Riley and Donnelly, may well
be viewed with a kind of sacred regard by Covenanters."
The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 14, 1876; FARIS
• "Rev. Thomas Donnelly was licensed to preach at Coldingham, June 1799 -- he settled first somewhere near little
Rocky Creek. He afterwards bought Stephen Harman's place on the north side of Big Rocky Creek -- a plantation
now owned by Mr. George Heath. I recollect hearing him preach at a stand near his house some time in the year
1804. From this date he was the only minister until the arrival of Mr. Riley in 1813, and preached at most of the
churches that will hereafter be mentioned. After the Covenanters had generally removed from the country, Mr.
Donnelly preached at Old Richardson, a Presbyterian Church -- a portion of the time at his own house, there being
some of his people scattered in the country. He and the elder Thomas McClurken married two of the sisters of
David Smith this connection was numerous on little Rocky Creek. Mr. Donnelly's eldest son, Samuel, became a
Presbyterian minister -- now residing in Florida (deceased), his father frequently visited him when he lived at
Liberty Hill, and preached in his son's church. Mr. Donnelly died in 1847 -- his family, after his death removed to
Illinois. It consisted of John, Thomas (who married to John Cathcart's daughter) and Nancy, who married in Illinois,
Riley Linn, the son of Henry Linn. Mr. Donnelly was buried at the Brick Church by the side of McKinney and
King. His wife was also buried in the same place." The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 14, 1876;
• Four of them—William King, James McKinney, John Reiley and James [sic] Donnelly—are interred in the graveyard
of the "Old Brick Church," The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 15, 1877
• "The Reverend Thomas Donnelly preached at this church for years and is buried there in the graveyard beside the
Rev. McKinney and the Rev. King." Bulletins of Chester District Genealogical Society, Vol. 1, No. 1 - 4, 1978
• "It is understood that the inscriptions on the stones of Messrs. King, McKinney, Reilly and Madden were prepared
by Mr. Donnelly." The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 15, 1877
In Memory of
Rev. Thomas Donnelly,
Who departed this life
The 28th November, 1847,
In the 76th year of his age,
And the 46th of his ministry.
He was a native of Ireland,
And for many years
Pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church
In this vicinity.
"For him to live was Christ—
To die, gain."
[Philippians 1:21]
• AGNESS DONNELLY [Gravestone Photo]
Wife of Rev. THOMAS DONNELLY / Died 4 April 1848 / in her 67th year
• JAMES KELL / Died 19 November 1793 / in his 25th year
• SARAH KELL / Died 20 December 1795 / in her 10th year
• Rev. WILLIAM KING
Died 24 August 1798 / aged about 50 years
• Rev. Mr. King arrived here in 1792. He settled on the South side of beaver Dam, near Mount Prospect Church, on the
plantation now owned by Mrs. Backstrom. He died in 1798 and is buried at the Brick Church... The Reformed
Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 14, 1876; Sketch of the Covenanters
• "The Rev. William King had arrived in this area in 1792. He died in 1798 and is buried in the Brick Church Cemetery."
Bulletins of Chester District Genealogical Society, Vol. 1, No. 1 - 4, 1978
• Four of them—William King, James McKinney, John Reiley and James Donnelly—are interred in the graveyard of
the "Old Brick Church," The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 15, 1877
• "The Reverend Thomas Donnelly preached at this church for years and is buried there in the graveyard beside the
Rev. McKinney and the Rev. King." Bulletins of Chester District Genealogical Society, Vol. 1, No. 1 - 4, 1978
• "The spot with the burying ground near it, in which lie the remains of King, McKinney, Riley and Donnelly, may well be
viewed with a kind of sacred regard by Covenanters." The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 14, 1876; FARIS
"It is understood that the inscriptions on the stones of Messrs. King, McKinney, Reilly and Madden were
prepared by Mr. Donnelly." The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 15, 1877
Sacred to the
Memory of the Rev'd.
William King; who departed
this life Aug'st 24th, A. D. 1798, aged
about 50 years.
Within this humble tomb pale Death has laid
A King who mortal sceptre never swayed,
But he himself did rule by Jesus' laws;
In grace and Holy life a pattern was.
In love to God and man he shone conspicuously,
And walked with God in deep humility.
In faithfulness and zeal for Jesus' cause
Few of his fellows to him equal was,
But zeal in him so mixed with moderation,
Made even foes him view with admiration.
Tho' deeply skilled in human learning, he
Taught truths divine with great simplicity,
That perfect God might make his saints thereby,
And through his means Christ's body edify.
The Pastor's, Husband's, Parent's care he shew'd,
While he in earthly house did make abode.
His loss by all bewail'd, tho' felt by none
So much as by this people left alone.
His clay here lies, his soul to heaven is fled;
His people he left on God for to be fed.
• LUCRETIA KNOX [Gravestone Photo]
Daughter of Hugh and Janet KNOX / Born 1 January 1811 / Died 14 September 1835
• Rev. JAMES McKINNEY
Died 16 September 1802 / aged about 45 years
• "Rev. James McKinney was the next in order [after KING]. Where his residence was, I do not know. He was pastor
of the congregation at the Brick Church and died in 1803, August, and was buried at the Brick Church."
The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 14, 1876; Sketch of the Covenanters
• "Four of them—William King, James McKinney, John Reiley and James Donnelly—are interred in the graveyard of
the 'Old Brick Church,"':The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 15, 1877
• "The spot with the burying ground near it, in which lie the remains of King, McKinney, Riley and Donnelly, may well
be viewed with a kind of sacred regard by Covenanters."
The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 14, 1876; FARIS
• "The Reverend Thomas Donnelly preached at this church for years and is buried there in the graveyard beside the
Rev. McKinney and the Rev. King." Bulletins of Chester District Genealogical Society, Vol. 1, No. 1 - 4, 1978
• "It is understood that the inscriptions on the stones of Messrs. King, McKinney, Reilly and Madden were
prepared by Mr. Donnelly." The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 15, 1877
Sacred to the
Memory of
The Rev. Jas. McKinney,
Who departed this life Sept. 16th,
A. D. 1802, aged about 45 years.
Death's hand, tho' cold, strikes a most certain blow
In wafting Zion's sons from toil below.
To place them in the Father's house above,
To see him in the fullness of his love.
Eccelesia wails her noble champion laid,
In this low tomb to Death his tribute's paid.
A husband kind, a tender parent he,
To friend and foes a friend he wish'd to be.
Tho' few in letters, human or divine,
Or grace or nature's gifts did so much shine,
Yet, hated by unworthy world, he
By God was thought above its company;
Amidst its threats his clay in quiet lies,
While his immortal part has reach'd the skies.
Truth's foes rejoiced to see her Hero fall,
That to their idols they may join withal.
Spare boasts, truth's foes, tho' whirling winds to heaven
Elijah bore, Elisha soon was given,
By him who in the greatest love can raise
Another champion in McKinney's place.
• HUGH McMILLAN [Gravestone Photo]
• In memory of HUGH McMILLAN / Originally from Ireland / One of the earliest and / most zealous of the members of /
the Reformed Presbyterian / Church in South Carolina / to which he continued firmly / attached until death / The tenor of his
humble / character [?] that he / considered [?] only / stranger and [unable to read] / [ Died 5 January 1818 / in his 66th year]
• JANE McMILLAN / Wife of HUGH McMILLAN / Died 5 November 1825 / aged about 75 years
• JOHN McMILLAN / Son of JOHN and MARY McMILLAN / Died 1 October 1821 / aged 1 year / 6 months / 28 days
• MARGARET McMILLAN / A native of County Antrim in Ireland / Consort of ALEXANDER McMILLAN / Died 2 August 1832 /
aged 78 years
• HUGH McMILLAN [Gravestone Photo]
• Sacred / To the Memory of HUGH McMILLAN / a dear & hopeful child / who died July 14th / 1827 / in his 1st year his
age
/ He cometh forth like a / flower and is cut down / He fleeth also as a shadow, / and continueth not. /
Job XIV.2nd [14.2] verse
• MARTIN MCMILLAN / Died 10 October 1826 / aged 72 years
• HANNAH NISBET / Wife of JOHN NISBET / Died 13 August 1847 / aged 65 years
• JOHN NISBET / Died 20 December 1847 / aged 70 years
• JAMES NISBET / Died 20 October 1793 / aged near 50 years
• NANCY NISBET / Wife of JAMES NISBET / Died 17 October 1802 / aged 50 years
• HANNAH NISBET / Daughter of J. T. and J. H. NISBET / Died 24 April 1836 / aged 2 months
• WILLIAM NISBET / Son of JOHN and HANNAH NISBET / Died 17 August 1847 / aged 50 years
• JAMES L. RALPH / 24th S. C. Infantry / CSA / no dates
• Rev. JOHN REILY / Died 25 August 1820 / aged 50 years
• Rev. Jno. Riley...He died in 1820, is buried at the Brick Church, some distance from the other ministers. All
have appropriate tombstones. The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 14, 1876; Sketch of the Covenanters
• Four of them—William King, James McKinney, John Reiley and James Donnelly—are interred in the graveyard of
the "Old Brick Church," The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 15, 1877
• "The spot with the burying ground near it, in which lie the remains of King, McKinney, Riley and Donnelly, may well be
viewed with a kind of sacred regard by Covenanters." The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 14, 1876; FARIS
• "It is understood that the inscriptions on the stones of Messrs. King, McKinney, Reilly and Madden were
prepared by Mr. Donnelly." The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, Vol. 15, 1877
Sacred to the Memory of
The Revd. John Riley,
Who departed this life
25th August, 1820,
Aged 50 years.
This tomb contains his dust; no more
His voice is heard where it was heard before.
His wife, his people, mourn his labors' end,
And friendly neighbors a departed friend.
His gain their loss, his life by death secure
In endless mansions, where joys are pure.
Ye mourners look to Zion's sovereign Lord,
Who can to you another guide afford.
• Mrs. JANE REILY / Wife of REV. JOHN REILY / Died 25 August 1846 / aged near 80 years
• JOHN WILSON / Died 6 October 1826 / aged 8 years / 10 months / 27 days
Chronological Order
(08 Nov 1791, land conveyed from Adam EDGAR to Church)
• JAMES KELL 1793
• JAMES NISBET 1793
• SARAH KELL 1795
• Rev. WILLIAM KING 1798
(Adam EDGAR abt 1799)
• Rev. JAMES McKINNEY 1802
• NANCY NISBET 1802
(Mary EDGAR about 1809)
• MARTHA COOPER 1813
• HUGH McMILLAN 1818
• Rev. JOHN REILY 1820
• JOHN McMILLAN 1821
• MARTHA COOPER 1823
• JANE McMILLAN 1825
• MARTIN MCMILLAN 1826
• JOHN WILSON 1826
• HUGH McMILLAN 1827
• JOHN COOPER 1828
• MARGARET McMILLAN 1832
• LUCRETIA KNOX 1835
• HANNAH NISBET 1836
• Mrs. JANE REILY 1846
• Rev. THOMAS DONNELLY 1847
• HANNAH NISBET 1847
• JOHN NISBET 1847
• WILLIAM NISBET 1847
• AGNESS DONNELLY 1848
• JAMES L. RALPH [after 1860] / 24th S. C. Infantry / CSA / no dates