Image Credit: Veterans Heritage Site Foundation & Canva.
Article by David Seal, Tennessee Conservative News –
Ellis Cemetery in Sevier County is the final resting place of generations of Sevier County residents, some of which are veterans dating back to the War of 1812. A private company wants to dig the graves up and move them to make room for development.
For background on the issue and to see court filings by the developer, RPD Limited Partnership, a link to a Tennessee Conservative News Article is linked here.
The community and public officials are waiting on a Chancery Court hearing to determine the fate of the cemetery, delayed because Fourth Judicial District Chancelor Jim Ripley recused himself from the case. A special judge is expected to be appointed in the near future to hear the pleading by the developer who is asking the court to move the human remains from the cemetery to a new location.
In the meantime, both citizens and public officials are petitioning the court. Most recently, Sevier County Commissioner Marcus Whaley, District 7, submitted a letter to the court on the issue of moving the graves in Ellis Cemetery. A copy of his letter is pictured below.
Commissioner Whaley is joined in the letter by Commissioners Aaron Foster, Scott Catlett, and Mike Hillard.
Commissioner Foster was interviewed for this article by the Tennessee Conservative News and provided the following comment on the issue.
“Ellis Cemetery is more than a piece of land or a final resting spot. It is the history of a bloodline and stories of the past. It is a final resting spot to honor the individuals who sacrificed. That honor and history needs to be preserved.” – said Aaron Foster, District 7 Sevier County Commissioner
A link to the Sevier County Commission is provided here.
State Representative Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) was also interviewed for this article and shared his thoughts on moving the cemetery.
“As a member of the Ellis family, I believe we have a solemn responsibility to protect and preserve the Ellis Family Cemetery. This sacred ground is more than a burial site; it represents generations of our family’s history, heritage, and connection to Sevier County. Progress and development should never come at the expense of disturbing those who have been laid to rest. Our ancestors deserve dignity, respect, and the right to remain undisturbed.” – said Andrew Farmer
Finally, the Veterans Heritage Site Foundation commented as follows in response to the letter filed by Sevier County Commissioners with Chancery Court.
” I want to commend those Commissioners of Sevier County that have expressed their concern and support of Ellis Cemetery to remain in the development of the land. Their letter expresses the same sentiment of Veterans Heritage Site Foundation as a cemetery that has been there for generations should have every opportunity to remain undisturbed. VHSF has named this cemetery a Veteran Historic Site with the veterans buried there.” – said Marilyn Childress, President of Veterans Heritage Site Foundation.
The Tennessee Conservative News will continue to follow this developing story and will publish updates as information becomes available.
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
