Where do I even start after being away for so long? Well, I went back to searching for my long-lost brick wall, of course! But before diving into my brick wall person of interest, I wanted to share the beautiful journey life has taken me on over the past few years. While I faced some challenges that left me feeling a bit discouraged and burnt out, I emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. I’ve also been navigating some health-related issues, not for myself, but in my role as a caregiver. I recently welcomed my elderly mother into our home to help her through the beginning stages of dementia. Although caring for an elderly loved one presents its own set of challenges, we find joy in our daily moments together. My husband, on the other hand, is a beacon of strength. Despite being diagnosed with stage 4 Kidney Disease and dealing with heart failure, he continues to inspire me with his humor and resilience, bringing laughter into our lives with his “small kine” comedy acts!
Alexander Sutherland~ my proverbial brick wall. I went to the Findagrave.com website, I specifically searched for Alexander Sutherland, who was born in 1743 and died in 1843. He lived to be 100 years of age, which I imagine in that era, living to be an entire century old was miraculous. Per the website above, there was an excerpt from his Living Will dated August 12, 1831, where he gave his wife, Peggy, one-third of his estate. Once she became deceased, I presume Peggy’s one-third would then get divided amongst their daughters evenly when sold. It specifically stated “except the land” so any personal property owned at the time of their deaths would be distributed to their daughters. fairly and evenly. Now , the sons they had together, (Thomas, Joseph, and John) each received one dollar. He gave his son, John and his heirs, all of his land except the tract of land in Ashe County, North Carolina, which was saved for his daughter, Polly and also being the same property that his daughter Peggy resided on at the time this will was written.
**William Cornutt and John Hail were witnesses to this will which was signed and sealed, in the presence of Cornett Hackler, David X Cornutt, George Hackler, Alexander Southerland. (Courtesy of Gladys Custer)**
Alexander Sutherland married Margaret Elizabeth Bryan(t) circa 1784. They made their home in Elk Creek, Grayson County, Virginia. Some resources list Margaret’s birth year as circa 1768.
Children:
Children:
1. Thomas Sutherland 1785-1858 md. Diadema Cornett 1787-1863
2. Virginia “Jane/Jennie” 1787-1870 md. William Cornett 1777-1863
3. Joseph Alexander Sutherland 1788-1867 md. i. Susan Robinson 1788-1824
ii. Sarah King 1803-1874
4. John Sutherland 1790-1844 md. Rhoda Isabella Johnson 1794-1864
5. Phyllis Sutherland 1794-1879 md. Griggs Hampton 1788-1860
6. Margaret Sutherland 1795-1844 md. Burroughs/Burris Hale/Hail 1795-1860
7. Sarah Sutherland 1796-1896 md. Thomas Hale/Hail 1796-1892
8. Mary “Polly” Sutherland 1800-1842 md. William Thomas 1802-1871
9. Barbara Sutherland 1805-ca. 1880 md. Peter Hackler 1800-1864
10. Phoebe Sutherland 1808-1885 md. David Cornett 1805-1886
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/71044920/alexander-sutherland
Source Citation:
Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/71044920/alexander-sutherland: accessed August 6, 2026), memorial page for Alexander Sutherland (3 Jun 1743–18 Sep 1843), Find a Grave Memorial ID 71044920, citing Alexander Sutherland Cemetery, Elk Creek, Grayson County, Virginia, USA; Maintained by William C (contributor 47407488).
Alexander Sutherland Cemetery
There are 14 known memorials in this cemetery with several unmarked grave sites, Alexander’s grave being one of them. You can visit this link to see those records and some that may have photographs taken of the grave markers. I just wish Alexander Sutherland had a gravestone with his name and information shown. Well. grampa Sutherland, I guess I have my work cut out for me!
Interesting Links to Mention
https://www.facebook.com/people/Mountain-Echoes/100082997697732
https://www.newrivernotes.com/alexander-sutherland-family-cemetery/
Ancestral Roots & History 
Welcome back. Be sure to use Familysearch.org Full-Text feature. It reads script, and I have found records I missed because the ancestor was named, but not indexed. Always go for the original records, and beware Familysearch and Ancestry family trees. Good luck!
Thank you! I’m sure much has changed since I last researched!
Yes and No. People still believe old stories even when the record is presented to them. AI repeats the old stories, but if you say, “Is that true,” it walks it back a tad! BUT…there are more and more records available, and that is a big plus.
Kelly,
I have tried to research Alexander Sutherland and his Revolutionary War service. As near as I can tell, he came to the US from Scotland with the British army early in the war. I think he saw service with the British army in the north, maybe Bunker Hill, etc. I saw a letter on Ancestry from a relative to another relative saying that he had deserted and joined the American army. I can find no proof. I did see that there were a couple of Alexander Sutherlands with the American side, but no proof who they were. I’m looking forward to hearing what you find out, I’m decended from his daughter Phoebe.
My prayers for you with your caregiving and for your whole family.
Pam Parls