Cemetery

Nestled in the serene community of Brookwood, Alabama, Big Hurricane Cemetery spans six-and-a-half acres of land, owned and cared for by Big Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church. With its roots stretching back to the early 19th century, this cemetery holds within its grounds countless stories of faith, resilience, and remembrance. Officially recognized on the Alabama Historical Commission’s Register of Historic Cemeteries in 2015, Big Hurricane Cemetery stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the local community.

Beginnings: The Early Years

The story of Big Hurricane Cemetery is intertwined with that of Big Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, which was established in 1838 near its current location. Some burials may have preceded the church’s founding, but most of the oldest marked graves date back to the 1850s. Among these is the tombstone of John Doroh (1769–1851), also known as John Dorough or John Dorroh, a charter member of the church.

John Doroh wasn’t alone in laying the foundation for this sacred space. Other founding members, such as Rebecca Dorroh (1770–1852) and James M. Burrage (1795–1857), also rest within the cemetery’s grounds. Together, these individuals formed the backbone of a community bound by faith and determination.

Growing a Sacred Space

The cemetery’s expansion is a story of generosity and vision. Much of the land traces back to James A. Wallace, who received a federal land grant in 1892, signed by President Benjamin Harrison. Wallace’s widow, Ellen, played a pivotal role in shaping the cemetery’s future. In 1911, she sold two parcels of land—one jointly to the church and the Woodmen of the World insurance company for cemetery use, and another exclusively to the church. Over the years, additional land was acquired through purchases and donations, culminating in the sprawling six-and-a-half-acre site we see today.

Key transactions include:

A donation in 1970 by W.O. Kilgore and Gertrude Kilgore, adding land west of the original cemetery.

A 1979 contribution from Mitchell and Neeley, Inc., marking the only piece of land owned by the church outside the original Wallace land grant.

A 2024 acquisition of 2.17 acres from Terri E. Zimmerman, ensuring space for future generations.

Honoring the Brave: Veterans’ Legacy

Big Hurricane Cemetery is more than a resting place; it is a memorial to those who served their country. At least ninety-one veterans are interred here, spanning eight wars. From the War of 1812 to the Gulf War, these men and women’s sacrifices are commemorated through their tombstones and the memories they left behind.

Notable among them are:

Samuel J. Hosmer (1783–1871), a veteran of the War of 1812.

Murry W. Smalley (1898–1950), who served in both World War I and World War II.

Laura Haun (1978–2011), a Gulf War veteran and the only woman veteran identified in the cemetery.

A Community Effort

For decades, the cemetery’s upkeep was a labor of love, maintained by volunteers, church members, and families of the deceased. Gravesites were allocated at no cost, and maintenance relied entirely on donations. This tradition of communal care continued until 2016, when Big Hurricane Baptist Church formally assumed responsibility for the cemetery. A dedicated Cemetery Committee was established in 2023 to manage burial guidelines and ensure its preservation.

Recognizing History

In August 2024, the church applied for a historical marker through the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Approved later that year, this marker—set for installation in 2025—will commemorate the cemetery’s rich heritage and its role as a cornerstone of the community.

A Place of Reflection

Big Hurricane Cemetery is not just a burial ground; it is a living history, a sacred space where stories of courage, faith, and perseverance come to life. Each tombstone and unmarked grave speaks of lives lived and legacies left behind. Whether honoring veterans, remembering loved ones, or preserving the land’s history, Big Hurricane Cemetery remains a cherished piece of Alabama’s past and an enduring part of its future.