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Happy Spring!
We are back on schedule and have released our latest Wilkes Genealogical Society Spring 2025 issue.
https://wilkesgenealogy.org/wgs_bulletin_2025_v59n1/
This issue is packed with fascinating Traphill area history:
Rachel Miles – Part 1
Rachel Miles first appeared in Wilkes County records in 1809 when she and William Hawkins were charged with adultery, but Rachel vanished before she could be brought to court. Despite multiple arrest warrants, Rachel was never found, leaving behind more questions than answers. Her lasting legacy seems to be her son, John Miles, born around 1803, who remained in Wilkes County and raised a large family with Mary Jane Adams. Family stories suggest that Rachel was driven from her home after becoming pregnant and later lived with the Hawkins family, though court records show that William Hawkins was already married to Nancy Adams at the time. While Rachel’s fate remains a mystery, her descendants, including Rev. William Miles, who became a prominent preacher in the Stone Mountain area, carried on her legacy in Wilkes County.
Garden Creek Baptist Church: A Testament of Faith and Resilience
Tucked away in the serene surroundings of Stone Mountain State Park, Garden Creek Baptist Church in Wilkes County, NC, holds a rich history that reflects the strength and faith of the local community. Established in 1897 through the efforts of the Brown, Brooks, and Warren families, the church quickly became a spiritual and social hub for the area. From humble beginnings with wooden slab seats to a thriving congregation led by devoted pastors, such as Rev. William Miles, Garden Creek has weathered the challenges of time with resilience and grace. This article explores the remarkable story of Garden Creek Baptist Church—its founding, the challenges it faced, and the enduring legacy that continues to inspire worshippers and visitors alike.