When given the question of his family’s longevity, the reply of actor John Barrymore of the famous Barrymore dynasty was, “Die? I should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such a conventional thing to happen to him.” Contemporary accounts say the mortality rate of Hollywood and of Natchez is 100 percent.

The last of three treks in the Tea & Tombstones private cemetery tour series will be at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 18, beginning at the Natchez Visitor Center, located at 640 South Canal St.

The first two tours visited plantation cemeteries in southern Adams County. The final tour will concentrate on the cemeteries of north Adams County.

In studying the many beautiful cemeteries of the county and their stories, Jefferson College must always be mentioned. The breadth of education these men received at this institution in the early 19th century was formidable compared to any time and culture, including our own. However, they were not always confined to the company of books, as they were only an hour’s horseback ride from the Elizabeth Female Academy, which provided a gratifying respite!

It’s generally estimated that stone monuments were introduced to cemeteries in Adams County around 1800. We will be impressed by the quality of stone and the loving eulogies beautifully inscribed. North Adams County in the early 19th century was not a wilderness!

While the cemeteries of the Sept. 18 tour are well kept up, long pants are recommended, as well as good walking shoes and cotton socks. Refreshments and insect repellent, if needed, will be provided.

You’re going to love north Adams County.

Tea and Tombstones tickets are $25 and can be purchased from the Natchez Tricentennial office located inside the Natchez Visitor Center. The office takes credit card, cash and check payments. Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets before the tour. For more purchasing information, contact the Natchez Tricentennial at 601-446-6345 ext. 12 or info@natchezms300.com.

See you Sunday, Sept. 18.

By the way, your Natchez Tricentennial commissioners, Jennifer Combs, Judy Wiggins and  Stratton Bull (I call them the “three tricentennialers” (I think I have just invented a word) have worked very hard.
Lee Jones is a Tea & Tombstones tour guide.