William Sherman Brady was born at Brady Gate, Randolph County, Virginia, the son of John Brady (possibly "Bready" as the surname evolved) and his second Wife, Susanna Ware. John Brady's first Wife, Anna Christina Michael died in childbirth (son John) between 1806-1807.

William married Frances Jane Lemmons 13 Jan 1842 at Lewis County, West Virginia in a double ceremony with his Sister Ruth, who married John Wesley Abbot; their ceremony conducted by Pastor John Smith of the Methodist Church.

Troy Brady (who along with his Wife, Elizabeth Thrash Brady were Brady Family historians) relates that his father, Walter Parley told him many times that "When your Grandfather, William Sherman Brady [My 3rd Great Grandfather] stood and gave his Christian testimony in the old log church at Laurel Fork, that 'There wouldn't be a dry eye in the house.'"

Flora Brady Tillett, at age 81, related that William Sherman Brady had been a class leader for the church for a long period of time, and that he had been noted for his "devoutness and clean Christian living."

Old Laurel Fork Cemetery is no longer easily accessible, and is extremely deteriorated since the Memorial was posted by Leon Lane, Sr. (Rocky). All gravestones are now down except 4 (Great-Great Grandma's original stone still stands). The newer marble gravestone for William and Frances will survive, however, for 200 years unless vandalized or buried. We went in without permission; thankfully we didn't get snake-bit or shot, although we did gather a scratch or two :).

Laurel Fork Road is now Grand Camp Road; if you find and follow Uncle Troy Brady's directions, his "Mobile Home" is gone, and access is via a grown-over, unused maintenance road about 250 yards closer to Alton Road than previously. Trek about 50-75 yards straight in, turn right, then move perhaps 75 to 100 yards straight across the woods, above the newer residence and horse pasture. The fence no longer stands, the site is returning to nature. There is no trace of the old log Church that used to stand close to the cemetery.