Archeological Delineation of a Small Cemetery on the Bennett Property, Walton County, Georgia

Pursuant to Georgia Code Section 36-72, on April 13, 1999, an archeological survey was conducted at a small cemetery on the property of Mr. Art Bennett in Wal ton County, Georgia. Mr. Bennett is building a house approximately 60 ft away, but the lot has been cleared to within 10 ft of the cemetery. The County Attorney's office requested that an archeological survey be done to determine the limits of the cemetery and if any burials have been affected by construction. It is my opinion that no burials exist outside the area already demarcated by land surveyors, construction has not disturbed any burials, and that construction should be allowed to proceed.

Field investigation consisted of visual inspection of the cemetery and surrounding area and systematic probing, which is considered as a "minimally invasive investigation technique" according to Georgia Code Section 36-72. The cemetery contains seven marked graves, three of which are enclosed by an impressive rock wall. Four of the graves are covered by a mantle of flat field stones, one is marked by a field stone at the head and the foot of the burial, and two are marked with formal, inscribed tombstones. The inscribed markers are interesting because both individuals were born on March 6, 1829, and died on April 28, 1894. One, (Burial 6 on the accompanying map) is the grave of W.M. Williams, and the other (Burial 7) is the grave of M.M. Williams. Further research is needed to determine if these were twins, or if two stones were made for the same person. The stone for W.M. Williams is marble, and is also inscribed "An honest man is the noblest work of God", whereas M.M. Williams' marker is different, possibly a fine-grained granite.