Summary
A meeting to discuss clean up and preservation of the Dixon Cemetery of Concord, VA, was held Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014 at 3pm at the Historic Campbell County Courthouse in Rustburg, VA. The meeting, attended by eighteen people, was led by Aubrey W. Booth and William R. (Will) Cardwell, Aubrey is one of the the two trustees of the cemetery. The other trustee, George M. Evans, was represented by his son in attendance, George M. Evans, Jr. (Greg). We expect to exist as a group at least until the next annual meeting anticipated for September of 2015. We are calling our group “Friends of the Dixon Cemetery”. We scheduled two cleanup days: October 25, 2014 and November 8, 2014, each from 9am to 4pm. Cleanup parties are in the cemetery’s tradition. Reve Carwile led a cleanup in 2008. We are giving special attention to accessibility to the cemetery as it is surrounded by the cattle land owned by Mr. G. D. Gilliam. Tentatively, a fenced off driveway connecting the state road to the cemetery, which is allowed by Mr. Gilliam, is planned for the near future.
Full Minutes
A meeting to discuss clean up and preservation of the Dixon Cemetery of Concord, VA, was held Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014 at 3pm at the Historic Campbell County Courthouse in Rustburg, VA.
The following were in attendance: Aubrey W. Booth, Ed Booth, Ricky Brightwell, Dolly Cardwell, Will Cardwell, Revely Carwile, Jr., Amelia Talley Driskill, Steve Driskill, Greg Evans, Mary Gough, Jim Henderson, Charlie Martin, Gladys Martin, Robert Merriman, Mark Moorman, Austin Quick, Bob Ware, Sally Ware.
Aubrey Booth, one of the two remaining trustees of the Dixon Cemetery, opened the meeting. He thanked Mary Gough, President of the Campbell County Historical Society (CCHS), for her hospitality in allowing us to meet in their facilities and for encouraging us in our Dixon preservation efforts. Aubrey’s great-grandmother, great-grandfather and other relatives are buried in the Dixon. Around 1962, Myra Cardwell and Nancy Sue Evans gave Aubrey trusteeship and $600 that was left in the treasury. The other living trustee is George M. Evans, who was not able to attend this meeting, but was represented by his son in attendance, George M. Evans, Jr. (Greg). Aubrey invested the cemetery’s money and its value now exceeds $6,000. He would like to expand the board of trustees and improve the treasury function for greater sustainability. He is considering an additional signature requirement for bank accounts.
Because the now public but somewhat isolated 1.14 acre forested cemetery has no active care taking organization such as an adjacent church attached to it, it has received only sporadic maintenance attention over the years, and is thus overgrown. Aubrey showed a video of the cemetery filmed August 16th of this year when he, Will Cardwell, Greg Evans, Ed Booth, Austin Quick, Jim Henderson and James Hamilton assessed the burial ground’s condition.
Aubrey displayed for all to view, a notebook of Dixon Cemetery history, burials and maps resulting from his research assisted by his cousin, the late Dr. Joseph W. Evans (1928-1997). The first burial was circa 1752. The research records known burials from 1845 to 1938.
Aubrey invited attendees to take turns introducing themselves to the group and telling their reasons for interest in the cemetery. All did so and shared interesting comments. Mary Gough invited attendees to join the CCHS and offered tours of the Society’s grand and continuously developing facilities and museum. The CCHS offers a DVD for sale that records cemetery information including burial records for most of the county’s cemeteries including the Dixon.
A time of getting acquainted followed, when all enjoyed refreshments that Aubrey had brought. The group expressed their thanks for his thoughtfulness in this way.
A few descendants of Robert Cardwell, one of those buried in the Dixon, were present including William R. (Will) Cardwell, who began moderating the meeting. Will told of his recent peaked interest in the Dixon and he offers to help organize new clean up and preservation efforts as a volunteer. He is also developing a Dixon website at DixonCem.org. Will had two goals in mind for this meeting: (1) Name ourselves and (2) Plan cleanup events for this Fall which is the best season for such work.
Will suggested that this be the convening of the first annual meeting of “Friends of the Dixon Cemetery” or similar, and that we identify as such at least until the next annual meeting expected to be held in September 2015. Will encouraged continued development of the board of trustees into a structure that more organically ties with this group of supporters. There was no obvious objection expressed to this plan for naming and evolving our structure, but no formal action was taken.
Dixon history and related information was shared during open discussion. The CCHS DVD lists 115 burials. In his 1993 survey, Aubrey maps the number of grave sites with markers that could be identified as 71. There are many more unidentified burials. Reve Carwile has researched the graves and led volunteers in clean up and restore events, especially in 2008. Reve estimates that there are 1000 or even 1500 burials in the Dixon, not just 500 as cited by others in the past. Funeral records were suggested as a source of burial records where records are missing. Amelia Driskill has searched Duiguid records. One stone marks the burial of five people killed in a railroad crossing accident in 1895. This Callaham family tragedy is recounted in a 1977 News story preserved in Aubrey’s records. Amelia, who also has recorded grave information, pointed out that the cemetery land was named the “Dixon Burying Ground” and the “African Burying Ground”, two adjoining plots, when deeded to trustees in 1873. Burials in the African American plots are unmarked or have only unmarked field stones.
A good thought question was raised: “What do we have when we finish?” Answers offered were: We have important Campbell County history preserved in an attraction that can be more easily visited. The Dixon is a place preserving interesting stories of our ancestors. Many descendants and researchers are led to the Dixon as seen in web searches and out of town visitors looking for the Dixon. A drive or walk way with sign that identifies the cemetery would encourage preservation support. If the sign also gave our website address, passers-by could easily read the history of the Dixon and list of burials.
There was further open discussion of cleanup plans: how to do it, who does it, scheduling, poison ivy, ticks, use of weed spray, treatment of removed brush and limbs, etc. Bush hogging of a future driveway path and area for parking and staging brush in the field in front of the cemetery is needed before the first work day. A wood chipper would be very beneficial if one could be rented. Chips could be spread on or near the site. Brush might also be burned in an open area outside the cemetery fence.
The cemetery has a good deal of poison ivy. One suggestion was that we hire professionals to spray all brush. Another was to have those immune to poison ivy go in and remove it before a larger group enters. Also there are ticks. Either or both of these hazards may not be a problem by late October or early November.
Part of the cemetery has a periwinkle ground cover. There appeared to be majority sentiment to leave this when clearing although some indicated it was OK if some periwinkle was cut as it probably would return. There seemed to be consensus that stones or dirt should not be moved until initial basic clearing was finished for a given area. However, any accidental knocking over or up-righting of a stone in place might be expected.
Who might help us do the work ? Suggestions included: Civil War history enthusiasts such as those who have helped previously under Reve’s leadership, those participating in public service projects, churches, Eagle Scouts or correctional system inmate work crews.
How might we publicize our cleanup events? A newspaper announcement of cleanup days was suggested. Will can notify our contact list which includes local churches that may have members who have ancestors buried in the Dixon. Notices can be placed at local businesses.
What can those who can’t do the heavy, rough clearing work do? Suggestions were that they can provide food for the workers. They can just be “cheerleaders” from a safe distance.
Austin has discussed plans for an access corridor with Mr. Gilliam who owns the pastures surrounding the Dixon. Mr. Gilliam would allow a drive and is generally supportive of our efforts, for which we are very grateful. Austin will further be in touch with Mr. Gilliam as we mark off and bush hog an access way as well as a small parking and staging area outside of the cemetery.
Two scheduled clean up days were proposed: October 25, 2014 and November 8, 2014, each from 9 am to 4 pm, weather permitting. After discussion, these dates were set by common consent. Additional days may be added as needed and supported.
There was majority sentiment that we get started by setting these dates and getting as many as we can to participate. We will learn from the initial experience how to improve future events. There was sentiment to follow Austin’s lead in beginning at the road that used to run through the cemetery and work from there back into the more remote parts. Will will send out notifications with what-to-bring and other information. Austin said that participants in the cleanup events may park on his property across the road from the cemetery. Gladys, Sally and Dolly will prepare sandwiches or other food and drink. Austin will bush hog prior to the first clean up day for access and for a brush burn pile outside the cemetery. If someone is able to make a wood chipper available, all the better.
Revely Carwile, Jr. shared a number of particulars from his knowledge and generous hands-on work and leadership in caring for the Dixon in past years. He kindly followed up after the meeting with his written tips and advice applicable to the clean-up. His helpful information is inserted below.
For the advance publicity notice or notices to local churches
If any church has a wood ministry, or if its members know of individuals in their community who may need firewood, we encourage them to come out. Oak, locust, wild cherry, hickory, lots of nice firewood will be available, much of it well seasoned.
Locust – fence post- size locust cut into seven foot lengths would be of great benefit to Mr. Gilliam. When seasoned, could be sold by the trustees at several dollars each. In the meantime, locust posts can be stacked like a crib around grave markers that might be threatened by the drop of a tree.
If no ‘wood ministry’- volunteers, still might consider separate stacks of sections of potential firewood. Can be hauled away later by people in need, or trustees might consider selling firewood by the pickup load.
For the cleanup work, I will be bringing with me brush killer concentrate. The intent is for this to be applied within a few minutes of cutting a problem vine, tree, sapling, or brush. Some saplings, such as sumac (aka paradise tree) can be uprooted, but after a certain size, no need to risk our backs.
To attain maximum benefit of the concentrate, my suggestions include to clear brush in segments, to allow application within 10 to 15 minutes (label says up to 20 minutes to a fresh wound). At fresh stumps, I could strike a blow or two with a hatchet, then apply, so chain saw work could be done in one area, then a safe distance away, another crew could be using loppers , weed eater, etc. I use an old paint brush or similar to knock away loose dirt or sawdust so more concentrate can soak in. When I can’t treat everything within the time frame, I can use a hatchet or loppers to make a new cut, another reason to cut some things a few inches above ground level in certain sections. I often label and use an empty water bottle to pour this concentrate – then the brush or similar to spread it onto the cut. If we have enough volunteers, I can outfit another person to do this. The concentrate leaves a bit of a stain so generally don’t have to worry about which things have been treated.
Another is to cut certain things higher than ground level. I don’t know the proper name for the hateful green briar, that grows vertically into tree limbs or into tangling clumps, but its root system is large and pervades the topsoil much like Johnson grass or wire grass… When I cut the green briars, I try to cut them four to eight inches above the ground – or longer; I then dip the cut stalk into a container of concentrate, rather than try to drip a drop onto a small cut stem. Blackberry vines have a large root clump and leaving those stalks 4 to 6 inches or higher makes sure they can be seen to be treated. Pokeberry roots – like blackberry, the stalk is sort of hollow and a few drops inside take out the entire root. When I can get drops inside the stalk, poke or blackberry can be treated well after 20 minutes.
Poison ivy – large vines on a tree trunk – generally recommend to cut with an axe rather than a chain saw, to keep its saw dust and juice off your clothes and body.
Poison ivy – or any branches with it – can be stacked or chipped, but should not be burned. Smoke from poison ivy – when breathed – can lead to severe reactions.
Anyone who touches poison ivy – quick use of wet wipes or soap & water or hand sanitizer will help greatly, likely even prevent any problems
Whenever we cut a wild cherry, we have to make sure we treat it carefully. If any leaves are on the wild cherry branches, we have to make sure none of them end up within reach of any of Mr. Gilliam’s cows – they contain cyanide, esp. when green or starting to turn color in the fall. If we don’t have a brush chipper, these can be placed at the bottom of a brush pile or into a separate brush pile away from access by cows. Deer generally leave this alone but cows and horses don’t recognize it.
Dividing into work crews can have a safety benefit. A weed eater can fling stones or pieces of stalk or bark a good distance. A person using a chain saw can’t always keep a lookout in all directions. Some dead trees could fall in unexpected directions if a tree has a hollow inside or if one part of the tree has had ants or termites. Or, vibrations from the saw could cause a limb to fall.
A person as a lookout, with a chair for their comfort, would be great, and that person might have a jug of water or some candy bars or supplies to wash hands. Before dropping a tree, the cutter and the person with them can look toward the lookout as well as in other directions before felling the tree.
- For the supplies lists
- Hand cleaner, maybe some wet wipes
- A few trash bags
- A canvas tarp – can be handy for throwing cut briars on, then dragging them away
- Some twine or similar – When I cut multiple briars, I use twine to make bundles then carry the bundle to the brush pile.
- Paper towels and hand soap
- Jugs of water, for washing hands, etc., as well as to drink
- Duct tape – I tape my pants to my boots – keeps out ticks or spiders.
- Orange or pink tape for flagging – to mark dogwoods or other desirable trees that may be near where standing trees are to be cut. Might consider small pieces to flag where poison ivy vines have been cut – to make sure the cuts will be treated with concentrate. I could pick up the pieces of tape after treating. Or, a piece of biodegradable paper towel nearby, with a twig or stone on it.
Smoke bombs or “gopher peanuts” or even Juicy Fruit gum – to get rid of ground hogs.
- Leaf rake
- Grubbing hoe
- Hatchet
- Axe
I’ll bring a pry bar, a sledge, and a couple wedges. We may need to encourage a tree to fall a certain way to protect grave markers or to keep it from hanging up in other trees. I also have a couple tools loggers use to lift or to turn logs.
Logs on the ground with dirt and such on the bark can tear up a chain saw. I try to lift the log onto pieces of wood, etc., to keep the chain from hitting rocks or dirt. When needed, I use an axe or bush ax to knock dirty bark from the location of a planned cut.
Whistle – if a bunch of volunteers, esp. if multiple chain saws working, might be useful to use a whistle, to help signal everyone to stop and look around them, then another signal to signify for the chain saw person to begin cutting, maybe another signal when All Clear. I use ear muffs with a chain saw or weed eater and a whistle from a lookout would alert to someone coming into the drop zone or as a warning to the wood cutter that something is happening above him – a loose limb or the tree is starting to fall in an unplanned manner.
Will handed out forms collecting contact and other information from each attendee. It was suggested that Will include the email addressees in his email. His response was that he made the addresses “blind” in the past to discourage accidental or intended “reply all” emails.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:40 pm.
– Minutes written by Will Cardwell