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619    UNKNOWN - POSSIBLY BYNUM [L24.3]

Location. OWASA property east of Pea Ridge Rd.

Coordinates: 35d 42m 56.1s N; 79d 03m 52.8s W Click here for Online Maps

This site is a single historic grave identified in the central portion of the OWASA property east of Pea Ridge Road by Archaeological Consultants of the Carolinas, Inc. in a cultural resources survey of the property. Information here is from their report. The site is situated on a broad ridge that slopes gently down to the north. The site area is in a mixed pine and hardwood forest with light undergrowth.
One marked grave was initially identified at this site. It is a depression with a fieldstone header and footer. The initials AB are carved on the headstone. This grave is presumably that of a member of the Bynum family, but extensive research failed to identify the individual interred. Several members of the Bynum family had first names beginning with "A" ( Ann Hackney Bynum, Alvis J. Bynum, Aaron Bynum, but all of their graves are identified in nearby church cemeteries. "Dilley" Bynum is listed on census records as owning property in this area.
The Bynum family owned large tracts of land in the project vicinity. Dilley (Delia) Bynum nee Bell was a white woman born in 1819. In the mid-1800s her real estate holdings were valued at between $1,250 and $1,850. She died in 1857. Her estate at that time was valued at over $1,350.00 and included a minimum of five slaves, who had been hired out to other landowners. Her estate was left to her daughters, Sarah and Julia. Her son, Joseph Bell, served as executor. Questions remain about Dilley's husband; however, he is believed to have been Joseph D. Bynum, Jr. He owned 10 slaves in 1830 and 13 in 1840. Adjacent property owners include William Bynum. He and his sons all owned slaves prior to 1860.
The historic grave on this site likely dates to the nineteenth century. Details surrounding the individual buried here could not be determined though it is likely that they were a member of the Bynum family. Current project plans include the establishment of a 10-meter buffer around this grave to ensure that it is not disturbed during construction or operation of the OWASA water processing facility.

Owner: OWASA, Deed Book 545-210.
Legal Description: Prior owners: Dilley (Delia) Bynum nee Bell
Topo Quadrant: Merry Oaks.
Family owned: Yes.
Abandoned: Yes.
Number of graves: 1.
Cemetery size: 10'x6'.
White: Probably.
Restricted access: Yes. Private property.
Overgrown and difficult to identify: Yes.
Enclosed: No.
Markers: Yes. Fieldstone.
Markers with inscriptions: Yes.
Number of readable markers: 1.
Last burial: Unknown.
First burial: Unknown.
Markers damaged: No.
Other damage explanation: Neglect.
Hazards: Development of OWASA facility.
Listed: 31CH1365.
Last canvassed by: Archaeological Consultants of the Carolinas, Inc., July 2023.

1. B, A   (b. Unknown - d. Unknown)
This grave is presumably that of a member of the Bynum family, but extensive research failed to identify the individual interred. Several members of the Bynum family had first names beginning with "A" - Ann Hackney Bynum, Alvis J. Bynum, Aaron Bynum, but all of their graves are identified in nearby church cemeteries. "Dilley" Bynum is listed on census records as owning property in this area. Closeup.