BALLENGEE W.Va (Hinton News) – In a remarkable discovery for the local community, recent surveying efforts at the Maddy Cemetery in Ballengee, have unveiled a significantly higher number of gravesites than previously thought to fill the area.
John Maddy, who has long been involved in the preservation and maintenance of the cemetery, after working to learn more about his family’s history, took a significant step forward by commissioning a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey of the cemetery grounds. The survey, conducted by a company from Leesburg, Virginia, yielded astonishing results.
Maddy had initially believed there were between 20 to 30 gravesites in the cemetery, based on visible headstones and field stones. However, the GPR survey revealed a total of 63 graves, far surpassing his expectations.
“This past weekend (April 20-21) I had a company from Leesburg, Virginia come to the cemetery in Ballengee,” Maddy shared. “I had them GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) the land the cemetery sits on.”
The newfound information presents an invaluable opportunity for Maddy and the local community. With a more accurate understanding of the cemetery’s layout and the number of gravesites, Maddy expressed his commitment to properly marking each grave for future generations.
“I may never come close to knowing who everyone is buried there (I am going to try to find as many as possible),” Maddy stated, “but it allots me the opportunity to properly mark the graves for future generations.”
Moreover, the comprehensive survey allows Maddy to embark on additional projects without the risk of disturbing any gravesites. This newfound clarity provides a solid foundation for future preservation efforts and historical research.
The significance of this discovery extends beyond the mere number of gravesites. It underscores the importance of preserving and honoring the memories of those laid to rest in the Maddy Cemetery and elsewhere. Each grave represents a piece of local history, and Maddy’s dedication ensures that their stories will not be forgotten.
As Maddy continues his efforts to uncover the identities of those buried in the cemetery and embark on new projects, it signals efforts to preserve this vital piece of Ballengee’s heritage.
As the community reflects on this remarkable revelation, one thing is certain: the Maddy Cemetery holds more secrets and stories than previously imagined, waiting to be discovered and cherished for generations to come.
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