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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP201600066 Other 2016-07-13Geo Solutions Ltd. Geo Solutions Limited, Inc. PO Box 37698 Raleigh, NC 27627 July 13, 2016 Phillip D. McKalips Environment and Safety Manager Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority 695 Moores Creek Lane Charlottesville, VA 22902 Geo Solutions has completed a burial site investigation at the proposed Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority collection center located near Ivy, Virginia. Project Area A multidisciplinary assessment of the proposed project area, including geophysics and archaeology, was conducted 16 May 2016, and 19 May 2016. The ivy Landfill Transfer Station expansion area (yellow) is located north of Dick Woods Road (SR 637) and west of the existing landfill facility access road (Figure 1). Figure 1. Aerial view of project location, Ivy Landfill Transfer Station. Background According to conversation and information provided by the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority the proposed construction site is thought to potentially contain the graves from five members of the White Family that were reportedly buried at an unknown Cherry Hill Farm/Cemetery located in Albemarle County Virginia. The exact location of this cemetery is not known but is thought to be in the general vicinity of the existing Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority Landfill and proposed transfer station. Based on previous recollections of a former Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority Employee an area of suspected burials was identified and marked on a site construction map: The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority identified the suspected burial area using marked stakes which we used as a guide to complete our burial investigation. Project Design and Possible Grave Location a f'':•; l6 Q Drrl er Aden Associatex 'IF 10C'1E0 LI'Y, GONCE'TIRYCJT - -,Bw SF _� GRAWN '1JH Ib'Y LANDFILL TRANSFER STATION '4? - CHECKFG LPK 1DS7 C-+14:2015 CHA4LOTTc541LLE, VIRGWIA F: P - 50' IFIGURE 1CCT. C111730-08C 2A Figure 2. Project design drawing. Possible grave location marked in red. (map provided by Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority) Geophysical Evaluation Geo Solutions completed two geophysical evaluations at the site: 1. initially, a detailed multifrequency electromagnetic evaluation was completed using a Geophex Model GEM-2 EM Instrument. The GEM-2 unit was mounted on a plastic sled and pulled across the entire site using a small AWD Polaris vehicle. Typically, in open field conditions the evaluation is completed as a series of parallel profiles separated by approximately 5-ft. However, at this site the presence of trees and some ground obstructions necessitated the completion of the data collection as a series of non -linear profiles with approximately 4 —ft separation. During the completion of the EM evaluation we notices several important ground conditions that were found outside of the previously identified potential burial site: • The presence of a pit approximately 20 feet in diameter and approximately 5- ft deep containing loose cans broken ceramics and other metal debris. Also present outside of the pit was scattered debris including small metal pails, tires, and small metal objects. This site is marked on the geophysical map prepared for this report. • An area of mounded earth that contained CD type material typically associated with a demolished building (brick and block) along with typical flower bed material (flowers and bulbs from flowers). • A mound of material containing a bed spring and a mat of crushed metal wire fencing. The results of the EM evaluation were transferred to a laptop computer and a preliminary field map was completed. Based on the results of the field map five (5) anomalous conditions were identified and were subsequently evaluated using ground -penetrating radar. A map showing the location of the five anomalous sites is presented in Figure 3. rigure.3. Location of r.ivi anomaues ti-3), w000 ouume staKes, ano trasn pit. 2. Geo Solutions completed a detailed ground inspection of the five anomalous conditions identified in the EM evaluation. Anomalies 3, 4, and 5 were found to be associated with metal debris at the surface and as such were not evaluated for burial sites. Anomalies 1 and 2, however, did indicate some form of burial was present. These sites became suspected burial sites and as such were investigated using standard archaeological methodology. Intrusive Evaluation Following a preliminary walkover and the geophysical survey conducted on 16 May 2016, a low level archaeological reconnaissance was performed at the project location just north of SR 637, and west of the Ivy Waste Transfer Facility. Each archaeological site is a unique time capsule with distinctive character and problems. Problems at this site included dense vegetation, and residual debris resulting from periodic refuse disposal that had occurred at the site. The project area was heavily wooded and covered by a bushy understory. To better observe the topography of the site and access potential targets, this bushy understory was removed mechanically (bush hog) to expose the ground's surface. The following methods were applied: 1) Reconnaissance: A pedestrian walkover was conducted 19 May 2016 to identify ground surface anomalies that could indicate the presence of a cemetery, grave head stones, foot stones, and shallow depressions associated with abandoned graves, or artifacts linked to mortuary behavior. 2) Exploratory excavation: Two anomalies (A-1, A-2) identified through application of electromagnetic technology were carefully inspected at surface level, then manually excavated to determine the nature of the underlying soil zones. Traditionally -accepted archaeological methods and procedures were employed to identify naturally -occurring soil horizons and subsurface features. Results of Intrusive Evaluation The geophysical survey conducted 16 May 2016 identified two anomalies (A-1, A-2) which were outlined in red spray paint and marked by pin flags for later investigation (Figure 3). Both anomalies measured approximately 2'x3' in size and occurred at similar depths. Each anomaly was investigated using a four -stage sequential process: (1) conducting a close inspection of the ground's surface; (2) using a soil core extractor to explore soil composition and stratigraphy (Figure 4; Figure 5); (3) using a steel push probe to determine soil compactness, resistance and density; and (4) excavation according to natural soil zones using hand tools (shovel, trowel, Ingalls pick). Anomaly A -I Anomaly A-1, a 2.5'x3.0' geophysical target, lacked indication of prior surface disturbance, mounding or depression that might indicate a grave location. A l-inch diameter soil core was extracted using an AMS soil extractor. The soil was closely examined for evidence of mottling. Color determinations were made using a Munsell Soil Color Chart. Extracted soil consisted of two zones (A, B): An A horizon, which extended from surface to a depth of 3.5 inches, a dark reddish brown humus, 5YR3/2; a B horizon extended from 3.5 inches to a depth of I I inches and below, a red clay, 5YR5/6 (Figure 7). The exposed excavation unit indicated no evidence of prior disturbance or re -deposition of soils. At a depth of I 1 inches small weathered cobbles were encountered. No other materials were observed within the clay subsoil (Figure 6). Figure 4 (left). Anomaly A-1, top of surface. Figure 5 (right). Anomaly A -I, soil core extraction. Figure 6. Anomaly A-1, red clay, 5YR5/6, weathered rocks within homogenous subsoil, looking north. Anomaly A-1 Vertical Soil Profile Anomaly A-2 Vertical Soil Profile West West =' in- 0 in .ui:.cen:.ne�u. n:vL+l aagnxnts and r?:1re debut M%celbneous metal fragmems and refuse debris 5YR3/2 5YR3/2 dark reddish brown dark reddish brown humus humus ca:teo-nn frzgmem 3.5 in I -. - 35 in f 5YR5/6 5YR5/6 red clay red clay i r 11 in 11 in Weamered maks Figure 7. Vertical soil profile drawings, anomalies A-1, A-2, looking west. Anomaly Geophysical anomaly A-2 lacked indication of prior surface disturbance, mounding or depression that might indicate a grave location. A 1-inch diameter soil core was extracted using an AMS soil extractor. The soil was closely examined for evidence of mottling that would indicate prior excavation and re -deposition of the soil. Soil color determinations were made using a Munsell Soil Color Chart. Extracted soil consisted of two zones (A, B): An A horizon, which extended from surface to a depth of 3.5 inches, a dark reddish brown humus, 5YR3/2; a B horizon extended from 3.5 inches to a depth of I I inches and below, a red clay, 5YR5/6 (Figure 7). The exposed excavation unit indicated no evidence of prior disturbance or re -deposition of soils. Small weathered cobbles, similar in nature, color and hardness to those found in anomaly A-1 were encountered at a depth of I 1 inches. Soils were stratified and showed no evidence of subsurface excavation. Figure S. Anomaly A-2, top of surface prior to excavation, looking north. Figure 9 (right). Anomaly A-2, cast iron fragment, 5YR3/2, dark reddish brown humus, looking west. Conclusions and Recommendation Geo Solutions completed a detailed geophysical evaluation of the site using multifrequency electromagnetic (EM) methods along with a second phase of investigation using ground - penetrating radar. Geo Solutions identified 5 anomalous sites that were evaluated. Of the five sites only two could potentially be related to buried material. The two potential buried material sites were intrusively evaluated and found to be buried stones (in anomaly 1) and a small piece of metal bar (in anomaly 3). Overall, the proposed Ivy Waste Transfer Facility expansion exhibited no indication of historic mortuary activity, individual graves or a family graveyard. Although the ground's surface was littered with miscellaneous refuse debris and metal fragments, no evidence of significant historic activity was identified beyond sporadic dumping. We recommend no additional historic mortuary investigations be conducted at this site. Please give us a call should you have questions about this report or should you need additional clarification Thank you for this opportunity Ronald Crowson Geophysicist Additional Historical Evaluation In addition to the above evaluation Geo Solutions completed a detailed historical evaluation of the site and environs. We provide this following information that may be useful for future planning purposes. This additional evaluation began with a preliminary site evaluation included an (1) online review of digital collections curated at the Library of Virginia, (2) a search of Works Progress Administration (WPA) records, (3) a digital search of a history of Albemarle County entitled "Albemarle County In Virginia; giving some account of what it was by nature, of what was made by man, and of some of the men who made it" (Evans, 1901; 1997), and (4) examination of 2002- 2015 satellite images for the project area accessed through Google Earth. No records were discovered to identify a Cherry Hill cemetery, or graveyard, in Albemarle County, Virginia. A similarly -named Cherry Hill Farm was identified in Buckingham County, Virginia (see Figure 3xx), but does not appear historically -related to the current research topic. Photographic Collections /VMI/P/04/0126.jpg Figure Rx. Cherry Hill Farm, Buckingham County, Virginia. 1937 Works Progress Administration (WPA) photo, Library of Virginia collections. An electronic search using www.findagrave.org confirmed assignment of the cemetery name with burial data GeoSolutions personnel received from Kurt J. Krueger of McGuire Woods, LLC. This data referenced a 1950 deed (Lydia White Douglas v. Daniel G. White, Trustee, Deceased) which associated the subject property with "Cherry Hill Farm." A statement identified within the document indicated that a portion of the 294.51 acre property had been reserved for use as a family graveyard. The document did not indicate specifically which portion of the property contained the cemetery. Given knowledge of historical mortuary patterns, the graveyard should be in close proximity to the primary domestic structure. Additionally, another 1.24 acre parcel had been conveyed to the Diocesan Missionary Society of Virginia in 1949 (Deed Book 283, Page 589). Oral historical information received from Kirk Hughes (Personal communication, Kurt J. Krueger: May 3, 2016) speculatively located the graveyard within the Ivy Waste Transfer Station project area. The 1950 deed did not identify the specific location of the graveyard, nor provide a map of its location. A screenshot of website information received from Kurt Krueger (Personal communication: May 3, 2016) identified five individuals as possibly associated with this putative graveyard and asked that the proposed expansion area be evaluated for possible grave locations. The individuals associated with burial at "Cherry Hill Farm" included the following: Capt. Daniel White, 1740-1817, Revolutionary War veteran, father of Henry White Burial at Cherry Hill Farm, Ivy, Albemarle Co., VA Elizabeth McGehee White, 1750-1838 Burial at Cherry Hill Farm, Ivry, Albemarle Co., VA Elizabeth Austin Garland White, 1793-1827 Burial at Cherry Hill Farm, Ivy, Albemarle Co., VA Felicia White, 1791-1844 Burial at Cherry Hill Farm, Ivy, Albemarle Co., VA Henry White, 1788-1850, father of Samuel Garland White Burial at Cherry Hill Farm, Ivy, Albemarle Co., VA Historical Background Relying heavily on information gained from `Albemarle County In Virginia" written by Rev. Edgar Woods (1901; 1997), a clearer insight into the historical legacy of Daniel White can be briefly discussed. Between 1737 and 1759 Matthew Mills obtained grants for 1700 acres of land on the south side of Mechum's River, east of Miller School. This land was divided among three sons after his death, Matthew, Charles and Menan. In 1782 Matthew Mills sold his 567 acres to William Leigh, and Charles Mills sold his 567 acres to Richard Woods. Menan Mills lived on his 567 acres until 1800. In 1779 Daniel White purchased a plantation near Batesville from William Wood. Batesville, originally named Oliver's Store, lies several miles west of the project area. In 1811 all of Menan Mills' possessions were sold under deeds of trust, his share of his father's estate was included. In 1812 Daniel White purchased the Menan Mills Farm at the bend of Mechum's River on Broadaxe, "... which has been in the possession of the family ever since (Evans 1901: 343). " Broadaxe Creek lies to the north of the Ivy Waste Transfer Facility. This reference clearly indicates that the White family descendants maintained activities at this property for a lengthy period of time. The great bend in the Mechum River is located just below its confluence with Broadaxe Creek, suggesting the location for the historical Cherry Hill Farm complex lies just northwest of the Ivy Landfill Transfer Station Facility near the terminus of Box Holly Road. Whether a standing structure or archaeological remains exist to confirm this hypothesis should be determined by future historical and archaeological research. Lands associated with this farm likely extended from Mechum River and Broadaxe Creek to the northern side of Dick Woods Road. This assumption fits well with historical knowledge that White owned many farms (Cross Keys, Longbranch, Cherry Hill) which bordered lands owned by William Woods (Oaklands, renamed Malvern in 1969). Ground-truthing was not pursued as it was beyond the scope of work for this project. The proposed project area lies just north of Dick Woods Road, and is located near the terminus of this boundary. The project location is far removed from the bend of the Mechum River, and presents an unlikely location for a family cemetery given the lack of architectural, archaeological or historic evidence to identify association with an occupational site. A review of historic properties recorded in Albemarle County, Virginia identified two significant properties near the Ivy Waste Transfer Facility location: Malvern and Woodstock Hall Tavern (Figure 4xx.) (see map of Registered Historic Properties In Albemarle County, 2016). Map of historic properties recorded in vici Waste Transfer Facility. References Google Earth© maps of project location 2002, 2003, 2005-20091, 2011, 2013, 2015 Concept Layout, Draper Aden Associates, 07/14/2015 Map query, Register Historic Properties in Albemarle County, Department of Community Development, Office of Geographic Services, County of Albemarle, Virginia, May 20, 2016. www.finda%zrave.com Cemetery search by cemetery name and individual interment. https://archive.org/stream/albemarlecouniyi00wood/albemarlecountyi00wood djvu.txt Full text of "Albemarle County In Virginia, giving some account of what it was by nature, of what was made by man, and of some of the men who made it," Rev. Edgar Woods, The Michie Co., Printers, Charlottesville, VA; Heritage Books, Inc., 1901, 1991. http://lva.virginia.gov nia.gov_ Library of Virginia, Virginia Historical Inventory Photographs, Works Progress Administration Collection. Grave Site Records 527,016 Birth: 1.740 Orange County Virginia, USA Death: 1817 Ivy Albemarle County Virginia, USA Capt Darial Wine ,1740 - 1817) - Fled A Grave dlenmal Capt Daniel White Daniel White is shown on Daughters of the American Revolution records as being born 1740 in Orange County Virginia. (County lines and names were changing sty Orange County may not be exact for his birth. He Was said to be raised in Louisa Coun'ty,and Caroline County, before moving to Albemarle Va, where he raised his family at Malvern/Oakland in Ivy, Albemarle.(Malvem land and estate is listed as a National Historical site. Captain Daniel White married Elizabedi McGehee in Louisa 07Unty, Virginia on Jan 12 1775. Daniel White was a Captain in the Rev. War serving under Col. Ruelaen Lindsey. Family links: Spouse: Elizabeth McGehee White (1750 - 1838)* Children: Mary Ann White* Margaret Peggy White Jackson (1785 - 1838)" John White (1786 - 1866)* Kenry White (1768 1850)* Rhoda H White Gays m (1791 - 1864)* Felica White (1791 - 1844)* *Calculated relabonshin Burial: Cherry Hill Farm Ivy Albemarle County Virginia, USA Created by: i�ar -aa:� White l'C.ecorc addr+�: May 31, 2012 Find A Grave Memorial* 91052611 - Anne Wyatt Added; Apr 21, 2015 riuvrw.find�o-sue.corrw`c�-fJon`i�adi?R�g'R�;:7n=Whiff'"ir�Danid3�s�tr�}}g=ir$�.ad�l�li8�valma=irt3C�st=�l8fs:�cntry=-pia.. 1.r1 =1101E 1W7) - F #dA-GtavE►A"al Elizabeth Austin Garland White Eirth: Nov. 23, 1793 Virginia, USA Death: Oct. 1. 1827 Ivy Albemarle County Virginia, USA Elizabeth Austin Gar -lard married Merry White who was the sari of Capt. Daniel White ane3 Elizabeth (McGehee) White. Elizabeth Garland White and Henry White had one son: Samuel Garland White Sr. is buried at St Paul's Cemetery along with son, Samuel Garland White Jr. and daughter in lava„ Sarah Cole (White) White. Family links Spouse - Henry Whine (1788 - 1850) Children - Samuel Gar{and White (1827 - 1913)4 aCatcutated relationship 8arr•ial : it-ar*-v H_11 Fa-rn l.uy Albemarle County Virginia, USA Created by:. rhAr; bite Record added: May 31, 2012 Find A Grave Memorials 91052701. h�,a.�awNnirmgar�.-hnT9'��3�G7�i0�•31��� o -Anonyr'lous I Os 5=16 6it-th: Death r MIZ3b tllJkGeWVVWi150.IeN.1-FMAGMeManWl Elizabeth McGehee White 1750 Louisa Louisa Comity Virginia, USA 1838 Ivy Albemarle County Virginia, USA Elizabeth McGehee married Daniel White on Jan 12 1775. Family fir ksi Spouse; Daniel White (1740 - 1817) Children; Mary Ann White; Margaret Peggy Write Jackson (1785 - 1838)* John White (1786 - 1866)* Henry White. (1788 - 1850)', Rhoda H White Grayson (1791 - 1864); Felica White (1791 - 1844)* $+.trial t Chpi-ry H II Fa�'m Ivy Albennarle County Virginia, USA Created by; BaL6ara yAhitj Record added: May 31, 2012 Find A Grave Memoriahv 91052625 rllplww+yntmgsermtn'cq-tlr►►gaj?Poge, Ja�wa-91 Anne Z yatt 52, 016 Fe�MVMWItr91-18U)-FIMAGraeVL-r. a Fed ica White Birth: 1791 Death: 1844 Ivy Albemarle County Virginia, USA Felicia White was the daughter of Capt. Daniel. 'White and Elizabeth (McGehee) White. Felicia never married. After Felicia`s parents died, she remained living at her parents` Malvern Estate Homestead located in Ivy, Albemarle, Va.,wfiere her brother, Henry White also lived througlxrrst his life Family- links. Parents; Daniel White (1740 - 1817) Elizabeth MoGehee White (1750 - 1838) Siblings: Mary Ann Whiter' 6laargaret Peggy White Jadk.wn (1785 - 1838)* Jahn White (1786 - 1866)* Wnry White (1788 _- 1856)* Felica White (1791 - 1844) Rhoda H White Grayson (1791 - 1864 Y* •farcWa�d reratlnt�hio Burial: Cherry Rill Farm Ivy Albemarle County Virginia, USA Created by: Barbara While Record added: Jan 30, 2013 Find A Grave Memorial# 1Ci4406388 a27.016 Hery'liMW l rW- rW-FIWA Grape iaenala Henry White Birch: 1788 Ivy Albemarle County Virginia, USA Death: 1850 Ivy Albemarle County Virginia, USA Henry White was the son of Daniel White and Elizabeth McGehee. Henry White's birth and death year has not been exactly determined by record.Many records indicate the years he was active in the Albemarle Court System. Henry White served as the Magistrate Judge in Albemarle Court in Virginia. Henry White served as an Albemarle Attorney throughout his life and is shown each year presiding on many court records as administrator/executor: Through Henry White's father's probate and his mother, Elizabeth's Will,it is shown that Henry lived on the estate of his father's, taking care of his mother until her death, in charge of crops, land, and taking care of his unmarried sister, Felicia White, who lived on the estate with him. Henry White bought his siblings share of their inheritance and had accumulated numerous acres of land includnag tln farms of Chera.y. Htll. an:d Malvern/ra l;land now considered to be in Ivy, Albemarle, Virginia. His descendants inherited this land and also accumulates land and prosperity. Henry White was married to one wife, Elizabeth Garland. Henry and ehzabeth White had one son: Samuel Garland White Sr. Family licks; Parentsr Danrel White (1740 - 1817) Elaabeth mcc;ehee White (1750 - 1830) Spouse: Elcabeth Austin Garkwid White (1793-1827)* Children Samuel Gat Whire (1827 - t913)* Siblings: Mary Ann White' IWvw;,ov tirigwe axw*.17rugr:)'I%iL}+­g'AC%i10`9H7S"'et'C W17MI6 Hgry VAlte(1788-16i�7-Flydrll MG'rYTL7 ManJarcm PGWy Whim Jackson (1785 - 1838)1 John White (1786 - 1866)i Henry White (1788 - 1850) Felica White 11791 - 1844). Rhoda H White Grayson (1791 - 1864)* �farr Lbi[M reratlnncnin Burial s Ivy Albemarle County Virginia, USA Created by: Barbara White Record added: May 31. 2012 Fnd.A Grave Memorial'? 91052692 52.7 < llfi "'Wrtlei lM0a6- iFY II Pim A &7m�WfeiflwJ John White Birth: Jun. 30, 17SG Batesville Albemarle County Virginia, USA Death: Sep. 1.6, 9.366 Albemarle County Virginia, USA Sohn White was the son or Daniel White and Elizabeth (McGehee) White. John White served in the War- of 1812. Mistakenly the military put his name to be John M. White, On the pension applicrtion,his wilfra, Lucirx-la Martin White; states) that her husband, John White, never had a middle name or initial aril that he always signed his name, 'John 'A&ite" John White married Lucinda Martin who was the daughter of Azaria-h Martin and Mary (Roder) Martin. They were married in Albemarle, Va. and raised their family, near Samuel Miller, BatesviIIe.Albemarle, Va. Family links Parents: Damel White (1740 - 1817) Elizabeth McGehee White (1750 - L8:3B Spouse: Lucinda Martin, White (1789 - 1885) Children: John Lewis white (1818 - 1876)* Benjamin Franklin White (1321 - 1909)* Charles M White (1823 - 1909)* Siblings; Ma:y Ann White* Margaret Peggy White Jackson (1785 - 1838)* lohn White (1736 - 1366) Henry White (1788 - 1850)* Felica White (1791 - 1844)* Rhoda H White Grayson (1791 - 1864)* B,al: Unknown Created by: Barbara White Record added: May 31, 2012 Find A Grave Memorial# 91052086 ���►rvse7ln�agarzr,>arn'e�-nr�,��ag?-fat �t t2 FdYAH WO Q-2"Tl ( MI - I!MJ - FIROA G &* PAWP003 R"Ilr[lodai White Girayson ear -I.): Jan, 17, 1291 Albernarie County Virgulia, USA Death: Ser). 24, IZ;64 ELatesville Albemarle County Viq,iruz., USA ,xfioda 'White vfFs the &ughter of Daniel White and Elizabeth McGehee. ,Sl,;e is buriecr, in the Grayson Farnily Cerrie.tery rear Miler Shed in AILemarla C,-xintv, Virginia. Family linl�s, Parents: Daniel White (1740 - 1817) Elizabeth mLGL-h,-L- white (1750 - 1830) chiidrell; Thomas Henry Grayson (1819 - 11352)* Wiliam D. Grayson (1820 - 1902)* John Grayson (1923 - 1919)' Siblings; Mary Ann White" Margaret Peggy Whiw 3adson (178 5 - 1838)* John White (1786 - 1866)* Henry White (1788 - 1854))* Felica White (1791 - 1344)* R.troda H White Grayson (1791 - 1864) *Calcutated ta-latfaftship Burial. Grayson Family Horneplace Cemetery Batesville Alb -a -mar e Count. - Virginia, USA Created by. Barbara White Reccrd added; Nov 05, 2012 Find A Grave Mernoria[-- 100188524 VI