Caneega Cemetery

Recently, Charles Paul messaged me, asking if I'd like to see the old Caneega Cemetery.  He and Artie Claxton had started clearing out some of the underbrush and locating the graves that have all but disappeared into the undergrowth. When discussing who was buried there, Charles mentioned a book that had a list and I've since searched the Find A Grave website for those names.  I'm including the link here:  Memorials in Caneega Cemetery - Find a Grave. 

The list includes Minnie Caneega, first born of Henry Hightower and Mary Curl Caneega, passed away at about 4 years old.  Mintie Caneega & Mercer Clayton Wood's sons, Earl and Emory, that perished in a house fire.  We believe their graves are just south of Minnie's.  Also on the list is Mary Curl Caneega's father, William E. Curl.  His grave is furthest east (past the three trees).   Three burials that are on the list but have yet to be located are those of Seaborn Screws, Jane Bush Screws (b.06/08/1855-d. 10/11/1927) and Matthew Screws (b.1886-d.1904)

Who's not on the Find A Grave list are the two infant daughters of H.H. and Mary C. Caneega.  We're assuming, as the slab inscription looks almost identical, they were twins.  But, again, that's just an assumption.  Between the daughters of HH & Mary and Willie E Curl is Grandfather Curl.  Ancesty.com has him listed as Matthew Curl Sr., grandfather of Mary C. Caneega, born 1763 & died 1841.

UPDATE 1/15/2023

Charles has found another grave, the resting place of Bessie Screws.  This grave's slab is well made and her name is stamped in and not written with a sharp object while the cement was wet.  There's a discussion in the family Facebook group regarding the cemetery (LINKED HERE) and the newest grave found and the Screws family. Currently, eight graves with some type slab have been located and there are three indentations which is possibly gravesites.

Charles Paul, David Claxton and myself went back to clean up again.  Mother Nature has a way of reclaiming the land quickly. Then David brought his track hoe and made quick work of the briars, china berries and a few oaks.  We're taking pains not to disturb any possible gravesites. It will take a scheduled maintenance plan to keep it fairly clean to safely visit.

If interested in helping in anyway, contact me here.

Caneega Cemetery facing eastShowing Graves of Minnie Caneega (left with brick), two infant daughters of Mr & Mrs H.H. Caneega (right of Minnie's grave and between the three trees) and Grandfather Curl (lower right). Caneega Cemetery facing WestMinnie's grave on right partially out of frame, just left is one of H.H and Mary Caneega's infants grave and the other just past the tree. The two smaller graves closer to the bottom are believed to be the graves of Minnie's sons, Emory and Earl Wood, that perished in a house fire. Beyond the three trees are the graves of William E. Curl and Grandfather Curl (Ancestry.com list him as Mathew Curl, Sr)  

Caneega CemetaryMinnie's Grave Caneega CemetaryMinnie's inscription at foot of grave, "sister". Caneega CemetaryMinnie's headstone has fallen, "daughter" inscribed. Caneega CemetaryInfant daughter of Henry Hightower and Mary Curl Caneega (north grave). Caneega CemetaryInfant Daughter of Henry Hightower and Mary Curl Caneega (south grave). Caneega CemetaryInfant daughters of Henry Hightower and Mary Curl Caneega. Caneega CemetaryEarl or Emory Wood We lifted the slab to discover it was a headstone with an inscription. Caneega CemetaryEarl or Emory Wood The inscription. Does is say, Asleep in Jesus? Caneega CemetaryEarl or Emory Wood. Fit perfectly. Caneega CemetaryEarl or Emory Wood Caneega CemetaryEarl or Emory Wood Caneega CemetaryGrandFather (Mathew Curl Sr.) Curl Mary Curl Caneega's Grandfather born 1763 died 1841 Caneega CemetaryWilliam E. Curl Son of Matthew Curl, Sr Father of Mary Curl Caneega born about 1818

Caneega CemeteryGrave of Bessie Screws, wife of James Thomas Screws and mother of Margie Screws. Head of grave is east, opposite of the norm. Caneega CemeteryGrave of Bessie Screws, wife of James Thomas Screws and mother of Margie Screws.

Caneega CemeteryIn the foreground is the foot of Minnie's grave. If you look closely past the scrub with the orange paint, you can see Bessie's grave. Caneega CemeteryDavid clearing the perimeter.

Caneega ReunionJarrel holding the lock of Minnie's hair at the 2014 Reunion

Caneega CemeteryLooking west towards Minnie's grave with David clearing that side of the cemetery.