Cemetery a Day in May: Dummett's Grave (Volusia County)

Cemetery Log Date: May 16, 2013

Dummett's Grave is a solitary burial in the middle of a residential road in New Smyrna Beach. Charles Dummett was only 16 when he died tragically in a hunting accident back in 1860.  The young Dummett was home visiting from school up in the north.  According to a newspaper article (Kleinberg 1993) he tripped and his gun discharged.  Originally buried in remote glen or forest, the area developed into a neighborhood. 

Who: Maintained by local garden club, jurisdiction of the city of New Smyrna Beach

What: Above ground vault with remains of mortar plastered over coquina blocks
Where:  Middle of Canova Drive, east of Intracoastal Waterway in New Smyrna Beach

When:  Dusk to dawn, but please be respectful of neighbors and visit only in small groups

 Why:

• Above ground vault with remains of mortar plastered over coquina blocks.
• Said to be over a large prehistoric midden, visible on the southern end of the block.
• Shell midden said to be originally at the same height as the top of the vault.
• Inscription: SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF CHARLES DUMMETT, BORN AUG3 18, 1844 DIED APRIL 23, 1860"

Grave among the trees in the middle of the road.

City recently requested proposals to repaid damaged marble.

For more:

Dummet's Grave photo album on FPAN-NE Facebook page
Weird Florida: Sarcophagus in the middle of the street 
Find a Grave: Charles Dummett

Text and images: Sarah Miller, FPAN staff.

For previous posts search: Cemetery a Day in May or #CaDiM
Intro, May 1: National, May 2: Oakdale, May 3: Murphy's Creek, May 4: Mt. Olive, May 5: Bosque Bello, May 6: Old City, May 7: Espanola, May 8: Tolomato, May 9: Pacetti, May 10: West View, May 11: Magnolia Springs,  May 12: St. Peter's, May 13: Gravely Hill, May 14: Pilgrim's Rest, May 15: God's Little Acre, May 16: Dummet's Grave