Eagle Scout renovates historic cemetery

Published 1:35 pm Monday, June 25, 2018

By PHOEBE ROBINSON / Special to the Reporter

MAYLENE – Helena resident Caleb Jones has completed the renovation of the David Lindsay Historical Cemetery for his Eagle project. The historical cemetery is located on Shelby County 17 north of its intersection with Kent Dairy Road in Maylene and is named for Revolutionary War patriot and Shelby County pioneer settler David Lindsay.

Jones is the son of Ken and Peri Jones of Helena. He graduated from Helena High School where he was a member of the Scholars Bowl team, History Club and played trumpet in the band. His family are members of Riverside Baptist Church where he played in the praise band. Jones received the Spirit of Auburn Scholarship and will be attending Auburn University in the fall majoring in chemical engineering. Jones has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 532 since a Tiger Cub in 2006 to Eagle Scout in 2018 led by Scoutmaster Jason Vandiver. Steve Edsall was Jones’ Eagle master.

For years, Jones has driven by the old cemetery on Shelby County 17. One of his passions is history and old artifacts. Every day, his father Ken has driven by the cemetery from their home in Helena to Regions Bank in Montevallo where he is the manager. When it was time to choose an Eagle protect, Jones thought of the old cemetery that was in much need of a renovation.

Coincidently at the same time, the David Lindsay Chapter, Daughters of the America Revolution, had chosen for their Alabama Bicentennial project to place new markers at the cemetery and grave. The chapter had placed the original fence and existing markers on Alabama Day 1953. Since that time, the marker information was proven to be incorrect.

Jones raised the funds for cleanup, new fence and ground cover, total cost of project $2,795.15. After months of planning, Jones organized 21 volunteers from March 25 – June 2, and it took more than 128 hours to finish the project.

“Completing this project has taught me patience and perseverance,” said Jones.  “I faced many challenges but kept on going. I am pleased with the final design.”

Jones and the chapter have joined forces along with the Cahaba Coosa Chapter, Sons of the America Revolution, Jane Bland Society, Children of the America Revolution and Shelby Division, Boy Scouts of America, for the Alabama Bicentennial David Lindsay Celebration which will be held, Sunday, Sept. 9, at Liberty Hall at America Village.