Division seeks descendants of unmarked burials found near Smyrna, Kent County

In accordance with Title 7, Chapter 54, Section 5407(b) of the Delaware Code, the Director of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, Department of State, hereby gives notice of the discovery of unmarked human skeletal remains. The cemetery is located adjacent to Virdin Drive within the Auburn Meadows development off of Brenford Road, near Smyrna in Kent County, Delaware.

At least 28 burials are present. The date of the burials is unknown but is likely prior to the 1870s. There may have been tenants on the land during the early 1700s. From the mid-1700s to the mid-1800s, archival research indicates the property was owned by the Foster/Forster, Graydon/Graden, Hawkins, and Smith families. Probable property owners or occupants during this period include:

· John Foster (d. 1764)

· Mary Denney Graydon Foster Ashford (d. 1796)

· John Ashford (d.1766)

· Mathew Foster/Forster (d.1776) and his wife Rebecca (d.?)

· William Graydon and John Graydon (both d. prior to 1802); Alexander Graydon (d.?)

· Mary Foster Hawkins David Smith (d.?) and her first husband William Hawkins (d.1796) and third husband Benjamin Smith (d.1835)

Laborers living with these households may also have been buried on the property. William F. Smith (d.1873) and his wife Ann also lived on the property but are thought to be buried elsewhere.

Any persons who have reason to believe they may be lineal descendants of these individuals or have evidence that their relatives are buried in this unmarked cemetery should contact the Director, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, 29 North State Street, Dover, DE 19901-3611; telephone 302-736-7400 weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. within thirty (30) days of this Notice.