The location of this cache is on a road (Orange St) that isn't part of most commutes through the town, so don't beat yourself up if you have never heard of him. This cache will bring you to a small, easily overlooked, cemetery. Here you will find the final resting places of the Fuqua family.
Ralph Fuqua purchased some land in present day Bedford County sometime during the early 1700's from William Callaway, and this turned out to be instrumental in forming present day Bedford. Ralph had twelve children, seven sons and five daughters. Joseph Fuqua, one of the sons, was born on May 4, 1756. A Revolutionary War veteran, as was his father, he had enlisted February 22, 1776 and fought in the battles of Cowpens and Brandywine. In 1778 he received his discharge and moved to the area. Joseph was a farmer and family man, having eleven children with wife Celia Bondurant.
The same year of their marriage, 1782, he donated 100 acres of land along what was known as "Bramblett's Road," to establish a new county seat for Bedford County. (New London had previously been the county seat, but had become part of the newly formed Campbell County.)
Joseph was the first deacon of Lowry Meeting House, which is now Timber Ridge Baptist Church. One of Joseph's grandchildren, Galba Fuqua, was the youngest soldier to die at the battle of the Alamo at sixteen years old. Another descendent of his, Fred Fuqua, was the contractor that built the present day courthouse in 1930.
The cemetery is now owned and maintained by the Town of Bedford.
We are thankful of the generousity and service to country that Joseph Fuqua provided, and certainly for his part in making this little town a great place to live. So the next time you hear someone ask, "who in the world is Joseph Fuqua?" You'll have an answer!