Dwight Neal - Grave Digger was born in Louisburg in 1956. I have remained on the families Perry/Neal farm at Hickory Rock nearly 70 years.

I started researching tombstones during a visit to Core Point on the Pamlico River well over 50 years ago. While visiting the Tripp family cemetery I turned over the huge Sparrow family tombstone. Mr. Ollie Cheek went to summon help. Mr. Tripp and Bill Cheek got the tombstone off my leg and forgave me for my misstep. I escaped with a badly scared ankle and a lifetime love of tombstones and history.

Now a days I research and honor our locals including the many Confederate Soldiers from Franklin County.