HERE'S WHAT I THINK
Seeking Protection for Cemeteries (Cemeteries being destroyed for cheap coal by strip mining, posted Feb. 17, 2009)
Desecrate a Cemetery - Go to Prison
Cemeteries are where a society places the final remains of its people.
Today, there are cemeteries where owner and pet can be buried together.
Cemeteries are such a part of our beliefs about the dead that we make cyberspace cemeteries (on-line memorials), such as FindAGrave.com where the dead can be memorialized for all to see.
Our faith teaches us that cemeteries are sacred ground. Our superstitions teach us that cemeteries are hallowed ground.
When someone desecrates a cemetery by vandalism or bulldozer, for kicks or for the next freeway or oilfield, we have lost a part of our history and diminished our humanity.
Those that would do such a thing deserve no leniency or mercy from us.
In my opinion, it should be a 1st degree felony. Realizing that not all people feel as strongly as I do, then at least it should be a 3rd degree felony, but a felony nonetheless.
Check this Out A Look Into the Criminal Mind
In about 1980 Mr. W.T. Block, an historian in Jefferson Co., TX, wrote of several extinct cemeteries in the Port Arthur/Port Acres area. Back in the old days, the area was home to two communities: Smith's Bluff and Grigsby's Bluff.
There were at least two cemeteries, both now extinct, at Smith's Bluff, where many of those German settlers were buried. One cemetery of perhaps four graves, is located on Unocal (formerly Pure Oil Company property). Another nearby cemetery contained about fifty graves and lies on the Kucher survey on present-day Sun Oil Company property.
The present Unocal (Union Oil of California) plant road, exiting on Highway 366, was formerly the site of Port Arthur Irrigation Company's main canal flume, that was about 100 feet wide and built in 1898. When Pure Oil Company bought the site in 1922, that firm leveled the high canal levees to form the the road bed for its new plant entrance. Formerly, there had been only a dirt road, running parallel to the canal, for buggies going to Smith's Bluff. The dirt road also bordered the eastern edge of Sun Oil property, which until about 1908 was unfenced. The larger cemetery of about fifty graves was on the Kucher survey near Sun Oil's eastern property line. -- Smith's Bluff and Grigsby's Bluff, Texas: Two German Immigrant Communities of Jefferson County,Texas,1850-1880
So today we know there are graves under the oil company property. It is so sad that the descendants of the people buried there will never be able to visit them.
This is a travesty.
Another example taken from Cottle Cemetery, Alum Creek Texas in Bastrop County. This cemetery was destroyed. Thank goodness there has been a transcription of who was buried there. Not all cemeteries are so lucky.
Cottle, Darney book W none bef 1843 Son of Sarah & Stephen
Cottle, Joseph book W none 3/1850 Son of Sarah & Stephen. Vet of TX Rev.
Cottle, Leonard book W none 1840 Son of Sarah & Stephen
Cottle, Sarah Turner book W none bef 1843 wife of Stephen Cottle, Dau of Winslow & Molly Standish Turner. Sis to Deborah Turner Highsmith
Cottle, Sylvanus book W none 11/1850 Son of Sarah & Stephen. Vet of TX Rev.
Hardy, Infant (4 of them) book W none none
Thompson, Barbara book W none 1842 GD of Sarah & Stephen
Thompson, Harriett Cottle book W none bef 1842 Dau of Sarah & Stephen. wife of Andrew Tumlinson. wife of Thomas Thompson
Thompson, Thomas book W none 1842 Husb of Harriet Cottle Tumlinson
Tumlinson, Joseph book W none bef 1850 GS of Sarah & Stephen Cottle
Tumlinson, Laura Cottle book W none bef 1843 Dau of Sarah & Stephen Cottle.
And finally, possibly the greatest "crime" of all was done by people who should have known better. The City of Houston, Harris County Texas!
Burials were made outside and under the Jefferson Davis Hospital. Parking lots for impounded and demolished vehicles for the Houston Police and Houston Fire Depts and other buildings are now located over the cemetery and there is no trace that any cemetery existed. The hospital and burial area is well-known to be haunted.
A list of the names, company, regiment, and death date for over 200 men who died at the Confederate General Hospital in Houston, Texas appears in the article "Confederate Hospitals" by Loretta Elliot Burns in STIRPES (Texas State Genealogical Society) Vol. 23 (1983) #2 A-D and #3 D-W. The name of the magazine, STIRPES, is not a typo.
The Jefferson Davis Hospital was built in 1924 and the hospital was named after CSA President Jefferson Davis, The hospital has an above ground basement per request of the Confederate Veterans because the hospital was built over the cemetery.. The monument was inscribed "Sacred to the Memory of 32 Confederate Soldiers who Died in their Country's Service-Rest in Peace". The hospital building was sold by the city and is currently luxury apartments (NOTE: new beige section.) The area was the old city cemetery and is believed to have held 5,000 graves. Obviously the city cemetery held more than CSA veterans!
The exact number of Confederates buried in this area is currently unknown.
...The site my only be reached by special permission since it is literally in the middle of the City of Houston Fire Department maintenance area/parking lot...Jefferson Davis Hospital Houston, TX
There are not words to describe my disgust at such behavior by people who are suppose to be of the caliber of civilized men and women, that they should have never allowed such a thing to happen!
The bronze tablet commemorating the hospital is missing.
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS bronze TABLET?????
Check this Out A Study in Cultural Attitudes
Throw Them Under the Jail!
4 Ill. cemetery workers accused in grisly plot For money and greed, four black workers throw out the bones of those buried and resale the plots! Three were gravediggers and one was their manager.
What Do Twitters Think?
What do you think should happen to people who vandalize or desecrate a cemetery? Nothing? A Felony?
I say...
What others are saying...
Headstone Desecration Caught on Film
Look at time frame 3:40.
"Filmed in the Jacksboro cemetery; Put on your halos and join us on this musical journey.
Akranym: April, Andrew, Matt Allbritton, Guest: Ciara Sims "
Helping to Save Revolutionary Veterans Cemetery from Land Developers
Reports are saying there may be thousands of graves of soldiers and others who died during the Revolutionary War in the area known as Fishkill Supply Depot.
"Neglect and desecration at the Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services Cemetery have continued through many generations. ... The current generation of hospital administrators and politicians were not responsible for the history of the cemetery. They do, however, find themselves in a position to make some amends...."
Read More
THE OLD NEVADA INSANE ASYLUM
(now Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services)
Who cares? Just a bunch of old, crazy people buried there, right?
WRONG!
There are Civil War veterans buried in this cemetery as well.
Timothy Burk
Residence Montrose IA; 30 years old.
Enlisted on 7/12/1861 as a Private.
On 7/17/1861 he mustered into "H" Co. IA 6th Infantry.
He was Mustered Out on 7/16/1864 at Roswell, GA
Other Information: born in New York
Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.:
- Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of Rebellion (c) Historical Data Systems, Inc. @ http://www.civilwardata.com
Let's see how this would go:
The Hospital Administrator determined he wants to expand the hospital;
The Hospital Administrator prepares a Notice of Hearing (addressing only the small cemetery);
The Hospital Administrator prepares a Proposed Regulation which does not include the small cemetery-it would apply to all 600 graves and become the operating regulation;
The Hospital Administrator schedules a Workshop;
The Hospital Administrator schedules a Hearing;
The Hospital Administrator solicits comments and public input;
The Hospital Administrator conducts Workshop and Hearing;
The Hospital Administrator reads and considers comments and public input;
The Hospital Administrator can ignore all comments and public input;
The Hospital Administrator can sign into effect a Regulation to the Nevada Administrative Code which will appoint The Hospital Administrator as "Cemetery Authority;"
The Hospital Administrator will have the sole power as "Cemetery Authority" to determine if "maintenance of all or part of the cemetery is not in accordance with the health, safety, comfort or welfare of the public" and The Hospital Administrator can determine "that removal of remains is necessary"; Maintenance of all or part of the cemetery is administered by The Hospital Administrator;
Families are required to let The Hospital Administrator know if they wish to be put on a mailing list for future notices of any remains being removed from the cemetery. Most of the families of the 600 people in the cemetery will never know. It may take years for them to come forward.
When The Hospital Administrator determines that remains need to be moved, there is a one-year waiting period when families can come forward to bring their comments and complaints to, yes, The Hospital Administrator.
(To email the Hospital Administrator NNAMS.)
Anyone see anything wrong with this picture? Can someone say: "Conflict of Interest"?
"...conflict of interest is a situation in which someone in a position of trust, such as a...executive or director...has competing professional or personal interests. Such competing interests can make it difficult to fulfill his or her duties impartially. A conflict of interest exists even if no unethical or improper act results from it. A conflict of interest can create an appearance of impropriety that can undermine confidence in the person, profession... A conflict of interests arises when anyone has two duties which conflict." - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict_of_interest
This is a lawsuit just waiting to happen. Does the State of Nevada REALLY want to set themselves up for this? Are they REALLY that dumb?
This is exactly the type of actions where anything less that preserving the cemetery and in fact, making every effort to identify those buried there, should result in criminal charges being filed against all involved. And like the Tar Baby, once someone has "touched" this situation, and they do not act to preserve the cemetery, then they are guilty, including the State which fails to hold Dr. Hooks feet to the fire and MAKE him appoint an impartial, 3rd party to oversee the cemetery. Someone not on his payroll, who can tell him "No!" without fear of being fired or harassed.
Save Our Cemeteries
- The Official Save Our Cemeteries Site
- Founded in 1974, Save Our Cemeteries, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting the historic cemeteries of New Orleans. Activities of the organization include cemetery cleanups, grounds maintenance, cemetery security, community outreach, educational programs and tomb restoration. Proceeds from cemetery tours conducted by volunteer licensed tour guides and memberships in Save Our Cemeteries are dedicated to supporting these projects and more.
- Sylvan Cemetery
- Sylvan Cemetery is remembered only by graffiti vandals, who tag the remaining standing headstones. Most of the headstones have been knocked or tipped over, vandalized or graffitied on. Located high on a hill overlooking the West Shore Expressway and beyond, the Arthur Kill and New Jersey. (photos)
Estella Bradburn Fisher, Memorial Day May 30, 1930 address given at Erie Street Cemetery for the National Society New England Wo
There is no Historic spot that grips our Hearts and stirs our sympathies as does a Burial Ground. It is not only because it is in itself a land-mark, set apart with established boundaries for a fixed purpose, but that it is the tie that links us to those who have gone before us, and a symbol of the immortality that is our hope.
HELP ME PROVE MY POINT
If you agree, add links (proof!) that help me make my case
Add a link that makes my case.
Gravestones moved, graves left behind
WACO, Texas -- Somewhere at picturesque Fort Fishe more...1 point
Make Money Taking Surveys
Discover How to Make as Much Money as You<br /& more...1 point
Gothamist: NJ Youths Sentenced in Cemetery Desecration
Mar 17, 2008 ... Tags: boredom, cemetery desecrati more...0 points
Cremation Model Guidelines
Yet many states have virtually no statutory provis more...0 points
2nd arrested in Indiana County cemetery desecration
2nd arrested in Indiana County cemetery desecratio more...0 points
Texas Historical Commission
Cemetery desecration is a continuing problem in Te more...0 points
2nd arrested in Indiana County cemetery desecration
2nd arrested in Indiana County cemetery desecratio more...0 points
Section 1. Sect. 453 General Business Law amended
Jan 1, 2008 ... 145.22 Cemetery desecration in the more...0 points
CEMETERY DESECRATION IN THE FIRST DEGREE (E felony) PENAL LAW ...
charge will be essentially identical to that for C more...0 points
Stover Cemetery Desecration Aided by State Agency's Repeated ...
family buried there, says that during the last yea more...0 points
Comet Lodge Cemetery Desecration - Request for Information
Documentation of Seattle and King County's Desecra more...0 points
Article 145 - Penal Law - Criminal Mischief and Related Offenses
A person is guilty of cemetery desecration in the more...0 points
Cemetery Desecration in the Second Degree
4 A person is guilty of cemetery desecration in th more...0 points
York man admits to vandalism
A drunk man passing through a cemetary desecrates more...0 points
DISPROVE MY POINT (fine, be that way)
Disagree? Put your money where your mouth is and show us why.
Post links that point out why you think I'm wrong.
YOUR TURN!
Desecrate a Cemetery - Go to Prison
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, you're right!
Janet Hobizal says:
Persons who are found guilty of desecrating a cemetery should be made to clean and help restore old cemeteries for one year. Do the research on those buried there and put together a history of the cemetery and those interred there to present as a thesis to the judge at the end of that year. They should also have to keep a journal of their daily activity in the cemeteries along with dated photos to present to the judge. As someone who restores historical cemeteries, I could use a few extra workers. It makes me so sad that some people were not taught to respect a persons final resting place. I am dealing with one right now in my county.
Posted November 12, 2009
papawu says:
What I have read so far has truly filled me with utter disgust and anger. It certainly is a travesty and yet how was this allowed to happen in the first place??? It's just sick and immoral and whomever the responsible parties are should experience heelfire in their afterlife.
Posted June 09, 2009
sherileigh75 says:
As someone who is deep into history and genealogy this disgusts me. My paternal grandparents' graves were relocated to make way for, I believe, a highway in NW West Virginia several years ago, but at least the family was notified and we still have record of where they are and can still visit. Imagine all the people that will never have that luxury..... This page says it all.
Posted May 25, 2008
jeffwend says:
When I was a kid, there was a small skinhead gang in our community. They would trash the cometary on devil's night and ruin old head stones. It was disgusting behavior that they needed to be held responsible for.
Posted April 28, 2008
Cynthia Kaley-Guyette says:
Public or Private cemeteries, the families PAY for the stones and in some cases UPKEEP of the plots, so HELL yes people should go to jail, for desecration of a cemetery they are disrespecting families, how would some of them like it if we did something to the stones of their family members. I am a member of findagrave.com
Posted April 26, 2008
No way, Monkeybrain!
Culrec_Zandier says:
Like other acts of vandalism, I believe that the civil and criminal liabilities should be assessed on a case by case basis. I agree with Diana Thornton when she suggests that mandatory study of the cemetery and cemetery residents history coupled with community service would deter most potential repeat offenders.
Posted October 27, 2008
Diana Thornton says:
Prison can't be the answer to everything, and certainly not in this case. I think cemetery desecration is insensitive and irresponsible but to make it punishable by prison is a misuse of the penal and criminal justice system. Too many people are in prison today who could be serving and alternative punishment that keeps them productive/makes them productive if they aren't already and provides a public service which will hopefull deter such behavior in the future. Prison isn't the right choice. Community service and a requirement to attend a class on the history of the cemetery, the community it serves and the people buried there may just have a more positive outcome than incarceration and keep a person productive instead of turning them into another burden on the taxpayers and giving them an education in how to commit bigger and better crimes.
I too am a family historian and have experienced first hand the act of vandalism to a family gravesite. I'd rather take the perpetrators who most often are stupid teenagers and educate them and hopefully turn their stupidity around and maybe help create future historians than to reinforce their negative view of the world by locking them up in a cage with the worst society has to offer. Make them do hot dirty work every day for year and I think they'd have second thoughts about doing anything like that again.
Posted May 27, 2008
Rate Your Cemetery at Cemetery & Furneral Home Review
NOTE: The Cemetery & Funeral Home Review site has been revamped. Check out the new layout!
People who visit cemeteries for the purpose of photographing headstones at the request of those who, for whatever reason, can't do it themselves know which cemetery staffers are wonderful to deal with and which are maybe not so wonderful.
Why not help out your fellow "headstone hunters" and submit a review of the cemeteries you photograph most often. It is easy, quick and there is a rating system so you just fill out a short form and pick your rating.
This is a new idea and there aren't that many so please help build this review site. You will be giving kudos to the cemeteries you visit and maybe forewarn others about dealing with the staff, if appropriate.
You can even request a Cemetery Reviewer's Card to be emailed (jpg) and you can print it as business cards (style #8871) or make it a badge to present to the staff when requesting grave locations.
Come check it out and let me know if you have suggestions to make it better!
RELATED NEWS: FODDER FOR ARGUING MORE
- Chicago's Historic Burr Oak Cemetery Reopens After Grave-Selling ...
- Grave digger Maurice Dailey, 59, Keith Nicks, 45, Terrence Nicks, 39, and cemetery manager Carolyn Towns, 49, were charged with dismembering a human body, a class x felony. In August, they were indicted on seven other counts: desecration of human remains, conspiracy to dismember multiple human bodies, removal of a gravestone or marker, removal of remains of multiple deceased human beings from a burial ground, and two counts of theft $100000 to $500000. ...
- Disturbing Tale of Desecration at Historic Burr Oak Cemetery ...
- Four current and former cemetery employees, including the manager, have been charged with dismemberment of human bodies, a felony that carries a sentence of 6 to 30 years in prison upon conviction. At a news conference, ...
- burr oak cemetery desecration suspects plead not guilty
- the four face several felony charges, including desecration of human remains, conspiracy to dismember human bodies and theft. the most serious charge ? dismembering a human body ? carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. ...
- North Country Gazette ยป Cemetery Caretaker Charged With Desecration
- He has been charged with first degree cemetery desecration, a felony. It is illegal to remove or harm gravestones. Police said there was no indication that there was any intent by Legacy to desecrate graves. At least eight stones were ...
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