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Archiver > CEMETERY > 1999-04 > 0924494525


From: "Cara A. Morgan" <>
Subject: [CEMETERY-L] Preservation Measures Should included Having Cemetery Marked on USGS Maps
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 00:02:05 -0400


Zanetti wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I subscribed to the Cemetery mailing list a couple of months ago because I
> wanted to get advice on preservation measures. I'm not sure which term to
> use - it's one of those cemeteries hidden in a copse of trees overgrown
> with briar bushes, saplings, etc. :)
>
> I think now is the time since Sherry raised basically the same question I
> had intended to ask.
>
> One of my earliest known ancestors, b. 1783, is buried in our Axsom Family
> Cemetery in Surry Co., NC. I just learned about the cemetery in 1995. I
> was in awe. But, I was also saddened by the sight of those old stones
> leaning, graves sunken, overgrowth so bad that it was difficult to locate
> all the grave sites.
>
> The cemetery is located on private property. There is an abandoned
> farmhouse on the property and the land is leased for farming. I located
> the owner of the property and asked permission to clean the cemetery.
> There was a National Axsom Reunion in Surry County in 1997 and a visit to
> the cemetery was part of a tour of Axsom family sites. The cemetery was
> cleaned before the reunion - it did not look like the same place - it was a
> beautiful sight to behold.
>
> At a family business meeting during the reunion, I was given the task of
> taking whatever measures necessary to see that the cemetery would be
> preserved for future generations. I have made several inquiries and asked
> advice from many people. The owner of the property shares Michael Emery's
> view: best to leave it alone. His thinking is that the fewer people who
> know about the cemetery, the better - it is less likely to be vandalized.
> But, I'm not so sure about that. I think that people would be less likely
> to vandalize a cemetery that is well maintained - they will know that
> someone is around who cares about the cemetery and if caught, will see that
> those responsible for the vandalism will be punished.
>
> I am not so concerned about the cemetery now. I am concerned about the
> future - when the property changes hands, future use of the property, etc.
> There have been cases of old cemeteries in Surry Co. being bulldozed by
> property owners - just in the way. There are laws in NC to protect
> cemeteries - a felony if over a certain amount of damage. But, sometimes it
> is years before the destruction of a cemetery is discovered and proving who
> was responsible would be difficult. I have been told that the laws in NC
> regarding cemeteries are vague and need to be rewritten - that's another
> story.
>
> The 3rd National Axsom Reunion is going to be held in July of this year.
> It is sponsored by the Axsom Association of America - formed in 1995. I am
> to report on measures taken to preserve the cemetery and offer suggestions
> for the future. I plan to report the following:
>
> I have registered the Axsom Cemetery with the NC State Archives.
>
> I have registered the Axsom Cemetery with the USGenWeb Tombstone project.
>
> I have registered the Axsom Cemetery with the Surry County Commissioners.
>
> I have made inquires about the possibility of starting a trust fund for the
> maintenance of the cemetery (this can be done through the Surry County
> Clerk's Office). It was not recommended for two main reasons: trusts are
> difficult to break if the need should arise (an example was given) - it is
> costly.
>
> I plan to make the following suggestions:
>
> The Axsom Association of America start a cemetery fund for maintenance.
>
> Contract a Surry County resident to perform that maintenance.
>
> Contact the owner of the property and ask about the possibility of erecting
> a fence around the cemetery. (I think the owner will give his permission).
>
> I know the fence is controversial. But, I think a fence would add a sense
> of permanence and may discourage vandalism. I think a plaque or marker
> with contact information would also be helpful.
>
> I would appreciate any suggestions anyone has to offer. I do not mind if
> anyone disagrees with me - I welcome different opinions. I really need
> some input from those experienced in cemetery preservation.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Norma Axsom Zanetti
> Eden, NC
> <http://home.interpath.net/zanetti>;
>
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I would make sure that the cemetery is marked on the United States
Geological Survey map. I am in the beginning stage of having various
family cemeteries marked on USGS maps. Cara

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