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Archiver > NYDELAWA > 2002-01 > 1010015972


From: "Rene'" <>
Subject: [NYDELAWA-L] The desecration of old cemeteries
Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2002 19:01:24 -0500


The following query was sent via the Chenango County, NY list - felt that it was important, and also would like to have some input on this subject. Also if anyone can help this person go to the rootsweb list for chenango county.

This subject at this time is near and dear to my heart. The Bixby cemetery that was in Bainbridge (subject in an earlier email to the list) has had the same thing happen to it. I've talked to the current owners of the land this cemetery was on, and apparently 20-25 years ago the owner (current owners mother) decided that she didn't want to see the headstones that were in their pasture, they were doing away with the pasture and apparently didn't want to see a graveyard. They supposedly contacted Cooperstown and someone from there came and did a reading of the cemetery and took the stones. I've been in touch with Cooperstown and have yet to have an answer as to where the stones are or an "inventory" of all buried there. They were told by Cooperstown that they cannot build or dig on that tract of land, however it is used as a garden.

Apparently from talking to those in Bainbridge, no one seems to be aware of what happened. I would like to make sure that this doesn't happen again and urge all of you to check on local and/or state laws.

Rene'

The Town of Goshen NY needs legal precedents that
currently protect abandoned family graveyards in
other areas of NY state.

An old family graveyard in the Town of Goshen NY has
been desecrated by new owners. Three members of Orange
County Genealogical Society went to the town board
meeting on Dec 13th. The owners' attorney insists they
did nothing illegal. The town attorney requested help
from anyone who can provide him with contacts with other
town boards/town attorneys in NY state where a law protecting
private cemeteries is currently in effect. That is, he
wants one or more legal precedents to use in formulation
of a similar law in the Town of Goshen.



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