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Archiver > TX-CEMETERIES > 2002-05 > 1020312319


From: Wanda Irby <>
Subject: Re: [TX-Cem] Cemetery Land Sale
Date: Wed, 01 May 2002 23:05:19 -0500
References: <de.26626249.2a009fca@aol.com>


I don't believe the suggestion was for a townhome ON the cemetery but on
the remaining land. Still I feel the church is the better idea.
Wanda

wrote:
>
> a townhome on a cemetery is an appaling idea. asking a nearby church to
> take over would at least be in keeping your ancestor's wishes.
>
> how about selling lots? is there a local market?
>
>
> john
>
> > Can I get some thoughts about 'cemetery land sale'.
> >
> > I am trustee of a small, private cemetery in Gregg County. This cemetery
> > is
> > not very active ... only 16 grave sites in 115 years and no one wants to
> > take care of it. I can not and will not let it go as long as I am able.
> > The Trust funds my grandfather and great aunts left in 1957 had been nearly
> > been depleted 10 years ago. A cousin, prior trustee, wisely invested the
> > residual and it grew some in 1990's but no maintaince given to the
> > cemetery.
> > Although the Trust has grown, still not enough money to maintain the
> > cemetery very long ... would result in the same poor financial situation
> > back when. Although I plan to leave part of my estate for maintenance one
> > day, I want to begin now to maximize what I can to insure some longevity
> > with this.
> >
> > No one of family is interested in a Cemetery Association. One cousin
> > suggested the sale of part of the land a couple of years ago. Total land
> > is
> > 1/2 acre in the shape of a triangle of sort. Cemetery is 100' X 100' and
> > fenced off to the side of the lot. The remaining land is comfortable
> > enough
> > for a small townhome. Fortunately, there are new townhomes just across the
> > street in the same approx. size from the cemetery, and I believe this could
> > be developed successfully too. The land is prime location.
> >
> > Question: The cemetery land was deeded as a cemetery by my grandfather in
> > 1911 and left open to family decendants to manage. Right now, I am the
> > only
> > family decendant as Trustee and not sure quite what to think yet. I hate
> > to
> > reduce or break ancestor wishes that have held up for 115 years; even tho,
> > in the past it got into bad shape. It seems underutilized. Thought the
> > sale of the land could be placed in the Trust and managed better now than
> > in
> > the past. Thought I would gather some thoughts from others and try to pull
> > my cousins together, if nothing but by e-mail. I have not contacted a real
> > estate attorney yet. I really don't know if this can be done. I certainly
> > would think twice before ever such a move. And I am not very well versed
> > in
> > this. Maybe ancestors were smarter about sitting tight regardless? Again,
> > this is a private cemetery, not public or perpetual care.
> >
> > The other thought I had, with no other remaining decendants interested
> > after
> > me, unless one comes forward one day, is to request the church just down
> > the
> > road to take the cemetery over; then, could I donate the land as such?
> >
>
> ==== TX-CEMETERIES Mailing List ====
> Find information about a special project
> of The Texas Historic Commission at:
> http://www.thc.state.tx.us/cemetery/Gerron.html

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