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Archiver > TX-CEMETERY-PRESERVATION > 2003-11 > 1068482512


From: "CHARLOTTE ALLMAN" <>
Subject: Re: [TX-CEMETERY-PRESERVATION] Ellis County Poor Farm
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2003 10:42:02 -0600
References: <200311101426.hAAEQ3R07871@mail1.aus1.texas.net>


Pam,
Lynna Kay gave good advice. There is the R.I.P., a state program with new funds for old cemeteries. I heard they have a device that can help detect gravesites.

With Joe and Dorothy Button's help, the Mountain View Cemetery (Bell Co) is on the R.I.P. list.

As I understand it, the bodies belong to their families and if no family is to be found then they belong to the state. When an abandoned cemetery is annexed into a city, the city becomes responsible for it. Do I have this correct?

I'm also involved with an old cemetery. It is very frustrating when the owners/developers allow vandalism and the city couldn't care less either. The city police chief calls everything a "civil" matter. The only reason a patrolman was dispatched is because I was threatening to call the local paper and start a stink. I have video of the tractors using the cemetery as a turn around. I had two cop cars and the developers on my driveway.
The city police chief told me these developers own the cemetery therefore can do as they please except disturb a body. To disturb a body, it must be dug up. In his thinking, a house could go atop the graves. There are gravestones being destroyed. Texas law says this is a misdemeaner. I wish there were funds to educate all towns about cemetery law. The laws need adjusting for clarification and for more severe punishment.

Use the media, it can be a very powerful tool.

Take care,
Charlotte Allman





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