Information has been recently printed about the re-interment of Dolly and Magilbry Findley that is scheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2005, at the Fairmount Baptist Church in Red Level, Alabama. Unfortunately, it repeated several old genealogical errors. More important is the manner in which these 121 and 148 year old graves were covertly dug up. These historic graves were summarily removed without consulting or obtaining a permit from the Alabama Historical Commission, providing the required 60-day advance public notice of the intent to remove graves, or otherwise attempting to comply with any of the other many laws and regulations that apply to grave removals. Proper protocol requires that a professional archaeologist and/or a funeral home be in charge of the removal of graves. Instead, according to one of the individuals involved in this situation, he and others simply took it upon themselves to bring digging equipment to the grave yard and remove two Findley graves. If public notice of the intent to remove these graves had been provided, the claim that these were “abandoned” graves would have quickly been dispelled. Moreover, older direct descendants have shared that there were several other graves adjacent to Dolly and Magilbry. However, as the requisite advance archeological examination was not permitted, it may now be impossible to confirm how many other graves were disturbed and/or destroyed. Magilbry Findley was a veteran of the War of 1812 and his grave was prominently marked with a VA headstone acknowledging his service to our Nation. Other 1812 historical societies and lineage groups were asked to hold a grave marking ceremony for the Saturday reburial. However, from the limited information that has been doled out to the active Findley family researchers, it appears that Ron Taylor, a local non-relative, is apparently “producing” a Confederate show for the Saturday re-interment. Understandably, the 1812 groups have declined to participate in such an in appropriate “event.” As land developments continue expanding, Alabama’s law addressing the proper removal and re-location of graves must be made known and full compliance be demanded in every instance. Maybe this will keep others from finding out that their family’s graves were removed and their remains were indiscriminately destroyed. Sincerely, D. A. Bass-Frazier See also: http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/110889456981650.xml Feb. 20, 2005, article in The Huntsville Times, "Law specific on grave relocation." Yr. Obt. Svt., D. A. Bass-Frazier