Information from James H. Hinson Family Bible was submitted by Jeff Armstrong... http://www.rootsweb.com/~fljackso/hinson.htm The link is on "More abt. Jackson County" page ... http://www.rootsweb.com/~fljackso/moreindex.htm James James L. Edenfield Website: http://edenfield.org Email: [email protected]

Hi Karen, I got your other eml and posted it to the Jackson, Calhoun, Washington, Libety Co. Web sites. and I am also posting this e-mail.. Some has express interest in attending service there.. For Jackson, Calhoun, Washington, and Liberty Co.. Lists This is the URL for Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Jackson Co. website) http://www.rootsweb.com/~fljackso/gadsden/MtZionBapt.htm This includes the directions to the church.. The old members has the church every other Sunday... James James L. Edenfield Website: http://edenfield.org Email: [email protected] ----- Original Message ----- From: karenbstewart To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2056 1:09 PM Subject: Mt Zion Babtist Church Mr. Edenfield, I hope you recieved my e-mail here is another e-mail address that I may be reached. April 7th 2002 is the sunday that is appointed to the members this will be our sunday to meet at the church. All are welcome. We encourage all old members to atend. Service will begin at 11:00am sunday morning. We will have activities for the children as well. Over our last conversation about the issues in regards to the church there are alot more than time would allow. This issue affects alot of members and people of our community that truely need our help. Especially our elderly members. I hope you will be able to attend and look forward to talking to you again. Thank you for your time and understanding, God bless you Karen B Stewart

I have finished indexing Houston Co., AL.. I added a couple of cemeteries from Geneva Co., AL and more from Jackson Co., FL There are over 75,000 graves in the index.. http://www.rootsweb.com/~fljackso/mindexes/mindexes.htm James James L. Edenfield Website: http://edenfield.org Email: [email protected]

Betty,when is that hearing again? ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2002 4:05 PM Subject: [FLJACKSO] Mt Zion and Judge Reynolds > For those of you who do not have a fax machine. If you will write a e-mail to > me I will fax your message to Judge Reynolds for you. > > Address your letter to Judge Reynolds and close with your name. > > Betty > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > >

Forwarding for your information.....Winnette ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2002 8:10 PM Subject: [FLGADSDE] OFFENSES CONCERNING DEAD BODIES and GRAVES OFFENSES CONCERNING DEAD BODIES and GRAVES FLORIDA STATUTES 872.02 and 872.05 INTRODUCTION Florida has joined with the Federal Governmnent and other states in the passage of laws dealing with the protection of archaeological sites. Rapidly increasing development and illicit digging activities have resulted in the destruction of valuable prehistoric and historic archaeological sites and materials. Of particular concern are sites containing native American Indian and other historically significant burials. In Florida such sites are protected by law. Chapter 872, Florida Statutes (F.S.), protects human burials on public and private property. Chapter 267, F.S., and Public Law 96-95 protects all archaeological sites on state and federally-owned lands. Also trespass and vandalism laws (Chapter 810.19 and 806.13, F.S.) help protect archaeological sites. LEGISLATIVE INTENT Chapter 872, F. S. ("Offenses Concerning Dead Bodies and Graves") decrees that all human burials and human skeletal remains be accorded equal treatment and respect based upon common human dignity without reference to ethnic origin, cultural background or religious affiliation. This applies to all human burials, human skeletal remains and associated burial artifacts, found upon or within any public or private land in the state, including submerged lands. The law mandates that all types of human burial sites including Indian mounds, "lost" historic and prehistoric cemeteries, and other unmarked burials are responsibly treated once they are discovered. DEFlNITION An "unmarked human burial" is any human skeletal remains or associated burial artifacts or any location where human skeletal remains or associated burial artifacts are discovered or believed to exist on the basis of archaeological or historical evidence. An "artifact" is any object made or used by people. An "associated burial artifact" is any artifact intentionally buried with human remains, as a memorial to the deceased, a marker, a monument, or the like. WHAT TO DO Any person who knows or has reason to know that an unmarked human burial is being unlawfully disturbed, destroyed, defaced, mutilated, removed, excavated, or exposed shall immediately notify the local law enforcement agency (sheriff/police), with jurisdiction where the unmarked human burial is located. When an unmarked human burial is discovered other than during an archaeological excavation authorized by the state or an educational institution, all activity that may disturb the unmarked human burial shall cease immediately, and the district medical examiner shall be notified. Activities shall not resume unless authorized by the district medical examiner or State Archaeologist. The telephone number of the State Archaeologist is (904) 487-2299. WHAT HAPPENS? If the district medical examiner (the coroner) finds that the unmarked human burial may be involved in a legal investigation or represents the burial of an individual who has been dead less than 75 years, the medical examiner shall assume jurisdiction of such burial. If the examiner finds that the burial is not involved in a legal investigation and represents the burial of an individual who has been dead 75 years or more, he shall notify the State Archaeologist. The State official shall consult a human skeletal analyst who shall report within 15 days as to the cultural and biological characteristics of the human skeletal remains and where such burial or remains should be held prior to final disposition. PENALTIES Any person who willfully and knowingly disturbs an unmarked burial or burial site, or destroys, mutilates, defaces, injures, or removes any burial mound, earthen or shell monument containing human skeletal remains or associated burial artifacts or other structures or things placed or designed for a memorial, or disturbs the contents of tomb or grave, is guilty of a felony ... punishable as provided in §775.082, §775.083, or §775.084. Any person who has knowledge that an unmarked human burial is being disturbed, vandalized, or damaged and fails to notify the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the area is ... punishable as provided in §775.082, §775.083 and §775.084. Report violations to your local law enforcement agency, the Division of Historical Resources, or the State Archaeologist. (904) 487-2333 Division of Historical Resources (904) 487-2299 State Archaeologist Brochure produced by Time Sifters Archaeology Society, Sarasota, FL, a chapter of the Florida Anthropological Society, Inc., P.O. Box 1013, Tallahassee, FL. 32302. Marion Almy and Louis Tesar, Editors. Elissa Mirabeli, text. Theodore Morris, design (the included graphics were not included here) [end] ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.343 / Virus Database: 190 - Release Date: 3/22/02

Cemeteries fall under the Division of Banking and Finance, in Tallahassee. It is my understanding that it is against the law to desecrate graves, modern or old. This is sickening to be destroying someone's ancestors in this way. I do hope the Judge upholds the law to protect any and all graves and makes those who have destroyed these to restore them to a condition better than before. Just my 5 cents (inflation, ya know)....... Cindy ========Original Message======== Subj: [FLJACKSO] http://www.cgcas.org/fs872.htm Date: 3/31/02 7:04:51 PM Central Standard Time From: <A HREF="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> To: <A HREF="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Sent from the Internet (Details) The Web site mentioned in the subject line is the Florida Statue that pertains to graves and their desecration. It is intended to protect Native American burial sites, but it does not rule out more recent graves. It also gives you the names of agencies to notify if you have knowledge of same, and most likely on Monday morning, you can call one of these numbers for guidance. Jim Webb ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

OFFENSES CONCERNING DEAD BODIES and GRAVES FLORIDA STATUTES 872.02 and 872.05 INTRODUCTION Florida has joined with the Federal Governmnent and other states in the passage of laws dealing with the protection of archaeological sites. Rapidly increasing development and illicit digging activities have resulted in the destruction of valuable prehistoric and historic archaeological sites and materials. Of particular concern are sites containing native American Indian and other historically significant burials. In Florida such sites are protected by law. Chapter 872, Florida Statutes (F.S.), protects human burials on public and private property. Chapter 267, F.S., and Public Law 96-95 protects all archaeological sites on state and federally-owned lands. Also trespass and vandalism laws (Chapter 810.19 and 806.13, F.S.) help protect archaeological sites. LEGISLATIVE INTENT Chapter 872, F. S. ("Offenses Concerning Dead Bodies and Graves") decrees that all human burials and human skeletal remains be accorded equal treatment and respect based upon common human dignity without reference to ethnic origin, cultural background or religious affiliation. This applies to all human burials, human skeletal remains and associated burial artifacts, found upon or within any public or private land in the state, including submerged lands. The law mandates that all types of human burial sites including Indian mounds, "lost" historic and prehistoric cemeteries, and other unmarked burials are responsibly treated once they are discovered. DEFlNITION An "unmarked human burial" is any human skeletal remains or associated burial artifacts or any location where human skeletal remains or associated burial artifacts are discovered or believed to exist on the basis of archaeological or historical evidence. An "artifact" is any object made or used by people. An "associated burial artifact" is any artifact intentionally buried with human remains, as a memorial to the deceased, a marker, a monument, or the like. WHAT TO DO Any person who knows or has reason to know that an unmarked human burial is being unlawfully disturbed, destroyed, defaced, mutilated, removed, excavated, or exposed shall immediately notify the local law enforcement agency (sheriff/police), with jurisdiction where the unmarked human burial is located. When an unmarked human burial is discovered other than during an archaeological excavation authorized by the state or an educational institution, all activity that may disturb the unmarked human burial shall cease immediately, and the district medical examiner shall be notified. Activities shall not resume unless authorized by the district medical examiner or State Archaeologist. The telephone number of the State Archaeologist is (904) 487-2299. WHAT HAPPENS? If the district medical examiner (the coroner) finds that the unmarked human burial may be involved in a legal investigation or represents the burial of an individual who has been dead less than 75 years, the medical examiner shall assume jurisdiction of such burial. If the examiner finds that the burial is not involved in a legal investigation and represents the burial of an individual who has been dead 75 years or more, he shall notify the State Archaeologist. The State official shall consult a human skeletal analyst who shall report within 15 days as to the cultural and biological characteristics of the human skeletal remains and where such burial or remains should be held prior to final disposition. PENALTIES Any person who willfully and knowingly disturbs an unmarked burial or burial site, or destroys, mutilates, defaces, injures, or removes any burial mound, earthen or shell monument containing human skeletal remains or associated burial artifacts or other structures or things placed or designed for a memorial, or disturbs the contents of tomb or grave, is guilty of a felony ... punishable as provided in §775.082, §775.083, or §775.084. Any person who has knowledge that an unmarked human burial is being disturbed, vandalized, or damaged and fails to notify the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the area is ... punishable as provided in §775.082, §775.083 and §775.084. Report violations to your local law enforcement agency, the Division of Historical Resources, or the State Archaeologist. (904) 487-2333 Division of Historical Resources (904) 487-2299 State Archaeologist Brochure produced by Time Sifters Archaeology Society, Sarasota, FL, a chapter of the Florida Anthropological Society, Inc., P.O. Box 1013, Tallahassee, FL. 32302. Marion Almy and Louis Tesar, Editors. Elissa Mirabeli, text. Theodore Morris, design (the included graphics were not included here) [end]

The Web site mentioned in the subject line is the Florida Statue that pertains to graves and their desecration. It is intended to protect Native American burial sites, but it does not rule out more recent graves. It also gives you the names of agencies to notify if you have knowledge of same, and most likely on Monday morning, you can call one of these numbers for guidance. Jim Webb

For those of you who do not have a fax machine. If you will write a e-mail to me I will fax your message to Judge Reynolds for you. Address your letter to Judge Reynolds and close with your name. Betty

Maybe someone on the list knows these questions...Betty Subj: Kirklands in Piney Grove Date: 03/31/2002 11:37:33 AM Eastern Standard Time From: [email protected] (James Kirkland) To: [email protected] Hello. I have been researching my family. I have been told that my GG Grandfather Matthew G. (Mack) is buried in Alford, Fl. Then I find Mack Kirkland buried in Piney Grove listed on your web page. The two have the same birthdate, do you know if they are the same? Any info you might have on the Kirklands buried in Piney Grove would be greatly appreciated. Also how far apart are Alford and Piney Grove? You can e-mail me at [email protected] Thank you , James Kirkland.

Forwarding as requested........Winnette ----- Original Message ----- From: "JackVButler" <[email protected]> To: "Greg And Winnette" <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2002 7:59 AM Subject: Re: [FLCALHOU] How to reach Judge Reynolds Hi everyone - I'm Jack's wife and I work for the State Comptroller. We have a bureau of cemeteries and graves and we also have a program to protect cemeteries from development and removal. Why don't one of you call the office and see whatthe state can do? - Cheryl ----- Original Message ----- From: Greg And Winnette <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, March 29, 2002 4:53 PM Subject: [FLCALHOU] How to reach Judge Reynolds > Judge Reynolds is in the 2nd Judicial Court. He is a good person and a > great Judge. I think the Preacher will be very sorry for his actions. > Winnette > > GEORGE S. REYNOLDS, III > Judicial Assistant is Sherry McHan > 627-7780 (Gadsden) > 365-K > Fax # 627-5323 (Gadsden) > 577-4310 (Leon) > http://www.2ndcircuit.leon.fl.us/wrapper.php3?page=/judges.html > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "James L. Edenfield" <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Friday, March 29, 2002 4:04 PM > Subject: [FLCALHOU] Fw: Mt.Zion Baptist Church > > > This is a followup on the situtation with Mt. Zion Baptist Church.. > > Karen Brown Stewart called me last night and we talked for about an hour.. > The situation is a whole lots worse than stated in her original e-mail > (inserted > below) ... Diamond Stewart, present pastor, has removed tombstones and > markers from the cemetery according to Karen .. She has personally seen > him removed a tombstone and throw it in the woods ... It was laterly broken > in several pieces so it could not be identified.. He is not allowing > people > to buried in the cemetery even thou their family are buried.. He has told > some that they must have their family (already buried there) removed from > the cemetery.. > There is much much more!!!! > > > Karen can be reached at [email protected] or phone: 850-539-0517 > (Havana, FL) > > In the next two or three weeks there will a hearing in Quincy, FL under > Judge Reynolds. > > I think letters to Judge Reynolds might help... > I don't know of an e-mail address for the Judge.. > > Gadsden County Clerk of Court > Attention: Judge Reynolds > 9 East Jefferson Street > Quincy Florida 32351 > > > James > > James L. Edenfield > Website: http://edenfield.org > Email: [email protected] > > ============================================================= > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: kattz4u > To: [email protected] > Sent: Saturday, February 19, 2056 2:49 PM > Subject: Mt.Zion Babtist Church > > > Mr. Edenfield here I can recieve e-mail at [email protected] if anyone > would like to talk to me or any of the others please fell free to call or > write I will be happy to talk to anyone about this matter. Thank you again > and God bless you. > > Gadsden County Clerk of Court Attention: Judge Reynolds > 9 East Jefferson Street > Quincy Florida 32351 > > PREVIOUS MSG > > > Subj: In regards to Mt.Zion Babtist Church Gadsden Fla. > > Date: 03/25/2002 9:01:37 PM Eastern Standard Time > > From: [email protected] > > > > Dear Ms. BettyMaeS, > > > > I was pleased to find your sight on the internet I found > it > > very helpful. My name is Karen Brown Stewart I am relatted to most of the > > people burried in that cemetary. However five years ago a preacher come > to > > Mt Zion, Mr. Dimond E. Stewart . What few members were there were pushed > > away. The preacher decided the people who wanted to be burried out there > > regardless of wheather they have their asigned headstones , he informed > them > > that unless they pay him that they could not be burried. Most of these > people > > are in their late 80's. He has refused to let people in the cemetary only > > with his permission. Some of the members you have listed on your chart > their > > family has removed them because of him. My mother and grandmother attended > > this church growing up back when it was a clay dirt road. They have tried > to > > go to the church but the preacher informed them they would never become > > members. The have been members for years . Some of the decendants of the > ones > > listed ( old members) have sought legal > > action on this matter. He would not allow anyone who has reletives burried > in > > the cemetary become members. If you have any information on the church > that > > could help us in any way it would greatly be apprecieated. > > Thank You so much for your time. > > > > If you would like to know more about what is going on please fill free to > > call me or my mother > > Hazel Brown Or Karen Brown Stewart > > (850)875-3520 > > or email me . > > God bless > > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go > to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > > > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.343 / Virus Database: 190 - Release Date: 3/22/02 > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > > --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.343 / Virus Database: 190 - Release Date: 3/22/02

Thanks for all this..I already called ,wrote,emailed..and will send more for these as well. Best Regards, Shirley ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, March 30, 2002 7:03 PM Subject: [FLJACKSO] FORWARDED to list > Subj: {not a subscriber} Re: Subj: [FLWASHIN] Fw: Mt.Zion Baptist Church > Date: 3/30/02 5:48:27 PM Central Standard Time > From: <A HREF="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> > To: <A HREF="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> > Sent from the Internet (Details) > > > > House Rep for Bay Co::: Alan Bense > > [email protected] > > Holmes, Okaloosa, Walton & Washington Co Rep. Donald Brown > > [email protected] > > Site of all of Florida's House of Rep. All have their email addresses listed > > if you click on their names > > http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Legislators/index.cfm?Chamber=House&Submenu=1 > > I"ve already sent this email to our local tv station and PC News Herald > > Flood them with emails - > > > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > >

Thats great Betty,it says it all. ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, March 30, 2002 5:26 PM Subject: [FLJACKSO] Mt Zion and Mr. D. E. Stewart The Preacher. > > This is a copy of the letter I am faxing to Judge Reynolds...Betty > > Mt Zion and Mr. D. E. Stewart, The Preacher. > > GEORGE S. REYNOLDS, III > Judicial Assistant is Sherry McHan > Phone 850 627-7780 (Gadsden) > Fax # 850 627-5323 (Gadsden) > > > Dear Judge Reynolds, > > This letter is about Mt Zion Cemetery. > > My name is Betty James Smith, from 1997 to 2001, I started and maintained the > web pages for Liberty, Gadsden and Jackson County Florida. > > We (volunteers and I) have worked very hard to get as much information on the > Internet for these and other counties. One of the many projects we work on is > the cemeteries. We go out and write down the information from headstones to > preserve that information for future generations by placing that information > on the Internet. This information then becomes free to access by all at their > Public Libraries via the Internet. > > After many years the old headstones sometimes deteriorate and all the > information might not be readable. Yet these old headstones mark the place > our ancestors are buried. > > I would not like to see any type of monument removed from a cemetery unless > a new monument is installed. > > Sometimes people put up wooden monuments that rot and decay. These also > should not be taken down unless new ones are installed in the place of the > old wooden monuments. > > Many of the cemeteries in the panhandle have been destroyed by greedy people > who want to reclaim the land to build or farm on the land. This has happened > many times, we go looking for the old cemeteries and find a field or a > housing development where the old cemetery once was located. > > I feel anyone who damages a headstone should be made to replace said > headstones out of his/her own pocket and write a letter of apology that has > to be put in all area newspapers. > > Sincerely, > Betty James Smith > March 30, 2002 > > > To View a web page for Cemeteries. > http://www.rootsweb.com/~fljackso/cemetery.htm > Cemeteries that have been destroyed or vandalize. > If you can add to this list please e-mail [email protected] > 1. Rocky Creek - African - American - County may have paved over part of this > cemetery. Then a mobile home has been put beside of it and part of the yard > is the old cemetery. Now a wood lot is being put on top of the rest of it. > This Cemetery has at lest one headstone. Last name of POOSER, first name > unknown, female. (Check Pooser Cemetery below) > > 2. Hawley's Cemetery - White - Hawley Cemetery is not under water. But was > destroyed. I talked with an elderly Sneads resident who saw the cemetery. It > was a family cemetery with an old iron fence around it. It was located on > high ground where Seminole Lodge is today. Before Seminole Lodge area was > built the area was bulldozed and stuff pushed down to the lower land. When > the boat area was dredged that's how the headstones were found. The Hawley > Cemetery probably has buildings over it now. The Hawley's at one time owned > sections 23 and 24 land. Today the State prison Dairy Farm and Seminole Lodge > is on this land. There is a Hawley Street in Sneads today named after the old > ones. Wayne N Carpenter > > 3. Compass Lake - African - American , all headstones stolen. (This happened > in Polk Co Fl and years later a house was torn down and the blocks under the > house turned out to be headstones.) > > 4. Greensboro - White, Dr Goddard was buried there and had a big beautiful > marble headstone, the owner bulldozed it away. > > 5. Miles Family Cemetery - White - all heastones were bulldozed in 1940's. > Graves were later moved to Springhill. > Judge Robert McCrary wrote letter to Phillip Farris telling him to the > fence Miles Cemetery, which was on his property and Phillip Farris was > credited with destroying the headstones. > > 6. Crutchfield Cemetery - White - all headstones were cleared and a field is > there now. One headstone has been recently put by the road CSA headstone. > > 7. The Byrd (Bird) Cemetery - White - on River Road north of Sneads was > destroyed during the late 1970s. The cemetery was bulldozed and what remains > of the iron fence that surrounded it can now be seen under a pile of rocks. > > 8. Shores Mill Cemetery - White - Section 7 Township 3 North Range 11 West, > located in the South West Quadrant of Jackson County. This is cemetery #175 > from the WPA survey. Directions from WPA: From the Atlanta and St Andrews > Bay Depot in the town of Round Lake, go north on US 231 for one mile, turn > right (northeast) on dirt road and go 1 5/10 miles to cemetery which lies 40 > feet on right (east) of road. This cemetery is apparently gone; the location > is now planted pines. The cemetery was in existence during the 1940s. > > 9. Scurlock Cemetery - White - all headstones bulldozed. > > 10. Cook and Beauchamp Family Cemetery - White - plowed under - not > headstones found. > > 11. Simpson Cemetery - White - Not found today. > > > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > >

Subj: {not a subscriber} Re: Subj: [FLWASHIN] Fw: Mt.Zion Baptist Church Date: 3/30/02 5:48:27 PM Central Standard Time From: <A HREF="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> To: <A HREF="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</A> Sent from the Internet (Details) House Rep for Bay Co::: Alan Bense [email protected] Holmes, Okaloosa, Walton & Washington Co Rep. Donald Brown [email protected] Site of all of Florida's House of Rep. All have their email addresses listed if you click on their names http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Legislators/index.cfm?Chamber=House&Submenu=1 I"ve already sent this email to our local tv station and PC News Herald Flood them with emails -

This is a copy of the letter I am faxing to Judge Reynolds...Betty Mt Zion and Mr. D. E. Stewart, The Preacher. GEORGE S. REYNOLDS, III Judicial Assistant is Sherry McHan Phone 850 627-7780 (Gadsden) Fax # 850 627-5323 (Gadsden) Dear Judge Reynolds, This letter is about Mt Zion Cemetery. My name is Betty James Smith, from 1997 to 2001, I started and maintained the web pages for Liberty, Gadsden and Jackson County Florida. We (volunteers and I) have worked very hard to get as much information on the Internet for these and other counties. One of the many projects we work on is the cemeteries. We go out and write down the information from headstones to preserve that information for future generations by placing that information on the Internet. This information then becomes free to access by all at their Public Libraries via the Internet. After many years the old headstones sometimes deteriorate and all the information might not be readable. Yet these old headstones mark the place our ancestors are buried. I would not like to see any type of monument removed from a cemetery unless a new monument is installed. Sometimes people put up wooden monuments that rot and decay. These also should not be taken down unless new ones are installed in the place of the old wooden monuments. Many of the cemeteries in the panhandle have been destroyed by greedy people who want to reclaim the land to build or farm on the land. This has happened many times, we go looking for the old cemeteries and find a field or a housing development where the old cemetery once was located. I feel anyone who damages a headstone should be made to replace said headstones out of his/her own pocket and write a letter of apology that has to be put in all area newspapers. Sincerely, Betty James Smith March 30, 2002 To View a web page for Cemeteries. http://www.rootsweb.com/~fljackso/cemetery.htm Cemeteries that have been destroyed or vandalize. If you can add to this list please e-mail [email protected] 1. Rocky Creek - African - American - County may have paved over part of this cemetery. Then a mobile home has been put beside of it and part of the yard is the old cemetery. Now a wood lot is being put on top of the rest of it. This Cemetery has at lest one headstone. Last name of POOSER, first name unknown, female. (Check Pooser Cemetery below) 2. Hawley's Cemetery - White - Hawley Cemetery is not under water. But was destroyed. I talked with an elderly Sneads resident who saw the cemetery. It was a family cemetery with an old iron fence around it. It was located on high ground where Seminole Lodge is today. Before Seminole Lodge area was built the area was bulldozed and stuff pushed down to the lower land. When the boat area was dredged that's how the headstones were found. The Hawley Cemetery probably has buildings over it now. The Hawley's at one time owned sections 23 and 24 land. Today the State prison Dairy Farm and Seminole Lodge is on this land. There is a Hawley Street in Sneads today named after the old ones. Wayne N Carpenter 3. Compass Lake - African - American , all headstones stolen. (This happened in Polk Co Fl and years later a house was torn down and the blocks under the house turned out to be headstones.) 4. Greensboro - White, Dr Goddard was buried there and had a big beautiful marble headstone, the owner bulldozed it away. 5. Miles Family Cemetery - White - all heastones were bulldozed in 1940's. Graves were later moved to Springhill. Judge Robert McCrary wrote letter to Phillip Farris telling him to the fence Miles Cemetery, which was on his property and Phillip Farris was credited with destroying the headstones. 6. Crutchfield Cemetery - White - all headstones were cleared and a field is there now. One headstone has been recently put by the road CSA headstone. 7. The Byrd (Bird) Cemetery - White - on River Road north of Sneads was destroyed during the late 1970s. The cemetery was bulldozed and what remains of the iron fence that surrounded it can now be seen under a pile of rocks. 8. Shores Mill Cemetery - White - Section 7 Township 3 North Range 11 West, located in the South West Quadrant of Jackson County. This is cemetery #175 from the WPA survey. Directions from WPA: From the Atlanta and St Andrews Bay Depot in the town of Round Lake, go north on US 231 for one mile, turn right (northeast) on dirt road and go 1 5/10 miles to cemetery which lies 40 feet on right (east) of road. This cemetery is apparently gone; the location is now planted pines. The cemetery was in existence during the 1940s. 9. Scurlock Cemetery - White - all headstones bulldozed. 10. Cook and Beauchamp Family Cemetery - White - plowed under - not headstones found. 11. Simpson Cemetery - White - Not found today.

This might be helpful to some of you. Thanks so much, [email protected] Cindy

Judge Reynolds is in the 2nd Judicial Court. He is a good person and a great Judge. I think the Preacher will be very sorry for his actions. Winnette GEORGE S. REYNOLDS, III Judicial Assistant is Sherry McHan 627-7780 (Gadsden) 365-K Fax # 627-5323 (Gadsden) 577-4310 (Leon) http://www.2ndcircuit.leon.fl.us/wrapper.php3?page=/judges.html ----- Original Message ----- From: "James L. Edenfield" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, March 29, 2002 4:04 PM Subject: [FLJACKSO] Fw: Mt.Zion Baptist Church This is a followup on the situtation with Mt. Zion Baptist Church.. Karen Brown Stewart called me last night and we talked for about an hour.. The situation is a whole lots worse than stated in her original e-mail (inserted below) ... Diamond Stewart, present pastor, has removed tombstones and markers from the cemetery according to Karen .. She has personally seen him removed a tombstone and throw it in the woods ... It was laterly broken in several pieces so it could not be identified.. He is not allowing people to buried in the cemetery even thou their family are buried.. He has told some that they must have their family (already buried there) removed from the cemetery.. There is much much more!!!! Karen can be reached at [email protected] or phone: 850-539-0517 (Havana, FL) In the next two or three weeks there will a hearing in Quincy, FL under Judge Reynolds. I think letters to Judge Reynolds might help... I don't know of an e-mail address for the Judge.. Gadsden County Clerk of Court Attention: Judge Reynolds 9 East Jefferson Street Quincy Florida 32351 James James L. Edenfield Website: http://edenfield.org Email: [email protected] ============================================================= ----- Original Message ----- From: kattz4u To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, February 19, 2056 2:49 PM Subject: Mt.Zion Babtist Church Mr. Edenfield here I can recieve e-mail at [email protected] if anyone would like to talk to me or any of the others please fell free to call or write I will be happy to talk to anyone about this matter. Thank you again and God bless you. Gadsden County Clerk of Court Attention: Judge Reynolds 9 East Jefferson Street Quincy Florida 32351 PREVIOUS MSG > Subj: In regards to Mt.Zion Babtist Church Gadsden Fla. > Date: 03/25/2002 9:01:37 PM Eastern Standard Time > From: [email protected] > > Dear Ms. BettyMaeS, > > I was pleased to find your sight on the internet I found it > very helpful. My name is Karen Brown Stewart I am relatted to most of the > people burried in that cemetary. However five years ago a preacher come to > Mt Zion, Mr. Dimond E. Stewart . What few members were there were pushed > away. The preacher decided the people who wanted to be burried out there > regardless of wheather they have their asigned headstones , he informed them > that unless they pay him that they could not be burried. Most of these people > are in their late 80's. He has refused to let people in the cemetary only > with his permission. Some of the members you have listed on your chart their > family has removed them because of him. My mother and grandmother attended > this church growing up back when it was a clay dirt road. They have tried to > go to the church but the preacher informed them they would never become > members. The have been members for years . Some of the decendants of the ones > listed ( old members) have sought legal > action on this matter. He would not allow anyone who has reletives burried in > the cemetary become members. If you have any information on the church that > could help us in any way it would greatly be apprecieated. > Thank You so much for your time. > > If you would like to know more about what is going on please fill free to > call me or my mother > Hazel Brown Or Karen Brown Stewart > (850)875-3520 > or email me . > God bless --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.343 / Virus Database: 190 - Release Date: 3/22/02

I am not a lawyer, so don't be e-mailing me for free legal advice:-) Grave desecration is a crime in Florida, and probably in most other states too. The "Judge" will know what to do with the Rev. Diamond Stewart. The hyperlink below relates to grave desecration. Jim Webb >Click here: Sun-Sentinel: News Local</A>

This is a followup on the situtation with Mt. Zion Baptist Church.. Karen Brown Stewart called me last night and we talked for about an hour.. The situation is a whole lots worse than stated in her original e-mail (inserted below) ... Diamond Stewart, present pastor, has removed tombstones and markers from the cemetery according to Karen .. She has personally seen him removed a tombstone and throw it in the woods ... It was laterly broken in several pieces so it could not be identified.. He is not allowing people to buried in the cemetery even thou their family are buried.. He has told some that they must have their family (already buried there) removed from the cemetery.. There is much much more!!!! Karen can be reached at [email protected] or phone: 850-539-0517 (Havana, FL) In the next two or three weeks there will a hearing in Quincy, FL under Judge Reynolds. I think letters to Judge Reynolds might help... I don't know of an e-mail address for the Judge.. Gadsden County Clerk of Court Attention: Judge Reynolds 9 East Jefferson Street Quincy Florida 32351 James James L. Edenfield Website: http://edenfield.org Email: [email protected] ============================================================= ----- Original Message ----- From: kattz4u To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, February 19, 2056 2:49 PM Subject: Mt.Zion Babtist Church Mr. Edenfield here I can recieve e-mail at [email protected] if anyone would like to talk to me or any of the others please fell free to call or write I will be happy to talk to anyone about this matter. Thank you again and God bless you. Gadsden County Clerk of Court Attention: Judge Reynolds 9 East Jefferson Street Quincy Florida 32351 PREVIOUS MSG > Subj: In regards to Mt.Zion Babtist Church Gadsden Fla. > Date: 03/25/2002 9:01:37 PM Eastern Standard Time > From: [email protected] > > Dear Ms. BettyMaeS, > > I was pleased to find your sight on the internet I found it > very helpful. My name is Karen Brown Stewart I am relatted to most of the > people burried in that cemetary. However five years ago a preacher come to > Mt Zion, Mr. Dimond E. Stewart . What few members were there were pushed > away. The preacher decided the people who wanted to be burried out there > regardless of wheather they have their asigned headstones , he informed them > that unless they pay him that they could not be burried. Most of these people > are in their late 80's. He has refused to let people in the cemetary only > with his permission. Some of the members you have listed on your chart their > family has removed them because of him. My mother and grandmother attended > this church growing up back when it was a clay dirt road. They have tried to > go to the church but the preacher informed them they would never become > members. The have been members for years . Some of the decendants of the ones > listed ( old members) have sought legal > action on this matter. He would not allow anyone who has reletives burried in > the cemetary become members. If you have any information on the church that > could help us in any way it would greatly be apprecieated. > Thank You so much for your time. > > If you would like to know more about what is going on please fill free to > call me or my mother > Hazel Brown Or Karen Brown Stewart > (850)875-3520 > or email me . > God bless

I have added about 4000 more graves to the Master Cemetery Index and posted them to the website.. There are now over 70,000 .. I am working on Houston Co., AL http://www.rootsweb.com/~fljackso/mindexes/mindexes.htm I also improved the previous/next page navigational links by also putting the link at the top of each page.. You won't have to go to the bottom of the page to backup.. James James L. Edenfield Website: http://edenfield.org Email: [email protected]