Hello All: You know some of the cemeteries that we have worked in have stones that have been toppled over for over 75 years or maybe even more. Where have those families been that no care was given them? Even in the abandoned cemeteries the conditions are much the same. This would continue many more years if no one would volunteer to do these much needed repairs. I try first with the Township Trustee. Most are very glad to have us help because they are overloaded because of many years of neglect. Most say they do a few a year in hope somewhere down the line all will be done. Anyway, my point is, where have the relatives been that they are questioning a repair when they should have been looking after these stones. Joan ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2004 9:10 AM Subject: Re: [INPCRP] screaming In a message dated 10/10/2004 7:33:30 AM Central Standard Time, [email protected] writes: > So if the stones remain personal property of the family do we have to get > permission from the trustees, or owner to repair a family headstone? Does > this only apply to direct ancestors or do third cousins seven times removed > count? > > Brad > This group has always advocated getting a permission slip from the township trustee or cemetery board before beginning any work in these pioneer cemeteries. Many times there are no family members left to give this permission and since the trustee is responsible for maintaining public cemeteries, that's where the permission is obtained from. I only wanted to make the case that IF they did have this type of permission, which this group strongly supports, we should tread carefully in condemning them for messing with someone's ancestor's grave stone. The members of this list are continuously working on someone's ancestor's grave stones and have as much or little right to do so as anyone else. Obviously, the case against their technique is a whole separate issue. Kyle ==== INPCRP Mailing List ==== INPCRP State Coordinator: Brad Manzenberger < [email protected] > http://www.inpcrp.org