To keep you all up to date on what's going on with the issue of restoration at Park-Miller Cemetery on the EKU Farm, here is a letter sent to me from the Vice President of EKU Administrative Affairs and my response: Mr. Whitlock, Thank you for your note.  I appreciate your response and concern.  It was never my intention to blindside anyone, Sir.  Infact, myself and my cousin, Rev.  Erwin Ray, Jr. of Oakland, KY, have written the President of EKU, bringing to his attention, our deep concern regarding the overgrowth and damage to the fence, as well as the "headstones and monuments " of our ancestors within Park-Miller Cemetery.  Erwin's letter was sent most recently on 21 May 2001.  The fence had been down and cattle had been trampling the stones on an almost daily basis, since at least the Summer of 2000, when I first visited this family burial ground.  Farm personnel were made aware of this problem during our visit there, if not beforehand. I sincerely appreciate the repair of the fence and clearing of the ground there as the overgrowth was thick and well out of control.  While these measures prevent any "further" damage, they do not address the most critical and  heartbreaking concern.  Specifically, the precious contents within--my ancestors' tombstones.  Despite being unusually well-preserved, including their structural composition and clear legibility--they were knocked down, broken in two, or in some cases, badly crushed, by the ever-increasing flow of cattle through this small area of land.  In particular, the beautiful stones of Madison County's respected religious figure and historian, Rev. John Mills Park (1806-1877) and his wife, Martha Bullock Oldham (1812-1851)--grandson to my Kentucky Pioneer 5th Great Grandparents, Ebenezer Park (1747-1839) and Tabitha Mills (1752-1826), who helped forge the land that is the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky today.  The desecration of their sacred burial ground, stands against everything my ancestors (and yours) lived, fought, and died for as founding fathers and Kentuckians.  As a family historian, I have the utmost respect for my family, my state, and educational institutions, such as EKU.  But, words cannot begin to describe how violated the sight of this carnage made me and the rest of my family feel.  And my father, 72-years young, and an EKU-grad, was particularly saddened.  Mr. Whitlock, I can assure you, that this damage was not short-term, but a byproduct of many months, possibly years of neglect.  And this is readily apparent to anyone who has personally visited this site.  So, my question is this:  Who is responsible for resurrecting and repairing the stones that have been damaged?  As long as I am living, I will not have peace, while my ancestors lie, with their gravestones shattered and in their current state of disarray.  Something must be done. As you ponder this question, I also ask you consider that part of the land that EKU has enjoyed throughout their history and today, was my John and Martha's family farm, yesteryear.  So, can't EKU find a way to provide them with the respect and dignity they deserve, by at the very least, restoring their tombstones and place of burial?  This, the place where their children placed their bodies and mourned their deaths 151 and 125 years-ago, respectively.  What can I do to help and also to make sure that this does not happen again?  Finally, you might be pleased to know, that Hume-Duncan Cemetery, where some of our other ancestors are just 75 yards away (1700s) across the field from Park-Miller Cemetery on the EKU Farm, is well-protected, away from the threat of meandering cattle, and in excellent condition.  For this, I thank you and the EKU Community from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to your response. Respectfully, William D. Park Kentucky Colonel 104 Rodeo Dr. Hurricane, WV  255526 (304) 562-4412 At 10:01 AM 3/13/2002 -0500, you wrote: >Mr. Park: > >A few individuals have called to our attention some information in a letter you recently posted to the Kentucky Cemeteries list serve.   I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some information. > >University farms have been part of my area of responsibility for the past three years.   During that time, I have not been made aware of any concerns raised about cemeteries on our properties.   We have made an effort to keep these areas fenced and cleared of brush and other overgrowth.   There was a time last summer when a storm caused a tree to fall across a fence at one of the cemeteries on the Meadowbrook Farm, but that has long since been repaired.   This spring we intend to trim again and to treat any undesirable growth with herbicides. > >We take seriously the protection of these plots which remain so very important to the families they represent and to the Commonwealth's history.   > >Please feel free to call on me, or our Director of Farms, Michael Judge, 859-622-1310, if we can be of any assistance. > > >Doug Whitlock >Vice President for Administrative Affairs >Eastern Kentucky University >CPO 35A Coates Administration Building >521 Lancaster Avenue >Richmond, KY  40475-3102 > >Office:  (859) 622-2197, Coates Room 214 >Mobile: (859) 200-2864 >Fax:  (859) 622-5014 > >E-mail: [email protected] >