See the web site below for a "virtual cemetery". http://www.genealogy.com/vcem_welcome.html?Welcome=996024531 Carol Byler Charles Ellis wrote: > There is already in existence a virtual cemetery project (I cannot remember the > URL, does anyone know what it is?) You might want to check it out. > > MSW100957@aol.com wrote: > > > This brings us to an interesting point, which I have been pondering and > > wondering if many other list members have the same type of interest. > > I am quite an avid photographber of cemetary markers > > > <snip> > > > Therefore, my question is would others besides myself be interested in > > creating a homepage that could be linked to other homepages (if the owner of > > the page desired) displaying photos of cemetaries, > > <snip> > > > > > > > Martie Williams Cashion

There is already in existence a virtual cemetery project (I cannot remember the URL, does anyone know what it is?) You might want to check it out. MSW100957@aol.com wrote: > This brings us to an interesting point, which I have been pondering and > wondering if many other list members have the same type of interest. > I am quite an avid photographber of cemetary markers > <snip> > Therefore, my question is would others besides myself be interested in > creating a homepage that could be linked to other homepages (if the owner of > the page desired) displaying photos of cemetaries, <snip> > > > Martie Williams Cashion

Here's an idea. My nephew's Boy Scout troop often suggests that Scouts searching for Eagle projects take on the task of restoring old cemeteries. I reminded Jamie that his GGgrandfather's cemetery in Roanoke has been unattended to for decades. I think he may take the hint. <G> Mary wrote: > I have been following the conversation on abandoned cemeteries., Changing the law might help, but most states do not have any funds available for this project. What needs to be done if you really care is where ever you live gather your tools and some friends and get out there and make a difference, it is a very rewarding feeling when you can stand there and see the stones and know that someone somewhere is greatful. Mary from Greene Co., Illinois

Joyce B., It looks like you may have to be on AOL to get all the info from this site. http://members.aol.com/jweaver303/tn/tncsunit.htm#inf Pam Vick

I'm looking for information on Mark Sumner b. abt 1812. Married Charlotte White in 1832 in Whitley, Ky. I would love any information I could get. Thanks Fran

The Story Tellers..... We are the chosen. In each family there is one who seems called to find the ancestors. To put flesh on their bones and make them live again, to tell the family story and to feel that somehow they know and approve. Doing genealogy is not a cold gathering of facts but, instead, breathing life into all who have gone before. We are the story tellers of the tribe. All tribes have one. We have been called, as it were, by our genes. Those who have gone before cry out to us: Tell our story. So, we do. In finding them, we somehow find ourselves. How many graves have I stood before now and cried? I have lost count. How many times have I told the ancestors you have a wonderful family you would be proud of us? How many times have I walked up to a grave and felt somehow there was love there for me? I cannot say. It goes beyond just documenting facts. It goes to who am I and why do I do the things I do. It goes to seeing a cemetery about to be lost forever to weeds and indifference and saying I can't let this happen. The bones here are bones of my bone and flesh of my flesh. It goes to doing something about it. It goes to pride in what our ancestors were able to accomplish. How they contributed to what we are today. It goes to respecting their hardships and losses, their never giving in or giving up, their resoluteness to go on and build a life for their family. It goes to deep pride that the fathers fought and some died to make and keep us a Nation. It goes to a deep and immense understanding that they were doing it for us. It is of equal pride and love that our mothers struggled to give us birth, without them we could not exist, and so we love each one, as far back as we can reach. That we might be born who we are. That we might remember them. So we do. With love and caring and scribing each fact of their existence, because we are they and they are the sum of who we are. So, as a scribe called, I tell the story of my family. It is up to that one called in the next generation to answer the call and take my place in the long line of family storytellers. That, is why I do my family genealogy, and that is what calls those young and old to step up and restore the memory or greet those whom we had never known before. (Unknown Author)

This brings us to an interesting point, which I have been pondering and wondering if many other list members have the same type of interest. I am quite an avid photographber of cemetary markers and have found through the years that vandalism occurs and stones go missing. Without the previous photography attempts either by myself or others, these stones are never recovered and no documentation remains of their existence. In addition, decay becomes another factor. Therefore, my question is would others besides myself be interested in creating a homepage that could be linked to other homepages (if the owner of the page desired) displaying photos of cemetaries, a map of the county and directions. Once the page was established and if the owner agreed, others could contribute their photos for that county. This would also enable those who cannot travel to the county, the opportunity to view and even possibly use the documentation that we receive from this media. Martie Williams Cashion Genealogy Entwines The Past and Future ~You Become A Mere Branch On A Growing Tree That Never Needs Pruning, Just Your Tender Loving Care <A HREF="http://members.nbci.com/_XMCM/mytree2/index.html">My Tree Too</A> http://members.nbci.com/_XMCM/mytree2/index.html

I am interested in any records of Fikes families. My G-G-Grandfather was Maliki Fikes and I understand that he was a Justice of the Peace in the early 1800's in Sumner Co. Any info would be appreciated.

Peter Borders, birthdate unknown received a land grant for 200 acres on the middle fork of Drakes Creek in Sumner Co. on Dec 2, 1830. His wife's name was Esther. They had a daughter Sarah Suzanna Borders born about 1806 in North Carolina. She married David Graves in 1822 in Sumner Co. I have no information on any other children of Peter and Esther Borders. Hope this will help.

I heartily agree with Mary about maintaining and restoring our ancestors final resting places! We found an old cemetery of my husband's family that was in poor shape and have made several trips repairing and cleaning stones, etc. It is very rewarding. Of course, we are very fortunate that the curent property owners are extremely cooperative! Don't forget to thank them when you encounter that! Sue Fort Wayne IN

Have just received the military record and pension application of William M. Gray and noted the following names in it: H. T. WILLIAMS and J. C. GILLESPIE were in the same unit with him. J. K. MILLER was detailed to bring the wounded man home. Interesting little footnote for anyone researching those families. Joyce

I have run across several web sites which concern the preservation of cemeteries. I do not have the links but if you key in cemeteries, save a grave, etc. you will find them. There is one site where you can adopt a cemetery. Hope this helps someone...........sandra

I have been following the conversation on abandoned cemeteries., Changing the law might help, but most states do not have any funds available for this project. What needs to be done if you really care is where ever you live gather your tools and some friends and get out there and make a difference, it is a very rewarding feeling when you can stand there and see the stones and know that someone somewhere is greatful. Mary from Greene Co., Illinois

My Husband's GGrandfather Aaron H Shearon was born and raised in Nashville, but went to Illinois to enlist in the 120th Illinois Volunteer Army as did Permelia Sanderson's (Aaron's wife's) father. They were all born in the SumnerCo/ Davidson Co TN area so when a ? (on a form) is asked where is the enlistee from is he considered from Illinois or TN???. I can find no info on Aaron or John Sanderson serving in the Civil War, but I do have copies of a filing for a pension as Aaron died of stomach disease in 1870 (approx 31 yrs of age.) So I do know he served in the Civil but war can't find out any other info. Aaron did go back to TN after the war as did John. Glenna gruth@bootheel.net

I am looking for relatives in Sumner Co, TN. My families include Jim & Martha Batie Albert (can be found as Albright in some census records), John & Melissa Linville Conquest, James Riley & Elizabeth Albert Parks, Joseph "Joe" Robertson & Rutha Ann Conquest Parks. Have lots of information that I would be willing to share. I am stuck mostly on the Conquest and Albert lines.

Mike, Su, et al. I too am quite interested in this discussion on cemetery preservation. Once lost, these cemeteries are lost forever. I do have a personal (unrelated) request to make. When replying to other posts to the list, would you kindly edit the original notes to include only the part you are referring back to, or enough to remind us which notes you a commenting on? Otherwise we get HUGE email files which are not really necessary. Thanks for your cooperation. Mike Waggoner wrote: > Not sure of the law's date. Will try to find out----- Original > Message ----- > From: Su <pittsu@northcoast.com> > To: Mike Waggoner <colcmw@home.com>; <TNSUMNER-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2001 6:11 PM > Subject: RE: [TNSUMNER] TENNESSEE CEMETERY LAW > > > This is quite interesting, as I understand that the PITT family cemetery > was > > destroyed completely by the present landowner. > > > > How old are these laws? > > Suzanne Senn Pitt > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Mike Waggoner [mailto:colcmw@home.com] > > Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2001 6:03 PM > > To: TNSUMNER-L@rootsweb.com > > Subject: [TNSUMNER] TENNESSEE CEMETERY LAW > > > > > > UntitledTennessee Cemetery & Burial Site Laws > > Statutory Laws > > (Tennessee Code Annotated) > > Title 46. Cemeteries <snip>

There was a cemetery on the farm where I grew up. Both whites and blacks were buried there. There were no permanent markers and I don't know what the status is now as we sold the farm many years ago. We allowed any and all to be buried there and visited whenever. More recently, I found the cemetery where my great-great- grandfather was buried but a neighbor told me that the owner had recently bulldozed all the markers off. I don't understand why as the land was not fit to be used for crops, etc. People do strange things, don't they? Reece Andrews

Hello, I have been closely following the dialog on "Tennessee Cemetery Law" and have found it to be very interesting and a subject that I feel strongly about. I am a SUMMERS/BRILEY descendant. It is my understanding that the two Briley Family Cemeteries where John Logan Summers and Ella Summers are buried in Sumner County are slowly being destroyed by cattle using them as a pasture. The cattle are knocking down and breaking the old headstones, with manure all over the graves. The other Briley Family Cemetery is very close to this one, on the same property, much in the same condition. These old family cemeteries are part of our heritage, our family history and the resting place of our ancestors. The headstones, as well as the cemeteries themselves, are slowly being destroyed, and like endangered species, once they are gone, they are gone forever. We all need to feel a responsibility to maintain and protect these pioneer or small family cemeteries, regardless if we have ancestors buried there or not. Ancestors of these families need access and entitlement to ensure the maintenance, care and upkeep of these precious treasures. These old cemeteries are the final resting place of the people that help make this country as great as it is today. We owe it to them to ensure they have the final respect and honor that they justly deserve. The "Summers" that moved to Sumner County, TN from Guilford County, NC and then moved to Franklin County, Illinois, and other states such as Arkansas, Missouri and Texas, fought in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, The Black Hawk War, Civil War and each war every since. On 12 Sep 1825, Robert Clancy Summers married Sarah (Sally) Briley in Sumner County, TN (my great-great-great-grandparents). Robert and Sarah had six of their sons fighting in the Civil War at the same time. They lost one son, Private Harvey M. Summers at Vicksburg, Mississippi on 01 Oct 1863 (buried Section I, gave 7703 in Vicksburg National Park). They gave the ultimate sacrifice for their county and we need to honor their final resting place. The people buried in these cemeteries were real families with hopes and dreams just like those of us living today. It is up to us to ensure they rest in peace and honor. Below, you will find a list of the people buried at these two cemeteries: The first list is the smaller cemetery, one 7/10 mile south of the Clearview Church of Christ: Nancy Briley, b. 3 Oct. 1817 d. 17 Apr. 1882 Wife of S. Briley Samuel Briley b. 28 Nov. 1814 d. 15 Mar. 1893 M.E. Brinkley Briley, b. 22 Apr. 1841 d. 3 Sept. 1921 Wife of S.M. Briley S.M. Briley b. 10 Mar. 1845 d. 18 Feb. 1892 The second cemetery is 8/10 mi. south of the Church: Piety A. Chandler b. 25 Apr. 1837 d. 14 June 1876 Emory Hiram Briley b. ? Jan. 1816 d. 05 Oct. 1858 Larkin Briley b. 25 Dec. 1848 d. 31 Dec. 1928 Mary F. Briley b. 14 June 1847 d. 15 Oct. 1887 W. Ottie Briley b. 28 Oct. 1883 d. 05 Apr. 1928 Ruby Briley b. 14 Jan. 1914 d. 28 Oct. 1934 Virgil L. Summers b. 30 Apr. 1885 d. 23 Jan. 1917 J. L. Summers, Father b. 06 Feb. 1863 (No death date) Ella Summers, Mother b. 03 Apr. 1864 d. 23 Jun. 1910 - Dau. of Jesse & E.L. Summers, Wife & Mother Luther Summers b. 09 Oct. 1887 d. 01 Mar. 1908 Mary L. Summers, b. 21 Sept. 1864 d. 03 Mar. 1884 Elizabeth L. Summers b. ? May 1836 d. 06 Mar. 1883 Everyone's help and support is needed in protecting and preserving the old family cemeteries. If it requires changing the existing laws, then we need to take on that challenge. We also need to work with the owners of the land where these cemeteries are located, to convince them to do the right thing. We need to increase their awareness of the importance of saving our historic cemeteries and to allow access by relatives. Thanks for listening, Dale Foresythe Acton, Massachusetts dale4sythe@mindspring.com Below, I have repeated the website's recommended by Diane Payne, as I feel they are excellent reference resources: http://www.savinggraves.com/ http://web.utk.edu/~kizzer/genehist/research/cemetery.htm

Hello Bob, Thanks for the reply re "Toby" DOLLAR & his sister Merle. Do you know if Toby's name is actually Douglas DOLLAR and what his date of birth is? OR is/was Douglas another brother? Also ask if you know how I could possibly contact his sister, Merle (Merle LASHLEE?)? And also, does he also have a sister named Louise (DOLLAR) SPRAYBERRY living somewhere in Alabama? I am related to Toby and his sisters through thier mother, Bertha Maybelle (MONTGOMERY) DOLLAR, Bertha and my grandmother, Lillian (MONTGOMERY) SLATER WINTRODE, were sisters.

Not sure of the law's date. Will try to find out----- Original Message ----- From: Su <pittsu@northcoast.com> To: Mike Waggoner <colcmw@home.com>; <TNSUMNER-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2001 6:11 PM Subject: RE: [TNSUMNER] TENNESSEE CEMETERY LAW > This is quite interesting, as I understand that the PITT family cemetery was > destroyed completely by the present landowner. > > How old are these laws? > Suzanne Senn Pitt > > -----Original Message----- > From: Mike Waggoner [mailto:colcmw@home.com] > Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2001 6:03 PM > To: TNSUMNER-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: [TNSUMNER] TENNESSEE CEMETERY LAW > > > UntitledTennessee Cemetery & Burial Site Laws > Statutory Laws > (Tennessee Code Annotated) > Title 46. Cemeteries > > 46-1-102. Definitions > As used in chapters 1 and 2 of this title, unless the context otherwise > requires: > > (1) "Cemetery" means any land or structure in this state dedicated to and > used, or intended to be used, for interment of human remains; > (3) "Cemetery purposes" means any and all things requisite or necessary > for > or incident or convenient to the establishment, maintenance, management, > operation, improvement and conduct of a cemetery, the preparation of the > premises for interment and the interment of the human dead, and the care, > preservation and embellishment of cemetery property; > > > > 46-2-105. Crimes and offenses > (a) No person shall willfully destroy, deface, or injure any monument, > tomb, > gravestone, or other structure placed in the cemetery, or any roadway, > walk, > fence or enclosure in or around the same, or injure any tree, plant or > shrub > therein, or hunt or shoot therein, play at any game or amusement therein, > or > loiter for lascivious or lewd purposes therein, or interfere, by words or > actions, with any funeral procession or any religious exercises. > (b) A violation of this section is a Class E felony. > > > > Chapter 4. Termination of Use of Land as Cemetery > 46-4-101. Purpose > This chapter, which is enacted for the public welfare in the exercise of the > police powers of the state of Tennessee, applies to any burial ground in the > state of Tennessee, including any land owned or controlled by cemetery > companies, which the court to which jurisdiction is given by this chapter > finds, > for any of the reasons hereinafter stated, is unsuitable for its use as such > and > as a resting place for the dead whose remains are buried therein, or the > further > use of which for such purposes the court finds, for any of such reasons, is > inconsistent with due and proper reverence or respect for the memory of the > dead > or otherwise unsuitable for such purposes, the reasons being: > > (1) The burial ground having been abandoned; or > (2) The burial ground being in a neglected or abandoned condition; or > (3) The existence of any conditions or activities about or near the > burial > ground which the court finds render the further use of same for the > purposes > aforementioned inconsistent with due and proper reverence or respect for > the > memory of the dead, or for any other reason unsuitable for such purposes. > > > > 46-4-102. Definition > "Interested persons," as used in this chapter, means any and all persons who > have any right or easement or other right in, or incident or appurtenant to, > a > burial ground as such, including the surviving spouse and children, or if no > surviving spouse or children, the nearest relative or relatives by > consanguinity > of any one (1) or more deceased persons whose remains are buried in any > burial > ground. > > > > 46-4-103. Actions and proceedings > (a) Any interested person or persons, and/or any county in this state in > which > any such burial ground is situated, and/or any municipality in this state if > any > such burial ground is situated in such municipality or within one (1) mile > of > the lawful corporate limits thereof and not beyond the limits of the county > in > which any part of any such municipality is situated and not within the > lawful > corporate limits of any other municipality in Tennessee, may bring or join > in a > suit in the chancery court of the county in which any such burial ground is > situated, for the following purpose or purposes: > > (1) To have the remains of all deceased persons buried in such ground > removed > therefrom and reburied in a suitable repository to be obtained for that > purpose before their removal from such burial ground; > (2) To terminate the use of, and all rights and easements to use such > ground > as a burial ground, and all rights and easements incident or appurtenant > to > the ground as a burial ground; and > (3) Thereupon, to partition or sell for partition the ground if the court > finds that it belongs to two (2) or more persons and if any one (1) or > more of > the owners thereof shall apply for such partition. The authority of all > municipalities in the state of Tennessee is extended, for the sole purpose > of > bringing or joining in any such suit by any such municipality, but for no > other purpose, to a distance of one (1) mile from the lawful corporate > limits > thereof but not beyond the limits of the county in which any part of any > such > municipality is situated and not so as to come within the lawful corporate > limits of any other municipality of the state of Tennessee. > > (b) In any such suit, all interested persons who are not complainants shall > be > made defendants, and the owner or owners of the land or of any right of > reversion or other right or interest therein, if such owner or owners shall > be > or include other than the interested persons, shall also be made defendants. > Interested persons who are minors or otherwise incompetent or under > disability > may become complainants by guardian or next friend. All known defendants who > are > minors or otherwise incompetent or under disability shall be represented by > guardian ad litem. Nonresident and unknown defendants may be proceeded > against > by order of publication, and publication, in the manner provided by law. > > > > 46-4-104. Judgments and decrees; removal and reinterment > Such removal and reinterment, and other relief described in Sec. 46-4-103, > including partition or sale for partition if prayed for and if the court > finds > the conditions for partition exist as provided in Sec. 46-4-103, shall be > granted, authorized, decreed and ordered by the court upon the court > finding, > upon the hearing of the cause upon the entire record, including the > pleadings > and proof, that any one (1) or more of the reasons specified in Sec. > 46-4-101 > exist, and that, due to the same, the burial ground is unsuitable for use as > a > burial ground and as a resting place for the dead whose remains are buried > therein, or that the further use thereof for those purposes is inconsistent > with > due and proper reverence or respect for the memory of the dead, or for any > other > reason unsuitable for those purposes; but the removal and reinterment and > such > other relief shall be granted, authorized, ordered and decreed only upon it > being shown to the satisfaction of the court that definite arrangements have > been made, or before the removal will be made, for reinterment of all of the > remains in a place found by the court to be suitable for such reinterment; > that > for such purpose there have been obtained, or before the removal there will > be > obtained, either the fee simple title to the place of reinterment or > adequate > permanent right and easement to use the same for such reinterment, and > adequate > permanent right and easement of access thereto for visitation; that the > removal > and reinterment of all the remains will be done with due care and decency, > and > that suitable memorial or memorials will be erected at the place of > reinterment. > > > > > > > Chapter 8. Family Burial Grounds Protection. > Effective date May 8, 1996. > 46-8-101. Short title > This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Family Burial Grounds > Protection Act." This chapter is intended to provide notice to buyers of > property with known burial grounds and gravesites. It does not remove any > protection to those sites under existing laws. > > > > 46-8-102. Definitions > As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: > > (1) "Crypt" has the same meaning as used in §46-1-102(8); > (2) "Gravesite" means a space of ground used for lawful interment of a > deceased person; and > (3) "Human remains" or "remains" has the same meaning as used in > §46-1-102(10). > > > > > 46-8-103. Duty to protect graves or crypt -- Disturbances prohibited -- > Transfer > of remains. > (a) A deed for real property which indicates the presence of a gravesite or > crypt containing human remains on the property conveyed obligates the > immediate > and future buyer(s) of the property to protect such gravesite or crypt from > disturbance. The owner of real property has the responsibility for taking > appropriate action, prior to conveying such property, to ensure that the > deed > reflects the presence of the gravesite or crypt on such property. > (b) Real property which has a deed that reflects the presence of human > remains > on the property is protected from disturbance or development as follows: > > (1) A gravesite may not be disturbed in the area of ten feet (10") > surrounding the perimeter of the gravesite; and > (2) A crypt may not be disturbed in the area of five feet (5') > surrounding > the perimeter of the crypt. > > > (c) The owner of real property which has a deed that reflects the presence > of > human remains on the property has the option of transferring the remains, at > the > owner's expense, pursuant to the procedure for termination of use as a > cemetery > in chapter 4 of this title. Upon complete transfer of all human remains from > such property which are properly described on the deed, the buyer has the > right > to the use of the area previously containing the remains as is consistent > for > the remainder of the property. > > > > > > > > > > > Title 39. Criminal Offenses > Chapter 17. Offenses Against Public Health, Safety and Welfare > Part 3 -- Disorderly Conduct and Riots > 39-17-311. Desecration; honored places or flags > (a) A person commits an offense who intentionally desecrates: > > (1) A place of worship or burial; or > (2) A state or national flag. > > (b) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. > > > > 39-17-312. Corpses; abuse > (a) A person commits an offense who, without legal privilege, knowingly: > > (1) Physically mistreats a corpse in a manner offensive to the > sensibilities > of an ordinary person; > (2) Disinters a corpse that has been buried or otherwise interred; or > (3) Disposes of a corpse in a manner known to be in violation of law. > (b) A violation of this section is a Class E felony. > > > > > > > > > > > > Title 68. Health, Safety and Environmental Protection > Chapter 3. Vital Records > Part 5 -- Deaths > 68-3-508. Disinterment; reinterment > (a) Authorization for disinterment and reinterment in cases of movement of > cemeteries or parts of cemeteries or for reuniting families shall be > required > prior to disinterment of a dead body or fetus. > (b) Such authorization shall be issued by the state registrar to a licensed > funeral director or person acting as such, upon proper application. > > > > 68-4-110. Disinterment; rules and regulations > The department of health is empowered to prepare suitable regulations > governing > the disinterment of dead bodies for the protection of public health. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Case Laws > (Tennessee Supreme Court Decisions) > Walter Hines v. State 149 SW 1058-1060 (1911) > Case argued and determined in the Supreme Court of Tennessee for the > Middle > Division. Nashville, December Term, 1911. > Cemeteries. Land devoted and used as a burial ground is held in trust for > that > purpose by the owner and his successors in title. > Where the owner of land definitely appropriated and devoted a small part > thereof as a private family burial ground, and it has been used as such, > the > land cannot be conveyed or devised so as to interfere with such use, > because > such owner, his grantees, devisees, and heirs hold the title in trust for > the > benefit of those entitled to a right or easement of burial in it, who also > have the right to visit the cemetery for the purpose of repairing, > beautifying, and protecting the graves and grounds, and, for these > purposes, > they have a right of ingress and egress from the nearest public road, to > be > exercised at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner. > Cemeteries. Land... Descendants of landowner devoting land to family > burial > ground are entitled to burial therein. > Where the owner of the land definitely appropriated and devoted a small > part > thereof as a private family burial ground, and it has been used as such, > the > right of burial extends to all the descendants of the owner, and they may > exercise it when the necessity arises. > Cemeteries. Land... Descendants... Purchaser takes land subject to burial > rights in a lot devoted to private family burial ground, though there be > no > express reservation. > Where a small part of a tract of land has been devoted to a private family > burial use by the owner, those thereafter purchasing the land take it > subject > to the aforesaid burial rights, without any express reservation in the > deed or > will under which they take; for such reservation is implied, and > purchasers > are charged with notice of the fact that the particular lot has been > dedicated > to burial purposes, and of the rights of descendants and relatives of > those > there buried. Burial lots, whether public or private, are not the subject > of > trade and commerce, and it is always presumed that they are not included > in > the sale of land which surrounds them. > Cemeteries. Land... Descendants... Purchaser... Burial ground rights are > not > barred by statutes of limitations so long as graves are marked by > monuments, > gravestones, or otherwise. > The right to use a private burial ground as such is not barred by the > statute > of limitations, so long as it is kept inclosed [sic]; or, if uninclosed > [sic], > so long as the monuments and gravestones marking the graves are there, or > other attention is given to the graves, so as to show and perpetuate the > sacred object and purpose to which the land has been devoted; for > possession > by the living is not required, in such case, to prevent the acquirement of > title by the adverse possession of the owner of the fee, so long as the > dead > are there buried, their graves are marked, and any acts are done tending > to > preserve their memory and mark their last resting place. > Cemeteries. Desecration of private burial ground and graves therein, and > wrongful obstruction of way thereto, are misdemeanors. > The desecration of a private burial ground, and graves therein, and the > wrongful obstruction of the easement of a right of way from the public > road > thereto, as against those entitled to use it, are misdemeanors, subject to > punishment under the statutes applicable to offenses of that character. > > > > It is the responsibility of law enforcement personnel with jurisdiction over > the > location of the cemetery to enforce these laws. > > > If you are aware of any violations, you should immediately contact local > law > enforcement authorities for action. If law enforcement personnel do not > handle > the situation to your satisfaction, you should contact the state's chief > archaeologist in care of the Department of Environmental Conservation in > Nashville. > For an interpretation of any Tennessee legal matters, and to receive the > most > up-to-date laws, please contact an attorney licensed to practice in this > state. > > > > Return to Tennessee Genealogy Research Links > > This Tennessee Genealogy & History Web Ring site > is owned by Billie R. McNamara > [ Next | Prev | Skip It | Next 5 | Random ] > Want to join the ring? Click here for info. > > > > > > > > > This page was created by and is copyright ©1998 to Billie R. McNamara. All > rights reserved. > The page was last updated January 15, 1998. > > > >