If you are unaware of the condition of the White Cemetery in Sparta, Tennessee, it is deplorable. The person who owns the property allows his stock to walk over the graves, the tombstones have been knocked down, and it is not fenced or cared for in any way. I was recently in Sparta and meet the president of the White County Historical Group. She says the "gentleman" is uncooperative with their group. His opinion is that if the White Family does not care enough to take care of the cemetery, why should he. I am seeking funds to take care of this cemetery. If White Family ask that it be done, the "gentleman" must comply according to my information. The John White house was dismantled and moved to the White County Fair Grounds a few years ago. The clapboards were removed and the original logs are in place. The tombstone of John White was also removed with the intent of placing it at the site also. No graves have been removed. I am asking descendants of John White and Martha Phillips to support the White County Historical Group. They will set up an account for the money. It will be used to first fence the cemetery. If funds allow, the stones will be reset. Any money left will be kept in the account to pay for upkeep of the cemetery. I feel that if the White Family can get this project off the ground, others will come forward to help us. Please send your donation, no matter how small, to Mary West Holland, P.O. Box 15, Doyle, Tn 38559. Let me know if you have any questions or if you are a supporter. I will put together a mailing list so I can e-mail you of the progress. I hope to return to Sparta in the fall if funds are their to proceed. Mary Sykes

Hmmm is the county not able to enforce this? My bil bought land that had a cemetery on it from 1853 I will admit it was overgrown and not known about till he cleared it out. But once found the county stepped in and told him he had to keep it a certain way. Had to have it fenced so stock could not get into the area, they tell him how to keep it ect. There were 7 graves there and now 2 of our family members are buried there also. Seems like since it was already established we could use it as present day cemetery. We live in Tx. Glitz ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mary Sykes" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, June 06, 2003 5:56 PM Subject: [WHITE] White Cemetery in White County Tennessee > > If you are unaware of the condition of the White > Cemetery in Sparta, Tennessee, it is deplorable. The > person who owns the property allows his stock to walk > over the graves, the tombstones have been knocked > down,