During the last Legislative session, there was a bill passed to allow people access to cemeteries on private land. The last I heard it was in the hands of the Governor. I don't know if it granted protection to the cemeteries. I have heard many stories of hard-hearted people plowing under cemeteries on many lists. It seems to be a problem all over the country. I feel very fortunate to have met a very nice man in Cowen, Webster County who happens to own the land where we believe my great grandmother is buried. He not only allowed us to walk across his land to see the cemetery but also gave us a tour of his farm (where my great grandparents had lived). He told us that when he inherited the farm from his dad there were several field stones in the cemetery and his son, not knowing what they were, moved them while mowing. He was truely sorry and apologized repeatedly. What a shame that there are not more people like him in this world. I'm more than willing to do what I can to help protect these old cemeteries, I just don't know what to do! Cathy >In view of Michael Henline's reports online of cemetery listings, >conditions and locations in Webster County.... > >He said there was a farmer who plowed under and had tombstones removed >from his property so he could plant it.....there are gravesites that >were destroyed by the railroad in accidents, not once but twice at the >same site....... > >does anyone here know if there is a law that protects gravesites at all >in West Virginia. Michael stated that he thought they were owned by the >person who owned the land. Since land ownership changes....are not >gravesites protected against being vandalized or destroyed. > >Does anyone know if there is any action being taken in West Virginia to >protect future damage and destruction to gravesites and tombstones. >More than history is being destroyed here. > >Does anyone have any idea if this has been addressed by the West >Virginia legislature in the past....or if anyone even cares except we, >who are doing family history studies and trying to locate sites of our >ancestory......... > >how about some feedback on this subject ........anyone have any >suggestions what we may do to help this cause...... > >joann > > >