I'm sending this posting to the several genealogy lists I subscribe to (and
blindly to several close- and not-so-close cousins), in order to generate
some discussion, and frankly, to get some guidance.
My Aunt and I went to an old family cemetery this past Sunday (name and
location intentionally not being named), to gather some dates, and look it
over for the first
time since 1977.
I was appalled by the shape of the grounds (badly overgrown), as well as the
number of eroded stones that were lying on the ground, face up. Among them,
seeing the stone for my great-granduncle Baxter (1873-1879), in an almost
illegible condition, really tore me up.
My though is this - *after* documenting where they presently are, I would
like to:
- remove the worst of the small stones (about six of them,
roughly 2" x 12" x 18") from the cemetery,
- discuss preservation techniques with a geologist I know,
- perform his recommended preservation method(s),
- and return the stones to their present location.
I realize this is highly illegal, hence my not indicating where the cemetery
is. At the same time though, seeing the stones of my great-grandmother's
siblings who died as infants and children deteriorate to nothing strikes me
as just as criminal.
I await your thoughts, either to the lists, or to me privately.
Jon Stevens