Re: HeadStones & Cemeteries
SEATON JONES VALENTINE
Posted By: Virginia Threlkeld (email) In Response To: HeadStones & Cemeteries (RS Perrin)
Date: 2/16/2009 at 13:56:05
Hello,
Here in Iowa County Iowa.
We have a group of trustees for each township.
If they are unsure of an area that may possible have a grave present. They do not use the area.Also a Federal law was passed in 1998 here in Iowa.
That protects the older cemeteries, and if approved by the county board of supervisors, that county can apply for a tax levy to help preserve the cemetery & it's upkeep. The county board of supervisors makes this final decision on whether to accept the levy.The levy imposes a percentage of taxes (I believe the amount varies) & appoints a board to oversee the upkeep & maintence of these Pioneer Cemeteries.
Several counties here in Iowa have adopted this levy.
There is also a larger group called the SAPIC.Which is on a larger level, here I believe it is state wide, to promote legistlation & even state issues for the upkeep & to safeguard our Pioneer cemeteries on a larger level.
Not all counties, as yet have accepted this, however there are many volunteers who are doing preservation work independent of the supervisors to perserve these Pioneer Cemeteries.
I hope more people get involved & more citzens realize the importance of helping keep our hertiage & our ancesteral burial grounds safe & protected!!
There is a link on the Iowa County Gen. Web for the SAPIC association.
And for more information, I believe Pat Shaw's name & email is also noted there.If you need assistance finding it on that site feel free to contact the site administrator or myself & I will give you the link.
Have a great day!!
And thanks to all, who are out there helping & preserving our cemeteries.
Virginia
P.S.
I do believe it is illegal to bury another person in an already occupied burial place.
However, please contact your state authorities & push to find out.I have found that not all (even the trustees) are aware of the laws associated with the cemeteries.
Please also be aware that I am by NO MEANS an expert, I am an individual who has learned so much in the past few years with documenting & speaking to the caretakers & trustees locally about our cemeteries in my area!
I just ask alot of questions, which always lead to more questions!!
Take care all!!
Have a great day!!
Virginia
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