ARTICLES FROM NEWSPAPERS
LINKS TO ONLINE NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
LUBBOCK COUNTY TX
HUNT COUNTY TX
HUNT COUNTY TX
NORTHHAMPTON, MAINE
NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA
BIXBY, OKLAHOMA
ARDMORE, OKLAHOMA
I called about the article in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and was told that all the headstones were replaced. If someone in the Lubbock area could follow up on this to make sure I have the correct information, I would sincerely appreciate it.
VANDALS DO DAMAGE IN HISTORIC CEMETERY
Theft and vandalism continue to be a problem at the Historic Concrete Cemetery on Farm Road 775 near La Vernia. Since the theft of Antonia E. Currie’s marker in 1997, which unfortunately was never recovered, the cemetery has experience the loss of yet another one of its old monuments.
The marker of T. M. Ewell (Oct. 11, 1817– Dec. 11, 1866) was taken from the cemetery sometime between April 26 and mid-May.
The inscription on the marker reads: “Son of J. M. Ewell of Prince William County. Va.,Aged 49 years and 2 months.”
The inscription on the bottom of the marker reads: “He was a devoted member of the Methodist Church.”
During the early part of May the Dora M. Murray monument (1869-1899) may have been targeted for theft as it was struck by a vehicle and dislodged from the ground, causing much damage to the marker. No one has taken responsibility for this incident.
The inscription on the Antonia E. Currie monument reads as follows: “Infant daughter of J. B and A. E. Currie, Born 11/11/1874, Died 11/24/1874.” The inscription on the bottom of the marker reads: “Free from all earthly care; pure from all earthly stain, oh who could wish her back again.”
During the time of manually locking and unlocking the gate at the cemetery entrance on FM 775, which proved to be rather time-consuming, the cemetery association approved the installation of an automatic solar-powered gate, locking at 9 p.m. and opening at 6 a.m. The gate was installed during the month of June.
On the evening of Aug. 5, it appears that someone ignored the 9 p.m. closing time and was automatically locked in.
Rather than seeking assistance to get out, they proceeded to destroy the mechanism of the gate, causing much damage and creating a great expense to the association. No one has accepted responsibility for this incident.
Sometime during the month of June, a vehicle that was too tall attempted to enter the archway at the main entrance to the cemetery and caused extensive damage. No one has assumed responsibility for this.
The destruction of these gates and the theft of the monuments are being investigated by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Department.
The Concrete Cemetery Association is offering a cash reward for information leading to the recovery of the stolen stones and information leading to the identity of the person or persons who caused extensive damage to the gates.
If you have information regarding the above vandalism, call the Sheriff’s Department at (830)303-5241. Source information: Seguin Gazette-Enterprise Seguin, Texas, Sunday, August 20, 2000 page 14A. Permission given to publish here by The Seguin Gazette-Enterprise.
