Vandals destroy country cemetery
Published on -3/2/2009, 2:27 PM
Printer-friendly version
E-Mail This Story
By MIKE CORN
Rich Schneider's disgust is evident.
So much so he's actively seeking the public's help in locating whoever might be responsible for trashing a turn-of-the-century cemetery in the northern reaches of Trego County.
"The latest marker I saw was 1880," said Schneider, Trego County's sheriff.
The cemetery, along a busy county road north of WaKeeney and then about 4 miles west of U.S. Highway 283, is known as the Saline Valley Cemetery.
It's so old that no one even knows who owns it, according to Schneider. A sheriff's deputy this morning had to get the full name of the cemetery from the Trego County Historical Society.
Schneider said he had contacted the person who cares for the cemetery, mowing its grass. But that person only does it because he lives in the area.
Be that as it may, the vandals went in to the cemetery sometime Saturday, perhaps even Friday, and damaged every headstone.
Every headstone, save for one, was knocked over. The remaining headstone was severely damaged, a large chunk of it knocked out.
The damage was reported Sunday. The cemetery is at the intersection of 210th Avenue and B Road, which is a fairly busy county road.
In some cases, Schneider said, the smaller headstones were used to damage and destroy the larger pieces.
"Somebody went in and destroyed it," Schneider said of the cemetery. "They didn't just tip the headstones over, they broke them."
While there are only 12 or 13 stones, Schneider said the damage was significant.
"They worked at it," he said of the effort involved in inflicting the damage.
In at least one instance, a headstone perhaps 14 inches wide by 2 feet long was used as a battering ram on a bigger headstone.
"They carried it a few yards and tried to use it to break another headstone," Schneider said. "It was just mean."
There are actually 15 stones at the cemetery, according to an online inventory of Trego County cemeteries, but two of the stones were used for four children who were killed in a house fire in 1886, according to the cemetery Web site. The children ranged in age from 2 to 10 years old.
"I can't believe it," Schneider said of the extent of damage. "I don't know what kind of people do that."
Anyone with any information about the vandalism can contact the Trego County Sheriff's office at (785) 743-5721.
This is ridiculous. It's unbelievable how inconsiderate and unruly some people are. I hope the person or persons that are responsible for this horrible act do not go unpunished.
(Posted by: upset)
: 3/3/2009
What an absolutely disgusting display. I hope the people responsible get to do some serious time and provide a helluva lot of community service for this. I hope you find who did this Sheriff, and to those who acted this out: turn yourselves in.
(Posted by: Dave)
: 3/3/2009
I hope the police got finger prints. The story really needs to be front page news with pictures. Let the public see exactly what these low life's did. It could of been one of your loved ones whose grave was desecrated. This is a crime..they should be punished to the extent of the law and then some. How anyone can be so cold hearted is beyond me. I have a sister who was 11 and a brother who was 8 when they passed away. So even the thought their graves could be vandalized by someone who get their kicks out destroying cemeteries..makes me very angry...The public needs to come together...find these sorry excuse for a human being.
(Posted by: )
cemetery destroyed: 3/3/2009
what goes around comes around, someday someone will do it to a relative of yours, and then it won't be so funny
(Posted by: some who is disgusted)
: 3/3/2009
As someone who grew up only a few miles from this historic site I am absolutely angered beyond compare. The cemetery has been for years a landmark used by many rural residents in that part of the county and will be greatly missed. To those who are responsible for this evil act: we sincerely hope you are caught and punished to the fullest extent of the law.
(Posted by: )
cemetary destruction: 3/2/2009
Karma is a true and in your cases a wonderful thing
(Posted by: russell resident)
: 3/2/2009
To who ever is responsible for this cowardly deed...I hope you never have another peaceful nights sleep until you repair what you have destroyed.
(Posted by: )
: 3/2/2009
a real smart person or person's I'm sure did that damage. It is disgusting.
(Posted by: county resident)
3/2/2009: 3/2/2009
That is just sad....
(Posted by: disgusted)
: 3/2/2009
Bet it was some really tough guys too!
(Posted by: )
COMMENT ON THIS STORY
All comments are subject to approval before being posted. Please keep comments constructive and relevant. Opinions certainly can be expressed, but comments that are rude, abusive, slanderous, threatening, sexually oriented, contain profanity or are vulgar will not be tolerated. Comments will not be edited. Any comment that violates the above-listed rules will be deleted.
