BUTTS FAMILY CEMETERY, Oconee County, SC A.K.A. Brasstown & Long Creek, SC Version 2.2, 29-Oct-2002, C024.TXT, C24 **************************************************************** REPRODUCING NOTICE: ------------------- These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format for profit, or presentation by any other organization, or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Paul M Kankula - nn8nn Seneca, SC, USA Oconee County SC GenWeb Coordinator Oconee County SC GenWeb Homestead http://www.rootsweb.com/~scoconee/oconee.html Oconee County SC GenWeb Tombstone Project http://www.rootsweb.com/~scoconee/cemeteries.html http://www.usgwtombstones.org/southcarolina/oconee.html **************************************************************** DATAFILE INPUT . : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in Apr-2002 Linda Flynn at (visit above website) in May-2002 DATAFILE LAYOUT : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in Apr-2002 G.P.S. MAPPING . : Gary Flynn at (visit above website) in Apr-2002 HISTORY WRITE-UP : Carlie G. Butts at SARA_18281@msn.com of Toxaway SC & Augusta GA IMAGES ......... : Gary Flynn at (visit above website) in Apr-2002 LOCATION WRITE-UP: Gary Flynn at (visit above website) in Apr-2002 TRANSCRIPTION .. : Carlie G. Butts of Toxaway SC & Augusta GA in 1980 CEMETERY LOCATION: ------------------ - Find intersection of US123 and US 76. - Drive north on US 76 11.8 miles to Brasstown Road(County Road 37-48). - Turn left onto Brasstown Road and drive 0.7 miles. - Cemetery on right side of road, up hill in woods about 150 yards. - Look for cabin on left side of Brasstown Road. - Also look for 2 electric poles together on left side of road across from where you enter woods. - This cemetery is now located on private property. Latitude N 34 44.979 x Longitude W 83 15.393 CHURCH/CEMETERY HISTORY: ------------------------ It is rather difficult to trace the lineage of the Butt(s) family as the ancestors arrived in Georgia, the Carolinas, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Old Virginia. They were listed as being named - But, Butt, and Butts. The original ancestors spelled their name "Butt", or at least until 1765, when it began to be found as "Butts". However, again in 1766, the "s" was dropped, and until 1863 it is listed as "Butt", and then again changed to "Butts". To give an example of how some names were changed, a record of property transfers pertaining to only one family shows the names: Bot, Botts, Butler, Butt, and Botl. Jacob Beriak Butt, Sr., also known as "Big Jake", was one of four sons of Jack Jacob Butt, born in Rockingham County Virginia, and came with his father, mother, and brother John Butt to Edgefield County South Carolina in the year 1790. His father's brother whose name was John Butt had come to South Carolina in the year 1781 and had settled in Pickens District of South Carolina. In 1802, Jacob Beriak Butt, Sr., (28 years old) came to Pickens District from Edgefield County and met a girl by the name of Betsy Gassaway, the daughter of John Aaron Gassaway, and they were soon married. In the year 1829, Jacob Beriak Butt either purchased or was granted 180 acres of land in Pickens District of South Carolina, where Cedar Creek runs into Chauga River, or near what is now known as Rich Mountain area, just northeast of Westminster, South Carolina. At the time he occupied this land, all other land surrounding his was vacant, except for a portion of land owned by Almond Powell. According to Census Records of 1820, neither his father Jack Jacob Butt nor his uncle John Butt showed up as living in South Carolina, for Jacob Butt was the only head of house listed at this time. However, his uncle John Butt appears in Virginia Census records in 1820; therefore, it appears that his father and his uncle had moved to Virginia about the year 1818, and his father died in Virginia in 1826. Jacob Beriak Butt, Sr., was a thrifty person who bought and sold land not only in and around Long Creek, but as far away as Greenville, Pickens, and Abbeville. He seemed to have some connection with district officials and would buy land for almost nothing when it was put up for sale. There is no proof, but it seems as though he bought 200 acres in the name of Jacob Hoppy, let it be put up for sale, then bought it back in his name for $3.00. He sold 688 acres of land to his son, Jacob B. Butt, Jr., on March 10, 1863; however, his son joined the Confederate Army and left for duty on July 1, 1862 and didn't return home on furlough until fall of l864. "Jake" went back to Virginia, and in March 1865 he surrendered to troops from Ohio and was granted permission to travel to Columbus, Ohio. According to the findings, Jacob Butt was one who either liked to move around, or he was dealing in land and it required his moving, for he was forever buying and selling land. It is known that he owned slaves, but the exact number is not clear, for compromise was reached by the northern and southern states allowing the south not to have to report all slaves. In the year 1850, Jacob lived in Union County, Georgia, but by the year 1853 he was back in Pickens District, for he bought 457 acres of land on Long Creek and Wells Creek. However, the last transaction found on record is in 1863, when he sold 400 acres of land on Toxaway Creek to a man by the name of William Duke. There is no proof of the following, but according to information handed down by his father, Jacob B. Butt, Sr., came to this area so that his sons could work the Blue Ridge Railroad, and help dig a tunnel through Stumphouse Mountain, just a few miles north of Walhalla, South Carolina. The railroad would have linked the south with the north, but the Civil War started, and the tunnel was never completed. It is now a tourist attraction and was once used for storing and preserving special cheese process by Clemson University. Jacob Beriak Butt, Sr., and his wife Betsy Gassaway Butt had 4 children. Susan Butt was born 2-10-1828 and died 11-9-1901. She married Jacob Rothell. John B. Butt was born 1-6-1831 and died 2-2-1896. He married Jane English. Jacob Beriak Butt, Jr., was born 1-12-1837 and died 7-10-1905. He married Mary Moore. Anner Rebecca Butt born 3-6-1841 and died 9-11-1904. She was married to Silas Corn. Jacob Beriak Butt, Jr., also known as "Little Jake", was born near Ducktown, Tennessee and lived almost all his life in Pickens District South Carolina. His home-place is now known as "The Old Silas Butts Place" near Long Creek, South Carolina, in a community known as Brasstown. He and his wife Mary Moore Butt are buried along with his parents in the family graveyard there. Carlie Gene Butts, grandson of Jacob Butt, Jr., and Mary Moore Butt and son of Ira Jacob Butts and Agnes Chester Davis Butts, has attempted to restore the Old Butts Graveyard and is now in process of erecting markers for each person buried there, including one for himself, as it is his desire to be buried among those ancestors he liked so well. Mary Moore, daughter of William Riley Moore and Hannah Cox, was born in Oconee County, South Carolina and married Jacob Beriak Butt, Jr., and was buried at the "Old Butts Graveyard" in the Brasstown Community near Long Creek, South Carolina. She had 4 sisters and 5 brothers. Jacob Beriak Butt, Jr., and his wife Mary Moore Butt had 13 children. Samuel Maxwell Butts was born 3-24-1865 and died 1-5-1932. He married Addie Lyles. William Grisham Butts was born 7-25-1866 and died 6-10-1904. He married Anna Blackwell. Ira Jacob Butts was born 2-1-1868 and died 6-6-1939. He was married to Beadie Blackwell (1), Tommie Mulkie (2), and then to Anges Chester Davis (3). Julie Hannah Butts was born 5-17-1869 and died 5-12-1947. She married Preston Lee. Sue Pickens Butts was born 2-9-1871 and died as an infant 1 month later on 3-10-1871. James Lawrence Orr Butts was born 11-12-1872 and died 11-30-1942. He married Martha Annah Lyles. Mary Francis Melinda Butts was born 8-26-1874 and died 5-24-1928. She married Joel Idell Vinson. Jerry Hampton Butts was born 2- 11-1877 and died 2-12-1961. He married Addie Moore. Sara Josephene Butts was born 6-1-1878 and died 3-11-1920. She married John Tom Carter. Silas Noah Butts was born 1-25-1880 and died 8-26-1956. He married Louisa Rholetter. Texas Annah Butts was born 4-2-1882 and died 11-27-1963. She married Joel Clifton Vinson (1), Henry Lee (2). Nancy Savannah Butts was born 7-16-1883 and died 4-4-1960. She married Charlie Roscoe Phillips (1), Robert F. Carter (2). Dovie J. Butts was born 2-5-1886 and died 5-12-1948. Dovie never married; however, she had one child out of wedlock. Two of their children are buried at the family cemetery - Sue Pickens Butts and William Grisham Butts. William Grisham "Bill" Butts was a son of Jacob Beriak Butt, Jr., and Mary Moore and was born in Oconee County, South Carolina in a small community known as Brasstown. He was born on July 25, 1866 and died June 10, 1904 and is buried in the Butts Graveyard near Long Creek. He was married to Anna Blackwell, the daughter of John H. Blackwell and Rebecca Turner. He was the father of four children. Their daughter Lillie Mae Butts died at the age of 16 and is also buried at Butts Graveyard. Two of his children grew up to enjoy a musical talent, and even though being blind from his youth, his son Clarence became Band Director of Westminster High school. He taught music, tuned and repaired instruments, and became a teacher of other blind persons. Bill and Ira married sisters, and the two families are very close and friendly with each other. Bill married at the age of 24 and died at the age of 48. His wife died 17 years later and is buried at Holly Springs Baptist Church near Westminster, South Carolina. William Grisham Butts was named in honor of a Revolutionary Soldier, Private John Grisham born 1761 and died in Virginia in 1835. Private Grisham was buried at Bethel Presbyterian Church off Highway 11 north of Walhalla, South Carolina. Jerry Hampton Butts and his wife Addie Moore had 5 children. Three of their children died as infants and are buried at the "Old Butts Graveyard". They are Mary L. Butts who was 3 years of age, Noah Butts who was 1 month old, and Savannah Butts who was 1 month old. Samuel Maxwell Butts and his wife Addie Lyles had 13 children. Two of their children are buried at the "Old Butts Graveyard". They are Amanda Butts who was 1 day old and Nettie Lou Butts who was 3 years old. Silas Noah Butts and his wife Louisa Rholetter had one child born dead, who was given no name and was buried at the "Old Butts Graveyard" at Brasstown, near his father Jacob Beriak Butt, Jr., and mother Mary Moore Butt. Submitted by: Carlie G. Butts, May-2002 TOMBSTONE TRANSCRIPTION NOTES: ------------------------------ a. = age at death b. = date-of-birth d. = date-of-death gp = grandparent h. = husband m. = married p. = parents w. = wife BUTTS, Amanda b. 23-jul-1886, d. 23-jul-1886, p. samuel maxwell butts & addie lyles BUTT, Betsy Julie Gassaway b. 12-feb-1780, d. 20-may-1853, h. jacob b. butt (sr), p. john aaron gassaway & sara ann mcgee BUTT, Jacob Beriak (Jr)(Little Jake) b. 12-feb-1837, d. 10-jul-1905, w. mary moore, p. jacob b. butt (sr) & betsey julie gassaway BUTT, Jacob Beriak (Sr)(Big Jake) b. 15-jan-1774, d. 10-mar-1869, w. betsey julie gassaway, p. beriak butts & ann powell BUTTS, Lillie Mae b. 16-oct-1892, d. 2-feb-1908, p. william grisham butts & anna blackwell BUTTS, Mary L. b. 26-sep-1908, d. 30-sep-1911, p. jerry hampton butts & addie moore BUTTS, Mary Moore b. 7-jan-1845, d. 10-dec-1929, h. jacob b. butt (jr), p. william riley moore & hannah cox BUTTS, Nettie Lou b. 26-nov-1905, d. 15-jan-1908, p. samuel maxwell butts & addie lyles BUTTS, Noah b. 27-feb-1911, d. 13-may-1911, p. jerry hampton butts & addie moore BUTTS, Savannah b. 11-mar-1905, d. 10-apr-1905, p. jerry hampton butts & addie moore BUTTS, Sue Pickens b. 9-feb-1871, d. 10-mar-1871, p. jacob b. butt (jr) & mary moore BUTTS, William Grisham b. 25-jul-1866, d. 10-jun-1904, p. jacob b. butt (jr) & mary moore ------------------------------------------- BUTTS, Carlie Glen b. 21-jun-1928, w. sara dorelen suttles, 101 eagle road, north augusta, sc 29860, 803-279-5988 p. (*)ira jacob butts (1868-1939) & agnes chester davis (3rd w.)(1900-?) 1st gp. jacob beriak butt (jr) (1837-1905) & mary moore (1845-1929) 2nd gp. jacob beriak butt (sr) (1774-1869) & betsey julie gassaway (1780-1853) 3rd gp. beriak butts (1742-1812) & ann powell (1740-1809) 4th gp. peter butts (1714-a1790) & elizabeth ann carmel (a1720-a1794) 5th gp. thomas butt (1675-1745) & catherine mcgee (a1693-a1761) 6th gp. peter butts (1638-1700) & alice(?) butts (1718) 7th gp. john butts (a1608-a1680) & (3 wives) author of the butts generations, a man called jake, a scream in the night, pebbles along his path & where the wild rose blooms. it's possible that at a future date, carlie might be buried at this cemetery. (*) Ira Jacob Butts was a son of Jacob B. Butt Jr. and Mary Moore, and was raised in the upper part of Oconee County, South Carolina, in a small community known as "Brasstown", near Long Creek. He never learned to read or to write, but as is known of all mountain men, his keen wit and his ability to reason, made up for a great amount of this handicap. In earlier days, education was something for those who did not want to wok, for so long as a man could provide for his family, this was most important, even though he signed his name with an -"X". Ira was the third child in his family of thirteen, and during his lifetime he was three-times married. First to Beadie Blackwell, second to Tommie Mulkie, and last to Agnes Chester Davis. He was the father of nineteen children, including four sets of twins by his last wife. Ira was a tough, ruggid, six- foot tall man, with a straight back, and broad shoulders. He in many ways was a stubborn man, and once his mind was made up, all h--- could not stop him for attempting to do things in his way. He did not believe in education, and never insisted that his children to school, even though many of his children continued their schooling, and gained an education, even though some accomplished this after his death. Prior to his first marriage, and mainly because his father was so cruel to his brothers and sisters, Ira left home with his sister Julie, and his brother Hampton, and went to stay with his aunt (his fathers sister) who had married a man by the name of Silas Corn, This aunt lived near Clarksville Georgia, and Silas Butts was named in honor of her husband, Silas. I am not sure just how long they stayed with their aunt, but it was for a few years at least, and then Ira returned back to the home of his parents in the Brasstown Community, of Oconee County. Shortly after his return, Ira met a girl by the name of Beadie Blackwell, the daughter of John and Rebecca Blackwell of the Holly Springs section, and they were soon married, and became the parents of five children, Jessie James, Ida Gladys, Thomas Patton, Stephen William, and Cokie Butts. I am not certain of the year, but he bought some Land near the Toxaway Baptist Church about five miles west of Westminster, where he made his home until just a short prior to his death in 1939. He went into the woods and cut sills, sleepers, framing and plates with which to build his new house. All sills, sleepers, corner-post, and rafters were hewn from logs with an ax, which was razor-sharp, and was always kept under his bed to prevent damage to it by others. His father owned a saw mill and a shingle mill, so the lumber and shingles were sawed and hauled from Brasstown to Toxaway by way of ox carts. The entire house consisted of only three rooms. Living Room, one Bed Room, and a Kitchen. From his own property, and the property of his neighbors, he gathered rocks, and with red clay he mixed with water into a paste, he built a double fireplace, with one fireplace to heat the living room, and the other to heat the kitchen. Of course the town filled with wood, hardly kept the house warm, because there were cracks in the floor, no ceiling on the walls, and only loose boards lay over the ceiling joist and served as a ceiling, The house had no electricity, no inside plumbing, nor kitchen cabinets. The house was lighted with kerosene lamps and lanterns, and just in case you had to go, head for the woods, and pray that you do not stumble. Cabinets consisted of a corner cubbard, and one kitchen safe, which had one drawer. The loose boards mentioned above which lay loose in the ceiling, was select heart pine, free of knots, and uniform in size as best could be selected. There was a reason for this, just as most old folks had a good reason for everything they did. When a death came to the community, these boards would be taken down, and would be used in making a coffin for the deceased. I personally recall when my baby brother died in 1936, and how the neighbors gathered in the front yard, and made his coffin from these very same select heart-pine boards. When he died early in the morning, he was bathed and stretched out on a small table, two coins were placed on his eyes to keep them closed, and he was covered with a small blanket. When daylight came, he was measured, the coffin was made and lined with some soft cloth, and he was gently placed inside, awaiting burial. Some of the same boards were placed on top of the coffin in the grave, and until this day, forty-four years later, caving has never been noticed, for the pine boards are still in good condition. One would simply have to experience the hardships persons faced in order to really understand how rough it was. When you hear someone speak about -"The Good Old Days", they either never lived during those days, or they were among the fortunate few who were not hit by hard times. Ira Butts learned to be a Blacksmith, but most of his work was done during rainly days,, or during the cold winter months, for most of his time was spent trying hard to beat out a living on his farm. He would go into the woods near Long Creek and erect a small tent made from sacks, and would stay and work until he has cut and hewn a wagon load of crossties, which he would haul to Walhalla and sell for about 20 cents each, unless they were select grade. In those days, the Oconee Mills at Westminster fired the boiler with wood, and he would cut wood and haul to them, but most every one tried to do this, and his turn didn't come too often. He was noted for being the best wagon-builder in his day, and it has been said that he could hear a wagon coming down the road, and tell which wheel was in need of repair. He, like most old timers, believed hard work was a honor, and if that be the case, he certainly was an honorable man, for his whole life was centered around hard work. Ira smoked a pipe, but he never bought a pipe, neither did he every buy tobacco. He grew his own tobacco, and would hang it in the barn until it cured to a golden brown, and would either fold it, or twist it and then store it in a special box for future use, and to sell to his neighbors. Sometimes he would place mellow apples in the box, giving the tobacco a special flavor. He would gather blue clay from creek banks, remove all foreign matter, and would with his hands form this clay into a pipe to his liking. The soft clay pipe would be placed in a fire, and baked until it became hard, and would then be removed, smoothed with a piece of broken glass, becoming a master-piece of workmanship. Like his other brothers, Ira was smart and talented man, even though he had none of our modern machines or conveniences on which to rely. He and his brother Silas Butts designed and built the Mill Pond, which still stands at the old homeplace. When it was completed, someone cared Ira's name on top of the dam in the wet cement, and the name can bee seen there today. As already stated, he could neither read nor write, so if he wanted to keep an account of his chickens, sacks of corn, or other items, he would make a notch in a stick representing each item. In case he wanted to check to see if any was missing, he would look a the item, and would place a knife blade in a notch for each one he saw. If he wound up with more notches than items, he knew some was missing, but he could not county the notches and tell how many. From his father, Jacob B. Butt Jr. he learned how to mix certain roots and leaves of grass together for a cure for snake-bites. He never told which weeds and roots he used, and I would not attempt to try to describe them. Anyway, he would boil and roots and leaves, and would then strain away the particles, leaving only the water in which they were boiled. This would be deluted with whiskey, and be given to the victim to drink. The whiskey, I am told, caused the blood to thin, allowing faster flow to the bitten area. Then too, it might have taken the whiskey to kill some of the taste until a person could rink the solution, who knows. One thing I am certain, of, and that is, that the same medicine worked on all snake-bites, and modern doctors seem to not agree with this today. Personally, I witnessed him curing his grand-daughter, Vera Mae Butts when she was bitten by a Copper-Head, and again curing Dave Pitts when he was bitten by a Rattle Snake. Once a victim started drinking the solution, he could drink a little or a lot, but once the bottle was taken away, another drink was sure death, for it was stronger than the poison from the snake. Samuel Burton, Ira's son-in-law had a dog bitten by a snake, and was given the solution, then soon recovered. Sam said if a little helped, then some more would do better. No sooner had he poured some more solution into the dogs mouth, the dog died instantly. On one occasion, when Samuel Burton was fishing on Chauga River, he was bitten by a Rattler, and was then carried to his mothers home on Rocky Fork. They sent for Ira, who lived some ten or more miles away, and he came to the scene, and prepared a solution from leaves and roots located nearby. At that time, Samuel's tongue had swollen out of his mouth, and very little hope was left. Within thirty minutes from the time he had been given the solution, Samuel Burton began to talk, and within a hour he was walking. Ira was living near Toxaway Baptist Church when his first wife died, leaving him with five children. He soon married his second wife, who died shortly during the time of child-birth, again leaving him alone. Shortly thereafter, he being about forty-eight years old, married my mother, who at that time was about sixteen years old, and they had 14 children, including four sets of twins. At the time of typing this, she still lives near Prathers Covered Bridge, in the Madison Community, and will be 80 years old September 29,m 1980. Prior to his death in 1939, he rented a place from his brother Silas Butts near Holly Springs, at the foot of Grassy Mountain, where he lived until his death. He had sold the homeplace to his son Thomas Patton Butts, for Ira was unable to keep up payments, $28.00 twice each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Times were hard, and money was hard to get in those days. Ira was just another example of a true mountain man, and knew nothing but hard work all his life. The following pages will be pertaining to activities during his last day alive, including each move from the time he left his home hear Holly Springs, until his death that afternoon near Toxaway Baptist Church. The following in no way attempts to recall old unpleasant memories, neither is it intended to degrade anyone, but is included as a bit history and happenings of the past. The children of Ira Butts and the children of Clifton Pitts could not help what their parents did, and today both families are very close friends, for we understand about the problem. The story will be told partly as I remember, and partly as was told to me, laying blame or guilt on either party, for in my own opinion, it was useless from any way it can be viewed, and is deeply regreted on both sides. I am sorry if this happens to upset anyone, and if some thinks this should not be entered, I respectfully beg forgiveness, and in other editions, this will be striken from the book. Happenings on June 6th 1939 For many years Ira Butts and a neighbor Clifton Pitts had been arguing over the boundry line of a small pieve of property, being seperated between the neighbors by a small creek, which headed on property owned by Butts. As was customary in earlier days, property was divided or cornered by rocks, stumps, creeks, or other moveable objects, and a lot of confusion sometimes arose between the best of friends. In this case, the problem between the neighbors, was that each thought the branch ought to run in another location, or that someone had caused the branch to run opposite from its original location. Anyway, problems arose between two long-time friends and neighbors, and in the end, my father lost his life in a useless manner. Early in the morning, on June 6, 1939, Ira Jacob Butts left his home in the Holly Springs Community, for a trip back to his old homeplace near Toxaway Baptist Church. He had no way to travel, so hesitated out walking by way of old foot-paths and wagon roads, for this was nearer than by way of the main roads. He was born and raised in the mountains, and this was no problem, for he knew every inch of the woods for miles around. On his way he visited his sister Julie Lee near the Welcome Baptist Church, and Dandy Lee, who lived then at the old Joel Vinson place. Never had it occurred to him that this was the last time he would make the trip, and that it was the last time he would see his family. Just before noon, he arrived at the home of his son Tom, but he was not there, for he was employed at a Textile Mill in Greenville, South Carolina. Toms family was there at the time, and Ira spent a short while talking with Toms wife Bessie. She offered to fix lunch for him, but he refused to eat with her. I am not sure abut this, but persons told me that he visited with other neighbors prior to his coming to see Bessie. Pitts had seen Ira that day, or someone had told him of Ira being in the area, for it is obvious that he knew. After talking with Bessie for awhile, Ira started walking down a path leading to a spring from which they carried, water, and which was close to the property which had caused problems for years between Pitts and Butts. Toms son, Edward, had gone to the spring for water, and was at the spring when Ira arrived, and he talked with his grand-father for a few minutes. The well at the homeplace had gone dry while work was being done on the Southern Railway, and it is believed that blasting probably cracked a rock in the bottom of the well. Several attempts had not gained water in the well. What is now known as Highway 123, used to be the railroad bed, until it was changed in 1917 to its present location. The water from the spring formed a branch, which was also a property dividing-line. After talking with Edward for awhile, Ira started walling down the branch bank toward a road which lead from the Toxaway Road to the home of William Carson, another neighbor of Ira Butts and Clifton Pitts. Edward ran back to the house, leaving his water bucket, and told his mother that he thought trouble was going to occur between the two men. Rumor has it that he saw Pitts coming toward the place where Ira would enter the road, but his I can not say. Regardless to whatever happened, he was frightened terribly when he reached the house, and it is evident that Pitts was already at the scene when Ira arrived. A Negro man, and a long-time neighbor and friend of Ira Butts, whose name was Felix Bradley, was walking up the road just at the time Ira stepped into the road. Ira had not seen Pitts, for some pine bushes along the road had blocked hi view, so he turned toward Felix and started to talk to him. Just then, Felix saw Pitts behind Ira with a shotgun, and he yelled - "Look behin ju Pharoah". This was a name he used when addressing the aged man, for Ira was 72 years old then. Turning, Ira was facing a 12 gauge shotgun aimed directly at his chest from not more than thirty or forty feet away. Ira was wearing his usually overalls, and he reached into his pocket and drew a revolver, but it was too late, for that instant a blast from the gun as it struck Ira in the left side of the chest, knocked him around, and he fell dying in the dusty country road, being shot by his own neighbor. Even though he lay on the ground with a two inch hole in his chest from the shotgun, with the last bit of strength left in his body he continued to squeeze the trigger, but there was no strength left. The Negro man moved foreword, and by that time Pitts had also moved closer. Ira must have thought Pitts was intending to shoot him again, for with the last breath in his body, Ira said - "Don't let him shoot me again, he's got me." These words marked the end of a long hard life, one that had been taken for a piece of property which valued not more than Ira had in his pocket, $3.50. As soon as Bessie heard the shot, she said to herself - "My Lord, they've killed grandpa." She ran down the trail toward the spring, and on to a knoll where she could see the road below. She could see Clifton Pitts, Lee Holbrooks, and Felix Bradley standing in the road, but could not see Ira. Just then, Felix saw Bessie standing on the knoll, and taking his hat off and placing it under his arm aid - "Here it tis miss Bessie, de ole man is daid." Bessie was afraid, but her love for her father-in-law compelled her to go, and she ran quickly, for she hoped there was something she might do to help. According to her statement to me, when she arrived at the scene, Pitts still had the gun in his hand, and was standing close to Ira. When she attempted to kneel down and place her hand on the brow of the fallen Pharoah, Pitts demanded that she step away. She was afraid at what had already happened, therefore she stepped back to the edge of the road. The hot June sun beaming down on Ira, was more than she could bear, so she asked Pitts to allow her to break some branches to place over his face, but this was not permitted. In a short while several neighbors had heard of the tragedy, and began to arriev, but none was willing to shade his face. Shortly, a son-in-law of Ira's brother arrived, Ira Bradbury Lee, and he too heard her plea. Placing his hand on her shoulder, he said - "If it will make you feel better, I'll shade his face regardless to the circumstances." He cut some Poplar branches and placed over his face. Word reached the Holly Springs area shortly after noon, and Jim Burnside came to the field where my mother and we children were working, and told us about his death. By the time we ran to our house, Silas Butts came by to take us to the scene. When we arrived, it was awful. There lay my father on the hot ground, with ants all over his body, and the man who killed him standing near by. This was too much, for I was only eleven years old, and I ran with Harold Butts to the home of William Carson and borrowed a sheet with which to cover his body. Times were hard then, and money was scarce, so in order to save Hurse expense of $10.00, his body was placed on some quilts in the back of Silas Butts pickup, and he was carried to Shelton-Miller Funeral Home in Westminster. Later that night, a friend from the Madison area, Isaac Adams, came by and took us back to the home of Tom Butts, where Ira was brought back later that night. His body remained at Tom Butts until the funeral the next day. Sometimes during the night, at least three truck loads of men with arms came with one of Ira's brothers, and they pleaded to allow them to revenge Ira's death. My mother begged that they not do that, for it would not better the situation. His funeral was conducted at the Toxaway Baptist Church by his nephew, Rev. Henry Blackwell, and he was laid to rest in the church cemetery beside his two children. The following page copied directly from the Keowee Kourier Ira Butts Is Slain By His Neighbor In Dispute Over Land Funeral To Be Held At Toxaway Church J.C. Pitts, 65, was recommended to be "held for grand jury investigation" by a corner's jury in connection with the fatal shooting of Ira Jacob Butts, 71, Tuesday afternoon about 2 o'clock in the Toxaway community, Coroner Manley of Westminster stated last night. Butts died from a 12 gauge shotgun wound in the breast, Manley said. The coroners jury at the inquest held Tuesday afternoon returned a verdict that "Butts came to his death by a gunshot wound at the hands of J.C. Pitts" and recommended that Pitts be held for the jury trail. It is alleged that the shooting was the result of a long-time dispute over a land boundry. Pitts was arrested by Deputy Sheriff Seab Moss and was lodged in the Walhalla jail. Manley said Pitts had not as yet asked for bond. Mr. Butts was married three times. His first wife was Mrs. Beadie Blackwell Butts. He was married the second time to Mrs. Tommy Mulkey Butts, and his third union was to Mrs. Agnes Davis Butts from which marriage fourteen children were born, including four sets of twins. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Agnes Davis Butts and the following children: J.J. and J.P. Butts of Westminster, S.W. Butts, Newry, Jacob Butts, Madison; Louie, Louis, John Henry, Carlie, Willie, and Miss. Francis and Franklin Butts. Three brothers also survive, S.N., J.H. and Jim Butts; four sisters, Mrs. Charlie Phillips, Mrs. Henry Lee, Mrs. Julie Lee, and Miss. Dovie Butts. Funeral services are to be held this afternoon from the Toxaway Baptist church at 4 o'clock with the Rev. W. H. Blackwell officiating. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Luther, Curtis, and Glen Burton, and Ralph Fletcher, and Edward Butts. Honary pallbearers will be K.L. and W.J. Burton, B.M. Lee, J.M. Davis, L.H. Holbrooks, and Carl Smith. Note: The names of daughters by his first wife - Ida and Cokie were left out when this was published, also one daughter by his last wife - Margie. Submitted by: Carlie Butts **************************************************************** 10-Oct-2002, The Westminster News According to Carlie Butts of North Augusta, SC someone has felled large pine trees across the Butts Family Graveyard that is located on "The Old Silas Butts Place" near Long Creek, SC, and these pictures describe the pathetic scene that is there for everyone to see. Since Claude Terry of Atlanta purchased the Butts old home place he has forbidden anyone to visit the graveyard, or to keep it clean. This doesn't set well with folks in the community, for the Butts family helped to settle this part of the country long before it became known as Oconee County. To make bad matters worse, according to Mr. Butts the landowner acts as though when he bought the land he also bought the graveyard, and he admitted to taking down the sign that once stood at the road, to keep anybody from knowing where the family graveyard is located. According to South Carolina Code of Laws Title 16, Chapter 17 - "It is unlawful for a person to willfully and knowingly, and without proper legal authority to obliterate, vandalize, or desecrate a burial ground where human skeletal remains are buried, a grave, graveyard, tomb, mausoleum, or other repository of human remains" . . . "and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than ten years or fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both." It makes no difference if a grave is on private property, or even in your own backyard, The State of South Carolina will not tolerate such acts. It is evident by the way that the trees were felled directly across the graves that this was intentionally and deliberately done by someone to destroy the graveyard, or at least to show their disrespect. Mr. Butts says that he will take the matter up with the South Carolina Office Of The Attorney General, and is reporting this to all the newspapers, television and radio stations across the state, and that he will not stop until the person or persons who did this are punished. He went on to say that "it's a disgrace to other citizens of Oconee County to have such as this happen, for to destroy a cemetery that was started long before the Civil War, and isn't in the way of progress, is downright stupid. Keeping someone away from a graveyard might work in some cases, but there is no way that anyone has a right to destroy, damage, or do harm to a graveyard like has happened to this old family graveyard, even though it is on private land." Mr. Butts went on to say, "To be asked to stay away from my family graveyard is one thing, but it would take a fool to stand by while somebody deliberately destroys the sacred burial place of their great- grandparents, and other loved ones, just because a person bought the property 140 years after my folks were buried there. This might be a long and hard battle, and I might have to fight it alone and without any support from my own folks, but I do not intend to let up until I have exhausted all legal means that are available to me under the law." According to the County Sheriff¹s office "anyone has a right to visit the gravesite unless has been personally presented with a written trespass notice." The public should go and see for themselves how far someone has gone to show their disrespect for others, even for those who are dead. The cemetery is located on top of a knoll on the Old Silas Butts Place, near Long Creek, on the Brasstown Road. Mr. Butts says that he is not talking about "rotten trees that have fallen," but large pine trees that were "felled by a chainsaw and directly aimed at the graveyard." He also said, "If the trees were bug infested, and even cut by The Forestry Service, they should not have been felled across the graves in such a disrespectful manner. I am not accusing Mr. Terry of personally doing this, but as landowner, he should know what takes place on his own property." Released for publication by Carlie Butts, 101 Eagle Road, North Augusta, SC 29860, 803-279-5988, sara_18281@msn.com **************************************************************** THE FORGOTTEN RESTING PLACE By: Carlie G. Butts, 2003 This guide is intended to help descendants learn more about their rights to restore and care for the graves of their loved ones even though the family graveyard might have gone unattended for many years, or even if it is located on private land. Laws vary from state to state, but South Carolina recognizes the rights of citizens to care for, restore, and preserve their old family graveyard. Although state laws protect all graveyards throughout the state regardless to where they are located, no state funds are appropriated to cover expenses required to care for them. The obligation to see that graveyards are properly cared for rest in the hands of the city, or the county in which each graveyard is located. Before doing any work on your family graveyard you should speak to an attorney, if the graveyard is located on private land. Even attorneys disagree, as was the case when an attorney misinformed me of my rights to restore our family graveyard, so please don't take anyone's word over that of an attorney, and even then, question his word as well. CONTENTS: Because so many persons have asked how to go about in restoring their old family graveyard, what to do if it is located on private property, and whether or not the property owner has a right to keep descendants from restoring and caring for the family graveyard, I have submitted this guideline. In no way do I wish to imply, or leave the impression that I am offering legal advise in any way, for that is not the case at all. Because of a problem that I faced in getting permission to clean off our family graveyard, I though that you might be interested in some things that I learned along the way, and I hope that it will make the road much easier for you and others to follow. Page 1 = Respect For Deceased Loved Ones Page 4 = Our Legal Rights As Descendants Page 7 = Other Noteworthy Information . NOTE: One of my novels entitled - A Man Called Jake tells all about the Butts family from the time my great-grandfather came to South Carolina in the latter part of the 1700's, how they blazed their way into the wilderness area, and when and how the old Butts Graveyard was first started in 1853. This, and other novels by me can be found at Booksmith Bookstore, located in Dogwood Plaza, Seneca, SC. You may call me at (803) 279-5988, or if you live in upstate South Carolina call (864) 647-5766. (Page 1) RESPECT FOR DECEASED LOVED ONES Even as a very small boy I was taught to respect graveyards as being the sacred resting place of friends and relatives who have gone on before, and should I do anything to desecrate, destroy, or bother their resting place it would be the most horrible crime that I could ever commit. I was also taught not to step on, or even to step across a grave, for in doing so it would show my disrespect for the dead, and was a sign that I considered them to be no more than trash under my feet. I was also taught that persons must be buried so that while in their grave they would be facing eastward, for the Lord will appear in the eastern sky when He returns, and folks wanted their loved ones to be looking eastwardly when the Lord returns. Even older folks today, including myself feel like we can rest much better at night if we sleep facing the east, and my son Jerrie even took a compass and made sure that my final resting place would be facing the east, and he made sure that the bed in which I sleep when visiting him also faces the east. This might seem stupid, but it goes to show that some folks do respect older folks, and especially those who lay in their grave looking eastward, and awaiting the return of the Lord. The question has arisen many times about who should take care of the old family graveyard, if they should be abandoned and forgotten, or if there is a law that demands the care of these sacred resting places. First of all, out of respect for deceased loved ones folks throughout the community used to get together and clean off the graveyard that was near the church that they attended, and folks who had a family graveyard located on their property were responsible for keeping it clean, but no graveyard was ever left unattended. Then as years passed and old home places were sold the old family graveyards became neglected for one reason or another, but the responsibility for keeping them clean didn't cease to exist. Even though rules pertaining to family graveyards vary from state to state, no state allows them to be vandalized, damaged, or deliberately destroyed. Even though there are laws in all states authorizing the proper removal and relocation of "abandoned graveyards," it must first be proven that they are abandoned, which is very hard to do. It is almost an impossibility to declare an old family graveyard "abandoned" unless all the graves have been moved. Although it might have been neglected for several years, and family members seem not to care about it anymore, or it might be on private property, still there are laws protecting it. I'm not sure about the laws of other states, so I'll try to explain the laws of South Carolina pertaining to all the graveyards throughout the state. Even though the State laws makes it a felony to destroy, disturb, or to vandalize a graveyard, the responsibility of enforcing the state laws rest in the hands of the county sheriff if the graveyard is located within the county, or the local police department if it is located within town limits. (Page 2) Even though it is a large family graveyard, or one with only a few graves it is still considered to be a respected burial place, and if it isn't cared for by relatives, then the county or the city in which the graves are located must take care of it. The fact is somebody is obligated to take of all the graveyards, no matter where they are located. If you live in the county in which a family graveyard is located, or if you have relatives buried there, then you have a legal right to care for the graves of your relatives without having to get permission. In the event that a family graveyard is located on property that has been sold to an outsider, and even though there is no record designating it as a graveyard, if it was used as a graveyard before the present owner purchased the land, it still remains as a graveyard so long as the graves are still there. Even though the headstones might have been moved, if it is common knowledge that a graveyard was once there, then it is still considered as a graveyard unless the landowner can legally prove that it has been abandoned, which will be awful hard to do. Even then, if he wishes to develop the area he must first notify the next of kin to all those who are buried there, and get their written permission, and only then can he have the remains moved to another designated resting place, and then under proper supervision. Companies such as Duke Power, Santee-Cooper, or U.S. Corps of Engineers have relocated old graveyards, but even then it required a tremendous amount of legal work, and strict local, and state supervision. It has been argued that unless a family graveyard is officially shown on a Plat or a Deed it cannot be recognized as such, and those buried there are resting on ground that was never officially designated as a graveyard, thus, they were illegally buried on private land. If that is true, then many of those who are buried in church graveyards are also buried on private land, and illegally buried, for many of the graves that are there, extend far beyond the plot of ground that was originally set aside as a graveyard. If you check the records of any church in Oconee County you would find this to be true, and it was only out of respect for the dead, that adjoining property owners allowed the graveyards to enlarge without having to go through "and act of Congress," so to speak. Of course, back then a man's word was all that mattered, his word was his bond, and he had respect for the dead, as well as for his neighbors and friends. Otherwise, the property owner on whose land these graves are located that extend far beyond the original boundary of the original church graveyard, has a legal right to have the graves moved, or forbid anyone to go near them, or to keep them clean. There comes a time when legality must yield to common sense and respect for others, and each of us must consider the other person as human, and act toward him as we would like them to act toward us, for a person can be legally right, and morally wrong at the same time. Not so very long ago The Butts Family Graveyard was desecrated when someone felled large pine trees across the graves, and I was criticized even by some of my kinfolk for publishing the pictures in the paper, and notifying radio and TV stations about what had taken place. They didn't know that I was doing exactly what the law ask me to do in such a case, for the law clearly states as follows: "If you learn that a cemetery in being vandalized, or destroyed, contact your local law enforcement authorities immediately. The responsibility for enforcing state cemetery laws belongs to the county sheriff or local police department. After contacting your local law enforcement, then notify other interested groups, such as your local historical organizations and local newspapers. (Page 3) Prosecute offenders who are caught, and publicize the arrest. Suits can also be filed in civil court to seek compensation for damages." No matter where a graveyard is located, even if it is on private property and hasn't been properly cared for in recent years, if you should see, or discover that the graveyard has been vandalized, then you should report it to local law enforcement. Cemeteries are an important feature of South Carolina's diverse heritage. In addition to them being the final resting place of our ancestors, they afford us with valuable information about social, religious, artistic, and cultural heritage as well. They also contain valuable genealogical information that cannot be found anywhere else, and the state urges individuals to involve themselves with the care and preservation of old graveyards. Contact your local Heritage Foundation, and they will put you in touch with organizations in your own county that are interested in having you support them. Although it seems like some churches aren't interested in what goes on around them anymore, you might discuss it with your church just the same, for if you are very lucky you just might be able to get some members involved in preserving and restoring old graveyards in your community. You might get their attention by asking where their parents are buried, how long has it been since they visited their grave, and how long has it been since they placed flowers on the grave, or saw if it was being properly cared for. (Page 4) OUR LEGAL RIGHTS AS DESCENDANTS As far as I know the only state that says that the property owner has control of a family graveyard that is located on his property is Virginia, unless the cemetery is shown on the Platt before he purchased the property. Even then, he doesn't have any right to vandalize, disturb, or bother the graves in any way, and even though relatives must ask for permission to enter the graveyard, by law he cannot refuse. Should he refuse to give permission, then they have two options: They can either apply to the State of Virginia for permission to have the graves moved and relocated somewhere else, or they can demand that unless the property owner allows them to visit the graves, that he have the graves relocated at his own expense, and to a place that is suitable to the ancestors. In other words, if a property owner doesn't want persons visiting a graveyard that is on his property, then he must move the graves to a place where relatives can visit any time that they wish, but the move must first be approved by the state, and by relatives. According to the laws of South Carolina, if an old family graveyard is located on property that is now owned by an outsider (not a relative), and it hasn't been officially recorded on the Platt as being a cemetery, then the cemetery becomes a part of the land that he owns, the same as any other part of the property. However, the laws protecting graves that are located on his property are quite different from laws protecting other parts of his property, for the fact that the graves are there is proof that it was intended to be a graveyard, or was set aside as a graveyard by the person who then owned the land on which the first person was buried. Then too, the present landowner does have a right to ask that descendants notify him before visiting the graveyard, however, he does not have a right to refuse their request, so long as entry to the graveyard is done in such a way as not to damage the property, crops, streams or roadways. If he should refuse to allow relatives to clean off the family graveyard, then he must care for it at his own expense, but at no time does he have a right to forbid relatives from visiting the graves. When someone felled trees across the Butts Graveyard they committed a felony, and they became subject to imprisonment and a fine, for they committed a serious crime against the state, even though neither of the relatives did anything about it. The state leaves it up to descendants and relatives to report it to the county sheriff, and to prosecute the guilty party for what was done to the graveyard, even though all the trees might have been moved from off the graves. The graveyard was vandalized and desecrated either by the present landowner, by someone under his employ, or by someone who slipped onto the property without the property owner's knowledge. Just because the graveyard is located on his property he could be held accountable for what happened to it, even though he had nothing to do with what happened. (Page 5) This is not a threat, nor do I intend to pursue this matter any further because the landowner has removed the trees, and claims that he was unaware of what had been done by someone whom he had hired to fell the trees. The point that I wished to make, is that even though a family graveyard is located on private land, that does not mean that state and local laws cannot be enforced, nor does it give the property owner a right to forbid relatives to visit the family graveyard. Having a right to do something, overstepping our rights, and failing to exercise our rights are each quite different, and now that we have discussed the rights as descendants, let's take a close look at the mistake in overstepping our rights, and failing to exercise our rights. And then let's not forget the landowner, for he has rights the same as anyone else, and we must respect his rights, the same as we want him to respect our rights. Let's not forget that we do have folks who will "post" their land just in order to keep anybody off, whether or not a cemetery is located on their property, and we have folks who will do damage to our property if we allow them to fish, hunt or go hiking on it. I had a nephew who had his land "posted," yet he had gall enough to fish and hunt on land that belonged to someone else. I guess what I'm really trying to get across to you, is the fact that we have all kinds of persons out there, and we must treat each of them in a certain way, and while dealing with them, be sure that we stay within the realm of the law. Even though your family graveyard is on property that belongs to someone else, or even to another member of your own family, and even though it has been officially set aside as a graveyard there are laws protecting the landowner against intruders, or having folks wandering around on his property anytime they wish. Like stated before, relatives do have a right to visit their family graveyard during daylight hours anytime they wish to do so, but it must be done with respect for the landowner, and in such a way as not to do any harm or damage to the property, or anything that belongs to the landowner. By law he must allow you to have a path leading from the nearest road to the graveyard, but the path doesn't have to lead straight across his planted fields, through his yard, or in such a way as to damage, or harm to his property in any way. The path leading from the road to the graveyard should be the shortest possible route, taking in mind that elderly folks will be using the path, and it must be as easy as possible for them to travel. In other words, it would be unthinkable for the landowner to demand that the path lead through a swamp or straight up the side of a steep mountain, if there was an easier and less strenuous way to get to the graveyard. Even though the landowner gives you permission to enter upon his property to tend to a family graveyard, that doesn't mean that you are allowed to do as you please and wander all around over his property, for other than to visit the graveyard and to keep it clean, you have no right to be on his property without permission. By all means, we must not forget the "power of money," or the influence that some "big shots" have over officials in law enforcement, or "crooked judges" who cater to those who think that they own the county, or town in which the graveyard is located, for in such cases we will be facing an almost losing- battle. Also keep in mind that some of your own folks will promise to stand by you until you enter into battle, and then they will "high-tail," and leave you to fight the battle alone. If you are planning to restore a graveyard that is located on private property you might as well plan on going about it all by yourself, for even though there are those who will help they are few and far between, for the majority of folks don't have the backbone, or the guts to stand up for their rights. (Page 6) Not so long ago I bucked against something that was wrong, and instead of folks standing behind me like they promised, they went to the other party and apologized for what I was doing for the betterment of everyone, including the one who fumed against me. Some of my folks even said that it was a disgrace for me to fuss about an old graveyard, but after I fought and defended our rights to restore it, they want to claim credit for what happened. Nobody is willing to help push the wagon to the top of the hill, but after you get it on top, everyone wants to jump in and ride back down the hill. Always remember, no matter how many persons promise to help you do something, don't ever plan to do anything that you aren't able to do all by yourself, just in case no one helps you. I don't know of a case, nor have I ever heard of a case in South Carolina where a landowner has kept a person from taking care of a family graveyard that is located on their property, but in these changing times anything is liable to happen, and it's not too late for such as that to happen as well. The landowner does have control of the land that he purchased and whatever might go on there as well, and he does have certain rights to a graveyard that is located on his property, unless the cemetery was shown on the plat as being a graveyard prior to the time that he purchased the land. However, he doesn't have a right to prevent descendants and relatives from caring for the graveyard, so long as they do not deliberately destroy or do harm to his property while visiting the graveyard, and that they notify him prior to the time that they intend to do any work on the graveyard. It is still questionable whether or not each person must get permission, or notify the owner before visiting the graveyard, unless the owner so specifies such restrictions in writing to each person. According to the laws of South Carolina, and as already mentioned herein, if the landowner refuses to allow descendants and relatives to care for the graveyard, then the landowner must care for it at his own expense. In the case of The Butts Family Graveyard, the owner, through his attorney gave us permission to clean off and restore the graveyard and visit it whenever we wished to do so, even though he did set certain guidelines, and he did ask me to notify him before I intended to visit the graveyard, but nobody else has to notify him. I'm sure that it upset him because of the pictures that were in the newspaper, and because I was the only one who fought for our legal rights to visit and care for the graveyard, but I am very grateful for permission that was granted, and I will gladly notify him each time before I plan to enter the graveyard. I promised to be liable for any damage done by, or injuries sustained to anyone who helps me to clean off the graveyard, but not for others who visit it, or do work on it without my expressed permission. I also promised not to replace the old rock headstones with authentic-looking concrete headstones, however, I didn't promise that it wouldn't be done by someone else later, for they have as much right to the graveyard as I have, and I cannot speak for everyone. I intend to keep my promise to the homeowner as stated above, however, if someone did eventually install headstones, it would be a felony for the landowner or anyone to remove them, even though they went against my promise. I did question why the landowner didn't want markers put up with proper names and dates, for I visited an old family graveyard just off Highway #81 near Calhoun Falls, South Carolina where it had been done, and it really was nice. At the entrance to the old graveyard was a marker telling when, and who restored it, and some of the dates shown on the tombstones were back in the 1700's. Maybe some day the landowner will change his mind and let someone do the same for The Butts Family Graveyard, or who knows, one of the other concerned descendants might decide to do it on his own. (Page 7) OTHER NOTEWORTHY INFORMATION (Please Be Advised That Most Of The Following Was Copied From Other Sources) Neither the South Carolina Department of Archives and History nor any other state agency enforces the cemetery laws. This responsibility belongs to county and municipal law enforcement officials. What to do if a cemetery is being willfully damaged: If you learn that a cemetery is being vandalized, disturbed, or destroyed, contact your local law enforcement authorities immediately. State law makes it a felony to destroy or desecrate burial grounds, and it does establish a legal framework for moving abandoned cemeteries when necessary. The responsibility of enforcing state cemetery laws belongs to the county sheriff or local police department. Because local authorities may not be as familiar with the details of cemetery statutes as you are, be prepared to inform them of all pertinent laws. After contacting law enforcement, notify other interested groups, such as local historical organizations and the local newspaper. Prosecute offenders who are caught and publicize the arrest. Suits can also be filed in civil court to seek compensation for damages. Discouraging Vandalism: 1 - Ask local law enforcement agency to put your cemetery on its patrol route. Ask their advice when planning any security measures. 2- Ask the neighbors to watch for suspicious activity in the area and to report to the police or sheriff if they see any. 3- Maintain the property. Vandals are attracted to property that appears neglected. 4- Protection devices like fences, lights, and alarms may help. Make sure they are in working order at all times. Fences should keep livestock out of rural cemeteries and deter vandals, while allowing people to see in. High, solid fences can hide illegal activities. 5- Consider posting rules and regulations to show that the cemetery is maintained. (Page 8) Maintenance & Restoration: Cemetery restoration projects need to consider cemetery landscape features such as walls, fences, and walkways; plantings; and grave markers. Though they do require hours of hard work, restoration projects reflect our respect for our ancestors and their culture and for our history. Keep these key guidelines in mind: 1. Educate yourself about appropriate maintenance and conservation techniques for historic cemeteries before you begin. 2. Research and record all the unique history and physical characteristics of your cemetery. 3. Develop a master plan and establish priorities. 4. Respect and preserve distinctive historic features of the cemetery including walls, fences, and walks; trees and shrubs; vines, flowers, and ground covers; and grave markers. 5. Use the gentlest procedure possible for cleaning headstones. Never use abrasive cleaners, sandblasters, or harsh chemical cleaners on grave markers, fences, or on other features. 6. Use an experienced professional to repair gravestones. Inappropriate work can damage historic gravestones or speed their deterioration. 7. Assume that unmarked graves do exist, and avoid disturbing either the ground or the remains. 8. Where only unmarked rock headstones exist, and if someone has the proper name and dates pertaining to the deceased person, leave the original headstone in place, and erect an authentic-looking marker next to the original marker to show others who is buried there, when they were born, and when they died. You might wish to speak with other relatives and descendants before doing such work. Suggested Materials For Gravestone Cleaning Projects. Lest We Forget: Preserving Historic Cemeteries. This video produced by South Carolina Educational Television for the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, 1977. Featuring Lynette Strangstad, a nationally recognized expert, the 26 minute video summarizes guidelines for recording, preserving, and maintaining historic cemeteries. Available on loan from public libraries in South Carolina. To purchase a copy, call 1-800-553-7752 or write to: ETV Marketing, Box-11000, Columbia, SC 29211 Preservation Hotline #6: Questions Asked About Cemetery Preservation. South Carolina Department of Archives and History, 1999. This fact sheet includes brief information about planning a cemetery restoration project. (Page 9) Preservation Hotline #1: Grave Concerns: Protecting and Repairing Damaged Historic Cemeteries. South Carolina Department of Archives and History, 2001. This fact sheet outlines how to plan and earn7 out the restoration of a cemetery damaged by vandalism or acts of nature. South Carolina's Historic Cemeteries: A Preservation Handbook. South Carolina Department of Archives and History, 1997. This book describes the different types of cemeteries and gravestones and their historic context, guidelines for planning and carrying out a cemetery preservation project, and cites the laws protecting historic cemeteries. A Graveyard Preservation Primer: By- Lynette Strangstad Association for Gravestone Studies, 1995. Intended for the nonprofessional, this is a step-by-step manual for planning and carrying out a graveyard preservation project. May be purchased on the Association for Gravestone Study website. Cemeteries are an important feature of South Carolina's diverse heritage. In addition to marking the final resting places of our ancestors, they yield information about out state's social, religious, artistic, and cultural heritage. They also contain genealogical information that cannot be found anywhere else. Deterioration from natural forces such as weathering and uncontrolled vegetation and insensitive development threatens our historic cemeteries. Involvement of individuals and organizations with an interest and commitment to saving local history and culture is critical to protecting and preserving the state's historic cemeteries. The Department of Archives and History had compiled this information to aid local efforts. The Department does not have funds for maintenance of historic cemeteries or legal authority to acquire cemeteries or enforce laws protecting cemeteries. SUMMARY: I hope this helps you to understand the importance of restoring and preserving the family graveyards throughout the state, and that it shows that an old cemetery is more than just a few rocks sticking out of the ground almost hidden by brush and trees, and left to the mercy of nature. I also hope that you have learned something about your rights to preserve your family graveyard no matter if it is located on private land, what you can, and should do if it has been vandalized, and other legal aspects pertaining to any graveyard in South Carolina. This is not intended as legal advise by any means, and you should speak to your attorney if you are having problems of any kind in reference to your own family graveyard. Carlie G. Butts 2/7/2003