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Normally, when a body is buried, it’s considered the end, but that may not be the case with the ten bodies currently buried in the Cook Family Cemetery. and some fear that small burial sites may be endangered.
Teresa Ray of the Hopkins County Genealogical Society made a presentation at this week’s Hopkins County Financial Court meeting asking for the permits needed to move bodies from that cemetery to the Forest Lawn Cemetery.
“If the body is not moved, if nothing is done, it will be covered up,” Ray said. “This property has been sold so we can build on it and pave it, but we don’t know the plans for the property yet.”
The same situation happened in 1987, so obviously this is nothing new. With 32 bodies removed by Warrior Cole, a request for exhumation of the bodies was submitted to and approved by the Financial Court.
Ray shared that the Genealogical Society did its part by getting all the information they needed. We are seeking a resolution to submit to Frankfort. Two bodies have been identified, Johnston and Delilah Cooke.
“We want to do what we have to do properly and with dignity. All the remains are put in their own coffins and buried in their own place, even though it may be black soil.” Ray said.
“I would like to wait until the next meeting so the county attorney can investigate,” said Judge Jack Whitfield. “Excavating graves is not something we want to take lightly.”
“Burials are sacred places,” Justice of the Peace Charlie Bechers said. “What I want to see is the same as what Judge Whitfield said. You give us a few weeks. I’d like to do something in two weeks. I hope other families will come forward.” I hope you will come out to
Ray shared that the Genealogical Society had tried to contact extended relatives to see how they wanted to proceed, but hadn’t had much luck. So if anyone knows if there is a family member buried in Cook Cemetery, I’m hoping someone can help out.
The Fiscal Court says it wants county attorney Lee Riddle to look into this because the property is within city limits. and so on.
A decision will be made after the investigation is conducted and will be shared within two weeks at the next Hopkins County Financial Court meeting. In the meantime, if you or someone you know has a family member buried at the Cook Family Cemetery, please contact the Hopkins County Genealogical Society directly at 270-245-0250.
