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Safest-
stolen
’andalism is taking place now at the Pearlington Cemetery, one f the oldest in Hancock County. The photo shows a gate stolen scently from the Stoker family plot. The theft of several other ates, benches, urns and statues, along with headstones being roken and parts stolen, are being investigated by the Hancock ounty Sheriffs office, The Cemetery Association is offering a iward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of ic- person or persons responsible. All information will be kept >nfidential. Call the sheriff s office at 467-5101 or Crimeston-srs. 1-800-433-TIPS.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Early history of county being destroyed by vandals
Dear Editor,
Vandals and thieves are destroying our history. What kind of people are among us? What kind of mind could hold so little of value as to enjoy smashing the memorials to our loved ones?
Pearlington Cemetery is missing iron gates and benches that can never be replaced. Broken stones and litter have marred this beautiful place, but we will not give up on our restoration project!
Pearlington was chartered in 1832, but its history goes back to the earliest habitation of the area. Earlier references indicate the existence of colonies of European origin in the 18th Century. Other evidence suggests habitation prior to the 1699 settlement of Old Biloxi.
On May 20, 1690, Pierre Le Moyne sieur d’Iberville left two young cabin boys near the present community of Pearlington.
They were to live with the Indians so they might learn the
They are still running loose in Hancock County.
I am talking about idiots who have nothing else to ao but go to cemeteries and damage tomb stones, etc The latest victim is the Pearlington Cemetery, one o,
the oldest in this county.
The photo on this page is of an 18th century wrough iron gate that is missing. Tomb stones have been broken, vases, statues, urns, fences and gates have been
broken or removed.	^	,	i
" It iust bugs me as to the type ot people who would
remove, damage and destroy items from the dead.
Anyone with information on whoever the
language and becoi interpreters.
One of these boys, Simon Favre lived with the Chocti Favre not only became • principal interpreter betwt the FVench and Indians, 1 three generations of his s< served in this job.
Favre descendants are b ried in the Pearlingt Cemetery.
The once restored grave Gen. George Henry Nixon, "W of 1812, is now a dumpste Planned memorial marki for the British dead of the ^ of 1812 will have to wait wh we “clean ud the mess.” We have worked very ha for the past 11 years to restc the cemetery, but our problei seem to multiply with ea year.
Road repairs and draina are long overdue, and now the are thieves.
“Lord, fling me a handful stars!”
Pat Wils Pearlingt