DISTURBIN' THE DEAD - Rose Hill Cemetery Gets Septic Tank?

(07/12/2001)

The Rose Hill Cemetery, located in a remote area near the Wirt-Roane line, is allegedly becoming a home site, with a septic tank and electric pole set next to the grave of William Wise who died in 1969. Only the Wise grave has a marker, with other older graves being marked by flag stones. Local residents claim several people are buried in the cemetery.

The nearby Rose Hill Church beside the old cemetery, off Groundhog Ridge, was torn down last fall. Local residents claim the new owners of the cemetery, two out-of-state brothers, have graded and seeded the cemetery, preparing it for a double-wide. The property owners put a chain across the access road and installed a no trespassing sign advising "No Burials." State Police and health department officials are investigating.

One of the complainants Christine Westfall is asking for information regarding knowledge of burials in the plot. She can be contacted at 304-927-5593.