It's come to my attention that the cemeteries around the Old Paradise township site are in trouble, serious trouble.
The years since the TVA bought the area have caused these historic sites to be neglected.
Those of you who visit this site regularly may not know the condition of the cemeteries where some of your ancestors may be buried.
Sue Heflin Woolsey has started a campaign to save these areas before they are lost.

Here's a picture of Hamm cemetery for example.

You can barely make out the stones.

February 10th, 2006
REGISTERED MAIL
 
 

Mr Tom Kilgore, President & Chief Operating Officer
Corporate Headquarters
Tennessee Valley Authority
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902-1499

Dear Sir:

I  write to request your assistance with several cemeteries located on the TVA property near the entrance to the TVA Paradise Fossil Plant in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. The cemeteries have been neglected—some of the stones have been broken by animals and tree limbs as well as damaged by the elements: air and wind.

My concern is specifically with cemeteries located near the entrance to the Paradise Fossil Plant in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.  These burial grounds have gravestones leading back to 1750's when migration of early Kentucky settlers had land claims near the Green River, Stom’s Landing, and the town of Paradise; some of the land claims were Revolutionary War land warrants. Several gravestones are military gravestones. My Great-great-grandfather served in the Civil War and is buried at McDougall cemetery next to his infant daughter--both of whom have lovely head and foot stones.

An earlier deed search was done by family members regarding the Weir burial grounds; also located on Paradise TVA property. As you may know, cemetery property is exempt in Kentucky.

Can you please tell me who currently owns the burial ground properties?

It is my view, the cemeteries need to be protected with fences as well as routine maintenance to keep the stones intact. Local Veteran’s groups in the community as well as other volunteers do assist with clean-up efforts at those burial grounds accessible by the public roadways.

In addition, I am requesting your assistance with fencing and maintenance of the burial grounds encompassed within the Paradise- TVA property. Your assistance with this request would represent good faith, good will and good public relations.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Sue Heflin Woolsey

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