News : Vandals damage Civil War soldier\'s tombstone, others at Evergreen Cemetery

More than 20 tombstones, including this one honoring a Civil War veteran, were damaged overnight.

Destiny Lanham sat crossed legged in front of a flat grave marker on Sunday afternoon, wiping tears from her eyes as she remembered her grandmother, Sharon Rouse, who died six years ago this week.

"She was my best friend," said Lanham.

One of the countless visitors to the more than 12,000 graves dating back to the mid-1800s at Evergreen, Lanham was shocked and angered to learn that 100 yards away, other people a few hours earlier had come to vandalize the cemetery.

"I can't believe anyone would do that," she said.

Her disbelief and anger is shared by everyone who has learned about the second act of vandalism in the cemetery in the past two months.

In July, said cemetery caretaker Tim Fuchs, someone broke part of the wings from an angel mounted 10 feet or higher atop a large pillar tombstone.

"I still don't know how they got up there," said Fuchs on Sunday, as he discussed the latest incident.

One of the decorative tombstones honored A.H. Lagrange.

"A H LaGrange was my great-grandfather. I hope they find who did it," said Bob LaGrange.

Civil war area damage

For over 100 years, the tombstone honoring local Civil War veteran John Shane stood among others in the corner of Evergreen Cemetery devoted to area residents who had fought in that war, and their families.

Last night, vandals damaged about two dozen tombstones, and knocked over and broke the pillars of the tombstone that honors Shane and his family.

One witness reported seeing a white Pontiac leaving the cemetery at around 3 a.m. Sunday; Fuchs had seen headlights in the area a couple hours earlier.

Vinton police are investigating. Fuchs said he hopes area citizens will become informed about the vandalism issue and that anyone with information on those responsible will share it with authorities. Tombstone like Shane's could cost as much as $50,000.

While some of the tombstones that were pushed over did not sustain damage, many were broken.

Fuchs said he hopes Vinton police will patrol the area more often. He also hopes the city will pass an ordinance authorizing a fine for anyone trespassing on the cemetery. He said he willing grants permission to mourners who ask to visit a tombstone after hours, but said more should be done to keep vandals away.

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