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mcc-jrr_201-020

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Elko Switch Cemetery, 20-1 Summary Report, page 20

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contract, but the method to be followed in reburial has not been determined." Some of cemeteries & number of churches in area among oldest in Madison county. "Progress Seen Upon Barracks In Plant Area," The Huntsville Times, 21 Aug 41, p. 2. There are 31 known cemeteries, 7 for whites & 24 for coloreds, within the area (NOTE: they must be talking about Huntsville Arsenal alone). These cemeteries contain 2,357 graves, according to the report of the appraisers. Just what disposition is to be made of the graves has not been determined, it was unofficially announced today. "Men Required To Join Union To Land Jobs," The Huntsville Times, 3 Sep 41, pp. 1 & 4. The commission adopted a resolution approving the removal by the War Department of approximately 2,500 graves in 34 cemeteries in the arsenal area. Lieutenant R.H. Munn, acting executive officer of the Chemical Warfare Service, told the commission that plans are being made to establish a national cemetery off the Madison pike, on the northern boundary of the reservation. All markers & monuments will be moved along with the graves, and the government will give "perpetual care to the cemetery." Working out plan "whereby descendents of persons buried in the area may have the graves moved elsewhere' but at no additional cost to the government.'" County attorney said commission approval unnecessary, but chairman issued resolution thanking Army for request. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that we, the Madison County Board of Commissioners grant our approval to the site selected for a National Cemetery for these sacred remains to be transferred to, as being located on Madison Pike, northeast corner of section No. 8 on the Sarah F. Wilson property. (NOTE: this is in the area where the first administrative buildings for Huntsville Arsenal, were located. This area is no longer part of the installation.) 20 - (1599)    

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