Vandals trash historic Ind. cemetery

AMO, Ind. (WISH) - When a Hendricks County family moved into their home in Amo, they also inherited a historic cemetery that dates back to the mid 1850s. They believed it was an honor to care for the towns' ancestors. Now the family is angry after vandals knocked over or smashed almost 60 headstones.

Thomas and J.J. Meredith mow the Springtown Methodist Cemetery once a week, they walk their calves to the pasture and have even written school reports about the historic cemetery.

"It's pretty special to us. A lot of kids don't really get to have the privilege to do that," said J.J., 12.

Recently, the boys discovered a mess: broken tablets and knocked over gravestones.

"Looked like some kid was just wanting to have some fun for the Fourth of July and this shouldn't be the place to do it," said 14-year-old Thomas.

The boys’ mother, Nancy Meredith, said families have visited the hidden the cemetery to pay respects to their ancestors.

"The little history that we know of, it was for the old town of Springtown. And the railroad was going to go through here," said Nancy.

It's been untouched for years -- until now.

The cost to repair all the gravestones could run $4,000, which means if the person is caught, they could face felony charges.

"There is actually a statute for this particular crime, cemetery mischief. The mischief that happens, it does go up during the summer hours. It's lighter later and kids are out of school," said Lt. Jim Yetter with the Hendricks County Sheriff's Department.

"That's like a big form of disrespect to these people that are buried here. Because I know they wouldn't want their tombs knocked over. I didn't think it was right to do it to these people," said Thomas.

The township does not have the money to repair the headstones. More than likely, volunteers will work together to fix the cemetery.

Thanks to The Hendricks Flyer for help with this story.