Clay Cemetery in Kirkwood suffered damage to grave markers – including primitive headstones and ground penetrating radar markers for unmarked graves – after the grounds were entered illegally over the weekend.
A $1,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual, according to Earl Williamson, chair of the Kirkwood Neighbors Organization environmental committee.
The property recently suffered from broken fencing and damage to a second conventional marker. Neither can be repaired, Williamson posted on social media.
Kirkwood’s oldest intact historical site, Clay Cemetery is made up of 42 traditional gravestones, at least 21 unconventionally marked graves, and more than 24 unmarked graves according to the DeKalb History Center.
The cemetery was established in the mid-1800s when Jesse Clay, Sr., died and left subdivided land to his sons and their wives, and eventually his descendants. Marked graves date from 1861 to 1936.
Officials from Clay Cemetery have not responded for comment. Disturbing a grave site is a misdemeanor in Georgia.
Anyone with information is being asked to call 911. Williamson can be reached at (404) 378-9599 or claycemetery@yahoo.com.
