LETTERS: WARE CEMETERY NEEDS MONUMENT

To the editor:

I have been watching the progress at the Fruitland Exit #105 with some interest, because I am aware that many years ago, a small cemetery located there was razed to make the entrance ramp going south. I further understand that the tombstones were discarded. Ware Cemetery contains the remains of at least 15 people, including Colonel Christopher Hays, a Revolutionary War soldier who served with General George Washington. Col. Hays was also a member of the panel of judges who laid out the city of Cape Girardeau.

Recently I noticed what appears to be two tombstones on the property near the construction site. Whether or not this is the case, I know it is not likely that all the tombstones can be recovered. Therefore, I am asking that the Missouri Department of Transportation right a wrong that was done many years ago, and allow a small monument, containing the names and dates of those known to be buried there, to be placed on or near the site of the Ware Cemetery.

I am contacting the Cape Girardeau County Genealogical Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution to help generate support for this project. I believe it is very important to remember these individuals who contributed not only to this area but also to our country.

MRS. ERNEST (PATTY) CHILES II

Jackson