By Shelley Hanson
For The Intelligencer Wheeling News-Register
MOUNDSVILLE — More than 40 headstones were vandalized with spray paint at the Mount Rose Cemetery, 2 N. Jefferson Ave., Moundsville, said Jim Stultz, volunteer treasurer with the Mount Rose Cemetery Association.
Stultz said the damage was discovered by a man walking his dog early Wednesday morning. He believes the acts likely occurred the day or night before on Tuesday and were conducted by more than one person.
“I’ve been doing this job for 22 years and we haven’t had a previous act this devastating,” Stultz said on Thursday. “Never in the way of this much damage.”
Stultz said the paints used were mostly black and gold. He said there were symbols and words painted on the stones, several of which belong to Civil War and Revolutionary War heroes.
He noted Green Lawn Cemetery, which abuts Mount Rose, also had some stones damaged with paint.
Stultz said the Moundsville Police Department is investigating the crimes and are checking video surveillance in the area.
Stultz said he has a lawn maintenance company with two workers who have the training and know how to remove such damage, but it will likely be expensive. He estimated it could cost $4,000 to remedy.
Stultz said if the public would like to make a donation to the cleaning effort, checks can be mailed to Mount Rose Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 53, Moundsville, WV 26041.
Stultz said many of the stones that are flat or have smooth surfaces will be easier to clean; however, the older stones that are weathered will likely be more difficult.
“It’s awful. This is the worst I’ve ever seen this happen,” he said.
Stultz said the cemetery is closed daily from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. He and the police have talked to people about not drinking or sleeping the cemetery in the past. He noted there is no fence around the cemetery and it is often used as a pass-through between some sections of the city.
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