Wednesday, September 26, 2001

I am Jan Peters Roderick, g-g-g-granddaughter of George and Sarah West Peters. I have just this past week been advised of the controversy over my ancestors' cemetery located on the property which, I am told, is now the proposed site of a power plant of the Williams Energy Co. This Peters family cemetery contains the burial sites of Sarah West Peters, along with her son, George, and most of his family. It is my understanding this property is owned by Mr. Michael Scharko.

I want to voice the family's concerns over the future of the cemetery and state that we are adamantly opposed to the relocation of the cemetery. There is a covenant written by the family stating in part, "...no person can ever disturb the remains of the persons who sleep here, and who may sleep here in the future."

I was in the area about five years ago on a genealogy research trip and visited the cemetery. At that time I had to walk quite a distance from Peters Road to reach the cemetery site. I have been told that where I entered has now been barricaded and posted with "no trespassing" signs.

There are numerous descendants of George and Sarah West Peters in Mississippi, Texas and California whom I personally know. The ones I have been able to contact are of one mind, i.e., they will not consider having the cemetery moved and will require open access to the cemetery.

I have today written letters stating these concerns to Williams Energy Co., Fulton Energy Center, Mr. Doug Dillard, attorney for the Williams Energy Co., Senator Hecht, Representative Teague, Mr. William Edwards and Mr. Mike Kenn, both on the board of Commissioners for Fulton County and Mr. Michael Scharko.

The family is adamant both about not having the cemetery moved and having open access to the site.

Sincerely,

Jan Peters Roderick

Gulfport, Miss.

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