Butler Family Cemetry Funding by Kentucky

Percival Butler married Mildred Hawkins the daughter of Mary Langford and John Hawkins of Hanover County Virginia. Mary is reported to be the daughter of Thomas Langford. The Langford name continues through this family, i.e, Joseph Langford Hawkins, Thomas Langford Butler.

Governor's Office for Local Development
Governor Fletcher Approves Funding for the Butler Family Cemetery

Press Release Date:	Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Contact Information:	Samantha Cook Public Information Officer 1-800-346-5606

Governor Ernie Fletcher and the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD) today announced a $25,000 Cemetery Preservation Fund grant for the General Butler State Resort Park. Funds will be used to restore the Butler Family Cemetery located at the Butler-Turpin State Historic House.

“All cemeteries have very special connections to our past and certainly the Butler Family Cemetery is no exception," said Governor Fletcher. "The park and the cemetery are landmarks in Kentucky and should be protected as such.”

Cemetery Preservation Funds will be used for initial cleanup, landscaping, fencing, equipment purchases, signage, tombstone repairs and cleaning, surveillance cameras and historical research.

Senator Ernie Harris (R-Crestwood) said, “Each year, hundreds of people visit the Butler-Turpin Historic House. The improvements at the cemetery will enhance their visit and provide them with an even better grasp of the history of the facility.”

The Butler family consists of a number of heroes from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Percival Butler, Thomas Langford Butler and William Orlando Butler are a part of this family.

"The historical and archeological research connected to this park is important for Kentucky and its history. The cemetery improvements will provide a greater experience for visitors at all levels of interest—from budding historians to those who already have a passion for history," said Representative Rick Rand (D-Bedford).

The Kentucky Cemetery Preservation program funds maintenance, preservation and restoration activities. Examples of maintenance activities include initial cleanup and landscaping, purchasing equipment, fencing, signage and improving interior roads. Preservation and restoration activities include acquiring conservation easements, surveying boundaries and repairing and cleaning tombstones.

Other activities that are eligible for funding are historic research, archiving, training to support cemetery preservation and improving access roads.

Counties may establish five-member county cemetery boards to apply for grants. State agencies, local governments, and certain nonprofit organizations – cemeteries, historical and genealogical groups, and local civic groups – also may apply. However, applications from county boards will receive funding priority.

The maximum grant that a group can receive is $25,000 and the minimum grant is $1,000, and a one-to-one local match is required.

A five-member state board oversees the program and makes funding decisions. The state board is chaired by the Commissioner of GOLD and also represents the Kentucky Heritage Council, the Kentucky Historical Society, the Kentucky Association of Counties and the Kentucky African-American Heritage Commission.