Kentucky has approximately 270 regulated cemeteries (i.e., commercial), but
we have thousands (probably tens of thousands) of unregulated cemeteries.
Most of these are small family cemeteries consisting of between 5 and 25
interments. That's the norm in these parts. 
I've seen military markers, hand-inscribed cement markers, grave houses
(small buildings erected over the burial site) and even a stone etched with
the outline of a person's hand (I assume the deceased). Archaeologically
speaking, the small family cemeteries are much more interesting, if for
nothing more than an examination of surface features (monuments, etc.).
Vaults of any kind are almost non-existent, though we often find small
"vaults" excavated below the graveshaft. These are small chambers excavated
into the soil or rock that fit the shape of the interment container, and
that are smaller than the overall shaft in plan. 

Daniel "I See Dead People" Davis
Archaeologist Coordinator
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Division of Environmental Analysis
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622
(502) 564-7250

-----Original Message-----
From: Ron May [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2005 11:20 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Cement Burial Case


Burial in backyards here in San Diego only occur during murders. However, 
people who cremate their relatives often simply shake the box around a
favorite 
sand dune, forest, stream or off the coast. 

In rural areas, the County Health Department has not been vigilant with 
regards to family plots. I know of several that continue to be used and no
one 
officially intervenes. There are a number of private local cemeteries. The
formal 
ones are regulated, but the family ones are ignored. You can imagine it is a

touchy subject. I have even seen U.S. military grave markers at some of
those 
rural plots.

Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.