The “Histories in Stone” publication by the Pike County Historical, Genealogical & Preservation Society has been published and is now ready for purchase.

Dianne Smith, society president, said the historical organization is committed to the collection, preservation and publication of historical information, both current and past, in relation to Pike County and Southeast Alabama.

“We are also committed to one publication a year,” Smith said. “The ‘Histories in Stone’ publication is the registry of the Union Hill Cemetery on Highway 29 north of Troy. Cemeteries are among the most valuable of historic resources. In Pike County, we have more than 200 cemeteries that we know actually exist. We want those cemeteries to be preserved and are dedicated to that end.”

Smith said a written publication is a way to make certain the information recorded on the monuments is preserved.

“It is important that this information is preserved because cemeteries are valuable tools to help when searching for family histories,” she said. “In addition to the information on the grave markers, ‘Histories in Stone’ also contains photographs of the markers and available information about those buried there. Cemeteries can also reveal information about historic events, religions and lifestyles. Cemeteries tell stories of families and communities.”

“History in Stone” contains information about many of the 362 individuals buried at Union Hill Cemetery, including those who fought for the Confederacy and World War I and WWII veterans.

“Cemeteries help preserve the history of our community and is people. There is no way to put a value on that,” Smith said. “There are many stories contained in ‘History in Stone.”

The “History in Stone” publications are $30 and are available by calling Smith at 334-482-1660.