Eden Cemetery, founded in 1898 by Captain Thomas E. Richards, one of the first pineapple growers in this area, is a forgotten piece of history that deserves care and recognition. Captain Thomas E. Richards (1830-1902), was a Freemason, shipbuilder, and  founder of the Eden settlement ;  Rebecca J. Richards (1833-1905), his wife, who was a descendant on her father's side of those who arrived on the Mayflower;  William F. Richards (1852-1902), their son, also a  Freemason who helped grow his  father's pineapple business; and Edward B. Hutchinson (????-1900), of the family whose name remains tied to Hutchinson Island are all laid to rest on these grounds. Today, the descendants of the Richards family are unable to access the Eden Cemetery safely due to its overgrown and neglected condition. If St. Lucie County does not wish to maintain the cemetery in accordance with its own codes and safety standards, it is time to hold them accountable. Through public awareness, community support, and this petition demanding action, we can make sure St. Lucie County acknowledges its responsibility.  The photo shown here was taken during a recent visit to the Eden Cemetery. The headstones were rediscovered after four hours of searching, along with the original iron fence around Hutchinson's grave, which was found after additional three hours of clearing and searching. They are still there, and now is the time to save them. Tree roots are lifting  Capt. Richards's headstone, and a recent easement clearing left the iron fence within inches of being damaged. Anyone who can assist, including Freemasons, St. Lucie County officials (District 1), surveyors, lawyers, members of the public, is encouraged to step forward and help. This is a volunteer effort, and I am doing this petition as a friend of the Richards family descendants who simply want to be able to access the cemetery safely and have their legacy preserved and respected. The Eden Cemetery is identified as site 8SL1634 Eden Cemetery in the St. Lucie County Historic Resources Survey, which lists the Richards as one of the first families to settle in the area. Captain Thomas E. Richards gave the community of Eden its name and also donated the land for the cemetery. St. Lucie County Ordinance 4.11.06,  Historic sites containing graves of  "persons of transcendent importance" qualify for official protection and recognition and restored as a protected historic site.  (Parcel ID: 4504-340-0001-000-1.) In addition, under Florida Statute 497.284, counties are authorized to maintain and protect  abandoned cemeteries when no responsible party remains. In my opinion, the Eden Cemetery clearly meets this definition and deserves both state and county attention under this law. Your signature will help keep their memory alive and urge St. Lucie County to begin the restoration process that has been ignored for far too long. " We are not asking for donations, only signatures. Simply click "Sign"  and share this link instead of a donation. Thank you.