At least 40 people who have shaped the history of the village of Mexico now rest beneath ruined headstones.

"This is terrible," said Deputy Mayor James Hotchkiss. "The people that are buried here made Mexico the great community that it is."

"I don't understand what enjoyment anybody can find in tipping over gravestones," said Allie Proud, president of the Mexico Historical Society.

State troopers say it happened between Saturday and Sunday. The vandals struck the historic area of the cemetery. All the headstones are at least 100 years old.

"Orson Ames House, he was a noted abolitionist. His stone has been tipped over," said Proud.

Orson Ames and Asa Beebe, both abolitionists that lived in the village, now have desecrated headstones. 

"Unfortunately, many of the families have moved on or joined their relatives in this cemetery. It's very difficult to get these repaired," said Proud.

But one man is hoping to restore the history.

"I've been in business for 28 years. I've done it several times. It can be a dangerous thing if you don't know what you're doing, but I've done it a lot," said Oswego County Monuments Owner Shawn Boshart, who is planning to help the village fix the destroyed headstones. 

"We'll be able to stand up them up and make sure they're secure and safe," Boshart said.

Village officials hope those responsible will be held accountable. 

"We will prosecute and they [state police] will follow through on it, too," said Hotchkiss. "Maybe we can get their families to pay for the damage, or them."