By Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — Thieves took and damaged more than a dozen headstones from a historic cemetery in Compton that represents the final resting place for hundreds of veterans, including several Civil War Union soldiers, according to the owner.

The thefts occurred at Woodlawn Celestial Gardens, one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles County. It is located between residential homes and commercial buildings in Compton, not far from the 91 Freeway.

Celestinia Bishop, the owner, said the thefts were discovered Thursday but she said she believes the thieves broke into the cemetery the night before and took the headstones for the bronze and copper plaques. Replacing them, she said, can cost up to nearly $4,000.

It has been especially tough for Bishop to see the

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