Exploring Almost Forgotten Gravesites in the Great State of Ohio

Dedicated to cemetery preservation in the great state of Ohio


"A cemetery may be considered as abandoned when all or practically all of the bodies have been Removed therefrom and no bodies have been buried therein for a great many years, and the cemetery has been so long neglected as entirely to lose its identity as such, and is no longer known, recognized and respected by the public as a cemetery. 1953 OAG 2978."

Monday, October 6, 2014

Hillsboro Cemetery, Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio and Understanding Its Active Yet Unregistered Status

Taking a look today at the Hillsboro Cemetery in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio which is operated by a private cemetery association.  

The Hillsboro Cemetery is an active cemetery, however, a currently un-registered one.  These are important points to remember especially when negative issues arise impacting a cemetery's care and/or condition and direct action is likely to be needed to resolve the situation.

If there are unresolved issues at a cemetery that is not registered, then complaints cannot be filed against the owners/operators of that cemetery, via an official Cemetery Complaint Form, with the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission.  

Only registered cemeteries are eligible, per the Ohio Department of Commerce's regulations based on the Ohio Revised Codes, which state the types of cemeteries where complaints can be filed against those responsible for their ongoing care, deteriorating conditions, or with regard to other negative issues.
  
Thus, even if a cemetery is deemed to be active but if it is currently not registered, then no complaints can be filed against those responsible for its maintenance, etc. with the Ohio Department of Commerce's  Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission.
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**"Pursuant to ORC 4767.03, registrations expire annually on June 30th"

**"However, registrations for cemeteries maintained by political subdivisions do not expire." 
 Please read the message from Laura Monick below regarding this issue -- thanking Laura for her help with my questions.  

From: "Monick, Laura"
Laura.Monick@com.state.oh.us
Sent: Monday, October 6, 2014 8:21 AM Subject:
RE: Asking a question regarding the Hillsboro Cemetery in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio

"I have looked up Hillsboro Cemetery in our system.  Currently, this is an unregistered cemetery.  We have already attempted to reach out to the association to bring them into compliance with the registration requirements.  However, ORC 4767.07 only permits us to take complaints against cemeteries that are registered.  While we work with the cemetery on the registration process we are unable to open a complaint."

You may look-up registered cemeteries here: 

https://elicense3-secure.com.ohio.gov
https://elicense3-secure.com.ohio.gov/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx

The system allows you to search by city and zip code.  The prefix on the license number that you would be interested in are as follows:

CEO – cemetery operator
CRC – cemetery associations
CBR – religious/benevolent/fraternal cemeteries
CGR – political subdivision cemeteries

Pursuant to ORC 4767.03, registrations expire annually on June 30th

However, registrations for cemeteries maintained by political subdivisions do not expire. "
 
Laura A. Monick Registration and Resolution Section Chief 
Ohio Department of Commerce Ohio 
Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing 
77 South High Street, 20th Floor Columbus, OH 43215 
614-466-5384 
www.com.ohio.gov
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