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, July 10, 2017

Sharing photos from a Recent Visit to the Butcher (AKA Walnut Grove) Cemetery in North Lewisburg, Champaign County, Ohio.


I had been two years since I last visited the Butcher Cemetery "AKA Walnut Grove Cemetery" when I visited it on June 29 and again on July 2, 2017.

The overall condition of the property from the front by the street to the rear where a group of trees and bushes exist is in an improved state since my previous visit.
  
Many of the small plot markers that were obscured with overgrowth are now easily visible!  Nice to see them.

The fence in area near the front was cleaned up considerably and three American Flags were placed on veterans flag holders there.  

All of the veterans who have government issue gravemarkers also had American flags flying next to them. 

There were some downed tree branches in the back, and of course the downed grave markers and monuments were still in the condition I last saw them.  That situation will not change unless and until proper hands-on preservation work is conducted to address the various condition issues of the affected grave markers and monuments.  

The cemetery sign is now a nice newer metal one that is secured to the wood frame.  Two flags were placed on each stake that holds up the wood frame.

Thanking those who are placing American flags at the Butcher Cemetery, both on the grounds and at the gravesites of the Civil War veterans buried there.  
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Civil War Veterans Buried at the Butcher Cemetery:








Above photo:
Linda Jean Limes Ellis with my "This Place Matters" message
to help bring awareness! 
Bringing awareness that All Cemeteries Matter!
Newer Butcher Cemetery Sign!
Above two photos:
The fenced in area at the center front of the Butcher Cemetery.
Note that tree trunks are embedded in some of the fencing. 
Above photo:
Long distance looking up the hill at the Butcher Cemetery
The Mary E. Good marker on large base is seen in the left forefront
and the smaller size monument is for George "Little Georgie" Bush. 
Above photo:
The Adaline D. (Limes) Winder and Aaron Winder / Birddie B. Sherrett monument.  Birddie B. was a granddaughter.  
Her mother was Phebe Annie Winder Sherrett who has her own slanted upright marker.  
All were buried on the same lot.

Above two photos:
Ronald Ellis cleaning the back of the Aaron and Adaline Winder monument.  
Above photo:
Side view of the Aaron and Adaline D. (Limes) Winder monument.
 The small marker has the inscription: "Birddie B." on the top
 
Above photo:
The entire back of the Aaron and Adaline D. Winder monument was cleaned with D/2 Biological Clean on June 29, 2017.  
The lichens were removed with a soft bristle brush. 

This photo was taken on July 2, 2017.  

The D/2Biological Solution will continue to inhibit biological growth on the monument during the months ahead.
Above photos:
The plot markers found near the Winder Family grave markers and monument.
"ADW" initials reference Adaline D. Winder.
 
Above photos:
More views of the Winder Family grave markers and monument
Birrdie B. Sherrett's name appears on a side of the large monument.
Also, the small upright marker in the middle has "Birddie B." carved on the top.

Above photo:
Leaning marker for Corp. William Apple

Above photo:
Marker for Harrison Apple
Above photo:
Monument for Jane Stokes.
On the opposite side of this mid-size monument is 
the inscription for Delmore Berry 

 
 
Six photos above:
Various views of fallen gravestones and monuments 
at the Butcher Cemetery in the back area of the cemetery. 

  
 Above:
Bases and other stones at the back of the cemetery  
 
   Above two photos:
This large monument is off-center from its base. 
Dr. J. M. Butcher and his wife, Nancy's monument above.
His son's broken partial white marble marker below. 
Above photo:
The Butcher Family plot area.
The tall black granite monument For Dr. J. M. Butcher is leaning.