The photographs below are from my October 17, 2017 visit to Ridgelawn Cemetery in Elyria, Ohio.
It was my first visit, and one that was much overdue. These are just a small sampling of the historic gravestones and monuments to be found at this early Ohio cemetery.
The earliest burial that I found belongs to Nathaniel Porter who died in June (13th?) 1822.
His "Find A Grave" memorial contains an extensive biographical write-up. He was re-interred from another cemetery, however. Links to memorials for his spouse and children are included with his memorial.
A visitor can spend several splendid hours exploring Ridgelawn Cemetery in Elyria and easily become immersed in its landscape of amazing variety of trees among towering military monuments. One is topped with a soaring Eagle while another has a life-size Civil War soldier painted in appropriate Union Regimental colors.
The 1820s - 1840s delicately carved grave markers there are indeed remarkable in their simplicity and not to be missed before you leave. Several impressive mausoleums include those that are reminiscent of small sandstone houses!
A visitor cannot help but be drawn to the grand wrought iron gated family plot of Heman Ely and his descendants.
Ridgelawn Cemetery is a sacred place where pioneer history awaits visitors who are fortunate enough to come and walk its grounds.
