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."

Thursday, November 19, 2020

"Headstones - history uncovered in small Clark County graveyard"

Sharing from the Springfield News-Sun, November 18, 2020 - by columnist, Pam Cottrel, this inspiring story of how a small almost forgotten cemetery is getting much needed help from those who are dedicated to saving it for future generations.  

We rarely read success stories being written about long inactive and small, out of the way cemeteries in Ohio (or anywhere for that matter!), but this one about the Minnich Graveyard in Clark County, Ohio is a true success story in a major way that proves there can be hope for others like it.   

Enjoy viewing the Lowry family monument recently created and hand carved by renowned Indiana carver, Casey Winningham, who is indeed an expert in his field.

Excerpt from the article:

"Any historical or genealogical information that might help with the restoration project would be greatly appreciated, especially by Miles who would like to meet some local Lowry cousins.

Winningham is also available for additional restoration work in this area and for custom made stones. He can be contacted at (812) 327-3565. A gallery of his work can be viewed at.:"

Carver, Casey Winningham

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Minnich Graveyard on Find A Grave with 48 memorials.

RESEARCHING CEMETERY RECORDS IN NORTHWEST OHIO

If you are researching cemeteries located in counties in northwest Ohio, you have several resources to check with for the types of records that they have.  We'll be building a list of them here as we find them.  
One wonderful resource is Bowling Green State University Library's Center for Archival Collections.  You can search in person or by mail request.   
See links below for the most current information for such things as fees and hours of operation.:
"The CAC provides a variety of services, including photocopying, scanning, and research assistance. Upon completion of your request, our Budget Office will send you an invoice. We accept cash, check, money order, or credit card for payment. A 6.5% sales tax applies to patrons within the state of Ohio.
Mailed Orders:
Please allow an additional 8-10 business days to receive research requests by mail. Research requests shipped via USPS will be charged a flat rate of $5.00, and estimates will be provided to orders shipped via UPS.
Research Fees:
A fee of $25.00 per hour will be charged for research performed on your behalf by one of our archivists with a maximum of 2 hours. The first 30 minutes are free."
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County Recorder

Cemetery Plot Maps, 1939-1940, 1r (#78)
Deed Records, 1830-1903, 51r (#45-50; 100-144)
Index to Cemetery Lots, 1885-1969, 1r (#54)
Index to Soldiers' Discharge Records, 1944-1997, 1r (#167)
Index to Soldiers' Grave Records, 1943-1992, 1r (#54)
Soldiers' Discharge Records, 1861-1997, 7r (#52-53; 168-172)
Soldiers' Grave Record, 1860s-1976, 2r (#54, 64)
Veteran's Grave Registration Plot Book, 1939-1940 1r (#78)
Truro Cemetery Burial Records, 1941-1998, 1r (#5)
Truro Cemetery Deed Records, 1922-1987, 1r (#3)
Truro Cemetery Interment Records, 1922-1985, 2r (#3-4)
Truro Cemetery Lot Record, 1941-1998, 1r (#5)
Truro Cemetery Accountants Records, 1921-1928, 1r (#19)
Cemetery Lot Sales Record, 1873-1939, 1r (#1)
Cemetery Reports, 1920-1949, 1r (#1)
Grave Digging Account Record, 1907, 1r (#1)
Leipsic Cemetery Lot Sales Record, 1873-1882; 1891-1902, 1r (#1)
Sugar Ridge Cemetery Lot Records, n.d., 1r (#1)
Sugar Ridge Cemetery Tombstones, 1872-1986, 1r (#1)
Sugar Ridge Cemetery Interment Records, 1909-1965, 1r (#1)
West Belmore Cemetery Lot Records, n.d., 1r (#1)
West Belmore Cemetery Tombstones, 1874-1977, 1r (#1)

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You can spend the day searching away on this wonderful blog! 
You'll find several posts offering a diverse and interesting collection of records; many relating to cemeteries!  
Check out the years 2016 - starting in May, 2016 where there are 6 posts; and also in 2017 and in 2018 for posts about the W.P.A. Historical Survey records for cemeteries.  These are are rather obscure records - perhaps even more difficult to locate than the W.P.A. Cemetery Plot Maps for all of Ohio's 88 counties.
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There is also a Facebook Group dedicate to Northwest Ohio.:
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Incorporating early burial records for Ohio cemeteries is essential to grasping a full understanding of them and their history as you move through time to today with your current research. 

Ohio’s 3rd-largest Norway Spruce shelters graves of local vets


Sharing this story from Eaton, in Preble County, Ohio.
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https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/42226/mound-hill-cemetery