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."

Friday, February 25, 2022

"The African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act" - Proposed Legislation for passage in the U. S. Senate by Senator Sherrod Brown and Senator Mitt Romney to better protect and preserve African American Burial Grounds in the United States

A link has been set up on the right sidebar of the blog for anyone interested in including their signature of support for passage of "The African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act" in the U. S. Senate. 

Below is information is from "Heritage Ohio":

"The bill authorizes a $3 million grant program to aid efforts across the country to identify, document, preserve, research, and interpret historic African American burial grounds. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) just introduced S. 3667 in the Senate. Next week, Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC) and Rep. Don McEachin (D-VA) will introduce the same bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"We can all help this bill succeed by demonstrating widespread support for the African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act. 

Please, join us in signing this letter of support. 

Share it with any other groups who share these goals. 

Together with staff from the Congressional staff sponsoring the legislation, we'll maintain a running list of supporters."

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Thank you!

Thursday, February 17, 2022

Sharing this link for Senator Sherrod Brown's "African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act"

 Sharing some links for Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown's "African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act".

Senator Sherrod Brown, as many know, has been championing this legislation aimed at protecting and preserving African American Burial Grounds for a number of years.  
Spotlight stories have been shared here of his previous legislative efforts that unfortunately have fallen short of passage.  
"Find A Grave" link for the Union Baptist Cemetery in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. 

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Contact: Trudy Perkins/Dani Carlson

(202) 224-3978

 

BROWN INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN AFRICAN AMERICAN BURIAL GROUNDS PRESERVATION ACT

 

Bipartisan Legislation Would Establish Preservation Program Through the National Park Service

 

WASHINGTON, DC – 


Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) hosted a news conference call to discuss the introduction of his African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act. 


The newly-introduced bipartisan bill is also sponsored by U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT).

 

Brown first introduced similar legislation in 2019 after he visited Union Baptist Cemetery in Cincinnati following news reports of vandalism at the cemetery and the cemetery’s call for much-needed repairs. Union Baptist Cemetery was founded in 1864 and includes the remains of former slaves, African American Union soldiers and civil rights activists.

 

“As a nation, we have not invested the necessary resources to preserve these hallowed grounds. That’s why we’ve worked with the community, and with civil rights, veterans, and historic preservation groups to introduce bipartisan legislation to preserve historic Black burial grounds around the country,” said Brown. “Cemeteries like Union Baptist are important historical sites, and they’re tools for education and understanding the American story. We need to act now before these sites are lost to the ravages of time or development.”

 

“Burial grounds are a place of solemn remembrance, allowing us to connect the present with the past and honor the history of our loved ones and communities,” said Romney. “It is important to preserve and protect African-American cemeteries around the country for generations to come.”

 

The African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act, would establish a program at the National Park Service to provide grant opportunities and technical assistance to local partners to research, identify, survey and preserve these cemeteries. Providing federal resources will ensure sites like Union Baptist are preserved and maintained for future generations.

 

Brown was be joined on the call by Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, the Vice Mayor of Cincinnati.

 

“Cemeteries not only honor our ancestors, but the history of our communities. I am very grateful for Sen. Sherrod Brown for recognizing the need for care that our cemeteries require in order to show respect for and uplift our heritage,” said Kearney.

 

Companion legislation is expected to be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives next week by Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12) and Rep. Donald McEachin (VA-4).

 

“Graveyards, burial grounds, and cemeteries not only honor our ancestors; they’re also an important resource for historians and genealogists who want to tell our history. However, the burial sites of African Americans are often forgotten or ignored,” said Adams. “This dishonors the memories of those who came before us and obscures our nation’s history. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the ‘African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act.’ with Senator Brown and Representative McEachin. This legislation will provide federal support for historic African American burial grounds to ensure their preservation. I can’t think of a better time than Black History Month to take an affirmative step to preserve our history for generations to come.”

 

“Since the inception of our country, the graves of African Americans have suffered unjust abuse and neglect,” said McEachin. “These burial sites hold the untold stories of millions of African Americans and the integral role they played in our nation’s trajectory. I am proud to stand alongside Congresswoman Adams and Senator Brown to introduce the African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act to preserve predominantly Black cemeteries and other resting places. The protection of these burial grounds is long overdue and critical to ensuring a more complete, comprehensive understanding of America’s history.”

 

The legislation is also supported by historic preservation groups in Ohio and across the country.


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"Heritage Ohio supports Senator Brown's legislation for African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act.  The gaps in our historical records represent the incomplete cultural connections for all Americans today,” said Joyce Barrett, Executive Director of Heritage Ohio.

Passing this legislation would provide legal protection and preservation for African American burial grounds. 

The law would address the urgent need to bring a greater awareness of the sad plight these cemeteries have faced for centuries and strive to resolve them.  

It is past time for Congress to enact this crucial legislation!  

Applauding Senator Brown and Senator Romney for their stepping up to be sponsors of this bill to save these historic cemeteries that are so deserving of our respect.  It will be the sorely needed start by acknowledging their needs and finding ways to properly address and resolve them.  

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Spotlighting “The Ohio Guide” and a subsequent revelation about obscure Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio artist and sculptor, Otis C. Pratt


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Spotlighting “The Ohio Guide” and a subsequent revelation about obscure Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio artist and sculptor, Otis C. Pratt.

 Thus, we will be turning our attention to this W.P.A. document that is actually an extensive 634-page publication published in 1940 simply entitled:

  "The Ohio Guide" .  

 The good thing is that you can "Google it" and find dozens of references about it!

 The best news is that direct access to “The Ohio Guide” is currently found via the website.: "Family Search",  and the option to  download it to your computer or other device.

 Co-incidentally, on December 30, 2021, a spotlight article was published in the Cleveland "Plain Dealer" in the "Travel Section" by Robert L. Smith, as a special to the "Plain Dealer" that is a ‘must read’ for anyone seeking in-depth history on this subject entitled.:

 "Revisiting 'The Ohio Guide', the Depression era handbook highlighting top spots in the Buckeye State." 

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"The Ohio Guide" was part of the "
American Guide Series" that came under the WPA Federal Writers' Project.

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The Campbell Library at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey has an extensive history on this subject posted online.

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The results of conducting a word search for the word "cemetery" in the online version of "The Ohio Guide" produced 44 "hits". 

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One particular “hit” appears on Page 125 for Otis C. Pratt who was buried at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio.:

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Below is a partial transcription of Page 125 of “The Ohio Guide” that includes a tombstone inscription transcription offered by the unknown writer under the category of “Art”.:

“In wind-swept Greenwood Cemetery on the edge of the village of Wellington, Lorain County, is the grave of a neglected artist who composed for his headstone an unusual epitaph.  This plaintive cry, perpetuated by Otis C. Pratt (1845-1921), gives voice to the sense of bafflement that must have been common to many artists in early Ohio who found themselves without encouragement or support;

"Stranger: I live in an Age when
 coruption [sic] was in our Government
and the ballot box was begged [sic] for;
When martyred Presidents and riots
echoed over our land; When Law and
respect clung to the rich and shunned
the poor; When money and fashion
had the brains, and Talent went
over the waters, for want of Free
Schools of Art supported by our
Government.  Such were the conditions
which caused my Landscape discovery
to decay with me, as Nature shows it.
Farewell P.R.A.T.T."

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 An overview of Otis C. Pratt’s Life Story:

 Otis C. Pratt’s parents were Lyman Pratt and Rachel Camilla Warner Pratt who were married November 28, 1844 in Lorain County, Ohio.:

Lyman B. Pratt, Otis C. Pratt’s father, was born in Deerfield, Oneida County, New York in 1821.

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Otis was living with his parents in the following U. S. census records: 1850, 1860 and 1870, in Huntington Township, in Southern Lorain County.

1850 U. S. Census – Huntington Township, Lorain County, Ohio.:

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1860 U. S. Census – Huntington Township, Lorain County, Ohio (pages 56 and 57). Lyman Pratt was age 38, Camilla Pratt, his wife, was age 34, Otis was age 14, and Ella was age 9.  A servant, Fanny Chapman, age 19, lived in the household.:

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 During the middle 1860’s Otis C. Pratt attended Oberlin College.:




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1870 U. S. Census – Huntington Township, Lorain County, Ohio. The 1870 U. S. Census, Otis C. Pratt was age 24, and his occupation was Artist. The family was doing well because we see a farm laborer, Adam Uloth, and a domestic servant, Emma Woods who lived with them. 

We also see a 19 year old Emma Pratt living in the household shown as having been born in New York.  Thus, it is unclear what her relationship was in this Pratt family.:

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 On September 12, 1870, Otis C. Pratt applied for a passport to travel first to Liverpool, England. 

Next, he went to Florence Italy, and then “the continent of Europe generally”.:

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 Below, this single sentence announcement in the “Elyria Independent Democrat” newspaper - Elyria, Ohio, dated May 22, 1872, tells us quite a lot about Mr. Otis C. Pratt of Huntington Township!  However, in reality, he may have only been gone for a little less than two years based on the U.S. 1870 Census, and his September 12, 1870 passport application (see above.).  Still, it is wonderful to see that he had been pursing his study of sculpture and has returned home!

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On January 8, 1877, Rachel Camilla Warner Pratt, Otis C. Pratt’s mother, passes away from cancer.  She was buried at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio.: 

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October 1, 1879 – Lyman B. Pratt marries Hattie Johnston in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.:

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Below is a the 1880 U.S. Census for Lyman Pratt and his second wife, Hattie Pratt.

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Below is a possible record for Otis C. Pratt shown in an 1887 Census. However, it was for the then Territory of Washington.  

Otis' age, home state of Ohio, and occupation all do fit for information appropriate for Otis C. Pratt – listed in this record as O. C. Pratt.

 This record may provide a clue explaining why he does not show up in the 1880 census in Ohio.

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However, Otis C. Pratt, age 52, born November, 1847, is listed in the 1900 U. S. Census, residing in Wellington Village, Lorain County, Ohio. 

His occupation appears to state.:  “Painter House.”

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Below is the 1910 U. S. Census for Otis C. Pratt – living in Wellington Village, Lorain County, Ohio.  His age was 64.  He was listed as being Single. 

His  occupation was given as Sculptor of Fine Art. 

So, it appears that Otis has established himself in Wellington, and was engaging in artistic work as a Sculptor in Fine Art.

:

Otis C.  Pratt -  Elyria Evening Telegram - September 30 1916

Page7 - Otis C. Pratt sells land - Lots 13 - Huntington Twp. - 17 - $2000.

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 Below is the final U. S. Census for Otis C. Pratt.:

In the 1920 U. S. Census, Otis C. Pratt was shown as being age 73.  His status was Single.  He was living as a renter in Wellington Village, at 120 East Clay Street. 

His occupation was listed as “none”. 

Ohio is listed as his birthplace. 

Ohio is also shown as the birthplace of his parents, however his father was born in New York, and his mother was born in Connecticut.
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Re-reading Otis C. Pratt’s sad epitaph, we have to ask why he felt so compelled  to express himself  in such a revealing and lasting way?

 Looking beyond his lamenting the lack of government supported free public art schools in America, perhaps he harbored a deeper more personal hurt that negatively affected his self- confidence as a gifted artist. 

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 One possibility that comes to mind is the well-known nineteenth and early twentieth century Wellington artist, Archibald M. Willard

 When we think of Archibald M. Willard, his painting of the “Spirit of ’76” might be top of mind.  However, as many know he painted several highly regarded paintings in his lifetime. 

 One such painting is entitled “The Blue Girl”.  The blue girl was Hattie Adele Pratt.  Archibald M. Willard was commissioned by Hattie’s father to paint her portrait a few years after her death based on a photograph of her.

 Below is my print of “The Blue Girl” – Hattie Pratt – painted by Archibald M. Willard.

As it so happens, from accounts seen thus far, it appears that Hattie Adele Pratt was a first cousin to Otis C. Pratt, because her father Benjamin J. Pratt, was a brother to Otis’ father, Lyman B. Pratt.

Thus, there was a family connection with Archibald M. Willard and Otis C. Pratt’s uncle, Benjamin J. Pratt, centering around commemorating the life and death of his infant daughter, Hattie Adele Pratt. 

 Perhaps Otis would have liked to have been the artist chosen by his uncle to paint such a special painting of his infant cousin; but we may never really know.

 It is unknown at this time if Otis C. Pratt signed any of his artistic works – paintings or sculptures.

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 Thanking Mr. Alan Leiby for his photos of the weathered white marble mid-size monument at the gravesite of Otis C. Pratt and his mother Rachel Camilla Warner Pratt.  

 The rather lengthy epitaph printed in “The Ohio Guide” on page 125 is not shown on Otis’ side of the monument.  The monument needs some cleaning, but overall is in good shape for its age.

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Lay Me Down to Rest: FINALE The Lost Cemeteries - February 15 2022

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Sharing a link to Eli Allen's "Wandering Appalachia" website and the addition of W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Maps for Scioto County, Ohio

It is exciting to learn about the W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Maps for Scioto County, Ohio being recently added to the highly informative website: 

"Wandering Appalachia" which was created by preservationist and historian Eli Allen.  Eli has extensively traveled and researched the history and hidden stories of the Appalachian region of Ohio and Kentucky. 

Eli has personally documented, photographed, and produced videos about a vast number of cemeteries throughout this historic area with Scioto County, Ohio being a main focus.  

Be sure to check out all of the specific Subject Tags provided on the main page! 

Of particular note are the 105 posts spotlighting the The Scioto County Infirmary 
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Thus, it is my pleasure to add Scioto County to the right sidebar of the blog for the Ohio W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Maps linked to those shared on "Wandering Appalachia"!

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Sharing from "The Times Leader" in Martins Ferry, Ohio - Bethel Cemetery in Barnesville, Ohio Restoration Update

Sharing this news story from "The Times Leader" in Martins Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio - February 2, 2022.  

Below is an excerpt.  Please click on the title link to read the complete story to learn all of the exciting details about the restoration of this early Ohio cemetery.  

Excerpt:

"In addition to cleaning and resetting all of the gravestones, they plan to remove a line of trees to stop limbs from falling onto the stones, causing damage.

Eschbaugh said they are searching for volunteers in the community who would be willing to help with the process in the spring. It will most likely be on a Saturday each month. More information will be released on the church’s Facebook page when the time comes."

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Sharing a link to the Facebook Page for the Bethel Church referenced in this story. 

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

February 1 2022 - Warrensville West Cemetery - Sharing this updated story from "Cleveland.com" - See under the heading "Cemetery Grant"

It is always exciting to discover a follow-up story  updating the progress of preservation plans benefitting a historic Ohio cemetery, and this one is no exception!  

This follows the announcement published June 15, 2021 to obtain cemetery grant funding for the Warrensville West Cemetery in Shaker Heights, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.  

Details appear under the heading of "Cemetery Grant":

Excerpt: 

"In what could serve as a model beyond the city, council authorized a $25,000 application to the Ohio History Connection’s Certified Local Government grant program in order to restore “urgent-priority gravestones” within Warrensville West Cemetery, nestled in the northwest corner of the Shaker Town Center."
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An in-depth report regarding this extensive effort is found in this link to "Shakeronline" - that formally presents the Master Plan's details of:  "History & Existing Conditions, Project Overview, and Schedule" integral to this important project.  
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For further reference to the burials at this early Ohio cemetery, here is a link to the Warrensville West Cemetery as it appears on the website of "Find A Grave".
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