Thanking Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer for asking his readers to share their reasons for visiting grave sites.

Sharing a link to this story published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer by Terry Pluto appearing on October 26, 2025.  It is an extensive follow-up story to the one which initially appeared the week before on October 19, 2025.  These stories also appeared digitally on Cleveland.com.

Terry asked his readers to tell him their reasons for visiting grave sites.  Based on his own comments at the beginning of the second column, published on October 26, 2025, Terry received more responses than what he expected.  For many of us, an extensive response count would not be unexpected. That is because we also visit grave sites, and cemeteries in general, for various reasons at different times throughout the year.  And, when we do visit, our greatest hope is that those grave sites are in good condition - i.e. grass cut around the markers or monuments, no tire marks on flat markers, no over-weed whacking around the markers or monuments. Proper pruning of trees and bushes.  Picking up of trash and debris on the grounds.  

That is just the landscaping side of this issue.  

What about the markers and monuments themselves?  Do they need tending to in some way?  Do they need cleaning, or perhaps even more work done to make things right for them?  Some monuments or markers lean or start to sink. They may need re-leveling.  

To keep visitors safe, proper signage needs to be in place so they know what to expect and what is allowed for decorations. Trash receptacles should be at a cemetery and emptied regularly. 

For some grave markers and monuments that are older and more fragile, we have to understand that perhaps not much can be done to save them except sadly to replace them.  We need to remember to adhere to the "Do No Harm Guidelines" as set forth by the NCPTT of the National Park Service.  We remain committed to leave a gravesite better than what we found it.
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Those who are responsible for cemeteries and their care are to be held accountable when one of their cemeteries needs attention.  As visitors, we should not be told by the cemetery owners that "it is up to the family" to take care of whatever it is that is wrong.  It doesn't always work that way.  We have to make them aware of that.  If the cemetery is Active and Registered then we can file a formal complaint to the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission. One day, hopefully, this opportunity will be afforded to ALL cemeteries regardless if they are Active (and Registered) or not. By filing a formal complaint, members of the OCDRC visit the cemetery of concern and contact those responsible about its lack of care to better address the problematic issues affecting it. 

Another issue to keep in mind is that all too often problems stem from local apathy resulting in neglect overtaking a cemetery, and thereby problems more easily multiply.  Nearby communities should understand that their local cemeteries are part of the fabric of their landscape; and early founding pioneers of the area rest in peace in them. 

Thus, awareness and education go hand in hand to best protect a cemetery and preserve its gravesites for our current generation and for those who come after us.  You don't have to know someone buried in a cemetery to care about it. 

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Mercer County Ohio - W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Maps - Update to the right sidebar of the Blog for these cemetery plat maps.

The .jpg versions of the Mercer County W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Maps have been added to the right sidebar of the blog. 

As is the case with other W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Map collections for other Ohio counties, the smaller cemeteries on a page, with multiple townships on one page, are saved in their own album. 

Names of the cemeteries appear in the Album Description section since there are several of them - too numerous to list in the title.
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Links to the  original .pdf versions that are held at the Mercer County Recorder's Office have already been added to the right sidebar of the blog along with other links that the Recorder is also offering on their website.  Be sure to check them out! 

Julie Peel, Mercer County Recorder, and her team, have done an excellent job of uploading their .pdf W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Maps to their website.  I encourage anyone who is researching these cemetery plat maps to reference them.
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Sharing also a small sampling of the Legend of Wars / History Box images in this Mercer County collection. These double outlined boxes appearing in the lower right-hand corner of a cemetery plat map page, are worth referencing because they can contain additional information pertinent to the cemetery.  

Also, normally there is at least a short listing of the numbers associated with the wars Americans served in - i.e. number 1 for the American Revolutionary War; number 10 for the War of 1812; number 19 for the Civil War, etc. that will be needed when referencing the veteran burials listed on the map page for each cemetery.
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On Page 31 - The Murlin Cemetery lists Henry Leasor as having been buried there who was an American Revolutionary War veteran.:

  
Please reference Karen Miller Bennett's wonderful blog post regarding American Revolutionary War veterans buried in Mercer County.:

The Macedon Cemetery lists two American Revolutionary War veterans buried there. Amos Spencer and James Shoonover.  Neither veteran is shown on Find a Grave for the Macedon Cemetery, however. 

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One more key identification for these W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Maps is that each one clearly shows:

"The Official Project Nos. of 465-42-3-467 & 
665-42-3-232" which verify they are authentic W.P.A. Cemetery Plats created by the Works Progress Administration program.
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There are two cemeteries with the single name of "Township" - one is for Gibson Township, and the other one is for Marion Township.:

Sharing Terry Pluto's October 12, 2025 story about visiting grave sites. Relating his own experiences "started it all"!

 Terry Pluto's October 12, 2025 Story about visiting grave sites.
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Relating that one week prior to Terry Pluto's October 19, 2025 story, he shared his personal story that "started it all" about his experience visiting the grave site of someone close to him. 

At the end of his story he provided his contact information.  Hed invited his readers, who would choose to, write to him and share their stories with him and his readers.:

"But if you go, tell me about it. Why do you go? What do you get out of it? 

This for a follow-up story."
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Terry may or may not return to this subject once again; and he may or may not ask his readers to share as they have now, however, I feel one vital point was made with Terry's story and those who related theirs in response to his request to do so as well. That is how meaningful the reasons and experiences are for them who take the time to visit cemeteries and grave sites. Their willingness to share their reasons demonstrates how important it is for them to publicly express them.  They are deeply personal and powerful.  

God Bless them all! 

Sharing news of upcoming November 19th, 2025 event at Cleveland's Lake View Cemetery - 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.

Here is the link for information about this upcoming November 19th, 2025 event at Cleveland's Lake View Cemetery.

From Kathy Goss.:

"On Tuesday, November 19th, starting at 11:00, we will be commemorating the birthday of President James A Garfield and Ohio's newest holiday, James A. Garfield Day. This involves a wreath sent from the White House, special guests from the military, music, and patriotic words to honor the life and legacy of our 20th president. "

Eli and Amanda Allen's "Wandering Appalachia" website offers some truly unique posts from their cemetery adventures!

Sharing the latest post from Eli & Amanda Allen and their "Wandering Appalachia" website.

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Enjoy moving Isaac Price's marker around! 

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Isaac Price's memorial on Find a Grave.

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Sharing this latest news from the Mercer County Recorder - Updated website

"From the "Mercer County Outlook" 

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"Back in May, the Recorder’s Office was selected by GIS students from Miami University to collaborate on a project focused on Mercer County cemeteries. I’m excited to announce that the finished project has now been implemented on the Mercer County website!

The goal of the project was to provide more detailed information about the cemeteries located in Mercer County. Janell from the Tax Map Office and I have reviewed and refined the students' work to better suit our needs and preferences.

 please visit our website to explore the new features:

 Navigate to:

Search Records

  Cemetery Records

There you will find:

Veteran Grave Registration

Genealogy Society Cemetery Volumes

Search Records 

Cemetery Map Search 

A GIS-based interactive map showing cemetery locations. 

You can click on each cemetery marker to view information such as:

Cemetery name and alternative names

 (if applicable) Location
Links to Find a Grave, WPA Plat,
and Genealogy Society volumes
Interesting facts (if available)

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Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy exploring this new resource!

        Julie Peel

Mercer County Recorder

101 North Main Street, Room 203

Celina, Ohio 45822

Telephone: 

(419) 586-4232  ext. 5143

Fax Number: 

(419) 586-3541

America 250 Teacher Workshop - Former Washington High School Teacher, Paul LaRue, will be presenting insights and information on the topics relating to the American Revolution during this upcoming program.

*September 25, 2025, 11a.m. - 4p.m.*

America 250 Teacher Workshop

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"Enlist in an exciting teacher’s workshop hosted by the Fort Laurens Museum and the Zoar Community Association as part of the America 250 celebration!

This dynamic, history-packed event will have you ready to declare independence from dull lesson plans.

Content experts will cover the American Revolution, American Indian cultures, and Ohio’s key role in the fight for independence—all while sharing engaging strategies to bring the 18th century to life in your classroom.

Rally with fellow educators and get inspired to spark a revolution in how your students experience history."

11067 Fort Laurens Rd.

Bolivar, OH 44697

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Fort Laurens Cemetery on Find a Grave

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Sharing from The "Medina County Gazette" - "Paul LaRue speaks to Friends of the Cemetery" - September 8, 2025 by Patrick Rhonemus

Excerpt:

"LaRue is president of the State Board of Education of Ohio and serves as the co-chair for the America 250 Ohio K-12 Education Committee.
He taught high school history for 30 years at Washington Court House High School." “Folks sometimes think that cemeteries are weird or creepy or scary,” he said. “But, my students really grew to love being out there because it gave them a frame of reference for things.” *****
"Friends of the Cemetery is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and beautifying two of Medina’s historic cemeteries, Spring Grove Cemetery and Old Town Graveyard.

Organization President Teresa Merkle said they try to host presentations from people who focus on preservation and history.
She said the organization is involved in preserving headstones in the cemetery."

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Sharing a one year report from the Huntington Township Trustees regarding their work at the Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Ross County and a link to their video.

 Sharing from the Scioto Post.:

"Ross County Township Proud of Year’s Work
on Large Abandoned Cemetery"

By

 Kevin Coleman

 -

 09/04/2025

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Excerpt.:

"Huntington Township, Ross County — 

After about 12 years of neglect and legal wrangling, the bankrupt Floral Hills Memory Gardens off US 23 south of Chillicothe was handed over to the township…which is proud of what they have been able to accomplish for it over the last year.

"The Huntington Township trustees reviewed their progress on the large cemetery in a special session on August 19th, 2025, and trustee John Cottrill outlined the situation afterward with me.
(Hear him in his own words in the below video interview.)"

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSVIEwobuiU

John King has provided the latest - and most exciting - progress updates for the Old Burying Ground in Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio!

On September 4, 2025, John King, an original volunteer who has devoted countless hours working at the Old Burying Ground since 2014, has provided an updated progress report for this decade-plus long program entitled: 
"Old Burying Ground Preservation Project".  

This historic and scenic cemetery is located in beautiful Greenfield, 
Highland County, Ohio.  

This project is an all-volunteer cemetery preservation / restoration / conservation endeavor that ensures it addresses all of the needs of the cemetery, including resolving the negative issues 
impacting the grave markers and monuments that grace
the sacred grounds of this early Ohio cemetery's landscape. 
This all encompassing focus includes repairing
the cemetery's fencing and gates. 

"Old Burying Ground Preservation Project"

"As mentioned in the last update, weather played a major role  in our preservation efforts.  Too hot and humid for so many days we  did not think we should schedule time  for people to come out and stress  from the heat.  However, John King and Michael Lee Anderson  did have a few spur of the moment sessions  to see what we could get done.  We did manage to repair a few stones,  some in multiple pieces! " "We'll notify you when we have a  cleaning session scheduled." **************** All Photographs below provided by  John King on September 4, 2025: Gate Update . . . "A local person has taken the left side of the gate  that was severely damaged as reported  in our last update to his shop  and believes he can repair it.  We hope he can.  It will probably be a couple months  before we know anything." "We now have a beautiful sign near the entry gate.  It gives an overview of the cemetery,  shows a grid map of the burials,  and lists all the known burials  with reference to the map.  If you are in the area, stop by to see it." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Michael Lee Anderson  standing by the beautiful new sign.: "Since 2014, the Old Burying Ground (OBG)  in Greenfield, Ohio, has been undergoing work by a group of dedicated volunteers. Throughout each year, work sessions have been  held by key volunteers.  informing you of any upcoming work sessions, and offering information about this historic cemetery. We encourage your continued support in this effort and your sharing of this information with your friends. Thank you for caring." "How Can YOU Help? "Join us for an upcoming volunteer session.  You can stay as long as you like.  We will help you get started if you have not participated previously. Tasks range from cleaning stones, straightening stones, recording information, etc.  We post our scheduled sessions on the GHS website calendar  If you are unable to attend a session and still want to help, donations are always welcome as we do have to  purchase gravel and other supplies for cleaning and  repairing the gravestones.  Donations can be made payable to the Greenfield Historical Society and include a note that it is for the cemetery project.  Thanks for the support." Friends of OBG website The Old Burying Ground on Find a Grave

Sharing this story published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on August 17, 2025. Mr. Paul LaRue of Washington Court House and his long time work ordering veterans grave markers is featured in this story.

 

"U.S. MILITARY"

"New headstones honor forgotten Americans who did their duty"

"The VA says a growing number of history buffs, Boy Scout troops and others are making sure long-dead warriors aren’t forgotten."

Jon Morgan Washington Post

“Being a veteran, I wanted to do what I could to be sure all veterans get the recognition they deserve,” says Lyle Garitty, an administrator and historian at Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore who scours records.

Photos by Jim Burger via Washington Post

The roots of John Knox’s despondence are lost to history. But his suicide made the newspaper: In 1895, he tied one end of a rope around his neck and the other around a stone block. Then he threw himself into Baltimore’s harbor.

A document in Knox’s pocket identified him as an army pensioner but included no next of kin, according to a brief account in the Baltimore Sun. He was sent to a pauper’s grave and forgotten for more than 120 years.

Then two workers at the city’s Green Mount Cemetery came across his story and applied for a grave marker through a little-known law passed in 1879. It requires the federal government to ship a headstone anywhere in the world for anyone who served in the U.S. military, not just those who died in combat or buried in military cemeteries.

The result is a granite plaque on a leafy hillside of the historic graveyard. It reads, in part: “Sgt. John W. Knox, Medal of Honor.”

It’s one of more than 167 such markers, tombstones and medallions that the cemetery workers Shawn Ward and Lyle Garitty have installed in the graveyard to memorialize forgotten men and women who did their duty in conflicts as far back as the Revolutionary War.

They are among the most active of what the Department of Veterans Affairs says is a growing number of history buffs, Boy Scout troops and others who have taken up the cause of long-dead warriors.

Pupils at a high school in Ohio installed more than 70 headstones in historic cemeteries near their school.

An Orlando resident secured 61 headstones for veterans of the Spanish-American War and other conflicts at Mount Peace Cemetery in St. Cloud, Florida.

Last year, VA’s National Cemetery Administration shipped 112,459 headstones, plaques and other “memorial products” to private graveyards, said Eric Powell, director of Memorial Products Service for the NCA. The government doesn’t keep track of how many are for historic graves, but most are for recent deaths.

Many of the memorial products center on Black graveyards. The government granted white veterans the right to a free headstone shortly after the Civil War, but the privilege wasn’t extended to Black soldiers until President Harry S. Truman desegregated the armed forces in 1948.

That was too late for many of the veterans buried at Lebanon Cemetery, a Black graveyard opened in 1872 in York, Pennsylvania. A local group, the Friends of Lebanon Cemetery, has installed 17 government-issued headstones on graves that never had one or were marked with wooden ones that had rotted away, said Samantha Dorm, a volunteer with the group.

Record-keeping for African American soldiers was “an afterthought” for much of history, she says. That made it difficult to procure the necessary documentation to satisfy VA. It wasn’t until 1977 that the government declared women who served in units such as the Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs in World War II, to be veterans.

HOW TO REQUEST A GRAVE MARKER

To get a grave marker, an applicant must provide documentation of a veteran’s honorable discharge of service in the federal armed services and certify that his or her grave is unmarked or marked with a badly deteriorated headstone.

In some cases, VA will even provide a plaque or marker — though not a tombstone — if it can be proved that the body has gone missing. That’s how Ward and Garitty were able to procure a marker for Knox, whom they believe is buried under a road.

The stones come in granite or marble and weigh more than 200 pounds. They are shipped free, but applicants must pay for the installation if it’s in a private cemetery.

Paul LaRue found a ready supply of volunteers while he was a social studies teacher at Washington High School in the rural hamlet of Washington Court House, Ohio. He was leading a field trip to a cemetery when a student asked about the poor condition of headstones over some soldiers’ graves. After a bit of research, he learned about VA’s headstone program and launched a project to have students research the buried veterans, order and then install markers. They put up about 70 of them between 2002 and 2012 in six graveyards around southern Ohio.

“It was really a great way to connect the students to the community and their history,” said LaRue, who retired from teaching and is now president of the Ohio State Board of Education.

SCOURING THE ARCHIVES

In the six years they’ve been at it, Baltimore’s Ward and Garitty have become a two-man honor guard, putting up markers and helping like-minded enthusiasts from Pennsylvania to western Maryland.

Ward and Garitty, veterans themselves, have scoured military archives, city death records and handwritten ledgers in the cemetery’s office. They’ve found soldiers, sailors and aviators whose graves were never marked or whose tombstones were lost or damaged. Their freshly carved, white stone slabs and polished bronze markers stand out amid the weathered monuments of Green Mount. They form a sort of granite Facebook of American history.

There’s one for Pvt. David Mumma, who served in a battalion of ethnic Germans from Maryland and Pennsylvania who fought under George Washington at the Battle of Trenton. Another marks the grave of Aquila Randall, a Maryland militiaman killed in the 1814 British invasion of Baltimore that inspired the national anthem. Fighter pilot Richard Seth, a standout lacrosse player at the U.S. Naval Academy, was lost at sea during the Korean War.

“Being a veteran, I wanted to do what I could to be sure all veterans get the recognition they deserve,” said Garitty, an administrator and historian at Green Mount."