Sharing a Call for Volunteers to help in Cuyahoga County to complete scanning projects of several types of cemetery records including W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Maps.

Sharing from Homer Taft of the Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio.:

"We have with volunteers through Monroe Street Cemetery Foundation completed scanning many record books of Monroe Street Cemetery, with over a Terabyte of data produced with a view to making maps, lot layouts, and all interment records publicly available soon.  

We have now obtained records for:

 Erie Street, Denison, and Brookmere Cemeteries, the other oldest Cemeteries, for scanning.  

These represent perhaps another 30-40 hours of volunteer time to scan.

Once these are completed, we can move on to some larger projects including.:

 Woodland, Harvard Grove, Alger, West Park, and Highland Park.  

There are also many other local cemeteries with records that could be scanned.

*************

In addition, we are working at obtaining scans of the fragile WPA maps of veteran graves at all Cuyahoga Cemeteries so they can be put on line.

Also, are discussing getting online access to all, including the oldest, Probate Court records that are a gold mine for genealogy.

If we try to do this with our first 8 volunteers who have been trained in the high speed, large format equipment at Cleveland Public Library, it will likely take many years, perhaps the lifetimes of the mostly retired who are helping.  

We could very much use help from another 16 or more.  

If we were to achieve even 20 hours a week of scanning, with average sessions of 4 hours and one volunteer session a month, we'd need 22 folks to do just the 8 Cleveland Cemeteries in one year.

There are also many tasks past scanning.  

These need to be put through an AI-OCR process to index and translate the records that requires at least one human eye on every resulting entry to assure accuracy and correct incorrect entries from the transcribed records.

*************

So we are asking for your help and for recruitment of folks you know who may be interested.  

With many more hands and eyes, we may be able to make these records available publicly in a year or so.  

*************

The first step is a training session on the equipment and records to know how to properly handle which takes about 2 hours for every group of up to 4 people at Cleveland Public Library.  

Then individuals schedule sessions with the large format scanner and continue the book being scanned until finished."

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Homer S. Taft

Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve

Monroe Street Cemetery Foundation

hstaft@yahoo.com

https://www.earlysettlers.org

The Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve
P.O. Box 39291
Solon, Ohio 44139

https://www.earlysettlers.org/contact-us.html

"Shaker Heights Receives 2023 Certified Local Government Grant for Warrensville West Cemetery"

 

Excerpt:

"The City of Shaker Heights has been awarded a 2023 Certified Local Government grant for gravestone restoration at Warrensville West Cemetery. 

The grant program is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office of the Ohio History Connection.

"More information about the cemetery, the Historic Preservation Mast Plan and educational opportunities can be found at shakeronline.com/cemetery."

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Warrensville West Cemetery

Historic Preservation Master Plan, which is a 295 page document completed March 14, 2022. 

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Warrensville West Cemetery on Find a Grave

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The City of Shaker Heights will receive sealed bid proposals for the Warrensville West Cemetery Gravestone Restoration project until 12:00 Noon on November 3, 2023

 Sharing from Kara Hamley O'Donnell:

"The City of Shaker Heights will receive sealed bid proposals for the Warrensville West Cemetery Gravestone Restoration project until 12:00 Noon on November 3, 2023, and such bids will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter.

The project includes the preservation and documentation for up to a total of 57 urgent priority gravestones, as outlined in the Warrensville West Cemetery Historic Preservation Master Plan, available here:

https://www.shakeronline.com/DocumentCenter/View/6570/Warrensville-West-Cemetery-Historic-Preservation-Master-Plan?bidId= .

The project includes 7 obelisk/pedestals, 36 tablets/tablets with base and 14 die with base style monuments. Fifteen of the monuments are large, over a dozen broken stones need adhesive repairs and 31 monuments require mortar.

All work should be performed in accordance with American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

For the full Legal Notice, visit: https://www.shakeronline.com/.../Legal-Notice-Warresville...

For a copy of the Bid Package contact Alivia Henderson, Director of Purchases, at Alivia.Henderson@shakeronline.com."

https://www.shakeronline.com/788/Warrensville-West-Cemetery

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The Warrensville West Cemetery on Find a Grave

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Warrensville West Cemetery - An early Cuyahoga County, Ohio cemetery - Sharing this short video by the City of Shaker Heights, Ohio showcasing the important progress ensuring the future of the Warrensville West Cemetery..

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The Warrensville West Cemetery on Find a Grave

Remembering Kathleen "Katie" Karrick - Cleveland's Cemetery Lady

 Sharing my Find A Grave memorial dedicated to Kathleen "Katie" Karrick, a well known cemetery historian and grave marker symbolism expert to many in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.  

Katie's work was also recognized well beyond those borders.  She was popularly known as "Cleveland's Cemetery Lady."  

Katie worked at Cleveland's historic Lake View Cemetery from April, 1992 - September, 2013 - 21+ years.  She was a researcher who provided informative presentations of the symbolic meaning of the Wade Memorial Chapel, which has an interior designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Katie developed and presented slide lectures for Lake View Cemetery Speaker’s Bureau.

She also contributed to the association's newsletter, “The Heritage.” 

In 1998, Katie started the "Stones & Bones" Tours at some of Cleveland's oldest cemeteries.  She extended her program with guided tours in cemeteries throughout Ohio.  

In 2000, Katie started the Ohio Cemetery Preservation Society. 

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On September 10, 2010 I attended a presentation hosted by the Bedford Historical Society where Katie was featured as a main speaker.  I took notes that evening.  I would like to share a few of them I took as she spoke.  

• • Katie began by explaining that the early settlers buried their dead near where they worshipped.  She stated how overcrowded graveyards had become a source for diseases and because of that over time people began to establish them outside of populated areas. 

    This type of location change was part of what became known as the rural cemetery movement.  She said by 1845 dozens of rural cemeteries were in various stages of development. 

     Photo examples were shown of round-topped upright tablet style markers that appeared to be abutting each other in groupings of two and three, however, they were actually single monuments.  The markers appeared to be of white marble.  Katie said these markers were for siblings. 

    Katie made us aware that the Victorians felt nature had a vital connection with cemeteries.  
  • Thus, many garden cemeteries and landscaped cemeteries coming on the scene incorporated such aspects as curving paths and roadways.  She said they wanted to have a ‘view of their own city’ so many cemeteries were built on hillsides or on land where the city could be seen from the burial ground areas.

    She cited how roses carved in a stone denoted it was for a female while acorns and leaves were carved on stones for males.  

  • Often the anchor was created on a stone to convey the message of hope.  

  • A broken column on the front of a monument told the story of a life that was cut short.  

  • Weeping willow tree carvings on stones became quite popular.  

  • Examples of these can be seen today at several older cemeteries in Ohio.  

  • Reclining lambs carved atop small stone and marble markers for young children and babies symbolize their innocence.

  • ***********

  • Other monument photos included in Katie’s presentation were examples of zinc markers and monuments also known as "white bronze".  Katie said these were sold as an inexpensive alternative to stone.  In reality, however, the zinc material held up better.  Many such monuments remain in excellent condition today and can be seen in several cemeteries throughout Ohio.  The monuments were constructed in panels that are removable. I must add that her photographs of these uniquely ornate and statuesque monuments became my favorites!  

  • From the audience’s interest and participation, it was evident that most left the cemetery workshop with an enriched knowledge of the meanings of several examples of funerary symbolism that will serve them in good stead on each cemetery visit. 

  • • ***********

    • Thank you Katie for being an inspiration to those of us who have followed you and your work! 

Cemetery Preservation Committee Update from the Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve - Homer Taft, Committee Chair

 "Cemetery Preservation Committee"

by Homer Taft, Committee Chair

"The Cemetery Preservation Committee has inventoried all the available old records at West Park Cemetery and is planning the inventory of those stored at Highland Park.  

There are both alphabetical indexes and lot books of the original grave interment locations that have never been scanned and have additional burials and other valuable information.   

We are developing a plan in cooperation with the Cleveland Public Library Digital Lab to scan over 100 volumes of material, approximately 10,000 pages, and file drawers full of record cards and maps.  

We will need hundreds of volunteer hours to accomplish this task. To volunteer, please email Homer Taft at hstaft@yahoo.com.



We are also trying to build awareness and resources to locate buried monuments, re-set and restore monuments, and better maintain all our cemeteries. Our primary focus initially will be preserving records and documenting monuments and markers on Find A Grave. 

Longer term, we hope to assist local groups to organize to take responsibility for stewardship of local cemeteries and involve descendants of the interred, cemetery neighbors, and history groups to preserve and maintain the cemeteries."

********

The website of the Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve

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West Park Cemetery on Find A Grave

*******

Highland Park Cemetery on Find A Grave

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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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Sharing this information as a Reminder coming up October 23, 2021 beginning at 10:00a.m. - Warrensville West Cemetery Preservation Workshop - Cuyahoga County

Sharing this reminder about the upcoming October Saturday, 23, 2021 cemetery preservation workshop that is free to attend.  

Below is a statement from Kara Hamley O'Donnell regarding particulars of the workshop as of October 19, 2021, that can assist a potential attendee of this workshop.:
 - Kara O'Donnell -- kara.odonnell@shakeronline.com.

"There are still 10 or so spots left for the workshop. It is free. We hope that those who come to the workshop will be able to assist with future preservation efforts in this cemetery, so prefer those who are willing to help in the future.  But that’s not a requirement."

The workshop is being conducted by Mannik Smith Group and Historic Gravestone Services/Ta Mara Conde.

Our website is here and registration link is there as well."

KARA HAMLEY O’DONNELL, AICP 
Principal Planner, Planning Department
City of Shaker Heights
3400 Lee Road
Shaker Heights, OH 44120
P: 216-491-1436
F: 216-491-1431

shakeronline.com

Shaker Heights on Facebook

The Warrensville West Cemetery on "Find A Grave"

Sharing this story from Cleveland19.com in commemoration of Juneteenth 2021

 2021 is the first year for the official National Holiday of Juneteenth.  

In honor of this significant day in American History and what it meant in 1865 and what it means now, I share this wonderful heartfelt news story that comes from TV Channel 19 in Cleveland.  

"A former slave died a free man in Lakewood. More than a century later, he's honored with a grave marker."   This feature story is by reporter Sia Nyorkor.  

Mr. Ross Bassett, Vice President of the West Park Historical Society, provided a 15 minute presentation commemorating the life of Henry Wright that can be viewed at the end of this spotlight story.

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This wonderful story offers us a unique opportunity to learn about Henry Wright who died at age 108 - and lived in three centuries - but whose gravesite, sadly, had been unmarked; that is until now!   

This announcement is from Cleveland.com.: The Warrensville West Cemetery in Cuyahoga County will be receiving a restoration grant through the Ohio History Connection's Certified Local Government Program

In a special report chock full of specifics presented by Thomas Jewell for Cleveland.com, we learn about long overdue but now exceedingly encouraging news for the Warrensville West Cemetery that has 168 memorials listed for it on the website "Find A Grave."

The Warrensville West Cemetery in Shaker Heights, Cuyahoga County, Ohio is small but looms large in the county with its early history of being the second oldest burial ground in Cuyahoga County.

Per its description quoting from Find A Grave.:

The Warrensville West Cemetery "was established in 1811 and contains the Manx Settlers (often called Old Manx Cemetery), and the common grave of the North Union Shakers that were moved here from the Shaker Burial ground in 1905."

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More information can also be found from these sources.:
Shakeronline - A memorandum dated April 28, 2021, and;

The Ohio History Connection's State Historic Preservation Office - Certified Local Government program.

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We look forward to follow-up articles detailing the progress of the preservation improvements as they unfold at the Warrensville West Cemetery!

Spotlighting The Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve and their historic cemeteries preservation committees

The Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve's recent announcements have brought greater awareness to the public about their historic cemetery preservation committee that supports all historic cemeteries in the area of the Western Reserve.  There is also a separate Erie Street Cemetery Committee. 

"Board member Homer Taft has agreed to chair our historic cemetery preservation committee and City Landmarks Office planner Karl Brunjes is now chairing our Erie Street Cemetery Committee. While both committees are in support of preserving historic cemeteries, the Erie Street one is specific to our traditional involvement with Erie Street Cemetery, whereas Homer's is in support of historic cemeteries throughout the area."

"Cemetery Preservation Committee"

"The ESA is recruiting a committee of all persons interested in the preservation and maintenance of Western Reserve Cemeteries and especially the historic and early ones. 

Our goal is to facilitate sharing of knowledge and resources among folks interested in preserving our heritage. 

If interested, please contact Homer Taft at hstaft@yahoo.com."

The Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve on Facebook

Erie Street Cemetery on Find A Grave

Case Western Reserve University's "Encyclopedia of Cleveland History" describes the geography and history of the Western Reserve.

Spotlighting the Lakeside Cemetery in Bay Village, Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Sharing random photos taken at the Lakeside Cemetery in Bay Village, Cuyahoga County, Ohio on August 20, 2020

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The Lakeside Cemetery in Bay Village is a treat to stroll through at one's own pace. 

A visitor can quickly become immersed in its unique history by reading the inscriptions of markers, monuments, and veterans' plaques.  

The Ohio Historical Marker reveals significant details about some of the notable pioneer settlers who lived in the area and who found peace and rest on this sacred land.  

A visitor should pick a nice warm and sunny day to stroll through the cemetery, and all the while enjoy the breezes provided by Lake Erie! The view is stunning no matter what is going on out on the lake.  But, don't let it distract you during your time at the Lakeside Cemetery!

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Of serious concern, however, is shoreline erosion that is endangering this fragile pioneer burial ground.  The following article explains.:

The September 25, 2018 story in "WestLife" by Jeff Gallatin.:

"Erosion Threatening Bay Village's Lakeside Cemetery" 

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To learn more about the Lakeside Cemetery before your visit, you can purchase the definitive book published about it.:

Bay Village Historical Society 

Order Form

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"Retracing Footsteps: This History of Lakeside Cemetery"

********"This book of nearly 400 pages, containing more than 350 photographs, is a fascinating compilation of family notes, newspaper articles, letters, historical sketches, recipes, vital records, two autobiographies and much more. Ten years of research went into uncovering information about more than 270 individuals who are associated with the Lakeside Cemetery.

Established in 1814, the cemetery was the first burial ground in Dover Township which now encompasses Bay Village, Westlake and the northern section of North Olmsted. Most burials occurred from 1814 into the mid 1900s. The individuals buried in the cemetery lived in areas from Cleveland to Lorain. Even those unfamiliar with Lakeview Cemetery will find this unparalleled resource an interesting and educational portrayal of life over the last two centuries in northern Ohio."Call (216) 386-5997 for more information."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Photographs below taken August 20, 2020:
Some longer distance views:

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Above:Unknown Soldier on Find A GraveFrom the Westlake Bay Observer"Bay Village's Unknown Soldier: Sill Unknown But Not Forgotten"May 21, 2019By  Kay Laughlin ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

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Above:
The Hassler Family Marker

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Above:
Benjamin Stevens marker

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Above:
The family marker for Fred and Augusta Hinz

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Above:
Marker for T. Richard and Elizabeth R. Martin

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  Below:

Various views

of the monument and statue

for the Cahoon Family

 

 

 

 

 

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Above

 Chester Arthur Osborn's infant marker

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Above

The George Scheible monument

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 Above:
Government issued marker

for Harry Ernest Rehling

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 Above:

Unusual monument for John Close

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 Above:

Small marker for "Lina"

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 Above:
Marker for True Ellis Read

and Mabel Patricia Meddick

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 Above:

Monument for Samuel Foster Osborn

and, His Wife,

Mary Elizabeth Crocker Osborn

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 Above

Marker for Lovisa Foot Stevens

wife of Benjamin Stevens

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Below 3 photos:
The William Waterman Aldrich 

& family monument

 

 

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Above:
Revolutionary War Veteran 

Christopher Saddler
and His Wife,
Sophia Ortiz Saddler ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Above:Marker for:
Clare Marshall Osborn
And, His Wife
Mildred Sleeper Osborn

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Above:
Frederick, and His Wife

Emma Aldrich Drake

Della Aldrich Drake

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Above:
Left: Isaac Rowell white marker

Right: Jerusha Rowell white marker

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Above:

Michael Wolf monument

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I hope you enjoyed this mini-tour of the Lakeside Cemetery in Bay Village.  

It is a smaller size cemetery that holds a commanding presence in this western suburb of Cleveland.  It deserves to be preserved and protected from any and all elements that might cause it irreparable harm.