The Delaware County W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Maps are now up on the right side-bar of the blog.

 WPA CEMETERY PLAT MAPS - DELAWARE COUNTY, OHIO.

Townships in Delaware County, Ohio.:

Berkshire

Berlin

Brown

Concord 

Delaware 

Genoa 

Harlem  

Kingston

Liberty

Marlboro 

Orange

Oxford

Porter

Radnor

Scioto

Thompson

Trenton

Troy

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This collection of W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Maps is excellent for quality of the images.  All pages are appropriately numbered.  

It is quite evident when analyzing these pages of cemetery plat maps and the listings of the names of veterans, that Delaware County has a more than an average number of American Revolutionary War veteran burials in its cemeteries. A researcher can grasp a real sense of early American history reviewing these cemetery plat map pages of the veterans names and the wars they served in. 

Seeing the names of so many soldiers who fought in the American Revolution and were buried in Ohio, and specifically in Delaware County, brings a reality to us that the histories we have read about them in books and on the Internet are true. 

For example, The Galena Cemetery cemetery has six burials listed with the number "1" denoting Revolutionary War,  as shown in the Legend Box. 

Mill Creek Cemetery in Scioto Township lists two American Revolutionary War veterans, one of them was Sgt. William Warrington (Page 27 lists his name as William J. Warrington, however, other references show his name as  William E. Warrington) who saved the life of General George Washington.  

Below from FamilySearch.:  

https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/LWSB-F7P/sgt.-william-e.-warrington-1754-1852
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Six Revolutionary War veterans are listed on this page for the Sunbury Cemetery.:

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Link to the Columbus Metro Library - Digital Collection 

And this link.

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Thus, even though Delaware County's veteran burials are dominated by those who fought in the Civil War, which is the case at other Ohio counties; I feel Delaware County's American Revolutionary War veteran burials number a close second.

Sharing this link to the NBC4 TV story of July 28 2022 by reporter Jamie Ostroff - "Children told to pay to move parents' remains buried in wrong plots"

Sharing this heartbreaking story from NBC4 in Columbus, Ohio concerning glaring ongoing serious problems impacting lot owners at Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County. 

Tim Foor - the sexton for Fairview Memorial Park, which is located in Berlin Township, Delaware County, conducted a short yet eye-opening interview with the TV channel's reporter offering a sobering account of the situation and details of other existing problems at this once For-Profit cemetery whose owners ended up in jail.  

Afterward a Receiver was put in place for awhile, however, the problem situations at the cemetery continued and now Berlin Township has ownership of this Active/Registered cemetery.   

"Renewal for a Delaware County Cemetery" - November 13, 2021 - from the evening newscast by 10TV - WBNS news in Columbus, Ohio - Fairview Memorial Park.

Sharing this video that aired November 13, 2021 during the evening newscast.  

The video is short but it is definitely sweet!  It delivers much needed good news for Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County, Ohio.  The video is from 10TV news in Columbus - WBNS - reported by Richard Solomon. 

On Monday, November 15, 2021, at 10:00a.m. at Fairview Memorial Park, a check for $13,000 will be presented to the Berlin Township Trustees from the Ohio Department of Real Estate.  These funds are targeted for addressing the massive amount of repairs and other issues needing to be completed at Fairview Memorial Park. 
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There are 1,795 memorials for Fairview Memorial Park on Find A Grave. 

Judge issues final order on Fairview Memorial Park - Delaware County, Ohio

Judge issues final order on Fairview Memorial Park

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There are 1,717 memorials for Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County listed on Find A Grave.  

It has been a long time coming for Delaware County's Fairview Memorial Park to have a viable owner.  Finally, and thankfully, the Berlin Township Trustees are now legally responsible for it's care and regular maintenance. 
Congratulations go out to Mr. Tim Foor who has been tireless since the beginning with his dedication to Fairview Memorial Park and its reaching this important goal of having a full-time responsible owner. 
Tim is the owner of Hallowed Ground Cemetery Preservation, LLC

Updated report - the sentencing of Theodore "Ted" Martin who, along with his wife Arminda Martin, commited fraudulent crimes against many who have purchased merchandise and lots at two Ohio cemeteries and one Pennsylvania Cemetery

 Sharing this latest update from the "York Dispatch" in York, Pennsylvania.:

"2nd owner of Dover-area cemetery guilty of bilking customers of nearly $500K" 

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Grandview Memorial Park (AKA Grandview Cemetery) in Ravenna, Portage County and Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County are the two Ohio cemeteries impacted by the criminal activity committed by this couple who gambled away most of the money they received from customers.

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Excerpt:

"The pair bilked at least 223 customers of Suburban Memorial Gardens cemetery out of at least $493,000 since about 2010."

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The Cemetery Advocacy Facebook Group has been set up to share and discuss all of the unresolved issues these three cemeteries have had to deal with; and for the most part linger, caused by this couple's crime spree that thankfully has ended. 

Berlin files rebuttal to cemetery ruling - Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County, Ohio

 Sharing this latest report on the status of the Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County, Ohio. 
We have been following the news of the many twists and turns as the process moves toward a permanent resolution to adopt a permanent owner for this active cemetery.

Berlin files rebuttal to cemetery ruling

  The Fairview Memorial Park has 1,646 memorials posted for it on "Find A Grave".

The  Cemetery Advocacy Group  - a closed Facebook Group, has been set up to address the ongoing issues affecting Fairview Memorial Park. 

Sharing news of the final judgment for Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County, Ohio

Sharing the news of the final judgment for the disposition of the Fairview Memorial Park in Berlin Township, Delaware County, Ohio.  

This comes after over two years of waiting for this cemetery to be legally granted to the Berlin Township Trustees; thus removing the receiver from his role of handling the day-to-day operations of the cemetery.  

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Sharing an early news story of June 27, 2016 10TV - WBNS Columbus with a report about the situation at the time at Fairview Memorial Park

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The last report about Fairview Memorial Park was March 5, 2019 by 10TV - WBNS Columbus. 

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Fairview Memorial Park has 1,646 memorials posted for it on "Find A Grave."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Putting a focus back on Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County, Ohio

Sharing this link to a short news story and accompanying video from Channel 10TV  - WBNS in Columbus, Ohio.:  "Fate of Fairview Memorial Park still undecided" from their news reporter, Shelby Croft.  

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An excerpt from the story:

"Those with family members buried in the cemetery say it’s not being maintained and they just want the court case decided.

The receiver says the only money coming into the cemetery is from ongoing burials, about once a month so there is little to work with.

“Here we sit, two years later, still waiting for somebody to take it over, who’s going to take care of it,” said Tim Foor, who has family buried in the cemetery.

The case was back in court Friday, the judge is now writing a decision.

The families are planning a protest for Sunday at the cemetery at 1 p.m."

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Tim has created a Facebook Group where more information is provided.: "Cemetery Advocacy Group"

"This page is for people who have loved ones buried in Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware, Ohio, Suburban Memorial Park in Dover, Pennsylvania and Grandview Memorial Park in Ravenna, Ohio to discuss issues with the cemeteries." 

Details of the Upcoming Cemetery Preservation Workshops at the Stratford Cemetery in Delaware County, Ohio

****Cemetery Preservation Workshop at Stratford on May 5 & 12, 2018****

After over four years of research to begin the process of clearing of the Stratford cemetery, a geophysical survey using a laser transit for mapping, ground-penetrating radar, a magnetometer a drone for 3D mapping and over 600 hours of probing for buried gravestones, we are ready for the real restoration. Restoration will include resetting headstones, repairing broken bases and headstones and cleaning head and foot stones. 

We have partnered with preservationists at Custom Gravesite Care of Central Ohio, to have a 2-day workshop on Saturday May 5 and Saturday May 12 from 9 am to 5 pm with a 45 minute lunch break.  Bring your own lunch, we will provide water.  This will be a hands-on workshop were we will actually reset and repair gravestones - come ready to work. They will teach us "best practices" to restore a pioneer cemetery.

***This 2 day workshop has limited spots.  We have a few slots for those folks not associated with the Stratford Cemetery restoration, at a cost of $50. Those registered as Stratford volunteers continuing to assist in the Stratford Cemetery efforts will not be charged.***

If you'd like to attend, please register:

 here:  https://fs12.formsite.com/StratfordEcological/form37/index.html

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(If you're part of the Stratford cemetery restoration efforts, please contact me directly to reserve a spot.) 

Sincerely,

Emily Pidock

Volunteer Coordinator

Stratford Ecological Center

3083 Liberty Road

Delaware, OH 43015

www.stratfordecologicalcenter.org

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The Stratford Cemetery on "Find A Grave"

Find A Grave Map for the Stratford Cemetery

Sharing the Latest News about Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County, Ohio

Sharing this news story.:

"Cemetery fraud victims look to buy Fairview Memorial Park after owners sentenced" from 10TV News, WBNS in Columbus, Ohio.

The cemetery's advocate, Tim Foor, was interviewed by MEGHAN MATTHEWS

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Fairview Memorial Park lists 1,620 memorials on the website: "Find A Grave."  

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Mr. Tim Foor, an advocate who has been working tirelessly on behalf of plot owners and all who care and are concerned about Fairview Memorial Park, has set up a Facebook Cemetery Advoacy Group for the cemetery. 

"Couple sentenced in Delaware County cemetery fraud"

Sharing the latest news from "The Columbus Dispatch" in Columbus, Ohio

By Dean Narciso 

"Couple sentenced in Delaware County cemetery fraud"

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Fairview Memorial Park

• 325 S. Sandusky Street, Delaware, Delaware County, Ohio,43015 USA

1,618 memorials listed on "Find A Grave."

Sharing Information about a Great Cemetery Advocacy Facebook Group for two Ohio Cemeteries and One Pennsylvania Cemetery

I recently learned about the "Cemetery Advocacy Group", a Facebook Group, that is dedicated to the preservation of three cemeteries; two in Ohio and one in Pennsylvania.

Please read the introduction about this great group and click on the links for further details.:

"This Facebook Group is for people who have loved ones buried in Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware, Ohio, Suburban Memorial Park in Dover, Pennsylvania and Grandview Memorial Park in Ravenna, Ohio to discuss issues with the cemeteries.":

"Cemetery Advocacy Group"

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Delaware County, Ohio:

Fairview Memorial Park on "Find A Grave"

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Portage County, Ohio:

Grandview Memorial Park on "Find A Grave"

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York County, Pennsylvania:

Suburban Memorial Park on "Find A Grave"

Sharing Updates for Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County and Grandview Memorial Park in Portage County, Ohio

The bad news just keeps getting worse as prospects are again dimmed for finding a satisfactory resolution soon for both the Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County and Grandview Memorial Park, Ravenna, in Portage County.  

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We have been following this sad saga for months hoping for a final resolution for these two active cemeteries; yet the latest news still leaves them in want of new owners.  

Both cemeteries have been dependant upon dedicated volunteers to pitch in and handle their care as best they can.  But these situations cannot go on indefinitely. 

Ohio laws (Ohio Revised Codes), or the lack of them, have not provided answers either despite the Ohio Attorney General's involvment with this case.  

"Couple are re-indicted on Lewis Center Cemetery Scheme" -- from "NBC4i.com

Published June 16, 2017

Excerpt:"Theodore and Arminda Martin, owners of Fairview Memorial Park, were originally indicted in February on 54 charges against 44 victims. Friday’s indictment replaces the original and includes 80 charges and 67 victims."

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"No cash to operate neglected Delaware Cemetery" -- from the "Delaware Gazette" published June 13, 2017

Excerpt:

"A.C. Strip, esq., a Columbus-based attorney specializing in corporate insolvency, was appointed to care for Fairview Memorial Cemetery by Delaware County Common Pleas Judge David Gormley at a hearing on May 23."

"Strip said he is working on an inventory of items at the cemetery, but said he has virtually zero cash on hand to take care of the cemetery. Strip then praised the group of local volunteers who had been taking care of the cemetery and said they were responsible for cleaning up the cemetery for Memorial Day."

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Fairview Memorial Park on "Find A Grave"

& 

Grandview Memorial Park in Ravenna, Ohio on "Find A Grave"

"Receiver Appointed to Troubled Delaware Cemetery" -- The Latest Report for Fairview MemorialPark

A receiver has been appointment to take over Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County, Ohio per several reports just released.

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From ABC Channel 6 in Columbus, Ohio.:

"Receiver Appointed to Troubled Delaware Cemetery"  

By Kurt Ludlow.

"With owners in prison, volunteers take on cemetery upkeep"

From The Columbus Dispatch, Friday, May 19, 2017

By Dean Narciso

"With owners in prison, volunteers take on cemetery upkeep"

Fairview Memorial Park, Delaware County, Ohio as listed on "Find A Grave"

AND

Grandview Memorial Park, Portage County, Ohio as listed on "Find A Grave"

Sharing Encouraging News for Fairview Memorial Park in Delaware County, Ohio!

Sharing a link to this latest news report that appeared in the May 3, 2017 "Delaware Gazette" online edition entitled: 

"Locals and Professionals United to Clean Up Cemetery" 

by Glenn Battishill.  

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Since January of 2016, several news stories and updates have been published about the Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery in Delaware County, Ohio, and Grandview Memorial Park in Portage County, Ohio and this one is the most encouraging; for at least the Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery in Delaware County. 

This hopeful account reminds us that volunteerism is vitally important now more than ever because acts of vandalism are on the rise at cemeteries; all types of cemeteries.  

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No longer do we mostly hear of vandalism and neglect/abandonment occurring at obscure long dormant cemeteries, but increasingly at larger, active ones.  This is sadly due to absent and criminally negligent cemetery owners causing the cemetery grounds to be easier targets for vandals to enter and linger longer to damage and destroy gravestones and monuments.  

It cannot be stressed enough that bringing more public awareness of a cemetery's particular plight will benefit not only the cemetery itself, but the community as a whole.  

A cemetery is an integral and historical part of the community where it is located.  It either complements or detracts from its surroundings; a fact that should not be ignored.

"Stratford Cemetery Restoration Begins" -- News Story from the "Delaware Gazette" - Delaware County Ohio

Sharing the latest update on the restoration progress being made at the Stratford Cemetery in Delaware County, Ohio; published on the "Delaware Gazette" website - April 26, 2017.  

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Just over a year ago the newspaper reported:

"Stratford Ecological Center requested $7,500 for ground-penetrating radar as part of an estimated $24,000 project to restore the old cemetery on the center’s grounds."

Stratford Ecological Center website

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"Cemetery Survey Commences"

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Youtube video link 

 "Geophysical Survey of the Historic Community Cemetery - Stratford Ecological Center"

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Geophysical Survey Results

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The Stratford Cemetery (AKA Cole Cemetery) 89 interments listed on Find A Grave.

"Bond Revoked for Owner of Grandview Memorial Park Cemetery in Ravenna, Ohio"

Sharing this most recent news story about the Grandview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Ravenna, in Portage County.  It is from the "Record-Courier"newspaper in Kent, Ohio. 

Here is a paragraph excerpt from this news story published online on April 13, 2017.:

"Portage County Prosecutor Victor Vigluicci said Wednesday that his office continues to pursue criminal charges related to the Martins' alleged failure to comply with Ohio cemetery law, including allegedly failing to make annual filings, keep accurate business records and maintain the cemetery's trust account. Delaware County prosecutors are handling the multiple theft charges referring to crimes affecting as many as 44 victims. “Preying on the elderly and emotionally distraught is cruel,” the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office wrote March 7 on its Facebook page after the Martins’ criminal charges were announced. The Martins “have scammed dozens, if not hundreds, of innocent victims who paid for burial plots, vaults, and headstones for loved ones.”

The Ohio Attorney General's Office also has sued the Martins for alleged violations of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act for failing to provide more than $36,000 in merchandise to at least 26 customers."

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There are 2,762 interments at the Grandview Memorial Gardens cemetery listed on the website "Find A Grave."

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The ongoing corruption issue also affects the Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery in Delaware County in this corruption case.   

There are 1,581 interments listed at Fairview Memorial Park on "Find A Grave."

Couple indicted in cemetery scam

Couple indicted in cemetery scam

Grandview Memorial Park - Portage County, Ohio 

Fairview Memorial Park - Delware County, Ohio 

"Going High-Tech to See Into the Past: Scanning the Stratford Cemetery in Search of Graves and Other Clues" -- Wednesday, February 8, 2017, - 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at the Stratford Ecological Center

Presentation on Stratford Cemetery by Dr. Burks

**"All are welcome to this free presentation!"**

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Stratford Ecological Center 

3083 Liberty Road

Delaware, Ohio • 43015

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                Phone:   740-363-2548    info@stratfordecologicalcenter.org

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"Jarrod Burks, PhD, of Ohio Valley Archaeology, Inc. completed a geophysical survey August 30 and 31, 2016 of the Stratford Cemetery on the grounds of the Stratford Ecological Center. 

 Stratford is very pleased to have Dr. Burks visit the Ecological Center on Wednesday evening, February 8 at 7pm to review his amazing findings, research and methodology. 

His work is the foundation of the restoration of this private, pioneer cemetery with recorded burials from 1816 to 1888."

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The Stratford Cemetery on "Find A Grave"