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 link from Spectrum1 News - "Medina's Spring Grove Cemetery named to National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom" - Medina , Ohio

Sharing this link from Spectrum1 News about Medina's Spring Grove Cemetery being named to the "National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom", by Jennifer Conn.  

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The "Friends of the Cemetery" for Medina's Spring Grove Cemetery as well as for the Old Town Graveyard is a very active Non-Profit organization - so check out their website!

FamilySearch has D.A.R. Revolutionary soldiers' graves records online for Cuyahoga, Lorain, and Medina Counties, Ohio

FamilySearch link for Revolutionary War burials in Lorain, Cuyahoga, and Medina Counties, Ohio

'Revolutionary soldiers' graves : located, verified and marked in Cuyahoga, Lorain and Medina counties, Ohio, by Western Reserve Chapter, N.S.D.A.R., Cleveland, Ohio"

Spotlighting the Medina County District Library's Blog for cemetery research tips

Sometimes it is the simplest of things that we forget or aren't aware of that can make all the difference between a successful cemetery research experience and one that falls short.  That can be true whether researching at home, at the library, or while at a cemetery where your ancestors are buried - or hope they are buried!  

The Medina County (Ohio) District Library (MCDL) has a fantastic blog that offers so much for historical research information that it certainly is worth checking out even if your research isn't focused on Medina County, Ohio.  

And, don't forget to type in the word "cemetery" in the top left corner box next to the small magnifying glass 🔍 when you are specifically focusing on cemetery research.

Here is a link to the Medina County District Library's blog with the filter of "cemetery" for the posts. 

The Medina County Genealogical Society also features the blog posts of the Medina County District Library on their public Facebook Group.  

So enjoy a new or renewed experience conducting your cemetery research by taking some time to visit the Medina County District Library Blog! 

Spotlighting the George S. and Lucy Stedman Family Buried at the Spencer Cemetery in Medina County, Ohio

On a pleasant Sunday afternoon in June of 2014 I decided to visit a Lorain County antique store.  As I walked inside I was immediately stunned by the sight of an artifact not normally found in a resale shop.  There leaning against the wall by the front door was a beautiful original marble double gravestone for two children.  

Sadly, however, the stone’s reverse side was heavily encased in cement with some embedded red bricks.  Fortunately the gravemarker’s front surface was intact. The skillfully carved early 1860s inscriptions were quite clear and readable.  As I drew closer to linger by it, I was touched to see the matching carved lambs facing one another with the words “At Rest” engraved below them.  I did not notice a price tag attached.  So, before I started shopping, I called over the store clerk and asked questions to try to learn more details about this grave marker. 

I was told that this lovely gravestone for the children whose names were inscribed on it as: George D. Stedman (Born May 28, 1852 – Died August 8, 1861) and Lucy L. Stedman (Born November 20, 1853 – Died January 27, 1862) Children of George S. and Lucy Stedman, was rescued from a storefront building in downtown Wellington, Ohio, where it had been removed.  The reason for its removal was not given.  They thought the previous owners of the stone were thinking of throwing it away; so thankfully that did not happen.

Since I am a cemetery preservation and gravestone conservation advocate, I could not just leave the store and forget about that original grave marker.  Also, before leaving, I took photographs of it from different angles.  I was eager to start researching the names of the children and learn more about them and where they were buried.

Thus, I began my investigation by conducting a search on the website “Find A Grave.”  I learned that the Stedman siblings were buried at the Spencer Cemetery in Medina County, Ohio, as were their parents and older siblings because their memorials were already posted.  However, gravestone photographs were not added to their memorials.  

Next, I sent an email to Medina County officials who provided contact information for Spencer Township Trustee, Tom Brown.  Fortunately for me, I learned from the trustee that he was well acquainted with the Spencer Cemetery and had recalled seeing a tall four-sided dark gray granite monument erected for the Stedman family. He kindly obliged my request for a photograph of the monument and emailed it to me so I could post it on the children’s memorials.  I also added my photograph of the original double marker sitting at the antique store to their memorials so others, hopefully Stedman family descendants, would know about its existence.  

I am not certain if the Stedman children’s unique grave marker was eventually sold, however, I have been informed that it is no longer at the antique store.  

It would require painstaking work conducted by an experienced professional to remove the cement and embedded brick from the original stone without damaging or destroying it.  I am hoping that by now this lovely marker is sitting in a descendant's home or at a local historical society where it would be appreciated.

Also, Abigail Stedman Walters was buried at the Spencer Cemetery, a sibling of little George D. and Lucy L. Stedman. 

George D. Stedman – Find A Grave memorial #: 62430393

Lucy L. Stedman – Find A Grave memorial #: 62430415

The Parents:

Father: George S. Stedman – Find A Grave memorial #: 62430351

Mother: Lucy Stedman – Find A Grave memorial #: 62430369

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Thanking Tom Brown for sharing his photographs below of the large Stedman Family monument and the large marker for Henry and Abigail Stedman Walters.

Lieut. Charles M. Stedman

 

Reflecting on Veterans Day, 2015 by Spotlighting the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery

In tribute to all of those veterans now gone from our midst, spotlighting on this Veterans' Day, 2015 the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Medina County, Ohio. 

The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs website page for the Western Reserve National Cemetery.

 

Sharing also the "Find A Grave" memorial for Peter John Ellis

who was buried at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. 

"Officials can’t step in to solve Lodi cemetery’s money woes until board disbands" -- from the "Medina-Gazette" - June 3, 2015

Click on the blog post title above to read the news article about the Woodlawn Cemetery in Lodi, Medina County, Ohio regarding its current financial and ownership issues impacting the future of the cemetery.

Click HERE to link to the Woodlawn Cemetery on "Find A Grave" where 3,566 interments are listed for it.  

Woodlawn Cemetery is an active cemetery; however, currently not registered with the Ohio Department of Real Estate.  

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Presently, there are five outstanding gravestone photo requests for the Woodlawn Cemetery on "Find A Grave." 

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"This cemetery is not currently registered with the Division.  Therefore, we cannot take a complaint at this time.  We are working with this cemetery to help bring them into compliance with the registration requirements."

 

 

 

Laura A. Monick Registration and Resolution Section Chief Ohio Department of Commerce Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing 77 South High Street, 20th Floor Columbus, OH 43215 614-466-5384 www.com.ohio.gov

An Update on the Status of the George D. and Lucy L. Stedman Original White Marble Double Marker

 

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I have been told that this double marker for George D. and Lucy L. Stedman was rescued from a storefront building in downtown Wellington, Ohio. It is not known where it was before that. 

This stone is currently at Addie's Antiques at 135 East Herrick Avenue, in Wellington. Phone # 440-647-0990. The contact person for this stone is Mr. Doug Dunham who works most Sundays at Addie's Antiques. He is selling this stone for $250.00. The children and their family are buried at the Spencer Cemetery in Spencer, Medina County, Ohio. 

When I first saw this beautiful old gravemarker a week ago I did not see any pricetag on it. I was hopeful that perhaps it was waiting for pick up by a Stedman family descendant. But, that is not the case apparently. I learned today that the stone is indeed for sale. It would require a great deal of skillful work to remove the cement, brick etc. from the stone without destroying it. I am hoping it goes to a good home regardless.

The children are buried at the Spencer Cemetery in Medina County where there is a large four-sided monument erected for the family. The children's names are inscribed on one of the sides. Memorials for them are posted on Find A Grave.

I am not aware if there are any laws that prevent people from selling old gravestones in Ohio, especially in cases such as this where there is another marker in place at the gravesites.

I spoke to Doug Dunham this afternoon who is working at Addie's Antiques, and he said that the people he got the stone from said they were going to throw it out otherwise. 

I hope it goes to a good home; preferably to a descendant or to a historical society that would accept it and properly take care of it.

How My Antiquing Adventure Turned into an Unexpected Tombstone Discovery

A successful summer trip for me would include researching at local libraries, looking for local artifacts at antique stores, and of course, walking through local cemeteries.  

What I don't expect would happen, though, is to find a tombstone sitting on the floor at an antique store!  But, that is exactly what did happen to me this past weekend in Wellington, Ohio! 

I photographed the mystery tombstone, and below are the pictures: 

 

  

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This beautiful old double tablet white marble gravestone appears to be original for brother and sister, George D. and Lucy L. Stedman who died as children in 1861 and 1862, respectively.  Unfortunately, there is a heavy amount of cement encasing the back of the whole stone, and part of a red brick was attached to the top center suggesting that the marker was once part of a structure; in a wall perhaps at the Stedman family home?  There was no price tag on it, thankfully, and no one in the store knew why it was there. 

When I got home, I started my search on "Find A Grave" for George D. and Lucy L. Stedman.  I discovered that brother and sister, George and Lucy, and their parents, George S. and Lucy, and their brother, Charles M. Stedman, were all buried at the Spencer Cemetery in Medina County, Ohio.  So, I was pleased to learn where they were resting in peace and that they were with their family.  But, I noted no gravestone photographs are posted for any members of the Stedman family.

 

At this point, I knew I had to contact a Spencer Township Trustee about George D. and Lucy L. Stedman to learn if there are, indeed, gravestones at their gravesites at the Spencer Cemetery.

 

Fortunately,  I found Spencer Township trustee, Mr. Scott Neptune, and Mr. Tom Brown, who also works at the Spencer Cemetery.  Both were of great help with answering my questions.  

 

Thanking Tom Brown for visting the gravesites of the Medina County Stedman family and for taking photographs of the tall four-sided dark gray granite monument that includes all of their names. 

 

(See Tom Brown's pictures below)

 

 

 

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Questions remain where the children's original stone was located for so many years.  Perhaps it was kept at the Stedman family homestead and was saved prior to its demolition? 

 

And, what about its future, if that can be known at this point, for this beautifully carved original marble gravestone for a brother and sister who died so young and so long ago.  

 

Thieves rob a Veterans Cemetery in Brunswick

Thieves rob a Veterans Cemetery in Brunswick

The cemetery is the Eastlawn Cemetery in Brunswick, Medina County, Ohio 

**An Update to Date, Time and Location**: Announcing an Upcoming Powerpoint Presentation about the Work Done at the Poe Cemetery by Mr. Jay Russell of "Respectful Interment Preservations" (R.I.P.) - Thursday, January 17, 2013 - 7:00p.m. - Montville Township, Emergency Services Building, next to the Township Hall, Medina County, Ohio

(Photograph courtesy of Mr. Jay Russell)
 
From Jay Russell, owner of "Respectful Interment Preservations":

"R.I.P. has completed a Powerpoint presentation for the work done in the Poe Cemetery. 

I will be making the presentation to the Montville Township Trustees on Jan, 17, 2013 at 7:00 PM. - Emergency Services Building.

This building is located right next to the township hall and people should use the same parking lot as they would have used on the previous date.

The work was done at no cost to the township as an example of the type of work that could be done to preserve their cemeteries. 

 Anyone wishing to see the preentation is welcome to come or I can be scheduled to make this short presentation or a similar presentation on work completed on the Pioneer Baptist Cemetery in Richland Co., Ohio."

 "

"R.I.P. is now a fully insured company. We are looking forward to the spring working season. Respectful Interment Preservations: Preserving History--Cut in Stone."

Contact Info:

Phone	(330) 722-3713
Email	RIP3747@earthlink.net

Sharing a Heartwarming Story about a Humble Veteran Who Volunteers at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Medina County, Ohio

Brian Albrecht has written a story that I first read this morning in the Cleveland "Plain Dealer." It is also posted on "Cleveland.com."  And, I share it here from the site of the latter resource. 

Mr. Patrick Cleary is the focus of this story.  However, we can clearly see that his grace and humility as a volunteer at Ohio's National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio comes shining through loud and clear as a Veteran who knows there is still so much more he can contribute to serve his community and other veterans. 

The article includes a photograph of Mr. Cleary and a short accompanying video posted (Posted by Bill Gugliotta, The Plain Dealer on Thursday, December 20, 2012.)  

I'm sure you'll be as touched as I was after reading about Mr. Cleary and his selfless motiviation that has kept him active with his volunteer work. (Click on title to link to the news story.)  

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Currently, there are 21,543 interments listed for the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery on "Find A Grave."

Announcing Liverpool Historical Spirit Walk - Myrtle Hill Cemetery in Liverpool Township (starting from Mill Stream Park), Valley City, Medina County, Ohio - Starting at 6:00PM - Saturday, September 29, 2012

I apologize for this last minute announcement.

Excerpted from the Valley City website:

"Myrtle Hill is, of course, the oldest cemetery in Medina County. The first burial was in June, 1812. The deceased was Ruth Deming, first of three wives of Moses Deming. Her father was Justus Warner, first landowner to actually live here. There was no saw mill for fresh cut boards. Only boards from the farm wagon were available. They were quickly made into her coffin. A hoe and ax were used to dig her grave, on top of a beautiful hill that overlooked their small valley and the infant village of Hardscrabble."

 Click on link here for more details about this third annual "Liverpool Historic Spirit Walk" to be held tomorrow, September 29, 2012 in Valley City, Medina County, Ohio. 

Below is the main website link for the "Spirit Walk" including further historical details about Myrtle Hill Cemetery and coverage of the events of the two previous spirit walks: 

Valley City Historical Spirit Walk 

*****

"Tickets at Beuhler’s Brunswick and Forrest Hills, and at gate. $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children
12 and under; free for 5 and under."

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Myrtle Hill Cemetery in Valley City currently has 1,098 burials listed for it on "Find A Grave."

Sharing a Before and After Look at the Gravestone of Civil War Veteran T. M. Trout Buried at the Poe Cemetery in Medina County, Ohio.

Click on title to view the memorial for Civil War Veteran, T. M. Trout buried at the Poe Cemetery in Medina, Ohio.  

Inscription on the Civil War Marker is:

"Mosser's Co. 101 PA INF GAR 1861-1865"

This "Find A Grave" memorial for T. M. Trout has two photographs of his gravestone posted.  

One was posted in March of 2009 by the memorial's contributor, which is a "Before" cleaning photograph.  

The second photograph was posted by Mr. Jay Russell of "Respectful Interment Preservations" on September 14, 2012 following Mr. Russell's cleaning and straightening of this upright white marble government gravestone. 

It is my pleasure to share this memorial for Civil War veteran T. M. Trout whose stone has been properly restored with care and respect.   

Spotlighting the "Friends of The Cemetery" of Medina County, Ohio - Their Accomplishments and Their Goals AND Their Wonderful Newsletter!!

Click on title to view the website of the "Friends of the Cemetery: Medina, Ohio." 

Their Spring 2011 "Friends of the Cemetery" Newsletter  (Issue 24 - May 2011) highlights restoration work planned for the Old Town Graveyard.  

It also explains gravestone restoration work already completed in 2009 and 2010 at Spring Grove Cemetery, Hamilton Road Cemetery on Pearl Road, Windfall Road Cemetery, and the Sharon Township Cemetery on Route 94 identified as "Sharon Center Cemetery" on "Find A Grave."

Mr. Terry Hart provides a major contribution to this newsletter with his feature story entitled: "Revolutionary War Veterans in Old Town Graveyard."  

Quoting Terry from a recent email to me:

"I published a book in 2010 titled Veterans Buried in Medina County, Volume I: Revolutionary War.  

In it, I researched Revolutionary War veterans and their families, to include their military service, and pictures of their headstones.  

Later this month I will be publishing the second volume on the War of 1812 veterans.  It will be a much larger book as there were obviously more veterans in Ohio at the time.  

The books are available on CD from the MCGS (Medina County Genealogical Society) and are also at a few research libraries such as:  Medina, Summit County, OHS in Columbus, OGS in Mansfield and Fort Wayne." 

The current May 2012 "Friends of the Cemetery" newsletter is also available on their website.

Both the website and the newsletter by the "Friends of the Cemetery, Medina Ohio" are outstanding in design and content.  The organization is non-profit.  

If you have ancestors buried in any of these cemeteries listed above, it would certainly be worthwhile to join the "Friends of Medina Cemetery" and become a member!

Spotlighting Guilford Township Cemeteries in Medina County, Ohio

Click on title to link to a website about the Mound Hill Cemetery in Seville, Ohio and River Styx Cemetery in Wadsworth, Ohio.

Both cemeteries are located in Medina County. 

Much history is provided for these cemeteries.

Floral and ground regulations are also stated. 

Links are provided to "Find A Grave" memorials posted for these two cemeteries. 

Spotlighting the Medina County Cemetery Preservation Society

To learn more about the Medina County Cemetery Preservation Society of Medina County, Ohio click on the title of this post.

The site also includes a link to the Wayne County Cemetery Preservation Society of Wayne County, Ohio.

Tombstone Inscriptions Spencer Cemetery - Spencer Township, Medina County, Ohio

Click on title to access Tombstone Inscriptions for the Spencer Cemetery in Spencer Township, Medina County, Ohio.  This PDF document is currently at 193 pages.  It is found on the main site for the Medina County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society.

Liber Berardinelli, of Euclid - Buried at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Medina County, Ohio

Click on title to read the heartwarming story about the burial of WWII Veteran, Liber Berardinelli, of Euclid, Ohio at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.