Exploring Almost Forgotten Gravesites in the Great State of Ohio & Preserving Ohio's Cemeteries on Facebook & me

This blog was started in 2008 with the thought in mind, including a healthy dose of hopefulness, to utilize it for the purposes of promoting cemetery preservation in Ohio through content that advocates for better protections for Ohio's most vulnerable of cemeteries - those that are Inactive (no burials in the past 25 years), those burial grounds deemed to be abandoned, and Ohio's small family cemeteries - all that are not eligible to be Registered due to their status. 
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Only Active cemeteries are eligible to be Registered. This statement bears repeating because cemetery registration affords stronger cemetery protections.
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If a cemetery is not Registered then complaints concerning issues such as lack of routine care, among other problems, cannot be submitted to the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission (the OCDRC) for a formal review to resolve complaints to those who are responsible for a cemetery's care. I'm sure that cemetery operators are more eager to resolve those complaints if the OCDRC contacts them as well as a concerned private citizen.
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In addition, the ORC's (Ohio Revised Codes) have remained the same and not upgraded to better address long standing problems cemeteries can face. Some of the vague wording - i.e. "may" versus "shall" - have presented loop-holes enabling cemetery operators to break promises time after time creating more problems for cemeteries under their care.

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Also, as the name of the blog implies "Exploring Almost Forgotten Gravesites in the Great State of Ohio" focuses on the fact that there is a need for those who are able to visit Ohio's seldom seen cemeteries to also take account of their condition and share that information with others; including like-minded folks who share their concerns about the poor condition these cemeteries are often found in.
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Fast forwarding to 2013 when this writer started "Preserving Ohio's Cemeteries" on Facebook.  

I just cannot write enough good things about this fantastic Facebook Group and its active and engaged members!  Membership has grown from 15 to the current number of over 1,600!  Included  are professional conservators, trained volunteers, cemetery photographers, those who document gravesites through tombstone transcriptions, those who study Ohio's gravestone carvers, professional genealogists, others who have cemetery themed blogs and so much more.
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Sharing is learning and a whole lot of learning has been happening on a day-to-day basis!  Questions are posed and answers offered; drone videos of cemeteries posted, gravestone cleaning videos shared, concerns addressed, and posts of various content ranging from news of upcoming cemetery preservation workshops to how to properly reset a marker are routinely shared.
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Now for the "me" part of this post, unfortunately something happened on January 18, 2026 where my Facebook account was suspended, even banned, and later hacked by someone posing as me all in about 24 hours.  As of this writing, that is still the case from what I know.
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It is a tough situation for me to be in but I know the group is in good hands with a great Co-admin. and so many wonderful members who understand that the group should keep growing and motivating other members to achieve greater success with their goals to preserve Ohio's cemeteries.
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I do not know when or even if I will be able to return since my fate rests in Facebook's hands at this point.  My one and only appeal that was allowed has been made and sadly denied with no explanation given.  

In the meantime, please know how much I miss all of you and all of your meaningful contributions I have enjoyed reading -- keep it going!  

Please keep sharing, thus ensuring that the learning continues!
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New Report from the Friends of the Old Burying Ground "OBG" - Visit of August 10, 2023 - Assessments made by John King and Michael Lee Anderson.

 Links to the Old Burying Ground in Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio, on: 

Find a Grave and Billion Graves.

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"It was an overcast morning, but the rain had stopped so John King and Mike Anderson worked at the OBG Thursday, August 10th. We decided, due to the wet grass, we would primarily identify stones in need of repair, those in need of re-mounting in their bases, and those needing re-aligning so that on our next visits we would know what stones to focus on."

"We played "complete the jigsaw puzzle" on many of the stones, searching for the missing parts (with much success) and we even tackled a couple small box tombs - finding the pieces of the base that had slid off or that were hidden around it."

"Join us next time and hopefully we can make some repairs to the 12-15 stones we flagged for our next few work sessions."

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"We found the missing triangular piece to this stone (middle, left) and placed all three components together to see how they fit. 

We will soon get it repaired and once it is cleaned it will be a beautiful monument."

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"Walls uncovered and positioned for this small box tomb. Once put back together it will look very nice. Notice the beveled ends of the sides and end walls."

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"After much searching and playing with the pieces we were able to find everything that will be needed to repair this box tomb."

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The website of the Friends of the Old Burying Ground (OBG) in Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio. 

Upcoming virtual free online program hosted by the Lorain County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society - presentation by Gravestone Restoration Services - Monday, June 12, 2023 - 7p.m.

 Sharing from the Lorain County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society.:

"The Lorain County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogy Society will present a virtual program by Gravestone Restoration Services at 7 p.m. June 12.

The presentation by Kate Rivet of Brownhelm and Jane Crandall of Marblehead who, along with Crandall’s husband Ron, are The GRS Crew. It has over 10 years of combined experience in cemetery restoration and preservation following Do No Harm methods and the material standards approved by the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, according to a news release.

The presentation will focus on their work of cleaning, resetting, and repairing historic headstones, along with additional information about stone types, iconography, and burial practices. This online program is free and open to the public. To receive a link to the meeting, contact meetings@loraincoogs.org and ask to be added to the list."

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Did you know that the Ohio History Connection (OHC) has a blog? Here are links to a two-part blog series written by OHC's Krista Horrocks - Projects Review Manager at the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office

This subject just might come under the "Who knew?" category -  or a nagging question - that begs a good answer.  So here it is.:  

Yes the Ohio History Connection (OHC) (formerly the Ohio Historical Society) has a blog.  The blog is specific to historic preservation in the State of Ohio.

When we consider historic preservation perhaps the first thoughts top of mind are the preservation of structures or perhaps battle sites, but not in this case.  

This blog is in two-parts discussing the discovery Krista Horrocks made of two grave markers that mysteriously were moved from their original gravesite locations to being on display at the Ohio History Connection! Each has their own story and Krista spotlights them individually in their own post.  

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The first blog post was published on February 21, 2023 entitled.:  

"Two Gravestones Out of Place: Part 1of 2 The Emma Kearnes Stone" 

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The second blog post was published on April 4, 2023 entitled.:

"Two Gravestones out of Place: Part 2 of 2 The Micheal Brucker Stone"

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Each marker has its own history separate from the other.  However, thanks to their common fate, their final destination brought them together at the OHC's Ohio Village. 

Krista Horrocks tells us the rest of their stories! Her outstanding sleuthing skills have served these markers well.  

Sharing her results as she has enables us to learn so much more about them and their history that inspires us to take the same steps if we were faced with the same situation!  

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Happy Easter & Spring Cemetery Preservation Workshops are beginning! - May 20th & May 21st, 2023 - Canfield - Mahoning County - Old North Cemetery and Ellsworth Cemetery

Easter is here this Sunday, April 9th, 2023, and soon afterward a Season of Spring Cemetery Preservation Workshops will start in earnest in Ohio stretching through the months of Summer and early Autumn. 

From all indications of recent Spring to Fall seasons, cemetery preservation workshops have become increasingly popular among those who seek to learn more about taking clearer photographs of grave marker inscriptions to probing for buried markers and more.  Advancing to properly cleaning, repairing, and resetting a variety grave markers and monuments from ground supported tablets to those in slotted bases all the way up to re-erecting multi-piece monuments, including obelisks.  

The learning may mean taking a one-day class at a cemetery to attending a multi-day presentation to gain a better sense of what it takes to actually accomplish the Do No Harm Methods as put forth by the NCPTT / National Center for Preservation Technology and Training of the NPS / National Park Service.  

Some have pursued learning this work and turned it into a part-time or even full-time business working in Ohio and beyond the Buckeye State's borders. 

Cemetery preservation is a pursuit that has come unto its own akin to the rise in popularity of learning more about your DNA results as a natural follow-up to years of conducting genealogical research.  

So it is that Ohio is seeing more cemetery preservation workshops during the fair weather seasons.

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In May, 2023 -- May 20th and May 21st in Canfield, Mahoning County a workshop is being planned that will feature Tim Foor of  Hallowed Ground Cemetery Preservation LLC as the instructor. 

More details will be posted here soon in an upcoming separate post.   

Cemetery Preservation Workshop in September, 2023.: Warren County Ohio Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society - Friday, September 15 2023 - 9:30a.m. - 3:00p.m. - Crosson Cemetery, Harlan Township, Warren County, Ohio

Sharing information about a cemetery preservation workshop that requires registration and payment for attendees.  It will be hosted by the Warren County Genealogical Society, a Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society.  

The workshop will be at the Crosson Cemetery, conducted by Ta Mara Conde.  

"This active cemetery is 2 acres in size and located on the south side of Roachester Cozaddale Road (Township Road 52) about northeast of its intersection with Morrow Rossburg Road (Township Road 27). The cemetery was deeded to the public by William Crosson, who died in 1879 and is buried in the cemetery.

The cemetery is located in Harlan Township, Warren County, Ohio, and is # 12253 in “Ohio Cemeteries 1803-2003”, compiled by the Ohio Genealogical Society.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) feature ID for the cemetery is 1039493 (Crosson Cemetery)."

 Warren County Ohio

Crosson Cemetery Preservation Workshop Flyer

Sharing exciting news from the "Friends of the Old Burying Ground" ("OBG") in Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio

 A dedicated group of hearty volunteers of The Greenfield Historical Society in Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio have been actively involved cleaning, repairing, and resetting grave markers to ultimately preserve the village's pioneer cemetery for decades to come - The Old Burying Ground, locally and lovingly, referred to as "The OBG". 

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Greenfield's other cemeteries include the newer Greenfield Cemetery and the Saint Joseph's Catholic Cemetery. 

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The historical society has always welcomed serious-minded volunteers to join them with their hands-on work, and now they are at the point where documentation of burials will be a focus for finishing up this restoration and preservation work.

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The "OBG" does have its own website the volunteers have created for it called "Friends of the OBG" that can be referenced at any time. 

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An aerial image of the Old Burying Ground has been created that shows by number the location of individual gravesites. 

See Below.:

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Here is a link to the online master listing of burials at the Old Burying Ground as it stands thus far. 

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Here is a link to the Old Burying Ground on "Find A Grave."

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The Greenfield Historical Society is also on Facebook!

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Below is a photo taken August 10, 2018 by Michael Lee Anderson.  

Michael Lee has been a regular volunteer working alongside John King, as well as Scott and Venus Andersen, and Jackie Doles doing the needed repairs during the monthly work sessions at the OBG.  This photo gives a view of the work in progress at the Old Burying Ground, which is adjacent to the Travellers Rest built by Noble Crawford in 1812. 

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A tremendous amount of respect and history have been restored to the Old Burying Ground and for those interred in it because of the interest and devotedness of the volunteers with the Greenfield Historical Society!  

"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!

"Local Cemetery Conservation: Historic Mortar Infill" - Video by Jonathan Appell

Merry Christmas - Looking ahead to 2022 and news of more Ohio cemeteries being preserved and recognized for their important roles in our communities

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas 2021!  

May 2022 be a safe, happy, and productive year in all ways!  May you complete your cherished preservation projects benefitting Ohio's cemeteries!

This brings to mind the Facebook Group "Preserving Ohio's Cemeteries" that was created in 2013.  The overall theme centers around this: Sharing is Learning.  Learning from fellow members and their experiences; sharing links to the NCPTT and their Best Practices of Do No Harm procedures that have guided the goals of the group from its beginning.  

Extensive examining of topics such as the Ohio Revised Codes that impact cemeteries; adopting proper care of cemetery landscapes; studying the styles of early carvers who created some of the most exquisite grave markers in Ohio; and holding discussions ranging from GPR (ground penetrating radar) to using safe non-invasive ways to read badly faded tombstone inscriptions. 

Truly "cemetery preservation" stated as a term of reference, reflects on the fact it is an "umbrella term" that covers a vast array of subjects worthy of consideration to implement for the well being of cemeteries, gravesites, and grave markers and monuments. 

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December 18th, 2021, was "Wreaths Across America" day.  Again, volunteers who participated in this annual event placed wreaths at the gravesites of veterans buried at several Ohio cemeteries. We commend all of those who took part honoring our veterans and their service to our country.  Placing the wreaths is an outward gesture of our abiding respect and recognition of their service and sacrifices.  It is an important one that shows they are not forgotten.

Thank you for reading some of the posts here this past year.  Hopefully you found some informative and helpful. We continue Exploring Almost Forgotten Gravesites in the Great State of Ohio and striving to best preserve and protect them for the future!

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 from the "Salem News" in Columbiana County - Upcoming Program - At 7:00p.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2021 - Dale Shaffer Research Library meeting room in Salem.

 "Cemetery program planned"

"Columbiana Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will host local citizen Philip Campbell who will share his work of preserving and restoring the Old Springfield Cemetery in New Middletown, Springfield Township, Mahoning County, at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Dale Shaffer Research Library meeting room in Salem. 

Old Springfield is the oldest cemetery in the area and Springfield Township was originally located in Columbiana County until March 1846."

"Concern grows over federal funding for Ohio townships" - By J. D. Davidson - "The Center Square" - April 8, 2021

The Ohio Township Association has concerns regarding the state's townships being excluded from federal funding that would come through "The American Rescue Plan". 

Below is an excerpt from a statement by the Ohio Township Association included in the feature story.:

"Townships in Ohio handle road maintenance, cemetery management, police and fire protection, emergency medical services, solid waste disposal and zoning. Throughout Ohio, townships are responsible for maintaining 41,000 miles of road and 2,400 cemeteries."

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All too often cemetery levies fail in Ohio townships.  This happens in large part due to local voters strong position expressed in their comments, and through the ballot box, that the needs of the living should be taken care of first before addressing problems impacting gravesites of long ago ancestors.  County and state governments do not contribute financial assistance for the purposes of continued regular maintenance of township cemeteries.

The Ohio Township Association states that there are 2,400 township cemeteries in Ohio. 

Ohio has cemeteries that come under various categories. Considerable focus needs to be given to the overshadowing inequality existing between the Active – Registered Cemeteries vs. Inactive / Family – Not eligible to be Registered cemeteries.  

For example, Inactive / Family Cemeteries* do not qualify to receive grants that are made available yearly through the passage of HB168 which began in 2019.  Only Active /Not-For-Profit cemeteries qualify for these grants.  Truly, nothing in Ohio HB168 affects Inactive Cemeteries. 

The need is great for preservation / conservation / restoration measures to be taken at Ohio's most vulnerable cemeteries - Ohio's pioneer burial grounds that fall outside of the category of Active and Registered. 

Too much history has been lost already; and gone with it is a diminished respect for community cemeteries that once were often visited and meticulously cared for.  

Emphasizing the fact that an Active Cemetery, and therefore Registered Cemetery, is granted beneficial provisions that are denied to an Inactive or Family Cemetery keeps this issue on the front burner.  An important benefit to lot owners in Active – Registered cemeteries is that the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission accepts and considers cases presented to it regarding cemeteries that are Registered - or should be registered but their registrations have lapsed due to no fault of their own.  

The “OCDRC”, however, will not accept complaints against those responsible for the care of Inactive Cemeteries, including some that are considered to be Abandoned or close to that category, or Family Cemeteries.  Thus, a person or organization with a complaint about a cemetery that is Inactive or a Family Cemetery, truly has little to no hope of gaining resolution because essentially they have hit a brick wall.

With every passing year, more cemeteries are added to the Inactive category in Ohio.  There is enough evidence to prove that many Ohio cemeteries have been in a crisis stage for years.  The number is increasing; and townships hold what is probably more than their share of those cemeteries that fit into the Inactive category.  Indeed, Inactive Cemeteries outnumber Active Cemeteries in many Ohio townships.  

Examples exist where an Ohio township has stubbornly refused for several years to assume responsibility for a cemetery within its boundaries because it already had more cemeteries than it can afford to properly handle.  

The Ohio Township Association should stay on top of this ever growing crisis going on with so many cemeteries that are located in Ohio townships, regardless if they are Active or not.  The "OTA" needs to be an engaged partner with its townships assisting to solve problems - problems impacting Ohio's most vulnerable cemeteries as a priority.  Such a partnership is especially crucial when answers at the local level have been lacking for a long period of time.

*(D) Sections 4767.02 to 4767.04 of the Revised Code do not apply to or affect a family cemetery or a cemetery in which there have been no interments during the previous twenty-five calendar years. As used in this division, "family cemetery" means a cemetery containing the human remains of persons, at least three-fourths of whom have a common ancestor or who are the spouse or adopted child of that common ancestor.

Happy New Year! A Wish List for 2021 - May it be a good year for all cemeteries in the Great State of Ohio!

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and happy New Year! 

 Looking ahead to 2021 and making up a "Wish List" for Ohio's Cemeteries.:

May 2021 be a year of locating and documenting more remote and almost forgotten cemeteries.

May 2021 be a year where a greater number of Ohioans pursue cemetery preservation in whatever capacity they can. 

May 2021 be a year where our Ohio lawmakers take a serious look at ways to strengthen existing laws (Ohio Revised Codes) that impact cemeteries - all cemeteries regardless of their status - and propose amendments that accomplish that goal. Seek new legislation that really helps cemeteries like what HB168 has done. 

May 2021 be a year of greater hands -on volunteerism at Ohio's cemeteries regardless of their size, age, location, or status.

 May 2021 be a year that sees some Ohio cemeteries finally get their long-awaited legal owners.  Owners who are committed to overseeing their regular and proper care.

We know each cemetery in the Buckeye State holds its own history just waiting for us to visit and learn more about it.

 May 2021 be a year of more success stories about those who are committed to properly preserving Ohio's cemeteries.  

Sharing a quote by Sir William Ewart Gladstone.  It carries a timeless message that highlights how important it is for us, the living, to care about the final resting places of those who came before us.:   

“Show me the manner in which a nation cares for its dead, and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals.” 

May 2021 be a year of attaining these high ideals that better protect and preserve Ohio's most sacred spaces - its cemeteries. 

Sharing this spotlight story about Green Lawn Cemetery and Randel "Randy" Rogers whose work at Columbus' Premier Cemetery is a labor of love for him

Columbus Dispatch Reporter, Holly Zachariah, has covered news about Ohio's cemeteries in various types of stories spanning several years.  I can attest that's true; and I'm sure there may be some I missed.

Be sure, though, not to miss reading this one!  

Thanking Holly for bringing us this spotlight story published November 30, 2020 because it is one we so rarely find in content about an Ohio cemetery.  That is because so rarely does someone like Randel L. Rogers come along.  He is the Executive Director of Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus.  

Perhaps better known as Randy Rogers by those who are familiar with him and his dedicated work, he painstakingly preserves the cemetery's grounds.  He gives special attention to the needs of the monuments and markers that identify the gravesites of both the famous and the lesser known souls who found peace and rest at this historic landmark cemetery. 

Be sure to scroll down the page and view the four minute awe-inspiring video interview with Randy Rogers as he describes some of his work with preserving the trees and monuments at Green Lawn Cemetery.  

We hope for more truly inspirational cemetery stories like this one to come along - ones that could only be made possible by someone as uniquely qualified and dedicated as Randy Rogers. 

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   Green Lawn Cemetery on Facebook

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Green Lawn Cemetery Association

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Green Lawn Cemetery has 148,033 memorials posted for it on "Find A Grave."

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Current Green Lawn Cemetery Map

  

"Army Retiree Becomes Cemetery Detective" -- and restores and preserves grave markers at Ohio cemeteries

Sharing a link (from LimaOhio.com), written by Mr. Jim Brewer of the "Ashland Times-Gazette." 

It is just one of the many Ohio news outlets currently circulating the remarkable story of Retired U. S. Army Major Ronny Echelberger presenting important details of his dedicated work restoring and preserving grave markers at gravesites in several Ohio cemeteries - some that are quite remote.  

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Below are links to the cemeteries mentioned in the story as they appear on "Find A Grave." 

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Dickson Farm Cemetery on Find A Grave

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Pine Run Cemetery on Find A Grave

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Bellville Cemetery - Find A Grave

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Heyd Cemetery - Find A Grave

(spelled as Hyde" Cemetery in story)

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Excerpt:

"However, it was not until 2017, after he retired, that he began his quest to restore the cemetery, “starting with education, learning as much as I could on cemetery restoration in two preservation workshops in Massachusetts sponsored by the National Parks Service.”

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How about adopting a "Adopt a (you fill in the blank) grave marker Project to save original gravestones, replace those that can't be saved, and in the process save a whole cemetery? It can work!

Sharing this news story that comes from the State of New York.  

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We are often asked how we can go about getting a cemetery restored/preserved?  A simple answer is one grave marker at a time.  So, this is one approach to accomplish that worthwhile goal with the "Adopt a (you fill in the blank) Project.  It could be for a veteran or anyone's grave marker. 

"The Project" could be to restore and/or replace one marker, or monument, or several.  

It could also be for a stone wall ,or a wrought iron fence, or railing.  It could be for stone steps.  It could be for a chapel.  It could be for a mausoleum.  It could be for a receiving vault.

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The possibilities for preservation are almost endless.  

Your Project can start small and "go big" later!

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A cemetery by definition is a living breathing landscape with sacred grounds having special needs that go beyond those of garden or park landscapes.  The needs include how important it is to retain respectfulness for those who came before us and their final resting places. 

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Initially, this type of a project might require a "Friends of (you fill in the blank) Cemetery" or even a Cemetery Preservation Society that operates as a non-profit.  

Seeking and enlisting participation from like-minded people to help coordinate each step along the way and divide up the duties among the members lightens the load on individuals.  

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This type of a program can help to preserve original gravestones and literally rescue them from toppling over and breaking or sinking out of sight.  

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We have noted that most of the time it is much more economical and practical to preserve and protect an original grave marker than replacing it with a new one.  That includes seeking out professionals, or well trained volunteers with proper equipment who will conduct the work in a "Do No Harm" manner.  

Most likely, a new granite marker will lack the true essence of the time period during which the deceased person lived. A replacement most likely won't be as ornately carved as the original that had stood at the gravesite for decades. 

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Preserving an original grave marker also preserves the artistic creation of the carver chosen by the family of the deceased who knew and cared about their loved one.  The descendants could have carried out the wishes of the dearly departed for what they would want for a permanent marker to stand at their gravesite.  

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Granted, not all grave markers can be saved, but assessing those that can be saved is a good first step before moving forward in the preservation process. 

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Turning local apathy into local pride that stems from local participation for the cause of preservation can, and often does, take time.  

Patience is paramount during the process, but the final results can be so rewarding!  

So, think about this approach and consider adopting a "Adopt a (you fill in the blank) Project" for the benefit of your cemetery of concern.  

Sharing a current report about stalled out preservation efforts to save Lakeside Cemetery in Bay Village, Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Sharing from "WestLife" a well researched article by Alex Kamczyc describing several setbacks thwarting protective plans from being implemented for securing Bay Village's small, but hugely historic, Lakeside Cemetery.  

Lake Erie is the cemetery's 'neighbor'

to the North.

Only a few yards of disappearing earth and aging boulders down a cliff at lake level stand between the two.  

Thus, conservation measures desperately need to be undertaken soon to curb the advancement of an eroding shoreline that affects the cemetery's stability.

Complicating matters are ongoing property ownership disputes with others and project costs that need resolution first.  

Excerpt from this story.:

"The cemetery was created for Rebecca Johnson Porter and her infant son, David, after the two drowned in April 1814 while returning to their home by boat from Cleveland. Porter’s sister, Sarah Osborn, and her husband, Reuben, donated a portion of their lakefront property next to Rebecca’s home for a public cemetery. Now it’s home to several historical figures including veterans from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and World War I, as well as many names recognizable as Bay Village’s founding families."

The story mentions that there are 270 graves at the Lakeside Cemetery.  

Currently, there are 247 memorials for it on the website "Find A Grave." 

Keeping good thoughts that soon we'll be reading an update offering much better news of plans moving forward that best preserve Bay Village's Lakeside Cemetery! 

From the Ohio History Connection - "Cemeteries for Genealogy Research Webinar" - Saturday, July 18, 2020 - 10:30a.m. - 12:30p.m. - Presented by Krista Horrocks - Project Reviews Manager, State Historic Preservation Office

Sharing an announcement of this upcoming free webinar:
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(Click on link below:)
Advance registration required.
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"Ohio History Connection"

 "Cemeteries for Genealogy Research Webinar"

Saturday July 18, 2020

 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Online
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 "Hunting for an ancestor’s gravestone can be an exciting adventure or a frustrating series of dead ends. 

When we find our ancestor’s gravestone, we often are in awe, as it can give important birth, death, and marriage dates. 
To provide this information, cemeteries need to be preserved and be taken care of. Join cemetery expert Krista Horrocks as she explains how the gravestones and historical documentation on cemeteries provide important genealogical information, how Ohio law treats cemeteries (all 14,637 of them), and cemetery preservation.

FREE

Reminder:
Advance registration required.