Reporting the sad news of a recent attack resulting in major vandalism at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio

 It is so heartbreaking to share this link to the "Findlay Courier" online news story, published July 28, 2021, with details and photographs of toppled over and lying on the ground broken 19th century grave monuments.  

All that is known, according to the report, is that an unknown vandal or vandals launched the vicious attack seriously damaging grave markers and monuments at several gravesites at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay.

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Excerpt:

"According to the Findlay Police Department, the vandalism occurred overnight from Monday into Tuesday. Thirty tombstones were either toppled or damaged, all in the northeast section of the cemetery."

"The police department continues to investigate the incident, and anyone with information about who may be involved is asked to call the department at 419-424-7150 or Hancock County Crime Stoppers at 419-425-8477. Callers may be eligible for a reward."

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The Ohio Revised Codes that pertain to vandalism at cemeteries is 2909.05

2909.05 [Effective 9/30/2011] Vandalism

(A) No person shall knowingly cause serious physical harm to an occupied structure or any of its contents.

(B)(1) No person shall knowingly cause physical harm to property that is owned or possessed by another, when either of the following applies:

(a) The property is used by its owner or possessor in the owner’s or possessor’s profession, business, trade, or occupation, and the value of the property or the amount of physical harm involved is one thousand dollars or more;

(b) Regardless of the value of the property or the amount of damage done, the property or its equivalent is necessary in order for its owner or possessor to engage in the owner’s or possessor’s profession, business, trade, or occupation.

(2) No person shall knowingly cause serious physical harm to property that is owned, leased, or controlled by a governmental entity. A governmental entity includes, but is not limited to, the state or a political subdivision of the state, a school district, the board of trustees of a public library or public university, or any other body corporate and politic responsible for governmental activities only in geographical areas smaller than that of the state.

(C) No person, without privilege to do so, shall knowingly cause serious physical harm to any tomb, monument, gravestone, or other similar structure that is used as a memorial for the dead; to any fence, railing, curb, or other property that is used to protect, enclose, or ornament any cemetery; or to a cemetery.

(D) No person, without privilege to do so, shall knowingly cause physical harm to a place of burial by breaking and entering into a tomb, crypt, casket, or other structure that is used as a memorial for the dead or as an enclosure for the dead.

(E) Whoever violates this section is guilty of vandalism. 

Except as otherwise provided in this division, vandalism is a felony of the fifth degree that is punishable by a fine of up to two thousand five hundred dollars in addition to the penalties specified for a felony of the fifth degree in sections 2929.11 to 2929.18 of the Revised Code. 

If the value of the property or the amount of physical harm involved is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more but less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, vandalism is a felony of the fourth degree. If the value of the property or the amount of physical harm involved is one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, vandalism is a felony of the third degree.

(F) For purposes of this section:

(1) “Cemetery” means any place of burial and includes burial sites that contain American Indian burial objects placed with or containing American Indian human remains.

(2) “Serious physical harm” means physical harm to property that results in loss to the value of the property of one thousand dollars or more.

Amended by 129th General Assembly File No. 29, HB 86, § 1, eff. 9/30/2011.

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Effective Date: October 1, 2020

Ohio Revised Code 2929.18

(a) For a felony of the first degree, not more than twenty thousand dollars;

(b) For a felony of the second degree, not more than fifteen thousand dollars;

(c) For a felony of the third degree, not more than ten thousand dollars;

(d) For a felony of the fourth degree, not more than five thousand dollars;

(e) For a felony of the fifth degree, not more than two thousand five hundred dollars.

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There are 33,468 memorials posted on Find A Grave for the Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay, Ohio.

Moonville Cemetery in Vinton County, Ohio suffered severe vandalism attack yet again

The "Scioto Post" feature story (November 16 2020) by Jeremy Newman.:

 "200 year-old Southern Ohio Cemetery Vandalized Again in Less than a Year"  brings tremendous heartbreak for those who have been following the sad saga of this tiny rural abandoned cemetery that only has 26 Find A Grave memorials.  The article states that the Vinton County Sheriff is investigating. 

The extent of the damage is sickening and saddening.  No cemetery should be subjected to such disgusting desecration. The photographs tell the story beyond what any words could convey for understanding.    

A Facebook page entitled "Moonville Rail Trail Association" today (November 16 2020) also broke the news about this latest vandalism attack on the tiny burying ground. Included in the post is a link to the "Go Fund Me" account set up for the needs of the Moonville Cemetery. 

Once again we are reminded that in the State of Ohio, cemetery grant fund money is only available to certain categories of cemeteries.  Inactive / abandoned, family, and for-profit cemeteries are excluded from receiving cemetery grant money funds that originated from the passage of HB168.  

Once these pioneer burying grounds are gone - they are gone for good; and we can't take them for granted. 

Ohio's lawmakers need to strengthen and update existing Ohio Revised Codes that impact all of the state's cemeteries. 

The passage of stronger legislation  is crucial.  It should include funding for any cemetery in crisis regardless of its status -- i.e. registered and non-registered cemeteries alike.  

Over the years, several posts have been shared here about active cemeteries with no owners, for-profit cemeteries that have multiple unresolved long-standing complaints about those responsible for them.  

The list of problems goes on and on.  

The need is urgent for Ohio's cemeteries which are all at risk for vandalism or for other reasons; and sadly remains so as we move toward 2021.     

Sharing updates about the most recent vandalism at Lorain's Charleston Cemetery - the city's pioneer burial ground.

Several Lorain/Elyria and Cleveland news outlets are reporting updates about the most recent vandalism attack at Lorain's  earliest and most historic pioneer cemetery: 

The Charleston Cemetery on 6th Street.

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(Photograph below of the entrance

to the Charleston Cemetery

 by Linda Jean Limes Ellis

October 14, 2015)

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The "Elyria Chronicle-Telegram"

Elyria, Ohio

May 5, 2020

News story by Dave O'Brien

"Headstones at Charleston Cemetery in Lorain Destroyed by Vandals" 

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Lorain's "MorningJournal"

May 5, 2020

News story by 

Richard Payerchin

"Vandals Strike Lorain's Historic Charleston Cemetery"

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WTAM - 1100 AM Radio

May 5, 2020

By 

Tom Moore

"Vandals Hit Historic Lorain Cemetery"

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The Facebook Page dedicated to the Charleston Cemetery in Lorain

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Lorain's Charleston Cemetery

 currently has 50 memorials to those buried there on 

"Find A Grave"

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Description of the Charleston Cemetery from "Find A Grave" below:

"Charleston Cemetery was known as The Old Bank Street Cemetery. Where the cemetery exists right known, that part of 6th St. was called Polk St., the other half was called Bank St.

Charleston Cemetery is between 6th St. and 7th St., halfway between Oberlin Ave. and Hamilton Ave.. On 15th Sept. 1828, Quartus Gillmore, Addison Tracy and Roswell Crocker, trustees of Black River Township, paid $1.00 to Hiram Messenger for 90 squares rods of land to be used by all the inhabitants of the township as a burying ground."

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Loraine Ritchey's

"That Woman Weblog"

"Restoration/Preservation Charleston Cemetery" 

August 8, 2008

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Diane Wargo Medina has been continuously active for several years working and advocating for the preservation of the Charleston Cemetery. 

Vandalism strikes at Sheep Pen Cemetery yet again but this cemetery will return to its restored dignity and respect

It is with great sadness that I present this report of recent vandalism at Sheep Pen Cemetery (that is also known as Gustin Cemetery or Limes Cemetery) in Highland County.  

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This cemetery was almost completely vandalized in 2011.  A major restoration took place afterward and again further restoration was conducted for the gravestones and monuments in June of 2016.  

However, now there are some gravemarkers cracked in half  lying on the ground that were intact just 24 months ago.  Personally, I don't think the damage was caused by careless groundskeepers.  At least I pray not or it will get worse with every mowing and weedwhacking .  

Sharing some of the photos that were provided to me by a local person who recently visited Sheep Pen Cemetery.  She was quite impressed with it due to its uniqueness despite the downed gravemarkers.  

 (Above)

Broken original gravemarker for Hiram Limes

and his wife Elizabeth Hannah (Cory) Limes

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(Above)

Broken gravemarker for Julia Ann Limes

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 (Above)

Two broken gravemarkers:
Matthew Kelley and Julia Ann (Aber) Yohn

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(Above)
Broken gravemarker for Samuel Yohn

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I refuse to believe that this will be the end of the story for Sheep Pen Cemetery.  I know there are local people who care about it as I do.  There are angels who watch over it.  Sheep Pen Cemetery will recover and be the historic burial ground it has always been. 

Cemetery Vandalism Continues at Ohio Cemeteries both large and small

From the "Herald-Dispatch" in Huntington, West Virginia, published on July 3rd by Luke Creasy are details from the latest update about the current state of the damage at the The Rome-Proctorville Cemetery in Proctorville, Lawrence County, Ohio.
Sharing these excerpts from this story because I feel they are insightful, and are definitely good to know and understand if one of your ancestor's stones was damaged -- not knocked over and no other type of damage.
We learn from the details that the degree and type of damage to a grave marker can dictate if those responsible for the cemetery accepts responsibility to properly repair it.

Also, please note that it is crucial to be sure who is responsible for a cemetery. The example as stated here demonstrates that if there is an older cemetery adjacent to a newer cemetery there might be a different owner for the older one. Thus, if both cemeteries suffer damage it cannot automatically be assumed that the same entity (i.e. township, church, village, etc.) owns both cemeteries and will handle remediation of damages at both cemeteries.:
"Rome-Proctorville Cemetery caretaker Ron Jenkins said he wants to get the headstones in the upright position as quickly as possible and is working with Lawson Monument Company in Huntington to get the headstones off the ground and resealed. Jenkins estimated the cost at $150 per headstone.
Lawson began repairs at the cemetery on Monday morning. Fourteen stones were picked up, placed and sealed on Monday. Jenkins said Lawson has been very accommodating, and remaining repairs will be made by the end of the week.

"(Lawson) said some of them have permanent damage on them, but we're not going to be responsible in replacing those. We're just trying to get them all set back up and sealed back down."
Permanent damage to a gravestone includes any surface damage to the stone such as cracks, scratches and chips. Jenkins said that families that have been affected by permanent damage will not be forced to replace headstones but do have the option of purchasing new stones.
In response to the crime, Bowen said the cemetery will institute increased security steps moving forward. High-definition surveillance cameras soon will be added, as well as additional measures that Bowen did not want to disclose at the time. He said the cemetery's goal is to prevent this situation from happening in the future.
According to Jenkins, there were additional headstones overturned in the Old Rome Cemetery that neighbors Rome-Proctorville; however, they are not responsible for upkeep on those grounds."

Some News Stories about recent cemetery vandalism in Ohio.:

From The "Toledo Blade": Thursday, June 28, 2018 - Forest Cemetery in Toledo:

"Headstones Again Vandalized at Forest Cemetery"

Contact Sarah Elms at selms@theblade.com, 419-724-6103, or on Twitter @BySarahElms.

"More than 100 headstones have been toppled at Forest Cemetery this month, and many of the vandalized grave-markers date back to the 1800s.

The most recent act of vandalism — about 12 headstones knocked over — was discovered Wednesday, Cemeteries Foreman Luke Smigielski said. The city runs five cemeteries, and only Forest Cemetery has experienced the vandalism this summer, he said.
More than 50 headstones were discovered knocked over on June 11, and another 42 were found toppled June 18. Forest Cemetery spans 94 acres and is home to more than 94,000 headstones, many of which weigh hundreds to thousands of pounds."
Forest Cemetery in Toledo on "Find A Grave"
The "Grave Tracker" - Forest Cemetery
 City of Toledo

From the "Dayton Daily News" - Monday, July 2, 2018 - Miamisburg, Montgomery County, Ohio:

"Highland Cemetery gravestone damaged over weekend"

Craig Weaver's memorial on "Find A Grave"

Photo of Craig Weaver's grave marker prior to its destruction

In Ohio - Warning Cemetery Vandalism is a Felony

Thanking the NecroTourist for sharing this photograph of this 

"Cemetery Vandalism is a Felony" Sign

That is installed at the Woodlawn Cemetery

In Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio. 

http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/2909.05

(A) No person shall knowingly cause serious physical harm to an occupied structure or any of its contents.

(B)

(1) No person shall knowingly cause physical harm to property that is owned or possessed by another, when either of the following applies:

(a) The property is used by its owner or possessor in the owner's or possessor's profession, business, trade, or occupation, and the value of the property or the amount of physical harm involved is one thousand dollars or more;

(b) Regardless of the value of the property or the amount of damage done, the property or its equivalent is necessary in order for its owner or possessor to engage in the owner's or possessor's profession, business, trade, or occupation.

(2) No person shall knowingly cause serious physical harm to property that is owned, leased, or controlled by a governmental entity. A governmental entity includes, but is not limited to, the state or a political subdivision of the state, a school district, the board of trustees of a public library or public university, or any other body corporate and politic responsible for governmental activities only in geographical areas smaller than that of the state.

(C) No person, without privilege to do so, shall knowingly cause serious physical harm to any tomb, monument, gravestone, or other similar structure that is used as a memorial for the dead; to any fence, railing, curb, or other property that is used to protect, enclose, or ornament any cemetery; or to a cemetery.

(D) No person, without privilege to do so, shall knowingly cause physical harm to a place of burial by breaking and entering into a tomb, crypt, casket, or other structure that is used as a memorial for the dead or as an enclosure for the dead.

(E) Whoever violates this section is guilty of vandalism. Except as otherwise provided in this division, vandalism is a felony of the fifth degree that is punishable by a fine of up to two thousand five hundred dollars in addition to the penalties specified for a felony of the fifth degree in sections 2929.11 to 2929.18 of the Revised Code. If the value of the property or the amount of physical harm involved is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more but less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, vandalism is a felony of the fourth degree. If the value of the property or the amount of physical harm involved is one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, vandalism is a felony of the third degree.

(F) For purposes of this section:

(1) "Cemetery" means any place of burial and includes burial sites that contain American Indian burial objects placed with or containing American Indian human remains.

(2) "Serious physical harm" means physical harm to property that results in loss to the value of the property of one thousand dollars or more.

Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.29, HB 86, §1, eff. 9/30/2011.

Effective Date: 09-30-1998

Related Legislative Provision: See 129th General AssemblyFile No.29, HB 86, §4

Cemetery Thieves Strike Walnut Creek (Quaker) Cemetery - Perry Township, Fayette County, Ohio

It has been brought to my attention today that a large and heavy iron planter that had been part of the grave plot for the local Terrell Family for over 100 years was removed and stolen from the Walnut Creek (Quaker) Cemetery in Perry Township, Fayette County, Ohio.  

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The Fayette County Sheriff's Department has been alerted to the theft. 

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Photograph below taken by Gail Allen in 2013 showing

the heavy iron planter at the Terrell gravesites that was

recently removed and stolen

Photograph below courtesy of Linda Jean Limes Ellis

The small red square seen at the back on the right of the photo below

is where the Terrell iron planter sat.

Photographs below courtesy of Jerry Tuttle

 

 Orla G. Terrell

 Elizabeth Terrell

Photograph below by Linda Jean Limes Ellis

The Green Lawn Cemetery Vandal Has Struck Once Again -- But This Time He was Caught On Camera!

Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio has been the target of one individual this past year who has repeatedly and savagely vandalized the monuments, markers, and even stained glass windows at the city's largest and most historic cemetery; but his days in doing so appear to be over according to the latest news reports.  

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Sharing here a WCMH TV - NBC4 report of January 19, 2017 that gives the cemetery officials good hope that this criminal's days of committing violent acts at Green Lawn Cemetery are coming to an end; permanently.  

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Reminder:

The Columbus Landmarks Foundation is holding a "Walk for Restoration" on January 29, 2017 from 2p.m. to 4:00p.m.  

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"Exciting News!" 

"The next Columbus Landmarks tour on January 29th will raise money to repair some of the historical monuments damaged by recent vandalism. 

Please consider buying tickets on the Columbus Landmarks website and joining us for what will be an interesting and informative tour!"

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Click HERE Purchase Tickets

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Click HERE to access the "Go Fund Me" Account for Green Lawn Cemetery.

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Sharing a link to Green Lawn Cemetery on "GenealogyBug" - (© 2001-2017 by David K. & Leona L. Gustafson)!-- a great website!

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You can also find:

 Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio on "Find A Grave" with over 143,000 interments - including 49 famous persons!

"No Fix for Green Lawn Cemetery" in Columbus, Ohio -- Growing Problem of Vandalism; and Hope for Repairs is Less at Privately Operated Cemeteries in Ohio

Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio has at least 142,854 interments according to "Find A Grave".

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The Green Lawn Cemetery's website states:

"As one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in Ohio, Green Lawn serves as the resting place for well known and influential individuals who made significant contributions to Columbus, the state of Ohio and the entire country."

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This news story:
"No Fix for Green Lawn Cemetery" by Shelby Croft of Columbus television station, WBNS Channel 10, is a disheartening one indeed.

".....crews try to right fallen stones but the graves are personal property and the responsibility of owners.

The cemetery doesn't have the money to repair them. in many cases, owners just don't exist anymore.

The cemetery website says its supported through sales of lots, memorials and tax-deductible donations. The management company says it takes care of maintenance of the grounds but not the graves."

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In the video several downed monuments are seen around the reporter who is at Green Lawn Cemetery.  She explains how old some of them are by referring to the dates of death carved on the stones.

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Please click on the link to read more details about this sad situation, and view the short video -- which I feel is quite touching because of the interview that brought this problem to the television station's attention; especially if you have ancestors buried at Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus.  

 

Vandalism at President James A. Garfield's Monument

Sharing this sad news of vandalism and theft at President James A. Garfield's Monument at Lakeview Cemetery.  The story appears on "Cleveland.com" today.

Reporting Recent Vandalism at the Raymond Cemetery in Liberty Township Union County, Ohio

Once again, vandals have struck an Ohio cemetery.  There has been recent vandalism at the Raymond Cemetery located in Liberty Township, Union County, Ohio. 

The news story appears in the April 4th edition of the "Marysville Journal-Tribune". 

The Union County Sheriff is investigating. We hope that those responsible are apprehended soon and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  

It Has Happened Again to Another Ohio Cemetery ~ Oakwood Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls Vandalized

As I write, I am breaking away from watching the 11:00p.m. news tonight because it is important to post the sad news just reported about yet another Ohio cemetery that has been vandalized.  

This time it is the Oakwood Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County, Ohio. 

Thanking the source for this story, WKYC - TV - NBC affiliate, channel 3 in Cleveland, Ohio for airing this news report with video. 

Please take a moment to read the story and view the accompanying video.  

If we ever have another reason to continue this fight against the forces that work to destroy our cemeteries, this is at the top of the list.   We pray that those who are responsible for this senseless act are quickly apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.