Exploring Almost Forgotten Gravesites in the Great State of Ohio

Dedicated to cemetery preservation in the great state of Ohio


"A cemetery may be considered as abandoned when all or practically all of the bodies have been Removed therefrom and no bodies have been buried therein for a great many years, and the cemetery has been so long neglected as entirely to lose its identity as such, and is no longer known, recognized and respected by the public as a cemetery. 1953 OAG 2978."

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Sharing this story by the Journal-News in Oxford Butler County by Avery Kreemer dated December 14 2022 - The City of Oxford is taking over the Oxford Cemetery

This spotlight story explains the reasons the City of Oxford Ohio in Butler County is assuming responsibility for the Oxford Cemetery

Excerpt:
“Regrettably, the association wasn’t able to continue operating the cemetery based on financial reasons,” Oxford Cemetery Association Treasurer Dennis Deahl said to the Journal-News.

Under Ohio Revised Code, if a private entity is unable to maintain burial grounds, the responsibility of that maintenance and operation then falls on the governmental entity; in this case, it means Oxford’s finance department will take over plot sales while the service department handles upkeep starting in 2023." 

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I applaud the City of Oxford for their stepping up to assume responsibility of the Oxford Cemetery so that it will stay a viable cemetery with an owner and one who feels it is worthwhile to do right by the cemetery.  Yes, it seems like that should be a "given" when it comes to something as important as a burial ground for human remains, but as we know in Ohio that isn't always the case.  

But, we end the year 2022 on a positive note when we read an encouraging and uplifting story about people and local governments who demonstrate that will do what it takes to care for their community cemeteries!  It will be a Happy New Year for the Oxford Cemetery! 

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Sunday, December 11, 2022

Remembering that OH HB 168 created the Cemetery Grant Fund for Active / Registered Not-For-Profit Cemeteries in Ohio - Yet Ohio's Inactive and Family Cemeteries still await help from the State of Ohio

First, starting off on a positive note, I'd like to share this wonderful spotlight story written by Bob Coupland of the "Tribune Chronicle" of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio.
This extensive article gives a detailed description of the funds provided by the Cemetery Grant Fund that has been helping Active/Registered Not-For-Profit Cemeteries in Ohio since 2019.
Before this law was passed and enacted no such program was in place by the State of Ohio that helped any cemetery that has needed funding in a manner like what this law has accomplished.
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For additional reference.:
WFMJ in Youngstown (Mahoning County.:
https://www.wfmj.com/story/42772507/5-valley-cemeteries-receiving-funding-for-repairs-improvements
Excerpt: "The Cemetery Grant Fund, which was signed into law as House Bill 168, became effective Oct. 29, 2018. The funds are to be used for exceptional maintenance of cemetery grounds or training for cemetery personnel.
Any registered, non-profit cemetery may apply for the grant, which is funded by $1 of every burial permit fee received by the Division. Cemeteries that applied and did not receive funding this year are encouraged to apply again next year."
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However, sadly, we still must be mindful and reflect on the fact that Ohio's Inactive Cemeteries are in the category of being Unregistered (AKA Not Registered) cemeteries - meaning no burials in the past 25 years,
Additionally:
Cemeteries or burial grounds deemed to be "Family Cemeteries" - as per the Ohio Revised Code stated in the following sections negatively affects them as well and leaves them out of the Registration process.:

(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.
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Now, what the State of Ohio needs to do is to expand the Cemetery Grant Program to include cemeteries that are no longer Active and thus are relegated to being Unregistered that are deteriorating, and in so many cases disappearing, before it is too late for them and they are declared abandoned and thus become "fair game" for any sort of development because they are deemed to be a hazard to society. (See: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/.../1953-2978.aspx)
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