Sharing a recent news story about the Ava Maria Cemetery in Watertown Township, Washington County, Ohio

Click on link to read a December 29, 2011 news story featured in the "The Marietta Times" written by Tom Shawver about the history of the Ava Maria Church and adjacent cemetery.  Many members of the Schwendeman family are buried there.  There are five photographs of different views of the cemetery included with his story.

Currently, "Find A Grave" lists 119 interments at the Ava Maria Cemetery.

The Cemetery is listed as the "Ave Maria - Saint John" Cemetery on page 669 of the book, "Ohio Cemeteries: 1803 - 2003" published by the Ohio Genealogical Society in 2003.   

Featuring the "FAQs" of the "Association for Gravestone Studies"

I hope everyone enjoyed a happy and safe New Year for 2012.  

The new year will bring us renewed hope and energy needed to move forward with cemetery preservation projects.  

Some may involve issues dealing with the gravestones themselves.  Transcribing their inscriptions, repairing them, or doing rubbings of the words and symbols on the markers make for an exciting time full of promise and reward. 

The website of "The Association for Gravestone Studies" offers much information on all aspects. 

Clicking on the title takes us to their "Frequently Asked Questions" page which provides many helpful tips. 

Also, please take a look at the Ohio Chapter of the Association for Gravestone Studies on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ohioags

Sharing a Message from Fayette County, Ohio "Find A Grave" Contributor Gene Wilt

"Linda; Thank you very much for this kind and unexpected public recognition.

I have always liked cemeteries and decided a few years ago that with the economy the way it has been and with people relocating all over the world it would be very cost prohibitive for most people to be able to make a trip to our local community to try and find their relative's final resting place.

So I decided to try and visit my local cemeteries and take photos of all the head stones and as I get the time post them on Find A Grave which is such a great web site, and I'm so happy to be able to help others connect possibly with long lost relatives.

Thank You Again for the kind words.

I hope everyone has a very Happy & Safe New Year!"

Gene Wilt
Washington Court House
Fayette County, Ohio 43160