Exploring Almost Forgotten Gravesites in the Great State of Ohio

Monday, October 6, 2014

Hillsboro Cemetery, Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio and Understanding Its Active Yet Unregistered Status

Taking a look today at the Hillsboro Cemetery in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio which is operated by a private cemetery association.

The Hillsboro Cemetery is an active cemetery, however, a currently un-registered one. These are important points to remember especially when negative issues arise impacting a cemetery's care and/or condition and direct action is likely to be needed to resolve the situation.

If there are unresolved issues at a cemetery that is not registered, then complaints cannot be filed against the owners/operators of that cemetery, via an official Cemetery Complaint Form, with the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission.

Only registered cemeteries are eligible, per the Ohio Department of Commerce's regulations based on the Ohio Revised Codes, which state the types of cemeteries where complaints can be filed against those responsible for their ongoing care, deteriorating conditions, or with regard to other negative issues.

Thus, even if a cemetery is deemed to be active but if it is currently not registered, then no complaints can be filed against those responsible for its maintenance, etc. with the Ohio Department of Commerce's Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

**"Pursuant to ORC 4767.03, registrations expire annually on June 30^th"

^{**"However, registrations for cemeteries maintained by political subdivisions
do not expire."}

^{Please read the message from Laura Monick below regarding this issue -- thanking Laura for her help with my questions.}

From: "Monick, Laura"

Laura.Monick@com.state.oh.us

Sent: Monday, October 6, 2014 8:21 AM Subject:

RE: Asking a question regarding the Hillsboro Cemetery in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio

"I have looked up Hillsboro Cemetery in our system. Currently, this is an unregistered cemetery. We have already attempted to reach out to the association to bring them into compliance with the registration requirements. However, ORC 4767.07 only permits us to take complaints against cemeteries that are registered. While we work with the cemetery on the registration process we are unable to open a complaint."

You may look-up registered cemeteries here:

https://elicense3-secure.com.ohio.gov

https://elicense3-secure.com.ohio.gov/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx

The system allows you to search by city and zip code. The prefix on the license number that you would be interested in are as follows:

CEO – cemetery operator

CRC – cemetery associations

CBR – religious/benevolent/fraternal cemeteries

CGR – political subdivision cemeteries

Pursuant to ORC 4767.03, registrations expire annually on June 30^th

^{However, registrations for cemeteries maintained by political subdivisions
do not expire. "}

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

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Straightening Up the Stones During History Day 2014 at the Old Burying Ground in Greenfield, Ohio

On Saturday, October 4, 2014, the Old Burying Ground in Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio was the site of hands-on demonstrations that illustrated how some types of gravestone restoration are done. That resulted in 12 gravestones being raised and straightened upright. Some stones had been leaning, while others were knocked down, or partially sunken out of sight.

The before and after photographs below are courtesy of Scott Andersen, who along with fellow Greenfield Historical Society member John King, did the needed digging work to complete the process for each gravestone.

One gravestone that was lifted up out of its sinking condition belongs to Civil War veteran Martin Countryman. It was so gratifying to learn of their success in rising this veteran gravestone back up to its proper position of respectability where it belonged.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Click HERE for more photographs from this work completed on October 4, 2014 as posted on the Greenfield Historical Society website.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanking Scott also for sharing photographs of badly damaged above ground vaults belonging to some local Irwin family members which are also posted below.

One of the vaults holds the final remains for Henry W. Irwin, who along with all of his four wives -- including his fourth wife Lavina/Lavinia Rogers Jackson Irwin -- were buried at the Old Burying Ground. Her mother was Priscilla Beals Rogers who was buried at the nearby Sheep Pen Cemetery.

Henry W. Irwin and Lavina/Lavinia Irwin were the parents of one of Greenfield's most well known military heroes - Admiral Noble Edward Irwin.

(Above)

Before photograph: Shows how the leaning gravestones and one that is lying flat on the ground looked before Scott Andersen and John King started their work.

(Below)

After photograph: Shows how the same gravestones seen above look after they were repaired and straightened up.

(Above)

The partially sunken Martin Countryman gravestone as it appeared prior to being dug up and re-set at the proper height. It has a large stone base attached to it.

************

(Below)

Photographs showing badly damaged above ground vaults.

The middle vault is thought to belong to Henry W. Irwin.