Happy New Year! Some blog changes, and a great new resource...

Note: It's a new year, and I will be re-launching this blog with a bit of a change. Change is good! While I've enjoyed an 'On This Day In History' type of format, truthfully, it was limiting what I could share with you, and still tie it to great genealogy resources.  SO - while I will continue to share stories of Northeast Ohio and American history, with that proverbial local genealogy interest, I won't be sticking to a calendar correlation. Hope you enjoy the new posts!  - Cate.

Say what you will about Cleveland and the surrounding rust-belt cities, but we do have some awfully cool architecture.  Old churches, graveyards, warehouses and parks make for a lot of fun exploration!

Monroe St. Cemetery Entry Arch

One of my favorite little gems is Monroe Street Cemetery - found on the near west side of Cleveland on the edge of Ohio City.  

It really is like something straight out of a movie, and its strong, gothic overtones and foreboding structures, surrounded by some very, very old headstones, is something everyone should see in person.  But its history is equally as fascinating.

This plot of land began officially as six acres in 1836, when Brooklyn Township purchased it from Richard Lord and his brother-in-law Josiah Barber, who are widely regarded as the founders of Ohio City. Records show however, that burials took place on this land as early as 1818, and tombstones dated as early as 1824 can still be seen today. Currently, the cemetery encompasses over 16.5 acres, is a Historic Landmark designated by the City of Cleveland Landmarks Commission, and over 31,000 persons are buried there.

What would an old historic cemetery be without some famous residents? 

There are more than 500 persons in the cemetery who served in the armed forces and saw duty during the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and both World Wars, in addition to those who served their country during times of peace. 

There are many people here who belonged to the Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio, the Woodmen of the World and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

The cemetery contains several persons who were actively involved in abolitionist activities before and during the Civil War, including Rev. James A. Thome and Alfred Greenbrier. 

Rev. James Thome

Two mayors of Cleveland are buried here, William Castle and Irvine U. Masters.

William Castle

Irvine Masters Marker

John Michael Kick, the first Cleveland police officer to be killed in the line of duty is buried here - in June 2011, Kick was honored with a new marker, and his 2nd great grandson, a police officer in the 5th district, spoke at the event.

John Michael Kick

Notable businessmen from many walks of life are reflected in the multitude of monuments in the cemetery, including Daniel Sanford, Robert Sanderson, and Gustave Schaefer.

One of the early pioneers of the west side and major landowner/developer, Richard Lord, is interred in what appears to be one of the smallest mausoleums around. So small, in fact, that his name above the door had to be abbreviated.  His wife is also buried in the crypt below - but a third casket has not been identified.

Richard Lord's tomb

Walter M. Prentice was a physician and Army Surgeon during the Civil War. Recognized as a surgeon of "rare ability", he died in 1864, while serving as commandant in the Medical Corps, at Pt Burnside Tennessee.

William Prentice Marker

Ships' captains, ships' carpenters, and sailors tell the story of a predominant mode of transportation in 19th century Cleveland.

Farmers, bricklayers, shoemakers, factory workers, saloonkeepers, ministers, soapmakers, livery stable owners, doctors, canal builders and many other trades and skills were the occupations of the common people resting here who made Ohio City and Cleveland great. 

This picture of the gatehouse in 2008 shows its sad and dire need for restoration:

Gatehouse in 2008

However, there is some very good news!  This wonderful structure is under complete renovation - it appears it may be completed this year.  Be sure to follow http://www.mscf1841.org/ to witness the progress.  You can donate there, find great little store items, and become a member of the cemetery's foundation.

Which brings me to my NE Ohio genealogical find of the day!  The wonderful caretakers and volunteers of this incredible historical gem will actually take a picture of your relative's grave if you ask. I recommend making a donation or joining the foundation; but they have generously offered their services - click here for more information.  I've never heard of a cemetery doing this - (three cheers from family researchers everywhere!)

You may not have an ancestor here, nor may you ever do work for someone who does - but I cannot recommend enough the support of this local treasure. 

Happy hunting!

Cate.

Note: many thanks to the following for much of the information contained here:

1. Alan Fodor, “Monroe Street Cemetery,” Cleveland Historical, accessed January 16, 2014, http://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/476.

2. http://www.mscf1841.org/

3. http://www.findagrave.com