The Forgotten Cemetery Tour
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This tour takes place in Anderson Township, among some little known and forgotten cemeteries. In these places of rest you will find some of the Pioneers and Founders of this area, along with some of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The Cache is a small hanging in an evergreen tree.
There are 6 cemeteries on our tour and you will have to visit all of them to find the clues that will give you the waypoints to the Cherry Hideaway. The waypoints given will get you to each cemetery, but they may not be to the exact spot where the Clue is to be found. You may have to look around a bit. On your tour you will need: GPS-compass-writing stick-and this printed cache page. The numbers to find will be in (--).
They are: N BB K(C+1).(DD-09)(E+3) W KGG (HH-5).(I-1)(JJ+04) (North & West are given)
CEMETERY #1 N39 05.576 x W084 21.961 - From the Gerard monument, at 300deg. and 34 paces you will find Ann Kelly. To find (HH), add the years, months, and days that she lived, minus the last two numbers of the year that she died, plus the day that she died, minus 2. Take time to note the detail of Ann’s headstone, all done by hand. Someone loved her very much.(My hats off to the Anderson Township Trustees and maintenance workers for repairing the tomb stones and installing the fence. It looks GREAT! A special thanks to Sam Heywood for his hard work and research for the information boards.What a great way to honor and remember those that have gone before!)
CEMETERY #2 N39 05.457 x W084 23.350 - Sarah K. Kellogg was born July 22, 1828. She enjoyed (GG) Christmas', minus one. (Careful).
The cemetery here was established in 1855 by Dove Lodge No. 24 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The lodge purchased 12 acres of land from Stephen Corbly and his wife to be used for school and cemetery purposes.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) is a fraternal organization derived from English Odd Fellows orders of the mid-1700s.
There are several different reasons given for the strange name. One old and apparently authoritative history of Odd Fellowship gives the explanation, "That common laboring man should associate themselves together and form a fraternity for social unity and fellowship and for mutual help”. This was such a marked violation of the trends of the times that they became known as peculiar or odd, and hence they were derided as Odd Fellows. Because of the appropriateness of the name, those engaged in forming these unions accepted it.
Another, similar explanation is that the original Odd Fellows were men who were engaged in various or odd trades, as there were organizations for some of the larger trades.
What is said to be the earliest printed record of an Odd Fellows Lodge appears in a reference to a lodge meeting at a Globe Tavern in England, in 1748.
By 1796 Odd Fellow organizations were numerous in England, and each was independent from the others. Fraternal groups such as the Odd Fellows were suppressed in England for a time, but by 1803 the Odd Fellows were revived by an organization called "London Union Odd Fellows," which later became known as the "Grand Lodge of England" and assumed authority over all Odd Fellow lodges in that country.
Among the first records of the Order in America is that of five Brothers of the English Order who met in New York City in 1806, and formed Shakespeare Lodge No. 1.
The founders were three boat builders, a comedian and a vocalist - a group befitting the name "Odd Fellows," indeed. The lodge was self instituted a common practice in those times. Their first candidate was a retired actor who was the keeper of the tavern where they met. Accounts state that lodge meetings were accompanied by merry making and mirth, and that the wares of the tavern were freely indulged in. This lodge was dissolved in 1813 due to poor attendance brought on by controversy over the War of 1812.
In 1818, Shakespeare Lodge in New York was re-instituted, in the Red Cow tavern, operated by a former member who had in his keeping the books and papers of the former lodge.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows as we know it today began in Baltimore, Maryland, where five members of the Order from England founded Washington Lodge No. 1 on April 26, 1819, by self-institution.
In 1821, the "Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United States of America, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows," was founded.
The most widely encountered symbol of the Odd Fellows - on signage and grave markers - is the three-link chain ("the Chain With Three Links", "Triple Links") with three initials, 'F', 'L' and 'T', one each inside each link, signifying Friendship, Love and Truth.
The small mortuary chapel located in the center of the cemetery was built in 1879. It may have been used as a receiving tomb, where bodies were held in winter until the ground thawed sufficiently to allow grave digging.
Some of the older markers carry the names of the first families to settle in this area. These include Sutton, Corbly, Kellogg, and Maddux.
At N39 05.425 x W084 23.199 lies William “Buck” Ewing. He was one of the best catchers of the 19th century and one of the best all-time backstops in baseball history. Born in Hoaglands, Ohio, in 1859, Buck Ewing grew up on Cincinnati’s east side and first played professional baseball with Troy, New York, in 1880.
Over the course of an 18-year career, he played with the New York Giants, the New York entry in the short–lived Players League, the Cleveland Spiders, and the Cincinnati Reds. He came to the Reds as a player-manager in 1895, staying with the club until the end of his career.
With a lifetime batting average of .303 and a reputation of having one of the strongest throwing arms ever shown by a catcher, Buck was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939. He died in 1906.
From Buck, walk 153 paces or appox. 382' at 284 Deg. to find Martha R. VanRensselaer, wife of Killian H. VanRensselaer. She was born in Otisco, N.Y. Aug. 17 1800. Died in California, Ohio March (E) 1877.
Killian Henry Van Rensselaer, was a 33rd Degree Mason. He formed the first Scottish Rite body of Free-Masonry west of the Alleghenies in Cambridge, Ohio in 1852,and was the former Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite in the Northern Mason’s Jurisdiction of the U.S., 1861-1867.
CEMETERY #3 N39 04.515 x W084 23.495 - The church located here was at the center of a community named Salem in the early 1800’s. Church services were first held in Rev. Francis McCormick’s log home. In 1810, a log church was built here, on land donated by McCormick for religious and educational purposes. A brick church followed in 1828. The existing structure was erected in 1863.
Francis can thank his Grandfather Dr. John McCormick for bringing the family to America around 1740. Dr. John was born c 1698, near Ballintoy, Antrim County Ireland (Ulster). He was a staunch Presbyterian, and a medical graduate of the University of Dublin, and brought a large and valuable medical library to Frederick County, Virginia (now W.V.).
Francis McCormick Jr. was born in Frederick County, Virginia, June 3, 1764. He was calmly but invincibly courageous, and in his youth, served two campaigns in the War of the Revolution. He was with the army under Major General Marquis De Lafayette, at Yorktown, when the British forces of General Lord Cornwallis surrendered on October 19, 1781.
Francis married Rebecca Easton in Frederick Co. Va., It was in 1790, in Charles Town, Va., that he became powerfully awakened, joined a Methodist society, and that night began to pray in his family. He became a Minister and traveled into Ohio preaching against slavery.
In 1797 he built a log-cabin near Milford, in Clermont County. Here it was that he formed a class, which was the first Methodist society organized in the Northwest Territory.
Around 1800 Francis and his family moved to the community of Salem. Dr. Able Stevens says of him; “He was robust and tall, full six feet in height, and weighed two hundred and forty pounds. His gigantic frame was surmounted by a well-developed head and a florid face, expressive of good temper, intelligence, and benevolence. He was the center and charm of the social company which his position and character drew around him. He possessed the largest liberality; house, table, money, time, and influence were freely devoted to God and his Church. His home for many years was a preaching place. People would come forty miles or more to hear the word of life. He lived not for himself, but for the Church and the cause of God.”
The cemetery was established in March 1817 by the trustees of the church. Rev. McCormick and his wife Rebecca are buried here. He also served in the Ohio State Legislature. He died in 1836 at the age of 72.
He formed the first class in 18(JJ). (For Fun: Find the other Revolutionary War solider and read the Ohio Historical Marker).
CEMETERY #4 N39 04.145 x W084 24.232 - Pvt. Henry Cromwell The day he was born is the same as the month that he died. DD is that number.
The cemetery here covers 14 acres of gently sloping land. The deed for a burial ground on this site was recorded July 10, 1926, by Guy Lancaster. The majority of the burials are African-American Military Veterans.
At 34deg. & 62 paces you will find: Pvt. Herbert Petty from South Carolina-Dec. 1930. Walk 40 stones to the left and you will find Pvt. Wm. Coby, who served in Co.I of the 8th. Ill. Vol. Infantry during the Spanish-American War, (I)-10-1861 to Oct. 28 1937.
William joined the Army and was off for Cuba. He along with 2000 other black troopers, (Buffalo Soldiers), fought their way through the hot, steamy jungles of Cuba. The Buffalo Soldiers never stood taller than when Lt. Col. Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders stormed San Juan Hill. Historian Edward Van Zile Scoot says, “… the black soldiers were more responsible for the U.S. victory than any other group of soldiers. Roosevelt claimed the credit, but it is doubtful that he would have been as successful without the Buffalo Soldiers”.
Booker T. Washington was another Buffalo Solider who enlisted with the 8th Ill. as a surgeon in 1898. He was commissioned a Major while serving in Cuba. What month was William born? (Tip your hat and say a prayer for all of those who fight to keep us free).
CEMETERY #5 N39 03.950 x W084 20.614 - Cpl. Joab S. Hawkins Co. D 57 Regt. Ohio Vols. Inf. Born Dec. 3(K) 1841 Died April 6 1862.Cpl. J. Hawkins died in the opening hours of the battle at Pittsburg Landing.
The following was taken from the after battle report of Brig. General William T. Sherman, U.S. Army, Commanding Fifth Division at the Battle of Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing) to Capt. John A. Rawlins, Assistant Adjutant- General to General Grant, dated April 10, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report that….On Sunday morning early, the 6th instant, the enemy drove our advance guard back on the main body, when I ordered under arms my division, and sent word to General McClernand asking him to support my left; to General Prentiss, giving him notice that the enemy was in our front in force, and to General Hurlbut, asking him to support General Prentiss. At that time (7a.m.) my division was arranged as follows: …. Third Brigade, composed of the 77th Ohio, Col. Hildebrand; 53th Ohio, Col. Appler, and the [57th OHIO , Col. Mungen], on the left of the Corinth road, its right resting on Shiloh Meeting House. …..
About 8a.m. I saw the glistening bayonets of heavy masses of infantry to our left front in the woods beyond the small stream that rises in the field in front of Appler’s camp and flows to the north along my whole front. This valley afforded the enemy a partial cover, but our men were so posted as to have a good fire at him as he crossed the valley and ascended the rising ground on our side. ….. I became satisfied for the first time that the enemy designed a determined attack on our whole camp. All the regiments of my division were then in line of battle at their proper posts.
I rode to Colonel Appler and ordered him to hold ground at all hazards, as he held the left flank of our first line of battle. I informed him that he had good battery on his right and strong supports to his rear. General McClernand had promptly responded to my request, and sent me three Regiments, which were posted to protect Waterhouse’s battery and the left flank of my line.
The battle began by the enemy opening a battery in the woods to our front and throwing shells into our camp. Taylor’s and Waterhouse’s batteries promptly responded, and I then observed heavy battalions of infantry passing obliquely to the left across the open field in Appler’s front; also other columns advancing directly upon my division. Our infantry and artillery opened along the whole line and the battle became general. Other heavy masses of the enemy’s forces kept passing across the field to our left and directing their course on General Prentiss.
I saw at once that the enemy designed to pass my left flank and fall upon Generals McClernand and Prentiss. (In fact General Johnson sent 5 brigades of Confederate troops to attack Sherman’s left flank) Very soon the sound of musketry and artillery announced that General Prentiss was engaged, and about 9a.m. I judged that he was falling back. About this time Appler’s regiment broke in disorder, soon followed by fugitives from [Mungen’s 57th OHIO] regiment, and the enemy pressed forward on Waterhouse’s battery, thereby exposed….. (It is my belief that young Cpl. Hawkins was killed defending his position on the line against overwhelming odds. When the regiments of Colonels Appler and Mungen broke and ran, they were gone from the field of battle for the rest of the day.) General Sherman continues, “My division was made up of regiments perfectly new, nearly all having received their muskets for the first time at Paducah. None of them had ever been under fire or beheld heavy columns of an enemy bearing down on them… They knew nothing of the value of combination and organization. When individual fears seized them the first impulse was to get away. To expect of them the coolness and steadiness of older troops would be wrong.”
Shiloh’s first day of slaughter also witnessed the death of the Confederate leader General Johnson, who fell at mid-afternoon, struck down by a stray bullet while directing the action on the Confederate right.
On the morning of April 7th, General Grant renewed the fighting with an aggressive counterattack. After another day of bloodshed the Confederate forces withdrew, greatly disorganized, to their fortified stronghold at Corinth, the western Confederacy’s most important rail junction.
Possession of the grisly battlefield passed to the victorious Union Army of Tennessee, who were satisfied to simply reclaim Grant’s camps and make an exhausted bivouac among the dead.
Shiloh’s awesome toll of 23,746 men killed, wounded, or missing brought a shocking realization to both sides that the war would not end quickly. The bloodiest battle of the war so far, would be remembered by the name of the little whitewashed church around which some of the fiercest fighting swirled – Shiloh, a Hebrew word meaning “place of peace”.
CEMETERY #6 N39 03.216 x W084 22.465 - (Parking is limited, except when the rice is flying) The Chapel here was one of the first United Brethren in Christ Churches in this area. Jacob Markley donated the land for the church and cemetery. Church members built the chapel with rock from the creek that runs along the front of the property. In 1896, a belfry entrance was added, and the pulpit was moved to the rear of the building.
In 1863, William and Marcia Sibcy donated additional land to expand the tiny cemetery. (On a personal note; My wife and I were married here in the fall of '83).
Jacob married his wife Mary Springer on August 20, 1793. To them were born five children. Around 1804, Jacob and Mary moved to Hamilton Co. Ohio, and bought land on what was known as Five Mile Creek, and there raised their family.
Jacob and Mary were Pennsylvania Dutch, and spoke that language, as did all of the children. Jacob was a cabinet maker by trade. He made all of his own furniture, and that of his children.
He built a sawmill on Five Mile creek, made lumber for his own house and built flatboats that carried much of the produce of that part of the country to New Orleans. He was killed by being run over by a railroad train near Cincinnati in 1841, at the age of 72.
Monuments displaying carved busts of the deceased became a popular expression of remembrance in the late 19th century for those families who could afford it. The Markley family monument is signed by Cincinnati artist Thomas O,Hare.
The Chapel is United Methodist Historic Site #(BB)3.
There are (C) FACES, (Don't count the Angel) on Jacob Markleys monument.
You should now have all the clues. West of the front door of the Chapel you will find LEFKE HALL, (Look for a Waning Crescent and bring your own paper. A good book may be nice!). Walk 80 paces west to find the old Service Road for the final leg of your journey. Good Luck!
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY OTHER CACHES AND TOURS, LISTED IN THE FIND- HIDDEN LINK BELOW!
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