Local History Collections

(Description ID: 609962)

Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums 

Oakwood Cemetery Association 

LH-463

Introduction
Agency History
Scope and Content
Inventory 

Introduction
This collection was donated to the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in 2025. 

Agency History
Oakwood Cemetery was established in 1858 when James Vallette of Ballville Township, Fremont, Ohio sold twenty-six acres of land to the Cemetery Association.  The first burial recorded in the register was Benjamin Munson on October 6, 1860.  Some people previously buried at the old Whittlesey Street cemetery were reinterred at Oakwood Cemetery by request of the families.  Consequently, there are gravestones that reflect death dates prior to 1858.

Due to changing burial practices – more cremations and few burials, revenue for the cemetery declined for several years while the cost to maintain the grounds increased.  One of the deferred upkeep expenses was the repair and repaving of the numerous driveways.  An estimate for this work showed the cost would nearly deplete the financial reserves of the cemetery association.  Therefore, the trustees proposed, and the lot holders approved, to dissolve the Oakwood Cemetery Association at a meeting held on November 30, 2021.  Pursuant to Ohio state law, all property and financial accounts were transferred to Ballville Township which now operates the cemetery. 

Scope and Content
The bulk of this collection consists of the records of the President and Secretary of the Oakwood Cemetery Association.  These records include minutes of the Trustee meetings, annual Lot Holders’ meetings, and financial reports for the years 2001 – 2021.  Financial reports of the Secretary-Treasurer for the years 1985 – 1997 are also included.  Other items found in this collection include the Oakwood Cemetery Association By-Laws, maps and histories of the cemetery, employee agreements, and correspondence.  Ballots from the November 30, 2021 Lot Holders’ meeting complete the collection.

Inventory
Ac. 6150

Box 1      

1. Oakwood Cemetery history and by-laws
2. By-laws, maps and brochures
3. Oakwood Cemetery Association President (2001 – 2006)
4. Oakwood Cemetery Association President (2006 – 2012)
5. Oakwood Cemetery Association President (2011 – 2018)
6. Oakwood Cemetery Association Secretary Minutes (2005 – 2016)
7. Oakwood Cemetery Association Secretary Minutes/Financials (2017 – 2021)
8. Oakwood Cemetery Association Secretary-Treasurer Report (1985 – 1997)
9. Financial Statements (2004 – 2021)
10. Secretary Notebooks (2003 – 2008)
11. Secretary Notebooks (2003 – 2008)
12. Oakwood Cemetery Association Secretary (2007 – 2011)
13. Endowment Care Trust (2005)
14. Correspondence (2002 – 2006)
15. Oakwood Cemetery ownership transfer to Ballville Township – Lot Holders’ Meeting; November 30, 202
16. Scott Williams (2010 – 2013)
17. Scott Williams (2010 – 2014)
18. Scott Williams (2012 – 2014)
19. Oakwood Cemetery Association employee agreements
20. Oakwood Cemetery Association gun appraisal (2008)
21. Miscellaneous