HOCKING COUNTY OHIO - Zion Church Cemetery (Laurelville) *********************************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this electronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Robert M. Sizelove, Sr. rsizelove@windstream.net April 27, 1999 Updated May 5, 2009 *********************************************************************** Ohio Tombstone Transcription Project Zion Church Cemetery Pleasant Ridge Rd,, Laurelville, Saltcreek Twp., Hocking Co., Ohio 27 April, 1999 I wish to present the following enumeration of the dear ones interred at Zion Church Cemetery. I have made every effort to accurately transcribe each memorial stone, but must caution everyone viewing this information that it is sometimes difficult to read the older weathered inscriptions, so please keep that in mind, although I tried very hard, I make no warranties to being 100% correct. This Cemetery is located just a few miles outside of Laurelville, Ohio. Leaving Laurelville on route 56 southeast, turn right at Township Road 178 (Sam's Creek Rd.), follow this road until you see signs reading East Sam's Creek Road (TR 179), bear to the left and stay on this road until you see a sign reading Diehl Road (TR181). Bear to the left again following Diehl Rd. As you wind up to a ridge, you will notice a sharp bend in the road and a small white church on the right side. The cemetery is located directly across the road from this church. At this location or near it, the road becomes Pleasant Ridge Road (TR 201). There is plenty of parking space in the churchyard directly across from the cemetery. The area is rather isolated and unless you have a good map of the area, you would be best advised to return to the main highway (SR56), the same way you came in. The roads up on the ridge can be confusing, easy to get lost, unless you're familiar with the area. In 1882 the churches of Saltcreek Township, Hocking Co., Ohio, numbered 3 or 4. One of them was the United Brethren Society, known as Zion Church Society. This church first organized in 1855 with a congregation of only 10 individuals. This church, still standing, was erected only a few years later. It would be my best guess that the land for the cemetery was either donated or purchased earlier, as the earliest burial found in this cemetery being that of Joseph Schooley on 28 March, 1851, which possibly predates the church by as much as 10 years. Both the church and cemetery are shown existing on 1876 Atlas of Hocking Co. The book "History of Hocking Valley", published about 1882, mentions this church and cemetery. The book described the church as being one of "prosperity and great usefulness", also said that in 1880's they had about 70 members, Unfortunately, this church has been abandoned for the last few years. The township currently mows and maintains this cemetery. I would describe the land where the cemetery lies as being rolling, most of the stones are in average to good condition, with a few concrete poured head stones which are near impossible to read. Each row of memorial stones read starting nearest road, right to left. All information written in italics is my personal observation and /or description of conditions and not information inscribed on stone. All information typed in standard text has been read from actual memorial stone. I take responsibility for all interpretations, readings of stones contained in this report. Should anyone have valid information which improves upon this report, your information will be appreciated and applied. Robert M. Sizelove, Sr. Row # 1. i HANLIN, Bonnie Thurston- JAN. 16, 1934 inscription "Peace be with you" No inscription or indication whether this is it birth or death date ii BEVINS, Bonnie Lou- 1962-1963 This newer stone setting on older concrete footing. Lot marker located to the upper right, marked B. T. Row # 2. i THURSTON, Luella M., 1940-1941- Robert N., 1922-1982 ii THURSTON, Robert J., 1896-1983 - Leiia A., 1898-1982 has veteran marker Row # 3. i HENDERSON, Mary Marie, March 24, 1926 This information takes up entire area of memorial stone, stone lays flat on the ground, brick sized. Another tot marker engraved with B. T.. located just to the right of this memorial stone. ii MALTORNEY, Clark, 1871-1949 ii GRAHAM, Evelyn Armentrout, APR 6, 1900- DEC 23, 1984 iii GRAHAM, Salem, JUNE 2, 1886- JAN. 1, 1975 (Evelyn & Salem on same stone) v GRAHAM, Robbie E., Sept. 7, 1960 "Lived one hour, MOTHER" This stone appears to have slid down hill to back fence line. Row # 4. i RICKETTS, Flora I., 1869-1922 ii VANFOSSAN, Edward R., 1864-1952---Hester N., 1865-1952 Large upright stone with both names under surname, this double lot has poured concrete around it, slightly elevated to left side. This tends to level ground in this area. Row # 5. i BRADSHAW, George E., Feb.25, 1867---Apr. 26, 1945 "FATHER" This memorial stone located near gate and near tree. ii Two unreadable lots poured concrete, slightly cylindrical in shape, lying flat on ground, shows signs of wear, both dated 1921 at bottom, no other writing legible Row # 6. i VINCENT, John E., 1870-1957 Next three names listed on one large stone, surname carved large above 3 given names ii VINCENT, Laura E., Oct. 18, 1877-Nov. 29, 1909 iii VINCENT, Mary, Sept. 27, 1900- Oct. 3, 1919 iv VINCENT, Hazel, July 2, 1907- Jan. 24, 1908 v VANFOSSEN,Jas.S.,Feb.21, 1880-Apr. 11, 1918, Ida WEAVER, his wife, Sept. 27, 1879-( ) last line left uncut, below this is inscription. "A SLEEP IN JESUS" The above-described stone is large and has toppled from base & lying flat on ground. vi VANFOSSEN, Leslie, son of James & Ida VANFOSSEN, July 29,1907- Sept. 19, 1907 vii ARLEDGE, John W., born JUNE 5, 1836- died DEC.28, 1909, AGED 73yrs. [79yrs.], 6mos., 23 days. " ARLEDGE" inscribed on base stone. There is a small difficult to read inscription under above-mentioned data, this is a fragment: A loved one from us has gone, A voice we love is stilled, A place is vacant in our home. Which never can be filled Row # 7. i CRANDLEBAUGH, Mary Ann, Mar. 11,1882---Oct. 29, 1955 ii GRAHAM, Bryant, 1853---1921, Saphronia, 1861---1930 iii ARLEDGE, James N. Arledge, May 30, 1845-Oct. 22, 19_9, ARLEDGE, Mary E. BUTLER, his wife, Nov. 11, 1844 - Mar. 29, 1917 Two above names carved on single headstone Row # 8. i TISDALE, John, 1861-1956---Virginia, 1868-1952 Inscription: "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" on base of stone. ii TISDALE, Noney, Aug. 31, 1887- Oct. 7, 1918, 34th Co. TR. BN., Died at Camp Sherman (GAR memorial medal and flag present) iii GRAHAM, Dora Alice, Dec. 12,1878---Nov. 28, 1896 iv _____, Mary, 1878---1909 this stone is next to Dora Alice GRAHAM, but no surname listed on it. Row # 9. i TISDALE, Odd, 1899---1982, Augusta, 1907---1952 small inscription below dates "And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever" ii TISDALE, Denver L., 1929---1932, Junior A., March 21, 1936 no indication whether this is a death or birth date for Junior A. Tisdale iii LIVELY, Hazel M., daug. Of J. and D. Lively, Died June 12,1897, aged 22 D's iv ARLEDGE, George Irwin, Born Nov. 11, 1869, died Dec. 9, 1888 stone broken v [Arledge], Daisy, 1881---1906 no surname listed, small footstone with MEB inscribed, laying behind head stone vi JNA footstone for Jas. N. Arledge from row 7 Row # 10. i CHILDERS, John L., Oct.1, 1848---Jan. 4, 1928, his wife, Caroline DIEHL, June 23, 1846---Feb. 16, 1917 ii CHILDERS, Jonney, born Apr. 2, 1883, died Mar. 7, 1886 iii CHILDERS, Irvin, died Oct. 4, 1899, aged 14y 3m 28d Row # 11. i SCHWALBACH, Scyntha, 1858---1893 ii SCHWALBACH, Catherine, born July 20, 1865 [1866] died Oct. 19, 1882 iii SCHWALBACH, Daniel, born Feb. 2, 1821, died Oct. 2, 1895 my thoughts are that Catherine is daug. of Daniel. Both names are inscribed on one stone iv MAHORNEY, Elizabeth, daug. ofJ. & B. Mahomey, born Sept. 23 1895, died Feb. 25, 1896 C.D. footstone J.D. footstone I.C. footstone v THOMPSON, M. Jane 1832---1909, John 1833---1898 Row # 12. i PIERCE, Rebecca Poling, [ Sept. 7 ] 1854---1887 poured concrete, difficult to read dates, [Daughter of Andrew & Susan Poling] ii POLING, Susan, wife of Andrew Poling, died June 23, 1881, aged 67y 7m 20d this stone was broken and recently repaired. Bottom inscribed "Asleep In Jesus, Oh sweete sleeps, to no that we all shall meete" iii POLING, Andrew, died Oct. 9, 1882, aged 73y 5d also has inscription at base iv HINTON, Eli, died Mar. 20 1871, aged 64y. 4m. 2d. v BLACK, Cathaleen May, daug. of Hattie & Forest Black. Feb.28, 1919---Apr.21, 1920, "Our Darling" [daughter of Hattie (Vanfossen) Black & grandaughter of Edw. R. & Hester N. Vanfossen] Row # 13. i VANFOSSEN, Floyd, son of Joe & Clara [Mary A.] Vanfossen This stone is very difficult to read. It's made of concrete, with inscription done very lightly. I know that this is the son of Joseph W. Vanfossen. Floyd is a grandson of Geo. W. & Mary Eliz.(Schooley) Vanfossen. ii VANFOSSAN, Jefferson, born April 20, 1890, died Nov. 15, 1895 near road fence iii FAIT[FaiT]or[BEST], Simeon P., died Aug. 29, 1860, aged 25y llm 6d (area of memorial stone damaged around surname, very hard to read) iv MAHORNEY, James S., died May 11, 1874, aged 44y. 2m. 1d. v VANFOSSAN, Claud Melvin, son of Hester & E.R. Vanfossan, June 7, 1888---May 2, 1898, "At Rest" This stone located near road fence vi VANFOSSEN, Elizabeth J., Mar. 31, 1835---Dec. 27, 1900 vii MAHORNEY, Smith, Mar. 9, 1925 aged 51y. 2m. 14d. small letter inscription "Go home dear friends and dry your eyes, I will arise when God appears" viii BULLOCK, Lovina May, 1873---1902 metal funeral home marker Row # 14. i VANFOSSEN, daug. of Mr. & Mrs. Harley Vanfossen ii SPEAKMAN, Mary M., daug. of G. M. & R. Speakman, died Jan. 26, 1878, aged 2m. & 15d. iii SPEAKMAN, Rebecca L. bom Feb. 5, 1848, died Mar. 8, 1886, SPEAKMAN (inscribed on baseslone) iv HINTON, Mary, bom Nov. 5, 1807, died Mar. 28, 1879, aged 71y 4m 23d Mary's stone lines up in row 13 with Rli Hinton in row 12, probably her husband v SWEARING_N, Elizabeth, Adopted, daug. of L. J. & A. Swearing_n, Aug. 1, 1877, 16y. 1m. 19d. stone very worn, hard to read vi S.P.E. footslone Row # 15. i LIVELY, George W., son of S.&M. Lively, Sept. 12, 1869, aged 10 m. 6d. has small inscription near base, unable to read, too worn. ii STRAWSER, George Washington iii STRAWSER, Alfred iv STRAWSER, Alcy v STRAWSER, Clorus E. All four Strawser names read off single memorial stone vi ARLEDGE, James, born Mar. 1815, died Nov. 1. 1890 vii BRADSHAW, Silvey M., born Oct. 2, 1887, died Aug. 13, 1888, aged 10m 11d Row # 16, i Unmarked grave ii ARLEDGE, Edith, 1899---1900, Ellen, 1897---1899 iii BLOSSER, Margaret, died Jan. 1, 1876, aged 24y., 1m., 2d Row # 17. i SMITH, David, died Sept. 5,1882, aged 62y. 7m. ii SMITH, Manerva, daug. ofD. & M. Smith, died Jan.21, 1875 [1876], aged 12y. 10m. 26d. Portions of this alone deteriorated & difficult to read Row # 18. i McQUAID, Sintha C., daug. of L.M. & N. J. McQuaid, died July 22 1877, agedly, 4m. 15d., inscription on base "Guided on earth to Bloom in Heaven" ii McQUAID, Sarah, wife of E. McQuaid, died _ 26, 1879 [18/?], aged 59y. 9m. 20d. broken stone, had to decipher by laying pieces together. Row # 19. i SPEAKMAN, Wilson J., of Co. 11114 Reg. Oh_, died June 25, 1863, "In the 26 year of his age" ii SPEAKMAN, Lucinda, wife of Wilson Speakman, died June 10, 1860, aged 22years iii CHILDERS, Albert, born May 2, 1869, died June 12, 1869 iv SCHOOLEY, Joseph, son of J.&M. Schooley, died Mar. 28, 1851, lly.2m.7d. This stone very hard to read, very weathered, probably 1st burial in cemetery. Row # 20. i CRIDER, David C., died June 3, 1880, aged 75y. &. 3m. ii CRIDER, Margaret, wife of D.C. Crider [No dates] iii CRIDER, Claressy E., wife of Daniel Crider, died Oct. 10, 1873, aged 22y's 2m's & lOd's Inscription "I think of thee and often mourn. Thy absence here I often miss. We hope to meet among the blest" iv FRIEND, Andrew G., died Aug. 28, 1873, aged 73y's. 6m's. & 23d's. Row # 21. i McDOWELL, Bertha, "MOTHER" ii FEIGHTNER, John S., Aug. 4, 1829- DEC. 17, 1902- Leah Annah his wife. Mar. 5, 1833-DEC.23.1896 Row # 22. i SEARLES, Samuel D., Apr. 4, 1906---Jan. 15, 1923 ii SEARLES, Nancy L., Dec. 18, 1901---May 22, 1903 iii SEARLES, Rev, J.F. "BROTHER", Nov. 15, 1877---Oct. 17,1918 iv SEARLES, Nancy E., Feb. 25, 1853---Feb. 25, 1932 v SEARLES, Samuel V., Oct. 12, 1855---Feb. 21, 1932 vi KNEECE, Alfred, Oct. 14,1872---( ), LeliaBelle, Jan.26,1882---Feb.21,1942 no date of death inscribed for Alfred vii VANFOSSAN, Father---Mother, no given names or dates on stone Row # 23. i CRIDER, Isaac, son of A. & M. Crider, June 16, 1873, aged 18y. 8m. 8d. this stone very difficult to read. [son of Aaron & Mathilda (Vanfossen) Crider, Isaac born 08 Oct., 1854] ii _____, J. B.,_____May 1871, aged_____ this taken from stone fragment iii BEST.Wm. H., Co. (R?), 75th Ohio Inf. GAR medal & flag next to stone BEST, Mary A., 1845-1927, "MOTHER" (Next to Wm. Best.) iv ORR, Mary, 1826---1909 [this is Mary (Vanfossen) Orr], wife of Jonathan Orr. v ORR, Jonathan P., died Sep 25, 1886, aged 65y. 4m. 12d. Inscription. "Asleep in Jesus, sweet sleep" vi ORR, Hannah, daug. ofJ.P. & M. Orr, died Feb. 17, 1878, aged 21y. 6m. 21d. stone broken, very weathered vii DANISON, Elmer, son ofH. & C. Danison, died Feb. 12, 1877, aged 4m. 3d., small letters inscribed at base: "Sweet baby..." can't read remainder. viii W1GG1NS, Willis M., 1888---1892 ix BROKAW, Lydia E., wife of Benj. F. Brokaw, died Apr. 7, 1877, aged 28y. llm. 1d. inscription on base, only partially legible: "...where calm in death...our noble line...and brave..." x BROKAW, Benj. F., died Aug. 28, 1871, aged 25y. 6m. 25d. both Lydia & Benj.'s memorial stone very weathered, difficult to read. Row # 24. i SMITH, Wayne, 1921---1976, "Father" ii SMITH, Alice, 1889---1933, "Mother" iii SMITH, Ruth, May 28, 1922---Nov. 9, 1926, "At rest" iv SMITH, Millard, 1919-1994 metal marker with "Maeder-Quint funeral home" written at bottom v PEFFERS, Hazel Mae, June 20, 1916- Nov. 4, 1925 B, location marker stone vi BROKAW, Edmund, 1925---1926, Leona, 1924---( )no last entry vii BROKAW, Burl Denver, son of C.L. & Susie Brokaw, May 7, 1920---Mar. 26, 1923 [1928] hard to determine last number of date viii BROKAW, Oakley, Born 1913 or 1918 cement stone, hard to read B, location marker stone ix VANFOSSAN, Benjamin, Aug. 22, 1829---Feb. 8, 1897 x STEVENS, William, 1872---19__ xi STEVENS, Ocie, 1872---1935 xii STEVENS, Lanie, 1898---19__ xiii STEVENS, Bertha, 1894---1894 (All four Stevens listed on one large stone) xiv ARLEDGE, Minerva, 1850---1942, Henry, 1847-1916 Row # 25 i SMITH, Arena, 1863---1945, Lewis, 1858---1944 ii HART, Margaret A., 1891---1952,AllenB., 1884---1960 iii VANFOSSEN, Catherine, 1859---1935, Henery, 1849---1925 (Henery not a typo) iv BROKAW, Cleve, Oct. 28, 1892---Apr. 18, 1987, Susie, June 11, 1895---Jan. 28, 1960 v BROKAW, Betty J., 1939---1942, Dwight, B,, 1922---1928 "W" location marker stone Row # 26. i SMITH, Shirley, 1898---1991, Bertha, 1899---1935 ii SMITH, Archie L, 1927---1931 iii VANFOSSEN, Raymond, Oct. 14, 1914---Aug. 1, 1925 iv VANFOSSEN, Marvin, Feb. 5, 1922---July 30, 1925