When I saw the plaque at the entrance to Indian Run Cemetery identifying it as a historic place, I was not particularly surprised. I was standing in the Dublin, Ohio historic district, after all.
Only later did I start to wonder why this place was awarded that status. Was a person of historic importance buried here? Was this this site of a historic event?
Turns out, it is the cemetery’s stone fence that has placed it on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Indian Run Cemetery Stone Walls are unique to the village of Dublin and the surrounding area. They are indicative of the craft brought to Ohio by New England settlers. These walls, according to David A. Hartmann, Dublin Historic Society, are the oldest in Dublin. They were erected after the death of Ludwick Sells in 1823 by his son, William Henry Sells. They are build of limestone rubble and are in fair condition. [1]
Originally the wall surrounded the square-shaped cemetery to keep out grazing animals, and there was a turnstile at the entry gate. When there was a burial, the coffin had to be carried over the wall—up and down a set of stone steps on either side. [2]
Today the stone wall remains on three sides of the cemetery, with an open gateway at the southwest corner.
1. Ohio Historic Places Dictionary, (Somerset Publishers, Inc., 1999).
2. “The City of Dublin.” http://www.dublin.oh.us/services/cemetery/ (accessed March 24, 2012).
Fascinating, Amy. I thought the grave in your recent "Here or There?" post looked like one of the dry stone walls Dublin is known for. I HAVE to go spend more time at this cemetery!
ReplyDeleteHello Amy. My great grandfather, Hiram Willison, was a stonemason in Ohio and lived and worked in Clark County and Logan County during the 1880's. I am writing about him and was searching for information about stone fences when I stumbled onto your blog. Great pictures!
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