Project to repair, restore cemeteries will help save history, trustee says

Trustees have started a fund to help repair damaged tombstones.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- The fractured stones at the cemeteries in Springfield Township mark the graves of many of the people who helped establish the community here. And for many township residents, the tombstones also shed some light on the area's history.
Many residents can find the graves of family members dating back to the early to mid-1800s. Familiar names mark the gravestones, which provide a backdrop for further genealogical studies.
"It's amazing what you can learn by visiting the cemeteries here in the township," said township Trustee Shirley Heck. "There's a world of knowledge and history here, and I think it's important to preserve that history."
Heck said township officials are worried much of that history will be lost because of the deterioration of tombstones in the five graveyards. At a recent meeting, they decided to establish a fund to help pay for repairs at the cemeteries.
Diane Gephardt Chlebus of Canfield, a former township resident, made an initial, undisclosed contribution that Heck said allowed the township to get started on the project.
What's involved
The project will involve repairing tombstones and grave markers at the Summer Cemetery off Springfield Road, Old Springfield Cemetery and Old Petersburg Cemetery, both along state Route 170, and St. John's Lutheran Pietist Cemetery and St. Peterburg's Cemetery, also known as Schray Cemetery, both on Columbiana Road.
About a year ago, the township started putting fences in the cemeteries with funds provided by Mahoning County Recycling Division's Green Team.
"This is an important project, preserving these old, old cemeteries, because it gives so much back to us," Heck said. "It gives us a world of knowledge about our township and our heritage, our families. It will be a wonderful project to see completed."
Heck said residents interested in learning more about the history of the township and the cemeteries may do so by reviewing a book that is available at the township office. The book, "Springfield Township Cemetery and Death Records," has been provided by the Mahoning County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society.
Individuals or groups interested in donating to the tombstone repair project should contact the township trustees at (330) 542-2377.