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Community event explores pioneers of Poland’s past
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Last summer, Dave Smith discovered the small graveyard adjacent to Poland Presbyterian church and in his continuing research, has found a wealth of information about early Poland residents. He shared his findings in a discussion on Jan. 10.
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Valarie Spitaler (left) and her sister Jennifer Edwards attended the discussion on early Poland residents because they are self-proclaimed "history buffs."
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Smith shared many interesting stories during his discussion on early Poland residents and their exploits. In the absence of a justice system in the early years, Smoth shared that the Poland Presbyterian clergy would punish their members for acts like drinking or dancing excessively.
By SARAH FOOR
With Poland Presbyterian Church standing high and proud on South Main Street, it’s easy to miss a small graveyard that adjoins the grounds and displays about 150 graves from before 1865.
Church member Dave Smith just noticed the site last summer, and since, discovered important movers and shakers in the small settlement that would one day become Poland, Ohio.
Smith shared his research in a Jan. 10 discussion at the church called “Tales from the Graveyard: Stories of the Pioneer Families of Poland.”
“Yes, it’s a bit of a morbid curiosity to have,” Smith admitted. “But it’s fun because it’s a lot like a giant puzzle to solve. There’s a geology aspect, exploring these pioneer families and tracing them to Poland families today. Then, there are mysteries and tiny scraps of information that with other research, start to unfurl into this amazing picture of how life really was in Poland 200 years ago.”
During his discussion, Smith shared his research on the important early Poland residents buried in the graveyard, including the Kirtlands, Fowlers, Arrels, and Truesdales. Smith included some of the unique stories he has discovered, like Poland Presbyterian’s first reverend James Wright being admonished by his clergy for being found enjoying music and spirits at a barnyard dance.
Valerie Spitaler attended the discussion to learn more about early Poland.
“My neighborhood is near a lot of historical homes, so I can’t help but be curious about our history.”