The first cemetery in what is now the City of Cuyahoga Falls was located where the Union (East) School once stood (near what is now Germaine Street, or you may know the area as Portage Towers). The graves were later moved to Oakwood Cemetery that was officially established in 1834.
Before the Village of Cuyahoga Falls was incorporated, a pioneer resident, Henry Wetmore, donated a ten acre plot of woodland for the purpose of a burial ground that became Oakwood Cemetery .
Residents of the village and townships (Portage, Stow, Northampton and Tallmadge) from which the village was incorporated received free burial lots. They were given with the understanding that any work needed in grading, seeding, etc., would be provided by lot owners.
An incomplete record of burials exists from 1838 to 1922. From then on, a complete record has been kept. Burials that existed before 1838 were not recorded; however some had readable epitaphs that allowed documenting years later.
On May 5th, 1888 a group of ladies decided to organize and beautify the town’s burial grounds with the consent of the Village Council. They named their organization The Ladies Cemetery Association of Oakwood Cemetery. This association is still in existence today. Over the years they have planted trees and flowers, had a chapel built, a windmill placed and even dug a lily pond.
In 1922 when Cuyahoga Falls was incorporated into a city, five more acres were added so that it abutted Oakwood Avenue. Ten acres were again added in 1928, which in turn, connected the old Oakwood without a dividing line and a new entranced was added. It was at this time the paths were widened into drives making way for the new automobiles instead of the congested narrow paths of the horse and buggy days.
Oakwood Cemetery is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Ohio, especially with the rhododendron bushes and the 200 year old trees, many being oak from which the cemetery derived its name. The Ladies Cemetery Association planted many more oaks and bushes and continues to place flowers each and every year.
Over the years the grounds have changed and things added and removed. Today, Oakwood Cemetery on Oakwood Drive comprises about 26 acres and is well known for its natural beauty, particularly the magnificent rhododendrons in the Spring.
Do you have photos of the cemetery to share?
FOR MORE INFORMATION SUCH AS BURIAL RECORDS AND TIDBITS GO TO www.cuyahogafallshistory.com/oakwood-cemetery-records/
Hello, I have a Question :
Which Henry Wetmore is the founder — what is his full name and birth date – dearth date ? To whom was he married?
My husband’s great Grandfather was Henry W. Wetmore who also came from Connecticut and settled here — I was just wondering if and or how they are related.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Jennifer Cauffield
Micheal Baltrinic (sec 186) is Wii navy vet. Can a cry sticker be placed on his stone!
Hello, my father died March 29 1966, Donald Earl Nesbitt. section 34 memorial id 26796511 I live in CA. Would love to send flowers on special occasions, how do I that?