by Rob Geiger,
In Fall, 2018 the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc. started its fundraising efforts to restore the cemetery located in the subdivision of White Pillars. It’s been 23 years since initial measures were taken to protect and secure the cemetery, and more permanent actions are now needed to preserve this historical site.
The plan involves eradicating dead and dying trees, the removal of deteriorating fence and installation of a new, secure fence.
Last fall the cemetery association partnered with the Clough Valley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and submitted a grant proposal to the National Society DAR to help with the cost of the new fence. (We will know the first part of May if we will be awarded the grant.) We also partnered with the City of Loveland and they have reinstalled the Clermont County Bicentennial Cemetery sign at the site (photo above), cleared brush, and removed trees on city property to eliminate potential debris that may cause damage to the new fence. They also agreed to waive the fence permit fee for the new installation. Our first media sponsorship was the Loveland Magazine. We are so appreciative for contributions we have received from family, friends, residents and American Legion Post 256.
I would like to offer enthusiastic support for the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Gravesite Preservation Project on behalf of myself and the Clough Valley Chapter DAR. – Wanda Langdon, Regent.
We are working with Dale Eads, owner of Eads Fence Company, located in Loveland, who is donating a beautiful historical 10’ gate that will be the focal point coming from Ramsey Court to the cemetery, but we’ll need to raise additional funds for the gate restoration cost. We are also working with the Clermont County Veterans Administration to get new headstones for Paxton and Ramsey gravesites since the current ones are weathering away. The headstones will be provided at no charge, but there will be an extra cost for the foundation for these new stones.
We are fortunate to have such a historical site right in our own thriving town. – Jan Beller, Director of the Loveland Museum Center.
We are hoping to have the funds in place by June 1st, 2019 so work can be started in the month of July and have the majority of the project completed within 30 days.
What makes this cemetery unique? There are 2 American Revolutionary War patriots buried there. Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton (1739-1813) dined with General George Washington at Valley Forge in 1777 as an officer of the day. In addition, he served under General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. Paxton is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami and Scioto Rivers, and credited with many Clermont County historical firsts: building the first log cabin, hosting the earliest Presbyterian services, holding the first election and planting the first field of corn. He was the founder of Clermont County, Miami Township and Loveland and the list goes on and on. The other patriot is Captain John Ramsey, a son-in-law to Paxton and a noted hunter even though his leg was amputated as a result of carrying out military duties. He settled at what we now know as White Pillars Subdivision at the same time as Paxton.
Please consider a charitable gift to show your support of this historical preservation project by sending your tax-deductible contribution.
If you have any questions, want a tour of the cemetery or to contribute to the project please contact us at Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association Inc., C/O Rob Geiger, President, PO Box 25, Loveland, Ohio, 45140, or email [email protected].
