LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Tag: Valley Forge

[Video and Slide Show] Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association holds ceremony for marking new headstones and grave dedication
Sean Behling is a Loveland Magazine Reporter

by Sean Behling

Loveland, Ohio – A cold, drizzly morning on Saturday, May 7th, gave way to more tolerable weather by noon when a momentous ceremony was held at the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery in the White Pillars subdivision. It was a celebration of the dedication of new headstones for Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton, Captain John Ramsey, and Isabella Paxton Ramsey. After a member of the Sons of the American Revolution gave a speech detailing the historical significance of Ramsey, Paxton, and their family, a parade arrived, led by living descendants, to celebrate the renovations they’ve made to the cemetery.

Once the parade arrived, the National Anthem was sung, and people gathered closer to witness the ceremonial ribbon-cutting. The ribbon-cutting featured, 102-year-old Kay Promton, the oldest living descendant of Lt. Col. Paxton. Joining Kay were community leaders and contributors to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery restoration. The large crowd then gathered and listened to the heartwarming speech that Rob Geiger, president of the Association, gave.

Following the touching speech, Geiger handed out plaques to those who had worked hard and long to keep this landmark of Loveland intact. The plaques held ceremonial keys to the cemetery and were set on pieces of cherry wood salvaged from a decaying tree that had to be removed during the cemetery’s restoration.

Receiving plaques were:
- Loveland Legacy Foundation
- Loveland Magazine
- City of Loveland
- Paxton’s Grill
- Ramsey’s Trailside
- Eads Fence
- Rainey Tree Service
- Riverview Monuments
- American Legion Post 256 and Auxiliary
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5749
- Emma Clemons, Girl Scout Troop 43534
After the plaques were handed out, and the new gravestones were unveiled, the ceremony ended with a musket salute. The Sons of the American Revolution lined up, their muskets loaded and pointing out into the nearby woods, firing off numerous shots, before finally putting their heads down in respect of these fallen soldiers.

Other groups participating during the dedication ceremony were, Clough Valley Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution, Cincinnati Chapter/Sons of the American Revolution, American Legion Post 256 and Auxiliary, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5749. Individuals playing important parts in the dedication were, Will Freeman singing the National Anthem, Kay Thomson, Bella Geiger, Kassidy Ostendorf, and Robert Reid signing Amazing Grace. Tiffany Niehaus, Stephanie Pinella, and Cindy Abbott read biographies of Thomas Paxton, John Ramsey, and Isabella Paxton Ramsey.

Debby Niehaus and Paige Craig led a responsive reading.

The emcee for the event was Rob Geiger, the President of the Ramsey Paxton Cemetery Association.

Thank you to everyone who was able to make this ceremony happen and to everyone that has worked to keep this historic location alive for so many years. The Ramsey-Paxton Ceremony is located on Ramsey Court in White Pillars, so feel free to go on down and pay respects to the founder of Loveland while soaking in the cemetery’s history.

The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery began in 1813 with the burial of Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton. Lt. Col. Paxton was a Revolutionary War Soldier who served with General George Washington at Valley Forge in 1777 as well as General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. The curved bridge on West Loveland Avenue over the Lt. Col. Paxton.

Paxton is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami River and the Scioto River in the Virginia Military Tract, credited with raising the first local crop of corn, and was the founder of Loveland. Paxton’s involvement goes even further, from helping to have the first polling place in Clermont County to help make the statehood of Ohio possible.

Paxton’s son-in-law, as well as Revolutionary War patriot and one of the first settlers of Clermont County, Captain John Ramsey, was buried in the cemetery in 1847, as were other family members up until 1913.
May 17, 2022
Ramsey Paxton Cemetery improvements still ongoing and wrapping it up in 2022 with a dedication date May 7, 2022
by Rob Geiger

In the last year, it has been a challenging time with serious health diagnoses, treatment, and the looming concerns regarding Covid. Plans were slowed down but our pioneer blood kept forging ahead keeping progress moving ahead.

We are winding up the capital improvements to the cemetery and it’s hard to believe the capital fundraising started in 2018 with two big line items completed in 2019 – removal of the dead and dying trees, the old rusted fence, installing the beautiful black aluminum fence, the installation of the one of a kind wrought iron gates in 2020 and two new headstones installed for Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton and Capt. John Ramsey.

This past year, 2021, Riverview Monuments came through with their commitment and supplied the cemetery with beautiful black granite remembrance markers for the unknown graves within the confines of the cemetery. Riverview Monuments also sandblasted the death date of Minerva Arbuckle Ramsey on her headstone and is currently working with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Clough Valley Chapter which commissioned bronze plaques to the matching black granite used for the remembrance markers to mark LT. Col. Thomas Paxton and his daughter Isabella Paxton Ramsey’s grave. The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is also coming up with their own marker for Captain John Ramsey to be installed in the cemetery.

We still could not find a local landscape company to even return phone calls to work on the grounds by leveling it out, planting grass seed, and providing grass management. Hopefully, we can find a company to provide this service in the early fall of 2022.

We are looking for volunteers to sand the flagpole and paint or donate a new flag pole in the month of April, 2022.

The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association appreciates everyone that made this project a success! We could not even accomplish this task without some very key and instrumental partnerships. A huge “Thank You” to Loveland Magazine-our Media Sponsor, City of Loveland, Rainey Tree Service, Eads Fence Company, Loveland Legacy Foundation, Paxton’s Grill, Ramsey’s Trailside, and Riverview Monuments.

With the work coming to the end, we are pleased to announce the dedication of the cemetery in 2022. Please save the date: Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 1 PM at the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery across from 185 Ramsey Court, Loveland, Ohio. We will have more information in the next couple of weeks. Everyone is invited to attend and celebrate Loveland’s heritage along with the families of Paxton and Ramsey.
For the ones that are not familiar with the historically significant of this cemetery the biography of Paxton and Ramsey are as follows:

The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery originated in 1813 with the burial of Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton, a Revolutionary War Soldier, on land that he received for his military service. Paxton’s original land grant was 1,100 acres generally speaking the Northwest section of Clermont County. In 1795 Paxton and his sons-in-law came to settle the land and a year later sent for their wives and children to join them in their new home.

Lt. Col. Paxton (1739-1813) served with George Washington at Valley Forge in 1777 and with General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. Lt. Col. Paxton is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami River and the Scioto River in the Virginia Military Tract, credited with raising the first crop of corn, and was the founder of Loveland. Paxton’s involvement is quite extensive helping Lytle with surveying lands in Clermont County down to parts of today’s community of Hyde Park, having the first polling place in Clermont County, and helping with the statehood of Ohio.

Captain John Ramsey, a son-in-law, was buried in the cemetery in 1847, along with other family members until 1913. Captain John Ramsey (1764-1847) was a Revolutionary War Patriot and one of the first settlers of Clermont County with other family members. He was considered a proficient hunter even though his leg was amputated as a result of carrying out military duties.
Feb 12, 2022
[Video Interview] Matching Grant announced to help restore historic Loveland cemetery
Fundraisers and supporters of efforts to restore the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery were at the cemetery on Monday, May 19 for the announcement of the matching grant offered by the Loveland Legacy Foundation and see first-hand why the restoration of the historic cemetery is needed.

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Legacy Foundation has partnered with the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc. and will offer a dollar-for-dollar match up to $1,500 to complete the funding needed to restore the historical cemetery located in White Pillars subdivision on Ramsey Court. With your help, and this matching grant, the restoration work will be completed this summer and this historically significant site can be restored to a level of care that it deserves.

In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video Cassie Mattia talks with Steve Max and Rob Geiger about the history of the cemetery, who is buried there, and the announcement of the matching grant.

The first burial at the cemetery was Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton in 1813, a Revolutionary War patriot who dined with General George Washington as one of the officers of the day at Valley Forge on Christmas Day in 1777. Paxton also was chosen by General Anthony Wayne to lead the advance guard at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794.

Paxton was credited as being the first permanent settler in Clermont County. Paxton and his sons-in-law carved out the wilderness to make a home for their families in 1795 and brought their wives and children here to Loveland in 1796. Paxton is the founder of Clermont County, Miami Township, the city of Loveland, and he helped with the Statehood of Ohio.

Capt. John Ramsey, Paxtons’s son-in-law, also a Revolutionary War patriot, is buried in the cemetery along with other family members.

The Loveland Legacy Foundation, passionate about preserving our founding families’ place of rest, has partnered the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association to restore the historic Loveland landmark. Other partners include American Legion Post # 256, American Legion Auxiliary Post #256, Bond Home Furnishings, City of Loveland, Clough Valley Daughters of the Revolution, Eads Fence Company, Loveland Magazine, Paxton’s Grill, Ramsey’s Trailside, Loveland Sweets, and Rainey Tree Service. They have all united together to make this project a reality which will include removal of the dead and decaying trees, the replacement of the chain link fence to a 4’ black aluminum industrial grade fence, and a 10’ antique wrought iron gate provided by Eads Fence that will be fully restored and installed.

You now have an opportunity to help secure the final part of the funds needed with this generous match from the Loveland Legacy Foundation which doubles the value of your donations up to $3,000.

Here are ways you can help:
Please go to https://lovelandlegacyfoundation.org/ and click on the DONATE NOW button to make your online contribution.

Visit these local downtown Loveland businesses to place your donation in the donation jars at: Bond Home Furnishings • Eads Fence Company • Paxton’s Grill • Ramsey’s Trailside • Loveland Sweets.

Make out a check, payable to Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association and mail it to Rob Geiger, PO Box 25 Loveland OH 45140. Both Loveland Legacy Foundation and Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Associations are 501-3C organizations so your contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is a hidden gem locally, statewide and nationally. Jan Beller, Director of the Loveland Museum Center (Greater Loveland Historical Society) said: “We are fortunate to have such a historical site right in our own thriving town!”

Steve Max, Chairman of the Loveland Legacy Foundation and Rob Geiger, President of the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association both added: Thank you for joining us to see this project through and living up to our motto “Loveland Strong.”

Loveland Magazine is the proud Media Sponsor of the effort to restore this extraordinary local landmark.
May 20, 2019
Ramsey’s Trailside to host Benefit Night for the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery

Ramsey’s Trailside – May 1^st

5 -10 PM

For the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc. White Pillars, Loveland, Ohio

Loveland, Ohio – The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association is a non-profit organization, and in a dire need for a new fence and removal of dead and decaying trees. This preservation project also includes new headstones for Lt. Col. Paxton and Capt. John Ramsey and restoring a beautiful donated 10’ historical gate from Eads Fence Co.

A percentage of sales, split the pot (5 -8 PM), and a donation jar will take place at the event. “Please invite you family and friends and let’s live up to our motto “Loveland Strong”, said Association President, Rob Geiger.

“We are excited by supporting our community heritage which our names of our restaurants derive from”, said Ralph Dunnigan, one of the owners of Paxton’s Grill and Ramsey’s Trailside.

Ramsey’s Trailside is located in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio where the Loveland Bike Trail intersects with West Loveland Avenue.

What makes this cemetery unique?

Thomas Paxton

There are two 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 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.

Captain John Ramsey

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.

Other ways to help

If you are a business owner, a member of an organization or an individual, please consider making a charitable contribution or sponsoring an event to help preserve a significant historical site.

For more information you can email geigercounter@hotmail.com or send a check made out to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association Inc. and send it to Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association Inc. C/O Rob Geiger, PO Box 25, Loveland, Ohio 45140.

The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association Inc. is a non-profit 501c3 organization. All donations are a charitable contribution.

Loveland Magazine proudly sponsors and supports this project to preserve Loveland’s earliest history and heritage.

Apr 29, 2019
Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Preservation Project financial support well on its way

Loveland, Ohio – The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Preservation Project securing financial support is well on its way.

Rob Geiger signing off on the grant proposal with Paige Craig volunteer for the Clough Valley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and grant writer.

The Clough Valley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, serving the Clermont County area submitted a grant proposal to their National Organization DAR in December to help preserve this great historical site located in the White Pillars subdivision in Loveland.

The last couple of months local and out of town individuals have been donating funds to make this project a reality. Organizer of the fund raising, Rob Geiger said, “A big thank you goes to Loveland Magazine for being our Media Sponsor and to the American Legion Post 256, Loveland, Ohio, for being our first organization to support the project.”

Below is the supporting letter that was submitted with the grant proposal from the local chapter of the DAR.

The project involves removal of this deteriorating fence and installation of a new, secure fence with a lifetime guarantee, around the graves of some of our earliest pioneers.

I would like to offer enthusiastic support for the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Gravesite Preservation Project on behalf of myself and the Clough Valley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, serving the Clermont County, Ohio area.

This project involves removal of a deteriorating fence and installation of a new, secure fence with a lifetime guarantee, around the graves of some of our earliest pioneers and two NSDAR recognized patriots.

Financial support for this historic preservation project exemplifies the work the NSDAR is striving to accomplish. In addition to the historic preservation of this physical historic site, we are also preserving and perpetuating our history.

One cannot read of, discuss, or visit this cemetery without learning about or remembering the stories of a pioneer family carving out their homes in the Northwest Territory, militia men who sacrificed to protect their families and lands, and those patriots who are nearest and dearest to our hearts who fought for our freedom.

The 1795 History of Clermont County, Ohio, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers by Louis H. Everts, one of our local history books written in 1880, tells many of these stories. It also refers to the many local Paxton and Ramsey descendants who lived “in pleasant homes, and achieved social and public prominence, making their locality one of the choicest garden spots in Ohio.”

This cemetery remains in that lovely area, but this project is important to maintain and preserve that description.

This project’s success is supported by a determined organization, cooperation from city government, and local financial support and publicity. It only lacks enough funding to go forward. I hope you will grant the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association the gap funds needed to ensure its completion.

Respectfully Submitted, Wanda Langdon, Regent

Geiger said, “We still have a few months to reach our goal of $10,000.00 through your personal generosity. If we are awarded the grant we are over halfway to making this project a success.”

The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is located within the White Pillars subdivision in Loveland.

If you are a business owner, a member of an organization or an individual, please consider making a charitable contribution or sponsoring an event to help preserve a significant historical site.

For more information you can email geigercounter@hotmail.com or send a check made out to the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association Inc. and send it to Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association Inc. C/O Rob Geiger, PO Box 25, Loveland, Ohio 45140.

The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association Inc. is a non-profit 501c3 organization. All donations are a charitable contribution.

Captain John Ramsey, a son-in-law, was buried in the cemetery in 1847, along with other family members until 1913. Ramsey (1764-1847) was a Revolutionary War Patriot and one of the first settlers of Clermont County.

Lt. Col. Paxton (1739-1813) served with General George Washington at Valley Forge in 1777 and with General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. He is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami River and the Scioto River in the Virginia Military Tract, credited with raising the first crop of corn, and was the founder of Loveland.

The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is a hidden gem locally, state-wide and nationally!

Loveland Magazine proudly sponsors and supports this project to preserve Loveland’s earliest history and heritage.

Jan 11, 2019
The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is a hidden gem locally, state-wide and nationally!

“We are fortunate to have such a historical site right in our own thriving town,” stated Jan Beller, Director of the Loveland Museum Center.

Rob Geiger

by Rob Geiger,

The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery, located at Ramsey Court in the White Pillars Subdivision in Loveland, Ohio, needs funding in order to help preserve our local history.

The project will entail eradication of several dying trees, procurement of appropriate permits, site preparation, and erection of a nice 4’ aluminum decorative fence.

The Paxton-Ramsey Cemetery Association, Inc. is seeking $10,000 in funding. The local Clough Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring a grant proposal submission to their National Society.

The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery originated in 1813 with the burial of Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton, a Revolutionary War Soldier, on land that he received for his military service. Paxton’s original land grant was 1,000 acres starting in Warren County and sweeping into Clermont County. In 1795 Paxton and his sons-in law came to claim the property and a year later sent for their wives and children to join them in their new home.

Lt. Col. Paxton (1739-1813) served with General George Washington at Valley Forge in 1777 and with General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794.

Lt. Col. Paxton is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami River and the Scioto River in the Virginia Military Tract, credited with raising the first crop of corn, and was the founder of Loveland.

Lt. Col. Paxton is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami River and the Scioto River in the Virginia Military Tract, credited with raising the first crop of corn, and was the founder of Loveland.

Paxton’s involvement is quite extensive helping Lytle with surveying lands in Clermont County down to parts of today’s community of Hyde Park, having the first polling place in Clermont County and helping with the statehood of Ohio.

Captain John Ramsey, a son-in-law, was buried in the cemetery in 1847, along with other family members until 1913. Captain John Ramsey (1764-1847) was a Revolutionary War Patriot and one of the first settlers of Clermont County with other family members. He was considered a proficient hunter even though his leg was amputated as a result of carrying out military duties.

In 1997 the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc. was formed and earned the status as a nonprofit (501c3) organization, and it is managed by a Board of Trustees. Much needed restoration of the cemetery took place with restoration of headstones, replacing the barbed wire fencing and removal of brush.

We are looking to form a grassroots partnership along with members of the community and area businesses to have an attractive historical point of interest site in Loveland.

The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is a hidden gem locally, State-wide and nationally! ” We are fortunate to have such a historical site right in our own thriving town,” stated Jan Beller, Director of the Loveland Museum Center (Greater Loveland Historical Society).

Rob Geiger, is President of the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association and sixth generation grandson of Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton and fifth generation grandson of Capt. John Ramsey.

We are looking to form a grassroots partnership along with members of the community and area businesses to have an attractive historical point of interest site in Loveland. Our grant application submission date is December, 2018 and improvements will start in the summer of 2019.

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 Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association please contact us at Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association Inc., C/O Rob Geiger, President, PO Box 25, Loveland, Ohio, 45140, or email geigercounter@hotmail.com.

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Sep 30, 2018