Loveland Magazine

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News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: White Pillars subdivision

  • [Video and Slide Show] Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association holds ceremony for marking new headstones and grave dedication

    [Video and Slide Show] Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association holds ceremony for marking new headstones and grave dedication

    Sean Behling
    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.

  • SAVE THE DATE! RAMSEY-PAXTON GRAVE DEDICATION

    SAVE THE DATE! RAMSEY-PAXTON GRAVE DEDICATION

    Loveland, Ohio – On Saturday, May 7 at 12:45 PM, a parade will leave the John Ramsey Homestead in the White Pillars subdivision and end at the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetary at 206 Ramsey Court; where a formal dedication of new and restored gravestones will take place.

    During the ceremony, the Clough Valley Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, in conjunction with the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, the Cincinnati Chapter/Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), and the Loveland American Legion Post #256 will be marking graves for Thomas Paxton, John Ramsey, and c.

    Bagpiper Robert Reid, will lead the parade and perform during the ceremony. The SAR will be demonstrating muzzle rifle firing and conducting the 21-gun salute.

  • Update on the Ramsey Paxton Cemetery

    Update on the Ramsey Paxton Cemetery

    Maggie Schildmeyer-Mischenko, Riverveiw Monuments with Rob Geiger, President Ramsey Paxton Cemetery Association

    by Rob Geiger

    It’s been almost a year since the work was started on the historical cemetery, Ramsey Paxton Cemetery, located on Ramsey Court in the White Pillars Subdivision.

    To recap the series of events: December, 2018 the city of Loveland reinstalled the Clermont County Bicentennial sign next to the cemetery and cleared trees and brush on city owned property away from the cemetery property line; September, 2019 dead and decaying trees were removed, the old fence taken down by Rainey Tree service; fence was replaced with a new black aluminum spear fence, and May, 2020 the new refurbished antique gates were installed by Eads Fence Company.

    Rob Geiger is the President of the Ramsey Paxton Cemetery Association

    Our next project we have partnered with Riverview Monuments. “This is a privilege and an honor for our company to be involved in this project” stated Maggie Schildmeyer-Mischenko. “We are excited to donate our services to sandblast the death date on Minerva Arbuckle Ramsey who died in 1913 and place a marker on each unknown burial in the cemetery to commemorate the farmhands that lost their lives due to an epidemic that swept through this area sometime between 1910 to 1912.”

    The story was passed down through the years: the farmhands working on farms in the area lost their loved ones during that time due to sickness and since they could not afford to have a proper burial, they asked Minerva Arbuckle Ramsey if they could bury their dead in the Ramsey Paxton Cemetery, to which she agreed. The only reminder of the loved ones are field stones and in some cases a depression in the ground where a person was buried.

    Riverview Monuments also designed the two new headstones that will be added to the two Revolutionary War Soldiers’ graves, Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton (founder of Loveland, and credited as the first permanent white settler in the Virginia Military Track, 1795) and his son-in-law Capt. John Ramsey.

    The original stones have weathered to the point that you cannot read the inscriptions. The new headstones have the same verbiage as the original stones for future generations to know the historical significance of these two men.

    Design of the new headstones for Col. Thomas Paxton for the Ramsey Paxton Cemetery

    The new headstones have been ordered and hopefully will be installed in October with the other work completed before Thanksgiving, 2020.

    “How exciting this project is turning out and knowing Riverview Monuments have collaborated with the Ramsey Paxton Cemetery by preserving this great sacred spot in our hometown of Loveland. Our family business started 180 years ago and has been in Loveland for the last 120 years. We (Riverview Monuments, Tufts Scheildmeyer Funeral Home, and Ramsey Paxton Cemetery Association) share the same passion to preserve, protect, and educate about our historical sites in Loveland, Ohio,” said Schildmeyer-Mischenko

    Design of the new headstones for Capt. John Ramsey for the Ramsey Paxton Cemetery

    The Ramsey Paxton Cemetery has some seed money to buy supplies for getting some much needed ground work completed by leveling out areas in the cemetery, controlling the crabgrass, and planting grass seed in areas of the cemetery. We have been reaching out to some lawn professionals and hope to find a local company that will provide an in-kind donation, literally labor of love, to supply the manpower to accomplish this task before winter sets in.

    If your company would like to help with the project, please contact Rob Geiger at 513-677-3303.

    The Cemetery would like to hold a rededication of the cemetery sometime in the year 2021 or when Covid-19 pandemic is over. Please keep up to date with Loveland Magazine for more information.

    Loveland Magazine is the Media Sponsor for the Ramsey Paxton Cemetery  Restoration Project

  • Thought you knew how school buses will get to Grailville? (See proposed street re-configuration)

    Thought you knew how school buses will get to Grailville? (See proposed street re-configuration)

    This illustration* shows the reconfiguration of the streets in Historic Downtown in the City of Loveland’s Downtown Strategic Development Plan

    (“Right Click” this Map and open a new tab or window for an enlarged view)

    Intersection reconfiguration – Develop parcels

     • Explore, design and fund a reconfigured Loveland Avenue at State Route 48/Second Street.

    • Confirm feasibility of Broadway Square-About.

    • Explore, design and fund a reconfigured Broadway and State Route 48/Second Street intersection.

    • Develop sites created by reconfigured Loveland Avenue and Second Street reconfiguration.

    Loveland, Ohio – The 5-10 year timeline of the City of Loveland’s proposed Downtown Strategic Development Plan could throw a wrecking ball into the current strategy of how to route school buses, EMS, Fire, Police, and other rush-hour vehicular traffic to a proposed new school campus at Grailville.

    Under the Loveland School District’s facility master plan adopted on April 16, they will be constructing a new Pre-K through fifth-grade campus on 110 acres at the property known as Grailville, located on O’Bannonville Road, east of downtown Loveland. Preliminary plans show the main entrance to the new school campus to be on St. Rt. 48 near St. Columban School and the White Pillars Subdivision. There will also be ingress and egress on O’Bannonville Road.

    The real estate is currently owned by the Grail, an Ohio nonprofit organization. The District has an option to purchase the vacant land.

    The map above shows the reconfiguration of the streets in Historic Downtown in the City of Loveland’s Downtown Strategic Development Plan that was approved by the Loveland Planning and Zoning Commission this past August and by Loveland City Council on September 10.

    The Downtown Strategic Development Plan proposes placing a new commercial development into a space freed-up when West Loveland Avenue and St. Route 48 is bisected. Also, a “Square-About” replaces the current five-way intersection at St. Route 48, Hanna Avenue, 2nd Street, and Broadway.

    On July 26 the District passed a resolution asking voters to approve a combined 16.78-mill Operating and Bond levy that if passed on November 5, will pave the way to the Grailville campus opening in the fall of 2022.

    The street re-configuration is proposed to be implemented within 5 to 10 years, i.e., 2024-2029.

    TIMELINE

    March 22, 2019 – District acquires an option to purchase 110 acres at Grailville for 3 new school buildings (Pre-K through fifth-grade campus on 110 acres).

    April 16, 2019 – Loveland School District’s facility Master Plan adopted that proposes Pre-K through fifth-grade campus on 110 acres at Grailville).

    July 26, 2019 – School District puts combined 16.78-mill Operating and Bond levy on the ballot that if passed on November 5, will pave the way to the Grailville campus opening in the fall of 2022.

    August, 2019 – Downtown Strategic Development Plan approved by the Loveland Planning and Zoning Commission with bisected West Loveland Avenue and St. Route 48, and a new “5-Way Intersection”. New commercial development will replace part of current West Loveland Avenue and St. Route 48.

    September, 2019 – Loveland City Council adopts the Downtown Strategic Development Plan reccomended by the Planning Commission.

    September 2022 – Proposed Grailville Campus opens.

    2024-2029 – West Loveland Avenue and St. Route 48 in Historic Downtown are bisected, making space for new commercial development.

    2024-2029 – “Square-About” replaces five-way intersection at St. Route 48, Hanna Avenue, 2nd Street, and Broadway.

    Read the City of Loveland’s proposed Downtown Strategic Development Plan: Downtown Master Plan (Go to page 51 to read “YEARS 5 TO 10 AND BEYOND”)

     

    (*The under-layer of the illustration (MAP) above is taken from Loveland’s Downtown Strategic Development Plan. Arrows and text have been added to show probable bus and vehicular traffic patterns to a Grailville school campus under the plan)

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    Moving Sale at Wildflower House in Historic Loveland Starts Today

    Some really nice things, in great shape! — including: 2 matching overstuffed armchairs, 4 matching World Market wood tables in various sizes, 5 matching small round wicker side tables, 1 small wicker chest of drawers, 1 lateral file, 10 super-comfy World Market folding wood relaxation chairs with full length cushions, white restroom/bedroom cabinet, monitor, a set of matching rugs – and many small items.
  • Council candidate asks, “Who’s watching out for Loveland’s resident taxpayers?”

    Council candidate asks, “Who’s watching out for Loveland’s resident taxpayers?”

    by Cory O’Donnell

    Who’s watching out for Loveland’s resident taxpayers? Our city leaders have ventured down a road with a questionable road map. The city is in the midst of possibly the most expensive civic project ever with $7+ million of resident taxpayer money on the line to construct a parking garage. 

    Cory O’Donnell lives in the White Pillars Subdivision and is a Loveland City Council Candidate

    Who would argue the need for a parking facility given the explosion of visitors to the downtown area? Certainly, there needs to be adequate parking to support the masses that want to enjoy the available offerings.  Visitors welcome the day when they don’t have to circle the downtown area for what seems to be an eternity to secure a valuable parking spot. Alternatively, some come to spend their time and money only to turn around and go home…nowhere to park.

    Imagine the business owners that are giddy with the prospect of the resident taxpayers footing the bill to get more cash through their doors.  Who could blame them for the smiles on their faces? Not me; what a gift!

    But here’s where the roadmap leads to resident taxpayer disaster. There is no published plan to recover the $7+ million and make the taxpayers whole. Further, my calculator can’t get to a full lot, 365 days a year for 30 years, that will recover resident taxpayer investment.

    I am far from knowledgeable about developing, constructing and managing a public parking garage. My assumption is our city leaders are well versed in public policy, zoning, codes, and other daily municipal functions, but there are specialists in private development that have the knowledge and expertise to make this happen on a for-profit basis.

    Is it too late to get the proper road map that assures resident taxpayers are not left holding this massive debt?

    P.S.  Our city is already committed to close to $48,000 annually in debt service for the Christman Farm property on Butterworth Road acquired in 2007 which has remained vacant all these years and has disappeared from the city council’s interest. This translates to hundreds of thousands of resident taxpayer’s dollars being flushed down the proverbial toilet for too many more years.

    Can you afford more?  Who’s going to step up to the plate and get the answers?


  • Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Preservation Project financial support well on its way

    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.

     

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

    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.

    Image may contain: grass, plant, tree, outdoor and natureThe 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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