W. P. A. Cemetery Survey - Independence Cemetery, Richland Township

The Works Progress Administration was formed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in reaction to the Great Depression as a means of employing Americans and stimulating the economy.  Established in 1935, one of the projects of the W.P.A. was to conduct Historical Records Surveys, one of which included finding information on cemeteries and the graves of veterans.  The W.P.A. was disbanded in 1943, but the historical information provided on these surveys continue to be of interest and are, thankfully, preserved.

In this series, some of the general surveys of Defiance County cemeteries will be shared, transcribed as written with a few punctuation and/or spelling changes for readability.  The surveys were probably done around 1936.

For more up to date information on the cemeteries, check out this chart on our website:
 http://defiancecountygenealogy.org/cemeteries.html

 Independence Cemetery

1. Name of cemetery:

Independence Cemetery, Independence, Ohio

2. Location, how reached:

On old U.S. #24, three miles east of Defiance, Ohio on the high bank of the Maumee River at Independence crossroads.

3. Name and address of caretaker:

Mr. A. Young, R. R. #4, Defiance, Ohio

Photo from www.findagrave.com

4. General description, size, etc.:

This burial plot contains 1 1/2 acres of well-kept land.  It lies on a high bluff overlooking the Maumee River and is dotted by numerous shade trees.  There are numerous gravel paths throughout and the markers are large and of granite and marble, and the entire plot is fenced. This cemetery is kept up by the Methodist Church and various people who have relatives buried there.

5. Names of important persons buried here and for what noted:  None

6. Name and date of first burial recorded:  Thomas Elliot, 1856

Oldest Elliot tombstone there now - Samuel Elliot

7. Markers of unusual appearance: None

8. Unusual epitaphs:  "Life's work well done, she sleeps in peace."

9. Is cemetery used for new burials?  Yes

C. Cadwallader and C. Gish, Reporters

Consultant: Mr. John Elliot, Independence, Ohio