Rootstown plans major improvements at the Old Cemetery, thanks to state grant

The Old Cemetery in Rootstown, pictured in 2022. Jeremy Brown/The Portager

Rootstown plans major improvements at the Old Cemetery, thanks to state grant

- Wendy DiAlesandro

Rootstown’s Old Cemetery, sometimes called Ye Olde Cemetery, is in for some changes thanks to a $60,000 gift engineered by State Rep. Gail Pavliga.

Established in 1809 shortly after Rootstown became a township, the cemetery closed about 50 years later. It languished, deteriorating year after year until stones toppled, became unreadable or vanished altogether — if they ever had been in place at all. Cemetery records disappeared, having been burned in a mid-1800s fire at the sexton’s home.

Join our community of supporters to access this article

Articles older than 30 days are available to Portager subscribers with a Plus or Premium plan. Subscriptions start at just $1/month.

Already a paid subscriber? Log in here

Plus

Get more from your email newsletter.

$1+ /month

View subscription options
  • Email newsletter delivered Monday, Wednesday and Friday
  • Full access to The Portager website
  • Participate in the community forum
  • Access articles older than 30 days
  • Read the publisher's comments in the email newsletter
  • List of real estate transactions
  • Local comic strip, Headwater Tales
  • Donate one free ad per year to a local business or charity
  • Print newspaper home delivery via USPS
  • Sudokus and crosswords
  • 20% off everything in The Portager shop