Montgomery Cemetery - Bacon Ridge Cemetery
The
first church services in Ross Township were held on Bacon Ridge in 1804. Members referred to this as Richmond Church, though it was several
miles from present day Richmond. The original log structure was replaced in 1820, but demolished a few years later when the Presbyterian congregation
relocated. The cemetery remains today, a beautiful and well kept site. Some stones are unreadable or sunk. Many graves are from the 1815-1865 era.
Some of the Original Settlers of Ross Township attending these church services or resting peacefully in this cemetery: Andrew Dixon, Stephen Coe, Arthur Latimer,
and John McMillen.
Yellow Creek United Presbyterian Church
Established in 1810 by
Rev. E.N. Scroggs, this class was first held at the home of Thomas
George (see The Great Stone House), then later moved to a site along
Yellow Creek. The original structure was built of brick in 1828,
consumed by fire in 1855, and rebuilt in 1858. This building stood 140
years before being again consumed by flames in 1998. The cemetery is
probably the largest in the township, and the church foundation still
remains. The follow pioneers and original members of this church are
buried here with their families, including Thomas George, John Kean, and
Henry Crabs.
Mooretown Cemetery
Just a "stone's throw" (literally, if you've got a good
arm) from the Yellow Creek cemetery mentioned above. Many Twaddles and Littles are here.
Bethel Lutheran Cemetery
At the eastern side of Ross
Township, at the junction of Bergholz and Mt. Zion Roads (County Rd. 53
and Twp. Rd. ???) is the site of the former Bethel Lutheran Church and
cemetery. This church began as a brick building in 1830 and was replaced
by a wooden structure in 1872. There are several stone
columns sectioning off the grounds, which
belonged to Adam Culp at the time (see Tunnel Hill / Mitchell Saltworks).
A careful eye will spot where the foundation of one of these buildings has
sunken into the earth. There are many interesting, early tombstones here. Several appear
to be homemade and from the early to mid 1800's. The
nestled location along the creek and handsome cedar trees add an undeniable charm
to this site. There is a very large and presumably very old
Norweigian Pine here. This is practically on the Knox Township line and
I've read a few sketchy tidbits regarding some Indian Graves
nearby - perhaps it's only an old pioneer legend to scare the
children (there was a 19th century school house nearby), as I've seen no
evidence of it presently and doubt nearby landowners would desecrate such
remains.
Shanetown - Lebanon Cemetery
Located just a mile or two from the Montgomery Cemetery, many settlers of the Shane family are
buried here. I haven't read very much about this one. It seems to be the least mentioned, but don't let that discourage you from paying a visit! There
are many unique tombstones here.
Pine Grove Church, Cemetery and School House
Along Pine Grove Ridge (county road 72) stands the Pine Grove Church, built in 1841. A log cabin was used from 1838 until this time, when a school house
was also constructed. Both of these buildings stand and remain in use to this day, though the school is now used for Church Activities. Rumor has it,
the outhouses are still in order. Some Settlers attending services: Andrew Saltsman, William Roach, Solomon Hartman and Rebecca Schwinehart.
Mt. Zion
Church
Another church in Ross Township that has repeatedly been
burned.... more to come
Please check back for frequent updates! (I plan to add cemetery records, links to church records and many photographs!)
