Wanderings- Evergreen Cemetery

Anchor gravestone. Daniel & Clara Mitchell.

Evergreen cemetery in St. Paris, Ohio is another destination on the Haunted Ohio map. There is said to be a gravestone that glows. It belongs to a member of the McMorran family. We were not sure as to which one was the purported stone and there are a lot of McMorran's. The cemetery was established in 1841 on McMorran land. The family sold the land to the town in 1877. Some say the glow is caused by a phosphorescent fungus or lights from the town. On this particular day we visited during mid day and we had a lovely walk. For a small town there are some beautiful monuments with striking carvings and it is beautifully kept.


The anchor stone is the monument for Daniel (1844-1893) and Clara Mitchell his wife (1860-1951).
Anchors symbolize hope of the soul. The ivy growing upon the base stands for immortality and fidelity. As it clings to the stones it represents friendship and affection. The piled rocks represent stability, strength and the couples probable relationship to their God. There is also a carving of philodendron leaves on the left bottom corner which was a popular houseplant and it is more of a
decorative element.



















Tree Stone grave. Mary White.

I am personally fascinated by these Tree stones as they are called. This cemetery had a number of
beautiful examples including one that was the tallest that I have ever seen but unfortunately was unable to get a good photograph of do to the light and position. This one though has a lovely potted Calla lily plant carved into the base. This was the grave of a Mary Ann Pence White (1832-1891) wife of  James White. She was 59 when she passed. The tree stones were popular amongst the Woodmen of the World, an insurance company/fraternity similar to other groups of the day. Stones were actually provided for its members. The stone symbolizes the commonwealth and equality. You were not forgotten. This one is relatively simple but I love the potted lily which stands for beauty and marriage. Some have all sorts of symbols and greenery or flowers, birds and animals.



This country cemetery was a real gem. You never know what you will find when you go wandering.