have not been so fortunate and are forgotten in time – overgrown by weeds, populated with trees sprouting from windblown seeds, and ravages of the environment. ![]() Some countries have burial sites that are thousands of years old and are still in good condition because their culture has a very high respect for ancestors. Unfortunately, some choose to desecrate these sites perhaps because they are “creepy” or want to show an act of defiance against death. Virtually all societies consider a cemetery as hallowed ground, a place that is to be revered and respected. One common element is that it is the place where the dead are buried. 1 Written references are made to, The Final Resting Place, Eternal Home, Graveyard, Burial Grounds, or perhaps other names. The word, “cemetery”, comes from the Greek word, κοιμητήριον, which means “sleeping place”. It is a testament to the many that succumbed to the constant threat of disease, accidents, complications of childbirth, and frequent infant mortality. Regardless of their stature in the community, the Village Cemetery, as it was originally known, would be one of the final burial grounds for many Village and Township residents. Some succeeded in becoming very successful financially and attained high social stature while others were happy with their plot of land and a “free” lifestyle. It is said that there were scolding wives in Waterford, for a considerable time thereafter, and that the traveler, who had been thus defrauded, successfully obtained the redress for his wrongs, to which in equity and sober conscience, he was justly entitled!” 10 Weariness, as you might call it, overcame many of the hunters, and the sequel gave celebrity to the Great Wolf Hunt of 1838. Details of further proceedings are unnecessary to wit. The party, under the direction of their officers, formed a hollow square around the wagon. This was game the hunters could appreciate! The driver had turned his horses loose and was reposing. As luck would prevail, he had a cargo of whisky aboard. As a wolf hunt it was, therefore, not a success but returning home over the “big marsh,” on the west side of Tishargan Lake they overhauled a wayfarer, journeying to Elkhorn. Concentrating their forces, however, they finally surrounded a tract of forest, every man watching for his game, and finally, all gathering in the center of the woods, without encountering a single solitary wolf. It is said that the hunters, under competent officers, endeavored to close in on the entire township of Waterford. The wolf hunt of 1838 was one, when the settlers armed themselves with guns, clubs, scythes, dinner horns and pitchforks and went in pursuit of wolves and wolf scalps. “In the midst of all the hard work and struggles, the settlers indulged in many amusements. One anecdotal story that has survived relates to the Great Wolf Hunt of 1838: They had their good times – as well, socializing with the neighbors, or being part of community celebrations. However, not all stories were of hardships. The stories that were told of the journey made to get here – those of who were brave enough to have traveled over long distances, endured hardships related to weather, hard physical labor, lack of food, little or no money, isolation – all in search of a “better” life.Īfter the original pioneer settlers, the stories told were usually related to the contrasts of then and now – how hard it was back in the day compared to today. Along with the graves are stories that are lost forever. Old Settlers Cemetery – the name evokes the end of an era – a collection of burial plots which contain the earthly remains of the early settlers of Waterford’s countryside. (formerly North Jefferson Street), two blocks north of Main Street, at the corner of North Street. The Old Settlers Cemetery is located on the west side of Riverside Dr. Old Settlers Cemetery – 2019, Photo by R.E. North End of Jefferson and North Streets.
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