Lakeside Cemetary

29014 Lake Road
Bay Village, Ohio

Lakeside Cemetery in Bay Village, Ohio: Ohio’s Historic Lakeside Burial Ground

Lakeside Cemetery is one of the oldest and most historically significant cemeteries in the Greater Cleveland region. Located at 29014 Lake Road in Bay Village, Ohio, this small but storied burial ground has served the local community and honored generations of families for more than two centuries.

A Timeless Waterfront Resting Place

Established in 1814, Lakeside Cemetery was the first public burying ground in Dover Township, an area that today includes Bay Village, Westlake, and northern North Olmsted. Its scenic location along the shores of Lake Erie provides a tranquil setting unlike many other cemeteries in the region.

The cemetery first came into existence after a tragic boating accident claimed the lives of Rebecca Porter and her infant son Dennis. Their burial marked the beginning of what would become a cherished community site.

Rich Local History

Despite its modest size — approximately half an acre — Lakeside Cemetery contains over 270 known burials dating back to the early 1800s. Among those interred are veterans of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish–American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, making it an important historical landmark for military history buffs and local researchers alike.

In 2002, the cemetery was recognized with an Ohio Historical Marker commemorating its place as one of the earliest burial grounds in the area.

Caring for the Past

Over the decades, community efforts have helped preserve and beautify Lakeside Cemetery. Fences were replaced, additional plantings added, and efforts made to honor veterans’ graves with proper markers. The cemetery has weathered its share of challenges — including shoreline erosion — but remains protected through community support and ongoing stewardship.

Visiting Lakeside Cemetery

Today, Lakeside Cemetery stands as a peaceful and reflective destination for family history enthusiasts, genealogists, and anyone interested in early Ohio history. While intimate in scale compared to larger cemeteries, its lakeside location offers a serene backdrop that distinguishes it from many others in the region.

Visitors interested in exploring the cemetery’s records can often find additional information through the Bay Village Historical Society or the Western Reserve Historical Society, which hold archival materials and burial records.

References

Bay Village Historical Society. Lakeside Cemetery.
https://www.bayhistorical.com/lakeside-cemetery/

Bay Village Historical Society. Lakeside Cemetery History and Preservation.
https://www.bayhistorical.com/lakeside-cemetery-2/

Remarkable Ohio. Lakeside Cemetery – Ohio Historical Marker 26-18.
https://remarkableohio.org/marker/26-18-lakeside-cemetery/

Find a Grave. Lakeside Cemetery, Bay Village, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/41763/lakeside-cemetery

Mapcarta. Lakeside Cemetery, Bay Village, Ohio.
https://mapcarta.com/22666228

Western Reserve Historical Society. Archives and Genealogical Resources.
https://www.wrhs.org/

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