On a hill overlooking Grandview Avenue in Portsmouth, Ohio, is the grave of George Schaefer. The vacant ground in which he was interred in 1883 was once the Catholic burying ground, now known as Old Saint Mary’s Cemetery.
Before the turn of the 20th century, Saint Mary’s Cemetery was in use by all Catholic churches and even the Scioto County Infirmary. As the smaller cemeteries grew within Greenlawn Cemetery the old catholic burying ground fell into disuse.
The Catholic church came into possession of the property on September 22, 1858, when the land was purchased from Nicholas Hubbard and was deeded to John Baptist Purcell, then Bishop of the area. In 1911, after about twenty years of inactivity, Bishop Hartley, of Columbus, sold the property to resident landowner Frank Bihlman, grandson of Nicholas Hubbard, for $1.00. The sale of the property raised strong sentiments in the community as it would have necessitated the transferring of remains of departed relatives of many to other graves. This opposition resulted in the repurchase of the cemetery by Monsignor Aloysius Nonnen, pastor of Saint Mary’s Church.
The Death of George Schaefer, Sr.
“The death of George Schaefer, Sr., at his residence on Gallia street above Chillicothe street last Tuesday night at 9 o’clock, cast a gloom of sorrow over the community.”
“Mr. Schaefer had been ill for seven weeks, his position as one of the pioneers in the recent German celebration being his last appearance upon the streets. He was taken sick on a Sunday with liver complaint and continued to grow worse until stricken from our midst.”
“He was born in Hamback, Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, near Neustadt, June 6th 1818, emigrating to this country in 1840 locating on the southeast corner of Jefferson and Second streets, where he was engaged in blacksmithing. On April 2, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hammerstein, who survives. To them were born eleven children, Barbara, Frank and Lew being dead, and Mrs. PG Balmert, George Schaefer, Jr., Lizzie, Jacob, Henry, John, Charles, and Louise living. In 1856 he removed his family to the double brick residence opposite his late home, which he occupied a year or so later.”
“He was an active member of St. Peter’s Benevolent Society and a member of the Knights of St. George.”
“Thirty-one years ago he was a member of the Barracks Band of this city. At the time of his demise he was agent of the Columbus Westbote.[efn_npte] Der Westbote newspaper(Columbus, Ohio) 1843-1918[/efn_note]“
“He was held in high esteem by the German fraternity always holding prominent positions in their celebrations. His business was conducted with great system as a record of his past life is preserved in a book, and by frugality and industry has raised a large family of children and acquired snug estate.”
“The funeral services took place yesterday morning at 9 o’clock from the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, of which he was one of the oldest members. Reverend Father Nonnan conducting ceremonies.”1
George’s original marble monument lies in ruins among other markers that were toppled years ago and stacked alongside the granite cenotaph that was erected in the 1970’s. The names of several of his children and wife are listed, however it is known that his wife and daughter Elizabeth, were moved to Greenlawn Cemetery in 1964.
