Shadrach Chaffin Cemetery, also known as Chaffin Cemetery #2, in Vernon Township, Scioto County, Ohio, offers a serene glimpse into the area’s history. As a part of the Wayne National Forest, this cemetery carries the legacy of Shadrach Chaffin, whose family land once encompassed the site. Established in 1871, the cemetery is distinguished by its stone enclosure and the significant markers it holds.
At the heart of the cemetery is the grave of Shadrach Chaffin himself, who was born in 1797 and passed away in 1884. His grave is a prominent feature, accompanied by those of his family members. Beside him rests his first wife, Sarah, who died in 1840, and their daughter Sarah, who passed away in 1841.
Adding to the family narrative, the cemetery also houses the graves of Shadrach’s second wife, Julia, who died in 1890, and their son Cyrus M. Chaffin, who died in 1900. These markers help paint a detailed picture of the family’s generational presence in the area.
The video explores the physical state of the cemetery, noting the challenges it faces, such as tree growth threatening the stability of the historic stone walls. The cemetery, despite these challenges, is maintained relatively well, considering its age and environmental pressures.
Chaffin Cemetery not only serves as a final resting place for the Chaffin family but also as a historic site that offers insights into the local heritage and the evolution of the surrounding landscape, particularly with its proximity to historical routes like the nearby railroad.
This peaceful plot, encapsulated within the national forest, invites visitors to reflect on the permanence of memory and the passage of time, all preserved within the confines of its stone walls.
