SPRINGCREEK TOWNSHIP — The Ohio Attorney General's Office said it obtained a court order giving Land of the Freed ownership of a historic African American cemetery in Springcreek Township and two adjacent lots.
The cemetery contains the remains of the Randolph Freedpeople, according to the office. The nonprofit works to preserve the group's legacy. The Randolph Freedpeople came to Ohio in 1846 after being freed under the will of U.S. Congressman John Randolph. Randolph's executor was directed to buy land for the group, resulting in 3,200 acres in Mercer County. When the group arrived, residents blocked them from settling there, and they established communities in Miami and Shelby counties instead.
The Rossville-Springcreek Historical Society started buying the cemetery and two wooded neighboring parcels in 1982. Its corporate status was canceled in 1996, and its trustees died without naming successors. The township handles basic upkeep, but the Attorney General's Office said the site has deteriorated.
Attorney General Andy Wilson said the cemetery is an important piece of Ohio history that should be preserved. He said the court order allows restoration and continued care so the story can be shared.