SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WXIX) – Families whose loved ones are buried in a 200-year-old cemetery in Springfield Township are dismayed at its condition and unable to determine who owns it.

New Burlington Cemetery, established in 1824, is the final resting place of several Revolutionary and Civil War veterans. One couple says the grounds are not being maintained and want to change that.

Jamie Blum, whose brother is among the family members buried in the cemetery, usually brings a lawn trimmer when she visits his grave. She and her husband, Shane, were there last month to celebrate her brother’s birthday.

“It hurts my feelings not only for myself and the people I know who are buried here, but also for other people whose family members have buried them,” Jamie said.

County documents indicate that the cemetery is owned by the New Burlington Cemetery Association, according to the Hamilton County Auditor’s website and Hamilton County Recorder’s Office records.

A woman who lives at the New Burlington Cemetery Association address says she and her family have no connection to the cemetery.

Kenny Burck, president of the Hamilton County Genealogical Society, says municipalities usually step in when a cemetery has no one to take care of maintenance.

“If there is no one who is legally responsible for the cemetery, for example for its maintenance, then, as I understand it, the responsibility passes to the municipality,” said Burck.

Springfield Township officials said the property is still owned by the association. One man said the grounds are maintained by volunteers.

The Blums believe the cemetery deserves more attention.

“I would like to see it looked after much better than it is now, rather than just mowing the lawn,” Jamie said.

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