Town of Willing historian to discuss Woodlawn Cemetery

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WELLSVILLE — Learn about the history and the beauty of Woodlawn Cemetery at a special program at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the David A. Howe Library.

Town of Willing historian Christina Wightman will present a program on one of the oldest cemeteries in the area. She is a 20-year member of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association and has served as president of the association for four years. The free program is sponsored by the Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society of Wellsville and is open to everyone.

Woodlawn Cemetery began its existence as the Farnum Cemetery and became known as Woodlawn in 1903, when the name was changed and the property transferred. Wightman plans to explain the change in her discussion.

The first person to be buried there, in 1835, was John Shingler, whose grandfather Nathan Sayre followed in 1841. Sayre was a veteran of the Revolutionary War.

Wightman said there are veterans of the War of 1812 and all of America’s wars buried in the cemetery. It also includes graves of those who died as a result of the collapse of the Austin Dam in Potter County, Pa.

Many of Wellsville’s founding fathers, builders, business developers, leading citizens and members of the community are buried there as well.

“It is the fabric of the community. I want to get people to realize the historical value of this cemetery,” Wightman said.

The 36-acre cemetery on the south side of the village contains more than 9,000 graves, four mausoleums, stone monuments and other features. Wightman plans to discuss the symbolism and landscaping of the cemetery.

“When cemeteries were developed they tried to landscape them and make them places where people could visit and could spend time with their loved ones,” she noted.

The winding roads, landscaped gardens and well-tended sites were designed by an artist. “A lot of work went into designing the cemetery,” Wightman said, adding that for her one of the defining characteristics of Woodlawn Cemetery is its architectural beauty.

Following her talk, Whiteman will entertain questions.