Otterbein Cemetery

Otterbein Cemetery

Established in 1856 with the purchase of four acres, Otterbein Cemetery is the burial place for many prominent members of the Westerville community and Otterbein College, including the family of William and Benjamin Hanby, Civil War veterans, and members of the Anti-Saloon League.

Established in 1856 with the purchase of four acres, Otterbein Cemetery is the burial place for many prominent members of the Westerville community and Otterbein College, including the family of William and Benjamin Hanby, Civil War veterans, and members of the Anti-Saloon League.

Otterbein Cemetery is the resting place of men who served in the United States Colored Troops, whose graves are marked with iron flag holders. Among those buried here is the very controversial William Hannibal Thomas who grew up in Ohio as a free black, briefly attended Otterbein College, fought for the Union at the Battle of Fort Fishers, and wrote a disparaging book about his race which was widely condemned. Also buried here is William Milton who served in the 54th Massachusetts, the unit made famous by the movie “Glory.” Otterbein Cemetery is also the resting place of former slaves who moved north after the Civil War, such as Squire Fouse who spent the first twenty-seven years of his life in slavery.

At the back of the cemetery is a mausoleum of Bedford stone which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1924 to house 290 crypts, the Art Deco structure has several distinctive stained-glass windows and a Vermont marble interior.