It started with a farm…

In 1875 West Side citizens became interested in establishing a major-sized cemetery on the West side of Cleveland. Only smaller burial grounds like Monroe Street, Scranton Road, and St. Mary's were then available, and it was felt advisable to create a much larger cemetery whose use would span many future generations.

At that time, Ohio City was the primary urban community for west siders. Beyond its location were many "country" farms of varying sizes. It was felt this new cemetery should be in the tranquil country and away from the faster pace of the city. Therefore, after a variety of informal meetings, a search committee was selected in October 1875 to find available property for this new cemetery. One Titus N. Brainard, owner of 140 acres on Pearl Street and Scranton Roads, offered to sell 102-1/2 acres of his farmland containing cropland, wooded hillsides, open land, ravines and waterways in October 1875. The farmland was acquired originally by his grandfather, Asa Brainard, when he came here from Connecticut in 1814. On November 15, 1875 the committee voted to accept Mr. Brainard's offer. Mr. Brainard retained about 38 acres which held his home and farm buildings. Since the eastern border of the farm overlooked the Cuyahoga River, it is assumed this fact inspired the name RIVERSIDE for this Cemetery Association which was organized legally at that meeting. Josiah Barber, Jr. was elected President and James M. Curtiss became Superintendent.

The services of Mr. E. O. Schwaegerl, a noted landscape architect and engineer, was contracted to make a thorough topographical survey and prepare all plans. A principal surveyor with the engineering firm was John M. Ackley, who did much of the land layout. In 1985 we were fortunate to be given his personal copy of the 1876 Prospectus for Potential Lot Owners. It contains his signature and a photograph of him with a transept and tape roll. This was a gift to us from his grandchildren.

The actual development of the land for burial purposes was done during most of 1876. The first interment was on April 14th, the official public opening July 6th, and the formal dedication held on November 11th. Ground was broken in April, and by our Dedication Day thirty acres were surveyed and plotted for burials, a small wooden Office, a Cottage, four rustic bridges, 5 miles of graded roadways, 30 acres of beautifully lawned sections were all in place and completed; and most of all, a sandstone Victorian Chapel was in place in a prominent, up-front location. What an active nine months that must have been. Payment for the land came from early lot sale revenues and some issued bonds; all indebtedness was concluded by the early 1890's. Purchasing in this manner allowed the legal entity of an Association of Lot Owners.

With 102-1/2 acres, Riverside Cemetery was the first major-sized, non-sectarian, Burial Park established west of the Cuyahoga River. While other cemeteries of similar or even larger size have come into existence since our founding, none can embrace the historical heritage we are privileged to have. We became the primary resting place for many persons who were involved significantly in the development of the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors of Cleveland's west side particularly. We are very proud of that legacy, and you who have family or friends here should also share in that pride. The history of Riverside Cemetery mirrors that of Brooklyn Centre and Ohio City.