Dublin rededicates historic Black Cemetery that predates Civil War

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- The city of Dublin officially righted a wrong from more than 150 years ago on Friday. And for the descendants of a family of black landowners, it ensures their legacy will be remembered.  

It was a beautiful gesture from the city that celebrates and recognizes mistakes of the past. Mayor Chris Groomes believes this ceremony speaks volumes about the city's character.  

“It's important because it states who we are, it states our priorities. It states our dedication to all people and everyone that calls Dublin home,” Groomes said. “Everyone that has and everyone that will.”   

The dedication ceremony was to the Brown-Harris families on land between U.S. route 33 and Shier Rings Road in Dublin. The families originally owned the land from the 1840s until 1915.  

“Today is just a blessed day,” Groomes said. “It is a wonderful celebration of this ground coming full circle and really honoring and respecting the legacies that were here long before we were.” 

The land was partially a historically Black cemetery with at least 22 confirmed graves, one dating back to 1854. The land was acquired by a white farmer in 1915, which is when the headstones were removed. Diamond Crowder, a national register manager at the state historic preservation office, states this type of erasure is not uncommon when it comes to Black historic sites.   

“When we look at historic sites in Ohio and nationwide, less than 3% represents the Black significance of these places,” Crowder said.  “Places where African Americans once stood.”    

It wasn't until April 2020, four years after the city of Dublin purchased the land in 2016, that city staff members found part of a gravestone with the letter “H” inscribed. The discovery confirmed the land is where the Brown-Harris families' ancestors were buried. Archeologist Joel Brown made a call to Joe Howard, a descendent of the Harris family, about the discovery.   

“I got a phone call from Joel Brown, almost hung up. I thought it was a scam and he told me that they found this cemetery and some of my relatives were buried there and some of the Brown family too. Then that's where it all started,” Howard said. “I'm real happy that Joel got a hold of me and I didn't delete his call.”    

The families joined the project and contributed to design elements used in the monument and landscaping. A replica of the stone “H” is now displayed as part of the cemetery’s monument. Theresa Dearing, another of the family's descendants, knows this dedication has highlighted the importance of knowing where you come from.  

“We all need a foundation to build on and so when we know our past, we can steer to the future.” Dearing said.   

State Senator Stephanie Kunze also presented the family with a proclamation at the ceremony and the family tells me they are happy that their ancestors finally have an acknowledged resting place.