Westerville in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Blendon Central Cemetery
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., December 26, 2009
1. Blendon Central Cemetery Marker
Here, in 1829, at the corner of Dempsey and Hempstead Roads was established a cemetery in connection with Blendon Central Church. This site was selected by the Blendon Presbyterian Assembly. Being the geographic center of the township, this served as a compromise to the wishes of members living along Alum Creek and those along Big Walnut Creek. The first burial place in Blendon township, Pioneer Cemetery, was located about 2 miles from here on the old Columbus Turnpike. The first sermon preached to the pioneer settlers was delivered in 1812 by Reverend James Hoge of Columbus in a log School House at Pioneer Cemetery. The subject of building a house of worship was discussed in 1826. Finally, in the fall of 1829, a substantial house of worship was built here and dedicated, along with the adjacent burial ground known as Blendon Cemetery. The land was donated by Squire Timothy Lee. Shortly after the dedication, the new Blendon Church burned down. Speculation as to the cause of this fire continues to this day. Gathered around the dying embers, the church members held a prayer meeting and resolved to rebuild as soon as possible. Another church building was erected, in 1830, directly opposite this site at the southwest corner of Dempsey and Hempstead Roads on an acre donated by Edward Phelps.
This marker dedicated May 30, 1969 by
this page online
Erected by the Blendon Township Trustees
Harry L. Cook, Chairman
Dale Linnabary 1932-1969
V. J. Clapham 1938-1968
Kenneth V. Noble, Jr.
William R. Mnich
Vernon E. Mysell, Clerk
Erected 1969 by Franklin County Historical Society and the Blendon Township Trustees.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical date for this entry is May 30, 1791.
Location. 40° 5.724′ N, 82° 54.235′ W. Marker is in Westerville, Ohio, in Franklin County. It can be reached from South Hempstead Road. Marker is in Blendon Central Cemetery, about 90 feet south of the flagpole and about 400 feet northeast of the intersection of Dempsey and Hempstead Roads. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Westerville OH 43081, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Scioto Valley and in the Columbus Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Blendon Township War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); First Blendon Presbyterian Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Edward Phelps (about 300 feet away); This Monument (about 300 feet away); Blendon Township's Early Presbyterian Churches and Church Bell (about 500 feet away); Phelps Acre Park
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., December 26, 2009
2. Blendon Central Cemetery Marker
Looking NNW.
Other markers no longer nearby. Blendon Presbyterian Church (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Blendon Church Bell (was approx. 0.8 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Blendon Central Cemetery. Blendon Township website entry (Submitted on January 20, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., December 26, 2009
3. Edward Phelps Grave Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,471 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 20, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
