Located on Marblehead Peninsula, Wolcott Cemetery was presumably first established with the death of Benajah Wolcott in 1832.  Benajah Wolcott was one of the first settlers of Marblehead, arriving here as a surveyor of the Western Reserve in 1811 following his service in the Revolutionary War.  In 1822, he became the first lighthouse keeper of the new lighthouse built on the peninsula that same year.  He remained lighthouse keeper until his death at age 68 in 1832.  His wife, Rachel Wolcott, assumed his duties following his death, becoming the country's first female lighthouse keeper.

The cemetery is located in "God's Acre" of the Wolcott estate.  In other words, as per the tradition of landowners at this time, the family cemetery was kept in the back section of the property.   It can be accessed off the Huron Trail, approximately 1/2 mile south of Wolcott's home.

 

Approximately 25 graves were found here.  Most of the tombstones were too weathered to be legible.

 
Below, the center gravestone is that of Benajah Wolcott.  While genealogical records have his age at 70, the tombstone states he was 68 at the time of his death in 1832.  The badly-damaged stones in front and to the left are believed to be that of his family.  The left stone second to the back has eroded into the shape of a swan's head.

 

 
One of the better-preserved tombstones.  This one belongs to Lucy Maria, young daughter of Isaac and Lucy Rice.  She died August 9, 1842 at the age of 12.

 
Another well-preserved tombstone.  The inscription reads:

"Here lieth the body of JAMES CURRAN, a Native of the County of Meath, Parish of Naxan, IRELAND, who departed this life Nov 12 1838.  Aged 30 years.  May his soul rest in peace.  Amen"

Given this inscription, one wonders about  the circumstances of his untimely death. Preliminary research has turned up little.

 

 

A shot of the back left section of the cemetery.  The surname of this family plot is unknown.

 

 
"In memory of Charles Greenlaw, who departed this life September 18, 1835. Age 25."

 
Below, the Wolcott's "Lighthouse Keeper's House" as it still stands today.  Local history buffs can tour the house, which is open to the public.

 

For anyone interested in learning more about the history of Benajah Wolcott and the Lightkeeper's House, check out  "A History of the Lightkeeper's House."