Famous Folks at Ferncliff
Within Ferncliff Cemetery & Arboretum you’ll find a wealth of remarkable stories. From titans of industry to courageous civil right advocates and unforgettable entertainers. Learn more about some of the Famous Folks of Ferncliff!
- All
- 1700
- 1800s
- 1900s
- 2000s
- Athletes
- Black Leaders
- Business Leaders
- Civil Rights
- Community Leaders
- Entertainers
- First Responders
- Healthcare
- Industrialists
- Philanthropists
- Veterans
- Women
August 6, 2025
A respected member of the Springfield community, Andrew C. Black built an opera house in downtown Springfield in 1869 at the northwest corner of Fountain and Main. The 1,500-seat theater was, for many years, the only place for entertainment in town!
August 9, 2025
Anne Snodgrass-Benston was a history buff who was touted as a “memory keeper” for Clark County. She visited dozens of cemeteries, researched and wrote biographies, gave historical presentations and dedicated her time to preserving history.
August 8, 2025
Asa Bushnell was a a prominent businessman in Springfield and the 40th Governor of Ohio!
August 8, 2025
Betty Dillahunt was a pioneer in women's athletics and a revered athlete and coach.
August 8, 2025
Bradley Kincaid was a pioneer radio entertainer, balladeer and composer of folk and country music.
August 8, 2025
Broadwell Chinn was the first Black student to graduate from Springfield High School and from Wittenberg University.
August 7, 2025
Brooks Lawrence was known as one of Springfield's baseball greats!
August 9, 2025
Capt. William A. Stewart was a Civil War veteran, experienced river pilot and the first Police Chief in Springfield.
November 13, 2025
Capt. Charles W. Needles served in the Civil War and the Battle of Little Bighorn before retiring from the army at age 22. For many years, he served as the grand marshal of the Springfield Memorial Day parade.
August 7, 2025
Christ Patsiavos was in the shoe shine business from the age of 14. He moved into Springfield's landmark red boot-shaped shop in 1952, and continued his life’s work until 1994.
August 8, 2025
Daniel Hertzler establish Hertzler Mills and the Old Clark County Bank, said to have been the first private bank in Clark County.
August 7, 2025
Davey Moore was a boxing legend and Olympian from Springfield, Ohio!
August 6, 2025
Dorothy and Jerome Bacon were involved in the emerging movement for civil rights and were leaders in the early struggle to break Springfield's color line.
August 6, 2025
Dr. Adams received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the College for Women in Cleveland, being the fist woman physician admitted to the State Medical Society.
August 9, 2025
Dr. Bennetta Titlow was one of the first female doctors in the area, and started a "Baby Health Camp" for children in need.
August 8, 2025
Dr. Donald H. Guyton was a beloved local doctor who spearheaded the Polio Vaccine campaign.
August 8, 2025
Dr. Frederick Mueller founded the Clark County Board of MRDD, now known as Developmental Disabilities of Clark County.
August 8, 2025
Dr. Howard Ingling was a highly decorated Army Surgeon, beloved local doctor, and humanitarian.
August 8, 2025
Dr. Thomas Burton is credited with being the first African American physician in Springfield, and operated several businesses.
August 7, 2025
Also known as "Mother Stewart" - Eliza Stewart was one of the original members of the WCTU, or Women’s Christian Temperance Union, and led the “Women’s Whiskey War.”
August 9, 2025
Ernestine Lucas was an educator and researcher who published two books exploring the genealogy of African American families around Springfield.
August 9, 2025
Ethel Holzberg Sanders was a noted civic activist and librarian in Springfield. She formed patient libraries at two local hospitals.
August 8, 2025
Ezra Keller was a missionary who was a founder and the first president of Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.
August 8, 2025
Gary Geis was an accomplished dancer and a sought-after instructor and choreographer.
August 7, 2025
George and Sarah Gammon were activists in the Underground Railroad and owners of the Gammon House, a noted safe house.
August 9, 2025
A renowned showman, Gus Sun performed in a variety of traveling shows and circuses and opened the Old Orpheum theater in Springfield.
August 9, 2025
Hattie Moseley was a leader in the civil rights movement in Springfield. Her work is commemorated in a stunning mural in downtown Springfield on the WesBanco building!
August 8, 2025
The Snyders operated a flour mill and distillery, and donated 217 acres of land to create Snyder Park.
August 9, 2025
Hermann C. Carr was known as both "Hermann the Magician" an "Officer Carr" and left a lasting impression on the Springfield community.
August 8, 2025
James Ward was a Navy Medal of Honor recipient and was the first man from Clark County to die in World War II.
August 9, 2025
James Rodney Schlesinger was best known for serving as Secretary of Defense from 1973 to 1975 under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
February 20, 2026
JoAnne "Jody" Hooley Gatten was born May 12, 1929, and Springfield, Ohio was a better place for it.
April 16, 2025
John Dick was the first superintendent of Ferncliff Cemetery and Arboretum in Springfield, Ohio
August 8, 2025
John Ira (Ike) Seaton became was a beloved community member and firefighter with the Springfield Fire Department
August 8, 2025
John Crowell was a local publisher known for "The Ladies Home Companion" and later to "Woman's Home Companion."
August 8, 2025
Johnny Lytle was a world-renowned vibraphonist who recorded more than 30 jazz albums and wrote a number of hit songs.
February 20, 2026
Lt. Barnes was the first Black firefighter to join the Springfield Fire Rescue Division in 1970, and became the first Black firefighter in the department to earn the rank of lieutenant in 1979.
August 9, 2025
Margaret Evelyn Baker was a powerful force in business and industry and a pioneer for women's leadership in the mid 1900s.
August 9, 2025
Michael Chakeres, President and Chairman of the Board of Chakeres Theatres, and was well known for donating his time and wealth to philanthropic causes in the Springfield area.
August 8, 2025
O.S. Kelly was a local businessman, city official and former Mayor of Springfield.
August 8, 2025
Ray Cantrell was an Emmy Award-winning costumer, and the owner of Rick's Fashions Americain in Springfield.
August 9, 2025
A celebrated veteran and clergyman, Rev. Glaesner left a lasting impact on the Springfield community.
August 6, 2025
A pastor at a local Methodist Church, Rev. Scurry was a leader in Springfield's Underground Railroad network.
August 8, 2025
Known for his generosity, Richard Kuss was the first recipient of Springfield's "Lifetime Achievement Award."
August 9, 2025
Robert "Bob" L. Burton was a well-respected community leader serving as the mayor of Springfield, and on the Springfield City Commission, among other local boards and foundations.
September 11, 2025
Robert C. Allen was a member of the 9th Infantry Battalion of the Ohio National Guard, stationed in France during WWI. He became the first African American to receive the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest decoration awarded to U.S. Army Soldiers.
August 7, 2025
Former Springfield Mayor Robert C. Henry was the first Black mayor in Ohio and the first Black Mayor of a city of Springfield’s size in the country.
August 7, 2025
Many members of the Black community in Springfield were heavily involved in the activities of the Underground Railroad (UGRR), including the Piles and Durgans families.
September 19, 2025
Robert Quigley King was part of the first graduating class at Wittenberg University and Springfield's second fire chief.
February 27, 2026
Ross Paige Barrett was a decorated veteran and a local educator. He made history as the first Black assistant principal at Springfield South High School, and was deeply involved in the community through various organizations.
August 9, 2025
Sully Jaymes, Springfield's first African-American lawyer and a tireless advocate for equal rights.
August 9, 2025
Three generations of the Hollenbeck family shaped Springfield through both leadership and largely anonymous philanthropy.
August 8, 2025
A.D. Hosterman is known for his work to mark army routes and pioneer trails throughout western Ohio. Lizzie was the second woman to receive a bachelor of arts degree from Wittenberg.
August 9, 2025
The McGilvrays were widely known for their philanthropic activities, and contributed greatly for the benefit of all in the Springfield community.
August 8, 2025
The Warders were local philanthropists and early leaders of the Clark County Underground Railroad.
August 8, 2025
Viola Tyler Goings was one of "The Five Pearls" who founded the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
