BITS AND PIECES: The little, hidden cemetery along Portage Road
Ann Gasbarre
Many people driving down Portage Road in Wooster today are unaware they’re passing a small, private burial ground that was deeded to President Franklin Pierce and “his successors in office forever . for the use and purpose of a private burying ground.”
Although no U.S. President ever chose to be buried there, many local residents refer to it as the “Presidents’ Cemetery.” Others call it the “Plank Cemetery” . referring to John and Elizabeth Plank who deeded the land to President Pierce and his successors on May 3, 1863.
The Civil War-era deed describes the land as being located in the north-east quarter of Section 34 in Township 16 of Range 13. (It’s on the south side of the road a little west of the bridge spanning the Dix Expressway.)