Our Earliest Ancestors Graves
at
The Fitch Cemetery
In
Ischua, NY
James and Mary Onan; and two daughters, Dortha Ann and Sarah
If you are an Onan of this family line, you need to know where your real roots are in
the U.S.A.
While we don’t know where in Great Britain this first generation came from, we
know where these immigrant ancestors are buried. They lie in a cemetery locally referred
to as the Fitch Cemetery because it was nearest the town of Fitch. The town is no longer
identified on most maps, but the old cemetery is kept in very good condition by the town
of Ischua (pronounced ISH-U-A, that is with a long U and long A).
When Jane and I first visited there in October 1989, the stones were tilted, and James’ was laying flat on the ground. While I was unhappy with the condition I saw no way to remedy it. Then about two years ago, I became acquainted with a local historian and her husband who live in Franklinville NY, just up the road. They are long time residents and very knowledgeable about everything in the area. We became a regular e-mail corespondents. She arranged to have a local private contractor straighten and place foundations around the stones; after getting approval from the town of Ischua. The work was completed in 1998. Now they will stand up for another 144 years.
Stones 1989, James on ground at left Jane making notes 1999
The stones are typical of the time. White limestone about 1-1/2 thick. They don’t
weather as well as the marble used today. The porous surface collects dirt and moisture
causes further deterioration. They lay in a line running north to south, facing west.
I’ll never understand why the backs stay so clean and the fronts get so dirty!
The inscriptions on the stones read.
JAMES ONAN |
 |
 G,G,G,G Granfather James and me. |
MARY For I know that my redeemer liv |
 |
A little shaving cream and squeegee techinque to make the writing clearer. |
DORTHA ANN |
 |
SARAH |
 |
Here is how you reach this cemetery.
New York State Highway #16 goes north from Olean to Franklinville. A few miles south of
Franklinville #16 is intersected by Cattaraugus County road #19. At this intersection the
road sign calls #19 the Five Mile Road. (This intersection is the location of the old town
of Fitch.) From this intersction proceed south. You will cross a stream, railway tracks
and pass William Hollow Road; for a total distance of 0.7 (7/10) miles. (If you come to
Osgood Road you have gone too far.) On the right is a small residence and a driveway. The
driveway is a shared entrance with the cemetery which is up the hill to the left of the
driveway. Go up the grassy hill about 300 feet to the top. NOTE: The cemetery is not
visible until you reach the top of the hill. It is between the road up the hill and #19.
Driveway entrance from County #19 Car at beginning of cemetery mowed path
19 July 1999
[fitch_cemetery99]
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