ALMON RUGGLES, SURVEYOR OF THE FIRELANDS AND THE UNKNOWN SAILOR AND THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE
In the Fall 2020, this two-sided historic marker was installed at the Oak Bluff Cemetery is located at 4301 E Old Lake Rd, Huron, OH 44839.
Due to safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedication ceremony was cancelled and was rescheduled in October 2022.
Oak Bluff Cemetery is located in the northern portion of Berlin Township of Erie County, Ohio. Other names for this cemetery include “Ruggles Beach Cemetery” and “Cranberry Creek Cemetery.” Just east of Oak Bluff Cemetery is Ruggles Beach, which used to be a summer resort area. Ruggles Beach was named for Almon Ruggles, an early resident of this region, and a surveyor of the Firelands.
An early burial at Oak Bluff Cemetery was an unknown soldier. According to Erie County Cemetery Records, compiled by Marjorie Loomis Cherry, when the sailor’s body washed ashore in 1813, shortly after the Battle of Lake Erie, the sailor’s remains were buried by Almon Ruggles. The original stone was replaced by the Martha Pitkin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in the mid 1930’s.
To drive to Oak Bluff Cemetery, take U.S. Route 2 east. Exit at Route 61 and travel north. Turn right at Cleveland Road East. The Oak Bluff Cemetery is located on the left side of the road, just before the Cranberry Creek Marina. Lake Erie will be visible to the north of the cemetery.
The dedication was held on October 8, 2022. The weather was perfect and 40 people were there. There was a formal unveiling, speakers, and refreshments. We were so pleased that Charles (Chuck) Ruggles was able to attend.
