Oldham, Kentucky has many visitors from all over the United States and different countries that visit our Cemeteries and Archives to research their ancestors. The Oldham County History Center’s collections contain some very extensive family files that include personal stories, genealogical information, copies of deeds and wills, scrapbooks and diaries. Other documents of interest include slave narratives, local newspapers, letters, receipts, photographs and cemetery information. The Oldham County Historical Society has 2 of only 9 Underground Railroad designations in Kentucky – one being for their extensive archives.
The cemetery is located on Maple Avenue in historic Pewee Valley. It was established in May 1871 when Henry Smith, one of the oldest setters in Pewee Valley, engaged a number of other prominent citizens to undertake the establishment of a public cemetery. It is unique in the fact that the cemetery directors authorized the subdivision of the cemetery into three sections: one for the whites, one for the black population of Pewee Valley and the surrounding areas, and a third section for the state of Kentucky to use for the internment of Veterans from the nearby Confederate Veterans Home. For more information about the history of Pewee Valley, KY visit Pewee Valley Historical Society.
Many early settlers of Oldham County are buried in this cemetery. The land began with ¾ of an acre donated by William Boulware. He donated another acre of land 19 years later. A Cemetery Charter was issued by the State of Kentucky to Floydsburg Cemetery Company on Feb. 19, 1894. The earliest burial in the cemetery dates to 1816. There are many unusual and beautiful gravestones in this very well-landscaped cemetery. Also showcases Duncan Memorial Chapel (above), the most utilized wedding facility in Oldham County to this date.
Located at the junction of 3rd and 4th Avenues, this cemetery was established in June 1889. Land for the cemetery was sold by William H. Duncan and his wife Mary to the Trustees of the Northwestern Colored Cemetery Company of La Grange. The earliest burial date is 1849. Unique in this cemetery is the stone of Petter Parker (1875-1881) who lists his history on his gravestone, including his enslavement in Shelby Co., KY for “70 odd yrs”. When his master, John Berry, died he deeded his slaves to his children. Parker was deeded to John Washington Berry. He was survived by 140 great-grandchildren. There are a total of 6 African-American cemeteries in Oldham County.
This picturesque cemetery is located in La Grange, north of I-71. The earliest burial dates to 1819. Here you will find buried Rob Morris, Freemason and founder of the Order of the Eastern Star; Dr. Huber Blaydes, well-known Doctor of Medicine in Oldham County for a long time; and Verna Garr Taylor, who died on Nov. 6, 1936 in an incident that made national headlines, accusing Gen. Henry Denhardt of her murder. The case has never been solved.