Gilboa Cemetery

Gilboa Cemetery

Overview

Gilboa Cemetery in Gilboa, Ohio, is the site of a persistent local legend involving the spirits of children who reportedly died during a cholera outbreak in 1952. The cemetery is said to be haunted by their ghosts, with claims of disembodied voices and eerie nighttime phenomena. It remains one of the more widely discussed haunted locations in Putnam County folklore.

Location

• Address: Unknown
• City/County: Gilboa / Putnam County
• Public Access: Yes

Haunting / Legend Summary

According to local legend, the Gilboa Cemetery is haunted by the spirits of children who perished during a 1952 cholera epidemic. Their bodies are said to be interred in the cemetery, though there are claims that later exhumations revealed several empty graves. Witnesses have reported hearing children's voices late at night—some playful, others crying. These events are typically reported after dark, with no known seasonal pattern.

Historical Background

• Construction date: Unknown
• Original purpose: Public burial ground
• Notable events:
  • Alleged cholera outbreak in 1952 affecting local children
  • Claims of exhumed graves found to be empty
• Key timeline moments:
  • 1952 – Local cholera epidemic allegedly results in child fatalities
  • Undated – Exhumation reports and ghost stories begin circulating

Reported Phenomena

• Apparitions: N/A
• Cold Spots: N/A
• Voices/EVPs: Children’s voices heard playing or crying at night
• Physical Touches: N/A
• Object Movement: N/A
• Malfunctions: N/A
• Poltergeist Activity: N/A
• Shadow Figures: N/A
• Time Anomalies: N/A

Skepticism & Alternative Explanations

Auditory phenomena such as hearing voices can be influenced by environmental sounds (e.g., animals, wind, distant conversations) or psychological suggestion, especially in a cemetery known for ghost stories. The idea of exhumed, empty graves may be anecdotal or misreported, as no verifiable records of such findings are publicly available. The emotional weight of child mortality during an epidemic may also contribute to the development of ghost stories as a form of communal grief processing. Skeptics may argue that the legend reflects local folklore rather than documented paranormal activity.

Visitor Information

• Visiting Hours: Daylight hours recommended; after-dark visits may be restricted
• Fees or Costs: N/A
• Contact Info: Unknown
• Warnings/Restrictions: Respect burial site; no trespassing after dark