Buck Cemetery

Buck Cemetery

Overview

Buck Cemetery is a small, secluded graveyard located in Defiance County, Ohio. Tucked away several hundred yards off a dirt road and obscured by dense tree cover, the cemetery has developed a reputation for paranormal phenomena. Local legends describe mysterious lights along the entrance path and a spectral figure believed to be Mr. Buck—either a former caretaker or a hanged horse thief—who appears near the cemetery gates.

Location

• Address: Approximately 500 yards off a dirt road near Evansport, Ohio
• City/County: Evansport, Defiance County
• Public Access: Yes

Haunting / Legend Summary

According to legend, individuals walking the long, tree-lined path leading to Buck Cemetery often report seeing a mysterious glow near the cemetery gates. This light is said to vanish upon approach. Upon arrival, visitors have claimed to encounter an apparition hovering above them. This specter is commonly identified as "Mr. Buck," though accounts differ regarding his identity. Some say he was a cemetery caretaker; others claim he was a horse thief executed by hanging from a tree within the cemetery grounds. On clear, moonlit nights, the outline of a hanging figure is allegedly visible from the path.

Historical Background

There is not enough available information for this section.

Reported Phenomena

• Apparitions: A figure believed to be Mr. Buck seen hovering near the cemetery entrance; some report seeing a hanging figure on moonlit nights
• Cold Spots: N/A
• Voices/EVPs: N/A
• 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

• Some investigators suggest that the reported lights could be caused by atmospheric reflections, distant car headlights, or other explainable light sources.
• The apparition of Mr. Buck may be the result of pareidolia or heightened psychological suggestibility due to the cemetery’s isolation and associated folklore.
• There is no documented evidence to verify the identity or existence of Mr. Buck as a historical figure.

Visitor Information

• Visiting Hours: Not officially posted; visitors should be respectful and visit during daylight hours.
• Fees or Costs: None
• Contact Info: Unknown
• Warnings/Restrictions: Cemetery is in a remote, wooded area. Visitors should be cautious of uneven terrain and possible wildlife. Trespassing laws apply if posted.

Citations / References

• Originally published on the Haunted Toledo Facebook page on September 28, 2016.