| Address |
| 935 E Washington St, Lebanon, IN 46052, USA (Lebanon, Indiana)
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| Information |
Oak Hill Cemetery
This cemetery in Lebanon, Indiana was originally known as Rodefer Cemetery. The cemetery was founded on March 28, 1872. In the time since its creation, the cemetery has become the final resting place of a small number of famous people and one teenage-girl who was the victim of an infamous murder.
Abram O. Miller
Abram Miller was a Brevet Brigadier General for the Union army during the American Civil War. He was commander of the 72nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry; part of the famous "Lightning Brigade." Born in Ohio on October 2, 1827, his family relocated to Indiana when he was only a few years old. Besides serving in the military, Miller had careers as both a banker and a physician during his life. Miller was involved with the Battle of Rich Mountain in what is now West Virginia, the Tullahoma Campaign (AKA: Middle Tennessee Campaign), the Battle of Meridian (Mississippi), and the Battle of Selma (Alabama). He was gravely wounded while leading a charge at the Battle of Selma. He survived, but required months of hospitalization for his injury. After recuperating, he returned to service and was involved with the Union's pursuit (though not the capture) of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Miller returned to civilian life in Indiana. He passed away decades later on April 25, 1901 and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Sylvia Likens
The cemetery also holds the remains of Sylvia Likens, a sixteen year old girl who was slowly tortured and beaten to death over a period of months in 1965. Sylvia and her younger sister had been staying at the home of Gertrude Baniszewski (see The Sylvia Likens House) at the time of the teen's death. Left in the care of Gertrude by her carnie father, Sylvia became the victim of gradually worsening abuse by Gertrude, her children and other children from the neighborhood who were encouraged to harm her.
On October 26, 1965, Sylvia finally succumbed to hemorrhaging caused by the frequent beatings and abuse she suffered at the hands of the Baniszewskis and their friends. The murder case has become the subject of both books and movies, including Jack Ketchum's The Girl Next Door and An American Crime.
There is also a memorial to Sylvia in Willard Park (see Sylvia Likens Memorial) in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Visiting the Cemetery
The cemetery, which is located on the East side of Lebanon, Indiana, has a park-like appearance with large sections of lawn interspersed with shady areas moderately populated with trees. Besides General Miller and Sylvia Likens, visitors to the cemetery will find a pair of politicians (Congressman Thomas Cason and Senator Samuel Ralston) and pro-basketball player Paul "Pete" Mount. |
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| User Trips |
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| Related Sites |
Crime Library: Sylvia Likens
Article on the murder of Sylvia Likens at Crime Library. |
Wikipedia: Sylvia Likens
Entry for murder victim Sylvia Likens at Wikipedia. |
In Memory of Sylvia Likens
An online memorial to the memory of murder victim Sylvia Likens. |
The Center Against Domestic Violence
Web site for the Center Against Domestic Violence. Working to prevent domestic abuse and assist survivors of domestic abuse. |
International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
Website for the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. |
National Children's Alliance
Web site for the National Children's Alliance. An organization for the prevention and treatment of child abuse. |
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| Similar Destinations |
| American Legion Cemetery, Tampa, FL |
| Old Westminster Burial Ground |
| West Cemetery, Middlebury, VT |
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| See Also on TheCabinet.com |
| Blog: Dark Destination's Birthday: Top 25 Destinations (08/05/08) |
| Blog: The Dark Destinations Top 50 for Spring 2009 (05/24/09) |
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| Available from Amazon.com |
House of Evil: The Indiana Torture Slaying (St. Martin's True Crime Library) |
The Indiana Torture Slaying: Sylvia Likens' Ordeal and Death |
The Basement |
The Girl Next Door |
An American Crime |
The Girl Next Door |
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