The first burying place in Marysville was situated on North Walnut Street.  Just when this old cemetery, within the city limits, began to be used is not ascertained but it would appear that this ground was set aside and used for burial soon after the Village of Marysville was platted in 1819.  In 1893, the New York Central Railroad procured right of way through the village; it became necessary to move the cemetery to a new location.  Inscriptions on many of the old headstones were so worn by the storms over the years, they were illegible.  However, some headstones held recording figures as early as 1824.

Many victims of the great and bloody War between the States were buried in this old cemetery.  Among them was Colonel Joseph A. Hawkins of Marysville, killed at the battle of Stone River, Tennessee in January of 1863.  The army returned his body with full military honors; his horse with saddle and stirrups reversed, was a spectacular part of the big military funeral.

On June 5, 1877, Marysville citizens voted to raise a tax sufficient to purchase grounds for a new cemetery.  On April 11, 1879, by action of the village council, 39.5 acres of woodland located one mile west of town between Bellefontaine and Raymond roads were purchased from J.C. and Providence Dynes, of Paris Township for $1,975.00.  This tract of land was platted into lots and driveways and given the name of Oakdale Cemetery.

The plots used in the first section (present Section C) were laid out in a circular fashion, with future lots radiating from the central round lot.  This center round lot is owned by the Cluggage family and has the tallest monument in the cemetery.  All other sections are plotted in a square fashion.  The present area of Oakdale Cemetery is 45.46 acres extending between Route 33 and County Road 191 (also known as Raymond Road).

The first burial in Oakdale was that of a little child, Earl Lynn Wilcox, age 1 year.  His was buried May 14, 1880.  The cemetery trustees enclosed this first grave with an iron fence, which still stands today.

There are a number of famous local persons buried at Oakdale.  Among them are Noah Orr who was known as "Marysville's Giant", James E. Robinson (grandfather of former first lady Barbara Bush), Colonel Dana W. Morey, and General Robert S. Beightler.  For more information about these and others buried at Oakdale, visit the Union County Historical Society at 246 W. 6th Street.  Call (937) 644-0568 for hours of operation.

Oakdale Cemetery consists of 45.46 total acres, some of which is undeveloped.  Currently there are slightly over 11,000 interments.