Ashland Cemetery Vandalism Sparks Outrage—and Uncovers Titanic Connection
ASHLAND, Ohio – Amid toppled headstones, shattered markers, and deep community outrage over the recent vandalism at Ashland Cemetery, a deeper story is emerging—one that connects the quiet grounds of this historic cemetery to one of the most iconic maritime tragedies in history: the sinking of the Titanic.
Residents are still reeling after unknown individuals desecrated parts of the cemetery earlier this month, causing an estimated $250,000 in damages. For many, the attack was not just against stone and soil—but against the very fabric of Ashland’s heritage.
“You can walk through and touch living heritage at every turn,” said Kenneth Heyl, third-generation owner of Heyl Funeral Home in Ashland. “It’s not just stones—it’s people’s lives, their legacies. My family is buried here. My mom and Dad are buried just right over there.” Pointing his finger eastward from where we were standing.
Heyl, like many others, is hoping those responsible are found and held accountable. But amid the grief and frustration, he also shared a story that highlights the profound significance of the cemetery as more than just a final resting place—it is a keeper of world history.
Sitting among the gravesites damaged is the memorial for Emily Alice Goldsmith Illman and her son, Frank John William “Frankie” Goldsmith Jr.—both survivors of the Titanic disaster.
According to Heyl and historical records, Emily and her husband Frank Sr., along with their nine-year-old son Frankie, boarded the RMS Titanic on April 10, 1912, in search of a new life in America. They were third-class passengers emigrating from Kent, England.
When the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, the family rushed to Collapsible Lifeboat C. Emily and young Frankie were allowed to board. Frank Sr. stayed behind—and perished in the icy waters of the North Atlantic.
Emily eventually remarried a man named Harry Illman in 1914 and settled in Ohio.
“Ironically, after surviving one of the greatest disasters of the 20th century, she died of natural causes in 1955 while traveling by train to visit relatives in Detroit.” commented Heyl, “She was buried here in Ashland Cemetery, and the memorial stone of her son is right there in front of her stone”
Frankie grew up to become a photographer and operated a photo shop in Mansfield before retiring to Florida. He passed away in 1982 at the age of 79. Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered over the Titanic wreck site—his final journey back to the sea that claimed his father.
“This cemetery holds stories like that at every turn,” said Heyl. “This isn’t just vandalism—it’s a disruption of sacred space and of our shared history.”
The Ashland Police Division is continuing its investigation into the vandalism. Meanwhile, community leaders, including Mayor Matt Miller, have encouraged residents to contribute to the restoration effort through the City of Ashland Cemetery Fund, noting the importance of centralized accountability for donations.
The Titanic story is just one of many woven into the fabric of Ashland Cemetery.
