Toila Cemetery preserves the memory of people who lived and worked in the village and its surroundings. Here lie the graves of local teachers, musicians, and local historians, as well as burials connected to the family of the poet Igor Severyanin. Parking, tools, and designated areas for waste sorting are provided for visitors.
Address and Location
The cemetery is located on the outskirts of Toila in Ida-Viru County, Jõhvi Parish, on a hill near the Kõrve — Toila road. Fields border it on the west and south sides.
Access and Entrances
Several entrances lead into the grounds. A large parking lot is located in the central part, making it convenient to leave your car before visiting a grave site. This is especially useful if you need to bring flowers, plants, or materials for maintaining the plot.
Amenities on the Grounds
Waste sorting containers are installed for visitors. When cleaning up, please follow the signs: place plant waste, packaging, and used candles in their designated areas.
Tools for grave maintenance and a supply of sand for topping up are available on the grounds. Shared equipment must be returned to its place after use.
Special thanks go to the cemetery administration for taking care of cleanliness and order. Everyday conveniences such as available tools and organized waste collection make family plot maintenance much easier.
Buildings on the Grounds
The cemetery features a chapel built in 1895. The oldest section of burials is located around it. The chapel serves as a prominent landmark when searching for grave sites.
History of the Cemetery
Toila Cemetery was founded in 1870. One of the main initiators of its creation was a local public and cultural figure, Abram Simon. The consecration took place on December 20, 1870.
The cemetery gradually expanded. Old tombstones, fences, and low stone walls have been preserved here.
Ancient stone burial mounds are located near the cemetery. According to the Estonian Encyclopedia, archaeologists discovered Early Iron Age burials near its eastern border. These monuments are significantly older than the active cemetery and testify to the ancient population of the Toila area.
Notable Graves
The diagram published in the cemetery registry marks the following burials:
- Abram Simon (1844–1925). Cultural figure, one of the initiators of establishing the cemetery. In 1882, he built a local community hall building in Toila.
- Hans Kalle (1884–1967). Local historian and orchestra leader.
- Mari Konsa (1832–1923). Folk song performer.
- August Aron (1896–1930). Estonian major, veteran of the War of Independence, recipient of the Cross of Liberty.
- Natalia Lotarëv (died in 1921). Mother of Igor Severyanin. On the same diagram, under the same number, the poet’s wife, Felissa Kruut-Lotarëva, is also indicated.
Biographical information about Abram Simon: Ajakajad; about August Aron: biographical information.
Igor Severyanin himself is buried at Siselinna Cemetery in Tallinn. The graves of his relatives in Toila serve as a reminder of the poet’s long-standing connection to this seaside village. Source.
How to Find a Grave Site
Before your trip, use the Toila cemetery search register. Writing the first and last name in Latin script will be helpful for the search.
If the record is not found, check alternative spellings of the last name. Differences may occur in old documents and electronic records. A photo of the monument and information about relatives buried nearby will also assist in the search.
Map of historically significant graves:
Grave Care Services in Toila
If you are unable to visit the cemetery regularly, Angelio can help organize family grave plot maintenance. Services can include clearing leaves and branches, weed removal, monument care, and other required maintenance tasks.
To submit an inquiry, please prepare the name of the deceased, a photo of the grave, and its location if known.
