Elmwood Cemetery (Detroit, Michigan)
Encyclopedia
Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit
is one of Michigan's
most important historic cemeteries. Located at 1200 Elmwood Street in Detroit's Eastside Historic Cemetery District
, Elmwood is the oldest continuously operating, non-denominational cemetery in Michigan. The cemetery was dedicated October 8, 1846 as a rural cemetery
and incorporated as a non-profit corporation by Special Act 62 of the Michigan Legislature
on March 5, 1849. The first burial occurred three weeks prior to the dedication on September 10, 1846. Founded by some of early Detroit’s leading residents, Elmwood originally covered 42 acres (169,968.1 m²). Over time, it expanded to encompass 86 acres (348,030 m²) and is the final resting-place many notable Detroiters as well as ordinary citizens. In 1850, however, the cemetery became slightly smaller when Temple Beth El
purchased one-half acre to establish what is now Michigan's oldest Jewish Cemetery. The State of Michigan designated it as a State Historic Site in 1975.
Elmwood was the first fully integrated cemetery in the Midwest. A short distance from downtown Detroit, Elmwood continues to serve residents of all ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs.
Elmwood’s park-like grounds containing a gently-flowing stream and low hills were designed in 1890 by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted
. They are based on the design of Mount Auburn Cemetery
in Cambridge
, Massachusetts
.
The Gothic Revival
chapel on the grounds was constructed in 1856. It underwent renovation in 1961 and was destroyed by fire in 1976. With a public outpouring of support, the building was restored and continues to play an important role.
In 1874, the State of Michigan purchased a section to inter Civil War
veterans and in 1876, the Firemen's Lot was dedicated with a monument that depicts firefighting equipment and the fire hall that once stood at the corner of the present Renaissance Center
on Randolph and Jefferson Avenue. The Civil War section holds 205 graves today.
The Gothic Revival gatehouse was added in 1876 and in 2003 its portal was closed and filled with a reception room designed to harmonize with the historic architecture. The gate was closed because it was unable accommodate larger vehicles which needed access to the grounds.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
is one of Michigan's
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
most important historic cemeteries. Located at 1200 Elmwood Street in Detroit's Eastside Historic Cemetery District
Eastside Historic Cemetery District
The Eastside Historic Cemetery District is a historic district bounded by Elmwood Avenue, Mt. Elliott Avenue, Lafayette Street, and Waterloo Street in Detroit, Michigan...
, Elmwood is the oldest continuously operating, non-denominational cemetery in Michigan. The cemetery was dedicated October 8, 1846 as a rural cemetery
Rural cemetery
The rural cemetery or garden cemetery is a style of burial ground that uses landscaping in a park-like setting.As early as 1711 the architect Sir Christopher Wren had advocated the creation of burial grounds on the outskirts of town, "inclosed with a strong Brick Wall, and having a walk round, and...
and incorporated as a non-profit corporation by Special Act 62 of the Michigan Legislature
Michigan Legislature
The Michigan Legislature is the legislative assembly of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is organized as a bicameral body consisting of the Senate, the upper house, and the House of Representatives, the lower house. Article IV of the state's Constitution, adopted in 1963, defines the role of the...
on March 5, 1849. The first burial occurred three weeks prior to the dedication on September 10, 1846. Founded by some of early Detroit’s leading residents, Elmwood originally covered 42 acres (169,968.1 m²). Over time, it expanded to encompass 86 acres (348,030 m²) and is the final resting-place many notable Detroiters as well as ordinary citizens. In 1850, however, the cemetery became slightly smaller when Temple Beth El
Temple Beth El (Detroit, Michigan)
Temple Beth El, also known as Temple Beth-El, is a Reform synagogue currently located in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Beth El was founded in 1850 in the city of Detroit, and is the oldest Jewish congregation in Michigan....
purchased one-half acre to establish what is now Michigan's oldest Jewish Cemetery. The State of Michigan designated it as a State Historic Site in 1975.
Elmwood was the first fully integrated cemetery in the Midwest. A short distance from downtown Detroit, Elmwood continues to serve residents of all ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs.
Elmwood’s park-like grounds containing a gently-flowing stream and low hills were designed in 1890 by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted
Frederick Law Olmsted
Frederick Law Olmsted was an American journalist, social critic, public administrator, and landscape designer. He is popularly considered to be the father of American landscape architecture, although many scholars have bestowed that title upon Andrew Jackson Downing...
. They are based on the design of Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery was founded in 1831 as "America's first garden cemetery", or the first "rural cemetery", with classical monuments set in a rolling landscaped terrain...
in Cambridge
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, in the Greater Boston area. It was named in honor of the University of Cambridge in England, an important center of the Puritan theology embraced by the town's founders. Cambridge is home to two of the world's most prominent...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
.
The Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival architecture
The Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the 1740s in England...
chapel on the grounds was constructed in 1856. It underwent renovation in 1961 and was destroyed by fire in 1976. With a public outpouring of support, the building was restored and continues to play an important role.
In 1874, the State of Michigan purchased a section to inter Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
veterans and in 1876, the Firemen's Lot was dedicated with a monument that depicts firefighting equipment and the fire hall that once stood at the corner of the present Renaissance Center
Renaissance Center
Renaissance Center is a group of seven interconnected skyscrapers in Downtown Detroit, Michigan, United States. Located on the International Riverfront, the Renaissance Center complex is owned by General Motors as its world headquarters...
on Randolph and Jefferson Avenue. The Civil War section holds 205 graves today.
The Gothic Revival gatehouse was added in 1876 and in 2003 its portal was closed and filled with a reception room designed to harmonize with the historic architecture. The gate was closed because it was unable accommodate larger vehicles which needed access to the grounds.
Some prominent burials
- Russell A. AlgerRussell A. AlgerRussell Alexander Alger was the 20th Governor and U.S. Senator from the state of Michigan and also U.S. Secretary of War during the Presidential administration of William McKinley...
, Michigan governor (1885-1887), U.S. SenatorUnited States SenateThe United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
, and U.S. Secretary of WarUnited States Secretary of WarThe Secretary of War was a member of the United States President's Cabinet, beginning with George Washington's administration. A similar position, called either "Secretary at War" or "Secretary of War," was appointed to serve the Congress of the Confederation under the Articles of Confederation... - William Edmond ArmitageWilliam Edmond ArmitageWilliam Edmond Armitage was a clergyman of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Born in the City of New York, he graduated from Columbia College in 1849 and the General Theological Seminary in 1852. He was ordained Deacon in the Church of the Transfiguration, New York on June 27,...
second Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of WisconsinEpiscopal Diocese of MilwaukeeEpiscopal Diocese of Milwaukee is the diocese of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America located in the southern area of Wisconsin. It is in Province V . The Rt. Reverend Steven Miller is the bishop.-Cathedral:...
(1870-1873) - John BiddleJohn Biddle (Michigan)John Biddle was a delegate to the United States Congress from the Michigan Territory.-Early life and military career:...
, delegate to U.S. CongressUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
from Michigan TerritoryMichigan TerritoryThe Territory of Michigan was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from June 30, 1805, until January 26, 1837, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Michigan...
, Mayor of Detroit (1827-1828) - Henry Billings BrownHenry Billings BrownHenry Billings Brown was an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from January 5, 1891, to May 28, 1906. He was the author of the opinion for the Court in Plessy v...
, Associate JusticeAssociate JusticeAssociate Justice or Associate Judge is the title for a member of a judicial panel who is not the Chief Justice in some jurisdictions. The title "Associate Justice" is used for members of the United States Supreme Court and some state supreme courts, and for some other courts in Commonwealth...
of the Supreme Court of the United StatesSupreme Court of the United StatesThe Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all state and federal courts, and original jurisdiction over a small range of cases...
(1890-1906) - Lewis CassLewis CassLewis Cass was an American military officer and politician. During his long political career, Cass served as a governor of the Michigan Territory, an American ambassador, a U.S. Senator representing Michigan, and co-founder as well as first Masonic Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan...
, Michigan Territorial Governor (1813-1831), U.S. Senator, U.S. Secretary of War, U.S. Secretary of StateUnited States Secretary of StateThe United States Secretary of State is the head of the United States Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs. The Secretary is a member of the Cabinet and the highest-ranking cabinet secretary both in line of succession and order of precedence... - Zachariah ChandlerZachariah ChandlerZachariah Chandler was Mayor of Detroit , a four-term U.S. Senator from the state of Michigan , and Secretary of the Interior under U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant .-Family:...
, U.S. Senator from Michigan, U.S. Secretary of the InteriorUnited States Secretary of the InteriorThe United States Secretary of the Interior is the head of the United States Department of the Interior.The US Department of the Interior should not be confused with the concept of Ministries of the Interior as used in other countries...
, Mayor of Detroit (1851-1852) - Philip St. George CookePhilip St. George CookePhilip St. George Cooke was a career United States Army cavalry officer who served as a Union General in the American Civil War. He is noted for his authorship of an Army cavalry manual, and is sometimes called the "Father of the U.S...
, U.S. Civil WarAmerican Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
GeneralGeneral (United States)In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. General ranks above lieutenant general and below General of the Army or General of the Air Force; the Marine Corps does not have an... - Donald M. DickinsonDonald M. DickinsonDonald McDonald Dickinson was a lawyer and politician from the U.S. state of Michigan.Dickinson was born in Oswego County, New York, and moved with his family to Michigan when he was two years old...
, U.S. Postmaster GeneralUnited States Postmaster GeneralThe United States Postmaster General is the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Postal Service. The office, in one form or another, is older than both the United States Constitution and the United States Declaration of Independence...
(1888-1889) - Elon FarnsworthElon Farnsworth (Michigan Attorney General)Elon Farnsworth was an American lawyer and politician. He served as both Attorney General and Chancellor of the state of Michigan.- Biography :...
, Attorney General (1843-1845) and ChancellorMichigan Court of ChanceryThe Court of Chancery was the court with jurisdiction in cases of equity in the state of Michigan between 1836 and 1847, presided over by a Chancellor. In certain cases, appeal could be made to the Michigan Supreme Court....
of Michigan - Douglass HoughtonDouglass HoughtonDouglass Houghton was an American geologist and physician, primarily known for his exploration of the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan.-Early life and education:...
, geologist and Mayor of Detroit (1842) - Bela HubbardBela HubbardBela Hubbard was a 19th century naturalist, geologist, writer, surveyor, explorer and civic leader of early Detroit, Michigan. Hubbard is noted as one of the pioneer geologists of Michigan starting with expeditions undertaken, while in his twenties, with Michigan's geologist Douglass Houghton...
(1814-1896), geologist, surveyor - Jonathan KearsleyJonathan KearsleyJonathan Kearsley was an American military officer and politician. He fought in the War of 1812 and was a two-time mayor of Detroit.- Early life:...
, two-time Mayor of Detroit (1826, 1829) and veteran of the War of 1812War of 1812The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant... - Charles LarnedCharles LarnedGeneral Charles Larned was an American lawyer, military officer, and politician. He fought in the War of 1812 and was Attorney General of Michigan Territory.- Early life :...
, Attorney General of Michigan Territory and veteran of the War of 1812 - Lucius LyonLucius LyonLucius Lyon was a U.S. statesman from the state of Michigan. He was born in Shelburne, Vermont, where he received a common school education and studied engineering and surveying...
, U.S. Senator (1837-1839) and first Congressman from Michigan's Second District - Margaret MatherMargaret MatherMargaret Mather was a Canadian actress.She was born in poverty in Tilbury, Ontario as Margaret Finlayson, daughter of John Finlayson, a farmer and mechanic, and Ann Mather...
(1859-1898), Victorian actress - James McMillan, U.S. senator from 1889 to 1902
- Truman H. Newberry, businessman, U.S. Senator from Michigan (1919-1922), Secretary of the NavyUnited States Secretary of the NavyThe Secretary of the Navy of the United States of America is the head of the Department of the Navy, a component organization of the Department of Defense...
- John NorvellJohn NorvellJohn Norvell was a newspaper editor and one of the first U.S. Senators from Michigan.-History:Norvell was born in Danville, Kentucky, then still a part of Virginia, where he attended the common schools....
, U.S. Senator (1837-1841), War of 1812 veteran and newspaper editor - Thomas W. PalmerThomas W. PalmerThomas Witherell Palmer was a U.S. Senator from the state of Michigan. He is considered to be one of the most significant figures in the history of Detroit, Michigan....
, U.S. Senator (1883-1889) - Zina PitcherZina PitcherZina Pitcher was an American physician, politician, educator, and academic administrator. He was a president of the American Medical Association, a two-time mayor of Detroit and a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan.-Early life:Zina Pitcher was born in Sandy Hill, New York...
, physician and two-time Mayor of Detroit (1840-41, 1843) - Andrew PorterAndrew Porter (Civil War general)Andrew Porter was an American army officer who was a brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was an important staff officer under George B. McClellan during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign, serving as the Provost Marshal of the Army of the Potomac.-Early life and...
, American Civil War general in the Union Army - Jerome H. RemickJerome H. Remick__notoc__Jerome Hosmer Remick , was a Detroit music publisher, philanthropist and businessman from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.-Life and career:...
(1867-1931), music publisher - Solomon SibleySolomon SibleySolomon Sibley was a United States politician and jurist in the Michigan Territory.-Early life: 1769–1815:...
, delegate to U.S. Congress from Michigan Territory, Territorial Supreme Court Justice, and first Mayor of Detroit (1806) under the first charter - Fred "Sonic" Smith (1948-1994), guitarist best known for his work with the rock band MC5MC5The MC5 is an American rock band formed in Lincoln Park, Michigan and originally active from 1964 to 1972. The original band line-up consisted of vocalist Rob Tyner, guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred "Sonic" Smith, bassist Michael Davis, and drummer Dennis Thompson...
- Martha Jean SteinbergMartha Jean SteinbergMartha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg was an influential African-American radio broadcaster and later was also the pastor of her own church....
(1930-2000), Radio personality - David Stuart, Congressman (1853-1855)
- Coleman YoungColeman YoungColeman Alexander Young served as mayor of Detroit in the U.S. state of Michigan from 1974 to 1993. Young became the first African-American mayor of Detroit in the same week that Maynard Jackson became the first African-American mayor of Atlanta.-Pre-Mayoral career:Young was born in Tuscaloosa,...
, Mayor of Detroit (1974-1994) - Hiram WalkerHiram WalkerHiram Walker was an American grocer and distiller, and the eponym of the famous distillery in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Walker was born in East Douglas, Massachusetts, and moved to Detroit in the mid-1830s...
(1816-1899), entrepreneur; founder Hiram Walker and Sons - Walkerville, Ontario, Canada - Eber Brock WardEber Brock WardEber Brock Ward was an iron and steel manufacturer and shipbuilder. He was known as the "steamship king of the Great Lakes" and as the "first of the iron kings." Ward became Detroit's first millionaire. He was the wealthiest man in the Midwest, in his time, due his steel factories.Ward was into...
(1811-1875), Detroit’s first millionaire - John R. WilliamsJohn R. WilliamsJohn R Williams was an American soldier, merchant, and politician who is most well known for serving as the first mayor of Detroit, Michigan. In total, he served as Detroit's mayor for five other terms...
, first and sixth Mayor of Detroit under the second charter (1824-25, 1830) and namesake of John R Street - Thomas R. WilliamsThomas Williams (general)Thomas R. Williams was an antebellum United States Army officer and a brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was killed as he commanded the Union troops at the Battle of Baton Rouge....
, American Civil War general killed at the Battle of Baton RougeBattle of Baton Rouge (1862)The Battle of Baton Rouge was a ground and naval battle in the American Civil War fought in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, on August 5, 1862. The Union victory halted Confederate attempts to recapture the capital city of Louisiana.-Background:...