Downers Grove in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Main Street Cemetery
A Downers Grove Historic Site
— circa 1856 —
October 5, 2012
1. Main Street Cemetery Marker
Inscription.
Main Street Cemetery. A Downers Grove Historic Site. In 1856, Samuel Curtiss donated part of his sheep pasture for use as a cemetery. He was later paid $15 for the land, money from individuals who formed a cemetery association in 1864. Nearly 100 members of Downers Grove's early families, including Israel Blackburn, a freedman, and members of the Blanchard, Curtiss and Wells families are buried here. The cemetery was used until 1939 when Emma Foster Miller was the last to be interred. It is one of the few American cemeteries located in a main business district.
In 1856, Samuel Curtiss donated part of his sheep pasture for use as a cemetery. He was later paid $15 for the land, money from individuals who formed a cemetery association in 1864. Nearly 100 members of Downers Grove's early families, including Israel Blackburn, a freedman, and members of the Blanchard, Curtiss and Wells families are buried here. The cemetery was used until 1939 when Emma Foster Miller was the last to be interred. It is one of the few American cemeteries located in a main business district.
Erected 2000 by The Downers Grove Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 41° 47.575′ N, 88° 0.621′ W. Marker is in Downers Grove, Illinois, in DuPage County. Marker is on Main Street, 0.1 miles south of Curtiss Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Downers Grove IL 60515, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2012. This page has been viewed 610 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 5, 2012. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
