Highland Township in Highland Charter Township in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
West Highland Cemetery
Side 1
The need for a burying ground arose soon after Highland's first settlers arrived in the 1830s. They "laid out" an acre for cemetery use in 1835-36. The Highland Baptist Church bought the land in 1841. In 1915, at the urging of the Ladies Aid society, the West Highland Cemetery Association organized to improve the cemetery. It added an iron fence and plantings, and in 1927 took over ownership. In 1934 more than one hundred spruce trees were planted. By 1977, when ownership passed to Highland Township, the cemetery had grown to four acres in size. Although some of the earliest grave markers have disappeared, several hundred gravestones and monuments displaying a variety of nineteenth century funerary art remain.
Side 2
This cemetery is the final resting place of several Highland area settlers and prominent citizens, including Rufus Tenny. He arrived in 1832 and became the township's first supervisor. The area's first church service, school and township meeeting were held at the farm of his brother Jesse. Also buried here is Squire W. Rowe, who settled in Highland in 1835. He was township supervisor for many years before being elected to serve in the Michigan House of Representatives in 1865. John Mudge was the first veteran interred here. He served as a chaplain during the American Revolution and died in 1839 at the age of 84. Other burials included veterans of the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam Conflict.
Erected 2011 by Michigan Historical Commission — Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2221.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.
Location. 42° 37.724′ N, 83° 39.585′ W. Marker is in Highland Charter Township, Michigan, in Oakland County. It is in Highland Township. Marker can be reached from South Hickory Ridge Road, half a mile south of Highland Road (State Highway 59), on the left when traveling south. Marker is about 450 feet east of South Hickory Ridge Road, near the east end of the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 977 South Hickory Ridge Road, Highland MI 48356, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rowe House (approx. ¾ mile away); Methodist Episcopal Church of Highland Station (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Village Of Highland Station (approx. 2.1 miles away); Pettibone Creek Mills (approx. 2.7 miles away); Priscilla Calkins Prior House (approx. 2.9 miles away); Eaton Cabinet & Chair Factory (approx. 3.7 miles away); Hibbard Tavern (approx. 3.9 miles away); Pettibone Grist Mill 1846 (approx. 3.9 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Rufus Tenny Sr. PHoto of Rufus Tenny's gravestone on the Find A Grave website. (Submitted on November 10, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. Squire Washington Rowe. Photo of Squire Rowe's gravestone on the Find A Grave website. Also includes a biography of Squire Rowe. (Submitted on November 10, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
3. John Mudge. Photo of John Mudge's gravestone on the Find A Grave website. Also includes a biography of John Mudge. (Submitted on November 10, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 150 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 10, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.