Hillsdale in Hillsdale County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Potter's Field
Photographed By Craig Doda, December 28, 2019
1. Potter's Field Marker
Inscription.
Potter's Field. . Oak Grove Cemetery was privately owned when a section was set aside for its Potter's Field. This was a place for the indigent to be laid to rest. About fifty people are buried here, with some in the woods and most without a grave marker.
The term "Potter's Field comes from Matthew 27:3-8 in the Bible. After Judas received thirty pieces of silver from the Romans for betraying Jesus, he was overcome with guilt. He took the silver to the chief priests of the temple, crying, "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.” When the priests refused to accept it because it was blood money, he threw down the silver and left to hang himself. After careful deliberation the priests decided to use it to purchase a place to bury strangers. It's thought that the original site was in a valley that was the source of potter's clay, from which came the name "Potter's Field."
Oak Grove Cemetery was privately owned when a section was set
aside for its Potter's Field. This was a place for the indigent to be
laid to rest. About fifty people are buried here, with some in the
woods and most without a grave marker.
The term "Potter's Field comes from Matthew 27:3-8 in the Bible.
After Judas received thirty pieces of silver from the Romans for
betraying Jesus, he was overcome with guilt. He took the silver to
the chief priests of the temple, crying, "I have sinned in that I have
betrayed the innocent blood.” When the priests refused to accept it
because it was blood money, he threw down the silver and left to
hang himself. After careful deliberation the priests decided to use it
to purchase a place to bury strangers. It's thought that the original
site was in a valley that was the source of potter's clay, from which
came the name "Potter's Field."
Location. 41° 56.417′ N, 84° 38.1′ W. Marker is in Hillsdale, Michigan, in Hillsdale County. Marker is on E. Montgomery Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hillsdale MI 49242, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Oak Grove Cemetery Association (approx. 0.2 miles away);
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 434 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 25, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
