Collinsville in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Glenwood Cemetery

Photographed by Jason Voigt, March 26, 2021

1. Glenwood Cemetery Marker

Inscription. This cemetery was the original burial place for the first settlers of the Collinsville community. It was donated by the first settler, William B. Collins. Since there were no city officials then, it was deeded to the care of the trustees of the First Presbyterian Church. The first worship service of that church was held in a frame house erected in 1818. The first burial in 1822 was a worker on the farm of Peter Johnson named, Michael Squires. Mr. Collins and Mr. Johnson walked out on this ridge and decided on the location of the first grave. For a number of years, it was the only cemetery in Collinsville; hence, people of all religions, nationalities, and races are buried here. In 1849 there were forty deaths of cholera in forty-two days. One was a stage driver who died enroute. Another epidemic in 1918, this time flu, filled many additional graves. Among those were Mrs. Fred Beidler who had traveled to Wasington to plead with Abraham Lincoln for the release of her ill husband from duty in the Civil War.

Glenwood is the resting place of many veterans. The first was a Revolutionary War soldier, William B. Collins. Also,

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there are ninety Civil War veterans which included seven black soldiers, one Confederate, and one Congressional Medal of Honor winner, 1st Lt. N.S. McKeen, 21st Vol. Illinois Infantry. In addition, there are four veterans, plus many from W.W. I and II. Among the notables buried here was Arthur Fletcher, coach of the New York Yankees.

This is Glenwood Cemetery, original burial ground of the Collinsville community. Once they lived, but now as the poet has said: "Each in his narrow cell for ever laid, the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." Here where they sleep, it is hallowed ground.

Erected 1989 by First United Presbyterian Church trustees.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Sports • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.

Location. 38° 40.041′ N, 89° 59.103′ W. Marker is in Collinsville, Illinois, in Madison County. It is at the intersection of Cemetery Street and South Center Street, on the right when traveling east on Cemetery Street. Marker is located at the north entrance of the cemetery. Touch for map.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, March 26, 2021

2. Glenwood Cemetery Marker

At the north entrance

Marker is at or near this postal address: 230 S Center St, Collinsville IL 62234, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Freedom Tree (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Civil War Memorial (about 700 feet away); Spanish War Veterans (about 700 feet away); City of Collinstown Uptown Tour (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Collinsville Historical Museum (approx. ¼ mile away); The 1986 Additions to the Library Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Magnolia Tree (approx. 0.3 miles away); Collinsville Masonic Temple (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Collinsville.

Also see . . .
1. Glenwood Cemetery.

Supplementary plaques image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, March 26, 2021

3. Supplementary plaques

below the marker

The cemetery's website. Contains photos and history. (Submitted on March 26, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

2. Glenwood Cemetery (Findagrave). Profile for the cemetery on the user-generated website, Findagrave.com. (Submitted on March 26, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 647 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 26, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.