Des Plaines in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

John Markgraff

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

1. John Markgraff Marker

Inscription. In memory of
John Markgraff
Pvt. Motor Truck Co. 530
Oct. 9, 1918

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World I.

Location. 42° 2.331′ N, 87° 53.193′ W. Memorial is in Des Plaines, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on East Prairie Avenue east of Pearson Street, on the left when traveling east. The marker is in a small World War I garden located on the grounds of the Des Plaines History Museum. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 781 Pearson Street, Des Plaines IL 60016, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Frederick Ladendorf (here, next to this marker); George Cook

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(here, next to this marker); Ernest Mensching (here, next to this marker); Anthony Biba (here, next to this marker); World War I Memorial (here, next to this marker); Ernst Beth (here, next to this marker); Elmer Zaleski (here, next to this marker); Socrates Rand Grist Mill (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Des Plaines.

More about this memorial. Pvt. Markgraff is one of seven Des Plaines men who died in World War I and were honored with small plaques that are preserved in a small garden on the grounds of the Des Plaines History Center. An article about the creation of this garden could not be found. The seven plaques are presumed to have previously been erected somewhere outdoors in Des Plaines (and each has been given its own listing), but it could not be determined where.

Regarding John Markgraff. According to his draft registration card, submitted on June 5, 1917, in Maine Township (which includes Des Plaines), John A. Markgraff was born on November 11, 1894, in Des Plaines, and was at the time working as a farmer for his father in Des Plaines. Information about his service in World

World War I memorial garden image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

2. World War I memorial garden

War I could not be found, but he can be found on lists of U.S. troops who went missing during battle.

Des Plaines History Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 21, 2025

3. Des Plaines History Center

The WWI garden is on the right side of this photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3. submitted on March 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.