Union Ridge in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Civil War Memorial
Fraternity Charity Loyalty
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2025
1. Civil War Memorial Marker
Officers Committee
F.L. Cook, Com. M. Thomas, S.V.C. L.S. Rasmussen, J.V.C. A.M. Slusser, Surg. L.L. Hollis, Chap. C.L. Webster, O.D. D.W. Blair, Q.M. J.D. Dyer, O.G. C.F. Gooding, Adjt. C.J. Johnson, O.M.S. G.W. Smith, S.M.
Committee
E.A. Keeler, Chairman D.S. Bolkcom N.B. Burton M. Thomas F.L. Cook C.F. Gooding H.A. Garnum, Supt.
Past Commanders
G.W. Smith E.A. Keeler D.W. Blair C.L. Webster C.F. Gooding O.L. Barbour D.C. Bolkcom L.D. Garratt
Erected 1900 by Benjamin F. Butler Post 754, Grand Army of the Republic.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the The Grand Army of the Republic series list.
Location. 41° 58.847′ N, 87° 47.734′ W. Memorial is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Union Ridge. It is at the intersection of West Higgins Road and West Talcott Avenue
this page online
Regionally, this memorial is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Norwood Park Vietnam Veterans Memorial (approx. Ύ mile away); Location of the 1st Tee at Irving Golf Club (approx. 0.9 miles away); Land Acknowledgement (approx. 1.3 miles away); 91101 (approx. 1.3 miles away); Wright College Prairie Garden (approx. 1½ miles away); a different marker also named Wright College Prairie Garden (approx. 1½ miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.6 miles away); John Wingert House (approx. 1.6 miles away).
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2025
2. Civil War Memorial
The plaque is affixed to the base for a small cannon.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Noble-Seymour-Crippen House (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this memorial. The plaque is affixed to the base holding an 1844 flanking howitzer cannon. The memorial is surrounded by a dozen or so headstones for Civil War veterans.
Regarding Civil War Memorial. Benjamin Butler G.A.R. Post 754 was formed in 1893 on Chicago's far northwest side, where this cemetery is located. Its final living member was Eduard Scharenberg. Scharenberg (Edward Scharenburg in some sources) was born in 1841 in Germany and came to the United States in 1852. He enlisted in the Union Army soon after the start of the Civil War, and he served as a cavalryman until he was captured and held for six months in a Confederate prison in Staunton, Virginia. According to various news reports, he lived at 5146 W. Strong, about two miles east of this cemetery. Scharenberg died in August 1939, less than two weeks after his 98th birthday, and was buried here at Union Ridge.
Also see . . .
1. Roster of Benj. Butler G.A.R. Post 754.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2025
3. Civil War Memorial
2. Union Ridge Cemetery: Our Story.
Excerpt: "Union Ridge Cemetery (URC) has a rich history dating back to 1838 when Henry Smith, an early settler, donated a small corner of his land to establish a burial ground. In 1841, Henry Smith became the first recorded burial, marking the beginning of URCs long-standing legacy. Situated on 17.63 acres at the intersection of Higgins and Talcott, URC is one of the oldest operational cemeteries in the Chicagoland area, welcoming all who seek a final resting place for their loved ones."(Submitted on May 13, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2025
4. Union Ridge Cemetery office building
The sign says that this is Chicago's second oldest cemetery, dating to 1841.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 13, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
