USA > Michigan > Macomb County > Warren > Pioneer Cemeteries of Warren Township Warren Michigan in Macomb County > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
At that time there were 15 children buried for each 10 adults. A 10 foot by 30 foot lot can hold from 1-20 adults on just one layer 40 on two layers. Or 10-15 adults and with the room at the bottom am additional 1-120 children. That last number being babies. And with double layer 30 adults and 240 babies Of course this is in physical theory seems impossible but is quite possible. In practice many babies and children were buried at the ends of or on top of an adult burial. The concept of a standard grave size does not fit these old family plots. In a 10 foot by 30 foot at 24 inches 15 adults side by side or with 28 inches width 12.8 adults, with 30 inch width 12 adults and with 36 inches 10 adults side by side with room for children at the end. With a ten foot space there is four feet which means many babies, or several toddlers or a few preteens also would fit in a 10 by 30 lot. Of course we are talking of burials. If there was a family that wanted cremation many many more could be buried or sprinkled on/in that lot. So a 10 by 30 foot lot can have 1-30 adults and 1-240 babies. That are the physical possibilities but what about in practice. Without good records or digging up remains that answer is elusive. It appears most likely that there are probably 10-16 burials in a full 10x30 lot considering several being children or babies. Some lots have less some lots may have more than that. We don't have a way to find. Ground radar may not work on these old graves as caskets and bones disolve.
What about grave width. Now a study of existing lots shows that many graves average about 36 inches but some are less and some are more. Consulting history the standard coffin was only 28 inches wide on outside. Several spacings were computed with results below. Remember families were poor and saved everywhere they could so they could bury in narrow or wider space as they chose. The cemetery property is roughly 533.36 wide by 237.75 feet North but the first 27 rows are only about 166 feet North. The northern strip which is about 60 feet wide and goes full length of cemetery was probably used for stilborns, babies and paupers but is now eroded and wild. At 36 inch width that amounts to 3010 total grave spaces, at 30 inches 3721 grave spaces, at 28 inches 3987 grave spaces and at 24 inches 4651 grave spaces. This is total potential graves on one layer. Now subtract area behind fence if it is determined that it wasn't used, but it was used at least a little because bones have been sighted in the erosion in past. This was a good place for stillborns, day old nameless babies and paupers and by those who wanted to bury someone and not pay for a grave. Oh come on would you want to keep a body in your house.
Row 49 would have 95 graves at 30 inch spacing 79 at 36 inch 101 at 28 inch and 118 at 24 inch grave spacing.
Row 28 would have 95 graves at 30 inch spacing 79 at 36 inch 101 at 28 inch and 118 at 24 inch grave spacing.
Row 27 would have 66 graves at 30 inch spacing 55 at 36 inch 71 at 28 inch and 83 at 24 inch grave spacing.
Row 2 would have 57 graves at 30 inch spacing 47 at 36 inch 47 at 28 inch and 74 at 24 inch grave spacing.
Row 1 is not counted as it has been intruded upon by West property owner. And what is cemetery property and what was cemetery property is unknown without a survey. The deed states the line is straight but now his land encroaches into the cemetery for his drainage.
I have chosen in my computations to use 36 inch width figure because I can just list the graves in yards and because I think it fits the thinking of the people and the times. Families could and did bury closer than that and some farther apart depending on financial needs, weather at burial etc. Charting this out on a map worked fairly well to the 36 inch width.
Now how deep. Even now even states differ Florida minimum is 12 inches but this can be waved by next of kin. Many states use the six foot standard some states are less and private cemeteries also vary. Was that enforced? Well in the 1850s the family itself had to dig the grave or hire someone. If the body had an infectious disease or the family was ill or weak or if the ground was frozen or if it was pouring rain all of that influenced how deep the grave was dug. More than one person including a sexton informed me to be careful in digging around in cemeteries because in a few cases the remains were not far below the surface. Babies and stillborns were often not buried at six feet even today. So to
answer the question of how deep are the remains the answer is we don't know and I am not gong to dig to find out. Let them rest in peace. This is why I objected to Warren hysterical society's new rule that all foundations must be 42 inches deep. This could easily put a contractors machine digger into remains. They brushed me off saying suddenly that it would be handled by the committee. What committee? Who appointed them grave police? Who do they think they are to tell a family that they can't put a marker, epitaph or name brick on a family plot that is a hundred years old and have to hire a contractor to dig down 42 inches and aerate the concrete. They are insisting on this but ignore stones seriously tilting that can kill children or hurt people.
On May 24, 1884 the trustees of the Evangelical St Paul's Church purchased the east portion of the cemetery. The name refers to the union of the Methodist and the St Paul's congregations cemetery. A Warren Union Cemetery Association was organized in 1852. The historical marker states it consists of two and one quarter acres. (But it now may be a bit larger than that because the Red Run edge was vacated.)
Various parcels of land were added to the cemetery. In addition the easement of the Government land which runs 160 feet from the center of the Red Run River means that no one can build anything on the north side of the cemetery property. All that is allowed is plants.
All and any property which had been owned to the North of the cemetery was either sold to become part of the cemetery or abandoned due to the easement which runs up to the cemetery property. Currently this easement is the River, the embankment, mowed weeds about 40 feed wide and the rest up to the cemetery fence is tree and shrub covered and now eroded with much decaying wood and overgrown. If you want to dispose of a body it is the almost perfect place. At a cemetery, out of sight soft ground possible bodies and easy access.
For over 100 years the cemetery was maintained by family members and the two churches. The Methodist church abandoned the upkeep of the cemetery around the 1960s and are Guilty of betraying the trust of the community by not at least protecting the records. What a shame!
St Pauls kept up their side thru the years but the West side grew into a jungle.
The Warren Historical Society began saving the cemetery in the late 1970s.
It sponsored the first clean up fix up on Aug 12, 1978. Fotos were in a blue album.
Cleanups-fixups were held yearly in May starting in 1979.
The Warren Historical Society because of its work was awarded a Distinguished Service Award from Keep Michigan Beautiful in 1988.
A girl scout troop from the May V Peck school help (leader Suzanne Thebert help with clean-up on May 22, 1980. May V Peck was the last burial in the west end. Was in 1980. Property owners can still bury relatives there as cemetery property does not expire.
Cleanups were held in may in the 1980 .
On June 8, 1982 a "Walk thru the Past" tour and picnic was begun. Dorothy wrote her cemetery story.
In 1986 200 letters were sent to surviving residents and current residents requesting contributions. And $3200 was raised.
Warren Historical Society voted to contribute all of the profits from their annual Homecoming raffle to the Cemetery fund. In 1986 the raffle made a profit of $1264.
With this the Warren Historical Society in 1986 installed a six foot chain fence around the west, north and east sides, a total of 748 feet. Cost of $2,557,00. Also front fence was repaired from car crash. Cost $975.
Stones repaired in west end $382.
Another repair to front fence from another car crash. $208.
Monthly summer mowings at $75 = $450 per mowing plus new power mower and gas weed whip. . $317.
Through action of the Warren Historical Society the city was convinced that street lights would help deter vandalism. In summer of 1986 5 new street lights were installed on North side of Chicago Rd in front of Warren Union Cemetery.
1987 clean up at east end as Denise Bourjaily the mower had so well cared for West end ..
Chris singletree again hired to repair some broken stones June 27, 1987. Society paid half St Paul paid other. Total bill $260 ..
Homecoming raffle of 1987earned $845. and was donated to cemetery fund.
Dorothy Cummings and Pat Hallman conducted Cemetery Walk Sep 13, 1987. 50 people attended. Souvenir map printed on parchment paper designed by D Cummings and Jerry Schmeisser from Planning Commission.
Following death of Harold Stilwell Warren Historical Society voted to install a new sign in h is honor. New sign commissioned $200. Installation free donation from Roger Vander Vlucht who owns old Murthum house.
In 1987 a young oak tree was donated by Maria Osterloh and planted in the west side of the cemetery by Maria and Dorothy Cummings.
In 1987 a young flowering crab tree was donated by Dorothea Peterjohn and planted in the west side by Maria and Dorothy.
Dorothy Cummings had a sign painted and tagged the old spruce tree as an Indian Marker Tree. At Christmas time Dorothy put a red ribbon and bow on it. 1987 Mowings total $450.
1988 Dorothy Comings working with St Paul to create an endowment fund for the continuing care of the entire Warren Union Cemetery.
Locks installed on all 3 gates for winter 87-88. Since no evidence of vandalism with new street lights we did not repeat this in future years.
Aug 24, 1988 received Distinguished Service Plaque from keep Michigan Beautiful for the beautification efforts in the cemetery.
1989 the St Paul's Cemetery Trust Fund papers were signed. Trustees: Merle Loch, Marilyn Dopp, & Dorothy Cummings.
1990 Nov 11 New flag pole and flag installed complements of "Woodsmen of America. Work done by Andy Plischenko and June Cox.
1991 May 5 Denise Bourjaily began mowing the entire cemetery.
Rat Stilwell had the cemetery sign painted.
1992 Sep 19 Dedication ceremony for Michigan Historic Marker. Representatives from Warren Historic Commission presented the marker. Mayor Bonkowski was present to accept and ministers from both St Paul and Methodist church were present. Approx 100 people attended.
1993 June 5 "Matts Lawn Care" took over mowing of cemetery. 1994 July Matt sold business to "Showcase lawn Service" owner Joe Machiniak.
1993 April 28 A time capsule closing ceremony was held at 2 PM to celebrate the Centennial of the Village of Warren.
1994 April The Grobbel group, 4H Garden Club started the Butterfly Garden in the cemetery. They laid out the "flagstone" cement walk; installed a wooden bench; dug up ground and planted some flowers.
1996 October a Joint work from Warren Historical Society and Warren Garden Club cleaned up and replanted the Butterfly garden. This work has been repeated most years since.
Beginning in 1998 Tom Turmel of Warren has donated and installed as of 1999 28 trees and many shrubs. Before this time most of the cemetery was only grass with only the few big trees and the new
Oak and Crab apple tree. As of 2012 one can see that he has transformed the cemetery into a place of beauty. He has done all of this without pay. Fourteen years later a stone plaque was presented to him and was going to be placed in the flower garden at Warren Union Cemetery but will end up in Toms personal garden for fear of the Warren Historical Society stealing that also.
2003 April "Showcase Lawn Service" sold business to "GDM Lawn care" owner June Mead. 2010 a Memorial to all soldiers, veterans and those who died on attacks on our country was donated anonymously by families. It urged our young people to be Vigilant and be prepared.
In 2011 the Village commission had extra money in its city account and decided it was going to donate a memorial to veterans interred in the cemetery. It was placed in the cemetery with great fanfare, The dedication was June 15, 2011. Old time military band (5th Michigan Regiment Band) playing, mayor speaking and the Warren Police Honor guard .. Tent set up for shelter. Lots of guests and publicity. This brought a lot of attention to this old cemetery. Perhaps as a result families donated the four memorials mentioned above. The families were probably from out of town and made the donations anonymously. It may be noted that they had almost no idea of who the veterans were who were buried there and had to consult historian Wesley Arnold. They only put veterans on their list who had a stone in his name that was readable. The Historical Society made a big show of this affair and that was OK because it brought publicity to our cemetery. They chose not to honor soldiers and they chose not to honor the soldiers buried here without a marker and some who had markers. As a soldier this was a sign of lack of respect for our soldiers and disrespect for those of them who died in service to our country.
Later in the year a flag was donated by Senator Levin that had flown over the White house. The Historical Society and Levin made a big show of this but totally neglected to mention the dangerous conditions in the cemetery and need of repairs. (Stones about to fall over that could harm people especially children.) The huge Metro stone had already gone over and that could have killed a child because it was too heavy for a rescuer to lift off of a child.
On July 14 the five memorials mentioned above were stolen from the cemetery. That evening the theft was discovered by historian Wesley Arnold and Tom Turmel and the police called. The police refused to come as we could not give them an address for the cemetery as it has no address. Besides the 911 operator probably thought it was a prank call. Who reports stones stolen from a cemetery? So a police report was made late that night. The next morning I was awakened by the Macomb Daily reporter wanting facts on the theft. I was amazed how could he even know about this. It seems they check police reports in search of news to put in the paper. He requested he meet me at the cemetery which I did and was showing him where the 5 stolen stones had been when News 4 showed up with Bora Kim and I had to try to convince them that this was no prank that perhaps $4,000 worth of new beautiful granite markers had been stolen but could not come up with any reason. They could be resurfaced and sold was the only explanation that seemed logical. WWJ called me and I could only tell them what I knew. Well soon it was on the TV and Radio and I was driving my car and turned on news radio 950 to hear myself stating that it just doesn't make any sense at all why anyone would seal an Unknown Soldier and veterans memorials out of a cemetery. And they were granite not bronze so the motive wasn't to sell them for metal value. When I got home my phone was ringing and it was WWJ who told me that a woman (Sue Kefler) had called and confessed to having the stones removed. I called the Warren police and Lt Brock confirmed that Sue had called them and told them she had the stones removed. The Warren police not knowing what to do just treated this incident as a dispute among historical society members, so no police action was taken. The story did hit the Macomb Daily the next day 15 July.
In 2012 it was discovered that additional memorials had been stolen a new stone with an Epitaph and others and also a bronze marker is missing. This has got to be stopped. Since the police won't do anything and since the families who donated these are probably from out of town all I can do is publicize this in my books and website. It is my hope that one of these families who donated these
memorials will see this and sue the H out of them hopefully putting a stop to this. As of 2012 with the present officers of the Warren Historical Society who have admitted they stole the stones, families are warned not to place expensive stones at Warren Union Cemetery for fear of them being stolen by these vigilantes. This word is used because no vote of the membership was taken and no public hearing was held to show sufficient cause to remove a memorial from a cemetery. These officers of this 8 active member social clique hysterical society acted on their own. They need to be told by some authority that this is just wrong and gives our city a black eye.
Persons buried at Warren Union Cemetery
First is a list of persons buried in Warren Union Cemetery from Warren Township records. Note death records only give name of cemetery but not location in cemetery. At the end of this document is an additional list of persons who may be buried here. This is not a wish list but a probable list. As this is from obituaries, death records, family records, township records, etc. In the old days John Beebe for example of a famous person from Warren history lived here most of his life, raised his children here, they got married here, his wife and some of his children are buried here. His son was the village undertaker also. He was the Township supervisor, ran the toll gate, had a business here for many years. His church service was in or near the cemetery. No records have been discovered indicating that he was buried anywhere else. The logical conclusion is that he is probably and most likely buried here. Is there a record not any longer as it has been lost by negligence. That is why his name will be with many others who are probably here.
Fred Austin Reddick b Troy township Oakland Co. Feb 4, 1875 d oct 27, 1937 son of Frank Austin Reddick of Belleville One & Fannie Janette Wilson, Troy. Husband of Mazie Reddick. Inspector Ford motor Co. informant Lloyd F Reddick. Died in Warren Michigan.
William Henry Smith b Vermont, d Dec 25, 1898 aged 41 son of A Smith and Sarah J Sentus of Vermont. Married- physician. Gunshot wound to head. Dr Geo G Robinson-Undertaker, P Dusenbury, Utica.
Transit permit from Detroit #393 to bring for burial at Warren, Mi Thos R ? Hutton aged 39, who d at Detroit, jan 16, 1891 of Heart failure. Undertaker, Blake-medical attendant, Hal. C Myman, MD(order dated Jan 17, 1891.
Jacob Rickabus b Belgian d Jan 19, 1899 age 38-3-9 to St Clements cem parents unknown Married farmer
Jesse Mason b Mi d Feb 22, 1899 age 38-9-5 buried M Cem Warren son of J C Mason b Mass & L Davy, England, married-druggist
Ester Beebe, b England d April 1, 1899 age 70-1-30 burial ME Cem at Warren Mi dau of Chas Davy & Liddy Gravy, England. widowed-housekeeper
Lambert Diselrod b Mi d Apr 1, 1900 age 1-3-0 son of John G Diselrod & Minnie Wilson of MI Willie Lyons b Mi d Nov 16, 1901 ag 22-0-15 son of W?C Lyons & Lillie Beebe, Mi single.
Charles Clayton Reddick b MI d Nov 30, 1901ag 0-0-1 son of ? Reddick Mi & ?arnes Kelly Ill.
Christian Buhl b Germany apr 11, 1852 d Feb 21, 1930 son of Ludwig Buhl & Maria Saner of Germany. Husband of Christina Buhl. Retired farmer Informant Wm Buhl, New Haven Mi res. Next to
Methodist Church on 7th St Warren always in memory of FAC
Christina Buhl b Germany Jan 11, 1853 d May 8, 1928 dau of William Schrieber & ? of Germany. Wife of Christ Buhl.
Harry Didier (infant) b June 13, 1930 d June 13, 1930 son of Guy W didier of Bay Co Mi & Annie Mitchell of England
Frank A Reddick b Belleville, Ont May 11, 1849 d Jan 9, 1931 son of John Reddick & Elizabeth Reddick of Ont Canada Retired farmer. Husband of Fannie J Wilson.
John Metro b Warren Sep 12 no yr, d June 10, 1931 ag 75 yrs. Son of Joseph Metro of France & Mary Jane Winecoup of Penn retired butcher. Husband of Della Metro lived at 8833 Chicago Rd near Warren Village.
Mary Steffens b Feb 9, 1830 d Sep 22, 1932 dau of Paul Mildebrant of Germany wife of Ernst Steffens.
Archie Lyons b Detroit May 3, 1859 d Dec 15, 1935 son of Archie Lyons Mi & Amelia Delezenne, NY. Husband of Lillian Beebe. Father of Merton Lyons. Res corner Fillmore & Mound rds Warren Mi. FAC
Nathaniel Ames b MI d April 24, 1934 ag 74-3-5 son of ? Husband of Sarrie Ames. Farmer
Fredericka Steins b Germany Sep 19, 1858 d July 20, 1934. dau of ? Fredericka Forgwardt of Germany. Wife of Henry Steins. Informant Earl Steins.
Caroline Meynert b Germany Nov 10, 1848 d 21 1935, dau of Louis Zeiby ? Of Germany Wife of Gustav Meynert. Mother of Fred Meynert, boat builder, FAC
Wright Tharrett b Mar 22, 1843 d jan 24, 1928 ag 82-10-2 Van Dyke MI son of John Tharrett of England & Mary tyson of Eng.
Michael Wills married b Hamtramk, MI May 4, 1852 d May 21, 1826 son of Henry wills & Catherine Wilson both of Germany. Wife Catherine Berger.
William Pennow b Germany Apr 6, ? d June 18, 1926 age 80-2-12 son of Gottlieb Pennow & Firudia of Germany. Widowed laborer.
Hannah D Moore b Warren Dec 24, 1867 d Jan 22, 1928 bur Oak View, dau of George Heartline & Fredicka Ecksteine of Germany. Wife of Calvin B Moore.
Ben Johnson Marshall b Ithica MI Mar 3, 1870 d May 27, 1940 son of ? & Sarah Cleveland of Mi. Husband of Jennie Crabtree. Was a butcher in general store. Informant Edw Mills, 5731 Chicago Rd Warren.
William Ramus b Wayne Co Mi May 25, 1869 d Jul 26, 1940 son of ? Worked at Warren brick yard. Informant son Fred Ramus.
Note many stones are difficult to read so families should check the original stone. This list also includes recordings made in 1938, 1940, 1997 and Wesley Arnold's 2004 and 2010 studies. This is a list of stones and the people buried nearby. Both the stones and the bones below are slowly returning to dust. Stones are listed by Lot Rows starting as S W corner and proceeding East. Lot rows run South to north. ( Wes Arnold a professional photographer took pictures of every older stone.
Wes donates all of this free. It is on the website macombhistory.us The* symbol means that it was listed on a walk thru prior to 2004. In some cases the stone no longer exists but I have listed the person buried nearby.
Example of numbering: R2-9ur translates to Row 2 nine yards North ur = unreadable Hs = head stone fs = foot stone cs = corner stone us = unknown kind of stone partly buried Stones are numbered in order from South to North as of June 2010. Names are listed on the stone. More means there are more difficult to read words. If there is no number in front of name stone is gone or underground. People buried there are listed if known.
Row 1 from W most SW stone Landmark is Remington George medium size gray stone
Row-yards from south fence. If no number location is unknown.
1-2 Remington George D Jun 5, 1880 Apr 16,1918* in SW corner 4 feet from s Fence
1- head stone unreadable
1-3 Remington Catherine Nov 1, 1882 Dec 5, 1936*
1-3 head stone unreadable
1-9 unmarked grave and old well or drain For Additional information on old over 3,000 Warren families contact Historian Wesley Arnold
1-10 Langel corner stone
1-11 Langel Arthur Joseph Oct 4, 1904 Nov 21,1923*
1-12 Langel Warren J 1912 1933
1-13 Langel Monument gray by fence
1-14 Langel Joseph M 1877 1945*
1-15 Langel Cordelia M 1876 1948*
unmarked grave 1-17 Langell corner marker
The fence curves in. There is cemetery property on other side of fence and possible graves. Totals: probable persons based on stones 6 ; total graves 48 ; total unmarked graves 41
Row 2 from W. Landmark is BERGER BIG TALL gray STONE 15 feet from south fence
2-6 Berger Nicholas 1836 1920* CIVIL WAR VETERAN V1
2-1 Berger Johanna 1840 1899*
2-7 head stone FATHER
2-8 head stone MOTHER
2-9 head stone BABY PROBABLY R2 Berger Esmelia female 3m 1893 Summer Complaint
2-16 foot stone
2-17 foot stone
2-18 flat stone face down may be under grass to West needs careful read
2-19 Gesch Monument lists Lottie & Ferdinand
Gesch Lottie nee Gesch Jul 23, 1874 Oct 8, 1902 father Ferdinand Gesch* Mar 1842 Jul 1879 2-22 unreadable Gesch mother b 1874 d 1902 Gesch Emilie* Gesch Martha*
Gesch Ferdinand Gesch 1842 1879* stone face down
2-27 BIG STONE Metro Monument now face down listed Phebe Stella, Geo, Richard
STONE FACE DOWN
Metro Phebe 1869 -* Metro Geo 1867 1920* Metro Stella 1893 1895* Metro Richard 1891 1892*
Metro, Frank b Warren d Jul 24, 1898 ag1-10-13 son of Jos Metro of Warren and Agnes Giddly,
Detroit. A small name marker has been stolen. 2 MISSING MARKERS
Totals: probable persons based on stones 15 ; total graves 48 ; total unmarked graves 33
Row 3 from W. Landmark is Reddick big gray stone (Skinner on back) 4 yards from fence 3-4 Reddick-skinner monument
Reddick Tom 1865 1940*
Reddick Emma B 1865 1948*
Reddick Melvin A 1904 1951*
other side Skinner Monument listed are Alonzo, Electa, Id J
other side Skinner-Reddick Alonzo May 21, 1826 Sep 6,1898* Skinner-Reddick Electa J 1837 1910*
Skinner-Reddick Ida dau or A & EJ Skinner Oct 23, 1879 ag 20 yrs 4 mos*
3-7 base monument gone ond monument had inscription "We miss thee, yes, no tongue can tell, How much we loved thee, nor how well"
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.