I found this resting place beautiful tucked away on back roads in Illinois. Some might find it unusual, others might find it horrifying and some others might be delighted that I enjoy wandering around cemeteries. (I’ve yet to have anyone talk back to me.) I found the quiet and peaceful surroundings enchanting here at Elkhart in Illinois.
The Cemetery is surrounded by Elkhart Hill Grove, a protected, private nature preserve that dates back to 1860. It has been owned by the Gillett Family for 8 generations.
The archway and walk are absolutely stunning and can hold one captive for more than a blissful moment. The Gillett Memorial Bridge. A privately owned bridge was built in 1915 by Emma Gillett Oglesby, in memory of her brother, John P. Gillett. It was originally a wooden bridge built in 1899. The bridge is one of two privately owned bridges in the state of Illinois.
St. John the Baptist Chapel is a site of stone and quiet bliss and is a private chapel built in 1890 by Lemira Gillett in memory of her husband, John D. Gillett.
Everyone here is notable, or at least I believe everyone is of notice. However some may be more well known than others who maintain a permanent residence here are: Who’s who might include: In addition to Mr Gillett the Mid-western cattle baron you can locate Richard Oglesby who was a friend of President Lincoln, a Major-General in the Civil War, a U.S. Senator, and a three-time Governor of Illinois. He is interned on the grounds of the cemetery in a mausoleum.
As one might imagine in a cemetery the grounds are uneven and can present challenges for anyone with physical limitations however, if one remains in their vehicle the peaceful beauty of the location can be enjoyed.
The photographs do not begin to present the peaceful beauty of this site. And I would also note that travel out to the site on some of the Illinois secondary routes was relaxing.
LINKS:
https://destinationlogancountyil.com/elkhart-cemetery
https://destinationlogancountyil.com/gillett-memorial-bridge