The Path to Bachelors Grove

Bachelors Grove

Bachelors Grove

bachelors grove      bachelors grove     bachelors grove      bachelors grove    bachelors grove    bachelors grove    bachelors grove  bachelors grove bachelors grove bachelors grove bachelors grove bachelors grove bachelors grove bachelors grove

The Checkered Stone Marker

Most visitors to the Grove know of the "Madonna" stone on which the famous photo was taken.Many make it a point when visiting to take their  own 'Madonna" pose photo.

Has anyone ever considered whose stone they are sitting on?

From measurements we took in December 2013 we believe that the checkered stone may belong to lot #73.

​As you enter the cemetery, to the immediate left is the Hageman stone lot #74.Moving West long the fence line are lots #73 and then #72.

#72 is the Foskett family lot on which the Foskett stone is still standing. The West fence line is longer than the East fence line making the South fence line on a angle. Lots are said to be 20 x 20 feet according to other cemetery plot documentation. Some lots may be smaller ,different sized to be appropriately sized to fit cemetery borders. The Foskett stone is in the North West corner of its lot.The checkered stone sits in the same corner of its lot, North West corner.It is possible it could have been moved but there is no visible concrete foundation to be seen in the lot or surrounding area.So it seems very possible that it is in its original position.The FAMOUS checkered stone which is the center of many a photo taken at the Grove may belong to either Mary or William Rick who is listed as owner of lot #73.

View the above slide show to see the top obelisk that belongs on top of the Moss marker. The'top"stone was donated to the Tinley Park Historical Society years after members of the Moss family took the obelisk stone to preserve it.

George Tiley

Joliet News Thursday July 31, 1931

Tinley Park, July 30- George Tiley, formerly a resident of Tinley Park, and vicinity died at his home in Warren , Minnesota, last week and was brought here for burial Sunday. The services were held at the Bachelors Grove Lutheran Church. Interment was in the cemetery adjoining the churc. The deceased was  buried beside his wife and son who passed away a number of years ago. 


**NOTE** references to Tileys being  buried in BG was mentioned in the 19** article Pioneers in Peaceful Rest. And the family did own a lot in BG. There aren't any listings of the Tileys being buried at Trinity Lutheran and it is thought the reference to Mr. Tiley being buried in the adjoining cemetery to Bachelors Grove Lutheran Church is a mix up of details. 

Daniel Newman

Blue Island Sun Standard December 18, 1947

Daniel Newman, formerly residing at 135th and Crawford Ave., died Friday morning. He was born in 

Bremen Township, April 19, 1871, the son of the late John and Rosanna {nee Turney}, and had resided in this community his lifetime.

Remains was at rest in the home of his niece Mrs. Lillie Willis, 2322 W. 122nd St., from Saturday evening until the hour of the funeral which was held at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon, December 15, with the Rev. Emil helm officiating.

Interment was in the family lot in Bachelors 
Grove cemetery. 

Mr. Newman was the husband of Dora, brother of John Newman of Witchita, Kansas, and Mrs. Dolly Hewson of Snohomish, Wash. 


Dora Newman

Blue Island Sun Standard October 14,1948

Mrs. Dora Newman of 2322 W. 122nd St. died at the home of her niece Mrs. Lillie M. Willis, on Friday afternoon, Oct. 8, 1948.

She was born in Bremen Twp. July 25, 1870 the daughter of the late Frank and Dora {nee Moore} Flassig, and had resided in the community her lifetime until about 3 years ago when she came to Blue Island to make her home. 

She was the wife of the late Daniel, sister of the late Ben Flassig, Henry Flassig, Robert Flassig, Frank Flassig, Charles Flassig and Sophie Post, and Amelia Lumbner.

Remains at rest at the residence from Saturday morning, October 9, until the hour of the funeral which was held on Monday afternoon, October 11 at 1 o'clock with Rev. Emil Helm of Cleveland fromerly of Blue Island officiating, assisted by Mrs. Emil Helm as soloist. Interment was in the family lot in 
Bachelors Grove cemetery. 

Charles Hageman

Blue Island Sun Standard March 20, 1924

Charles Hageman an old settler of Blue Island, died at the age of 83 years 8 months, at his home on Western Ave. , March 15th, after a short illness of pneumonia. Mr. Hageman was born in Germany, July 4, 1840, and came to this country at the age of 17 years, making his home in Blue Island, where he has been a resident for 66 years. 

He is mourned by wife, daughter and one brother and many friends. Funeral services march 18, Rev. Doermann officiating. Burial at Bachelor Grove Cemetery. 

Theodore Post

Blue Island Sun Standard November 13, 1924

Theodore Post, 63 years of age, died on November 8th, of heart trouble. He resided at 597 Elm street, for several years. he was born in Germany and was married to Sophia Flassig in 1888. Four children were born to his union, Mrs. John C. Krech of Grant Park, Mrs. 
Geo. Mager of Mokena, Mrs. August Vohs and Mrs. Edward Wierman of Blue Island. Funeral services were held on November 11th, at 1:30 frin tge f=resudebce abd at 2 o'clock from St. Paul's Church, conducted by the Odd Fellows and Rev. B.J. Freese. Interment was in Batchelor's Grove cemetery, north of Midlothian.

James Fullerton

Blue Island Sun Standard November 21, 1929

james Fullerton, 88 years old and a retired farmer for more than 17 years in Blue Island died last Thursday of old age. He had been residein at 2448 Burr Oak Ave., as his wife had passed away many years ago. Funeral services were from Halliman's Saturday, and burial at Bachelors Grove. 

Emanuel Schroeder

Blue Island Sun Standard March 22, 1928

Emanuel Schroeder, 78 years old, veteran pioneer of this community who died March 12, at his home here was born in the province of Saxony in Germany, January 24, 1850. He was only two yers old when the family came to Cook County, Illinois. They came up the Mississippi river on a boat. The home was established in Worth township 3 1/2 miles west of Blue Island on July 17, 1875. Emanuel was married to Ellen Noble daughter of a pioneer family of Bremen Township. this couple has lived near or in Blue island continuously since that time. The career of the family is well known to all of the old settlers and to thousands who hae come to this vicinity more recently. 

Burial was at the Bachelor Grove cemetery. he is survived by his widow, Ellen; two sons william and Walter; one brother Leopold and scores of other relatives.

Maria Moss Death Certificate

Title

Subtitle

Type your paragraph here.

Hazel Moss Death Certificate (below)

Delaney Ann Hulett (Mckee)

Blue Island Sun Standard April 29, 1920

Mrs. Delaney Ann Hulett, 66 years old, dided April 16 at her home in 
Bremen township. Burial sevices were conducted April 19 under the direction of the Rev. T.R. Egerton, pastor of the First Congregational church. Burial was at Bachelors Grove cemetery.

Mrs. Hulett was born in Bremen township September 18, 1854. S
she lived in Blue Island 31 years and was for 25 years a teacher in the Cook County schools.

She was married in 1900 to Dr. J. W. McKee, of Des Moines, IA. He came at once to Blue Island and the couple lived here until his death in 1911. Before her marriage Mrs. McKee was a member of the Universalist Church but she later affiliated with the Congregational church.

Louis Hageman

Blue Island Sun Standard, February , 21 1929


Louis Hageman, 81 years old, and one of the oldest settlers in Blue Island vicinity died at his home, 149th and Crawford, Midlothian, Thursday after a long illness. He was born in Germany, January 25, 1848, and came to the United States with his parents when he was nine years old, settling near Blue Island. In 1872 he married Alberta Hulett and three children are surviving him: Mrs. William Schwartz of Chicago and Mrs. Olive anderson and Ward Hageman of Midlothian. The funeral was held at the home Monday with the Rev. B.F. Freese officiating and interment made in the Bachelors Grove cemetery.

Charles Benger

Blue Island Sun Standard December 8, 1933

Charles Benger, 70 years old, diedd Wednesday afternoon, November 29, at 4:20 o'clock, after a long illness of eight years. 

Mr. Benger was born May 23, 1863, at Marden Devizes, Wiltshire, 

England, and came to this country 30 years ago with his wife and family.

Mr. Benger is surived by his wife, Priscilla, and five children, Capt. William Benger of Pekin, Jesse Benger of Blue Island, Mrs. Ethel Fulton of Tinley Park, Mrs. Priscilla Vandenberg of Blue Island, and Mrs. Helen Michelsen of Chicago  and 14 grandchildren. One son, George, of Streator, died August 19, 1932.

Funeral services were held at the Adler Funeral home in Oak Forest last Saturday, at 2 o'clock with the Rev. Hopkin officiating, members of Blue Island I.O.O.F. lodge participated in the rites. Burial in Bachelor Grove cemetery.

Plot listings for each lot by number with corresponding family photos and documentation

Richard Kropack is the man identified as the person who

"discovered" a body of a young girl in Bachelors Grove while mushroom hunting. Richard is NOT buried at B.G.   We are currently in search of the burial records for Richard and an answer as to why his name is said to be written in blue ink on the original plot notations for lot #67 . Richard was one of the three men of the "Bachelors Grove Group" that in 1967 attempted along with Clarence and Howard Fulton in a official town hall meeting to have Bachelors Grove cemetery established as a Breman Township shrine and to be owned and maintained by the Township.            Go to the Local History page to see the full story - document.

#82

Hattie May Stratzenburg

Born and died February 3, 1909

#80

R. Krueger

#81

​Original Plat map notations list the name F. Gray

#79

Daniel Newman

April 19, 1871-December 12, 1947


Dora Newman {nee Flassig}

Daniels Wife

July 25, 1870-October 8, 1948


John Flassig

Mary Flassig

#78

Theodore Post

1861-November 8, 1924


Sophie Post {Nee Flassig}

#76

Original Plat map notations list the name F. Gray

#77

John Rick

#75  *Stone Remains

Alva Orlando Foskett

February 11, 1871-March 9, 1960


Caroline S. Foskett

August 14, 1880-April 29, 1934

#74  *Stone Remains

Charles Hageman

June 4, 1841- March 15, 1924


Minna Hageman {Nee Voss}

December 24, 1847-November 10, 1894

#72  ** Stone Remains

James Fullerton

A photocopy of  the cemetery plat at Cook County contains the name Mrs. John Rick

#73

William Rick

Died 1926

Mary Rick

Died 1899


#68, 69, 70

Unsold


#71

Original plat map notations say this lot was sold to Lester Frundle June 1958

#67


#65

James Fullerton

This lot is adjacent to the north side of lot #72 also owned by James Fullerton

#66

Lester Frundle

#64

North half of the lot:

Emanuel Schroeder

January 24, 1850-March 12, 1928

Anna Shcroeder 

September 24, 1885-January 28,1890

Mary Schroeder

September 24, 1885-February 8, 1890



Anna and Mary are the twin daughters of Emanuel Schroeder and his wife Ellen Nobles. The information that the twins were buried in Bachelors Grove came from family records in the possession of a family member.



South half of the lot:

Willard Fulton




#63

Original plat map notations list the names:

​Howard Fultons

Fred Schmidt (crossed out)

Ihlendfeldt (crossed out)

Arthur A. Fulton

F. Minniaman





#62

Original Plat Map notations list the name J. Fulton

#61

Wm. Mendenhall

              1889-1933

Elizabeth McCune

           B. ?? D.1872

#60

Wm. Hamilton

1865-1903

William B. Noble

Father of Jane Nobles cool lot #56

1802-1838


#59

Alvah Crandall

Brother of Mark Crandall

July 20,1804-July 20,1843

#58

Thomas Moss

February 11,1811-March 11,1885

Isabella Moss {nee Crumlich}

First of three Wives of Thomas

Died March 27,1848

Robert Fulton Fulton died when he was only 31 years old after committing suicide by jumping in front of   a Rock Island train. Robert is one of four people in Bachelors Grove that died as the result of a train involved accident.

Chauncey Wheeler

#57

Chauncey Wheeler

Husband of Ella Fulton

January 1852-Jan 1929

Ella Fulton

Daughter of John Sr.

April 1856-May 1929

Robert Fulton

Son of John Sr.

March 8, 1854-September 26,1885






Johseph Fulton

Father of John Sr and Hamilton

1772- October 15, 1852

John Fulton Sr.

1813-1883

Jane Fulton {nee Johnson}

185-1897

#56

Louis Hageman

January 25,1848-February 14,1929


Caroline Hageman

Mother of Louis and Charles {lot #}






Jane Cool {nee Nobles}

June 29,1829-May 16,1874

J. Caroline "Carrie" Cool

March 1858-March 7, 1874

Lois Cool {nee Maxon}

March 14,1792-June 16,1875

Henry L. Cool

Died April 25,1881 age 3 months 27 days


The members of the Cool family listed here were reinterred  September 9, 1887 

#55

Charles Benger

May 23, 1863-November 29, 1933


Priscilla Benger

Charles Wife

#54

Unsold

#53

Original Plat Map Notations list the name Lester Frundle and June 1958

#47,48,49,50,51,52

Unsold

#46

George Tiley, Sr

Died July 1913

Margaret Tiley

Georges wife

George Tiley 

George Sr. and Margarets son

July 14, 1874-1892

#45

Phebe Newman {nee Smith}

Died 1864

Wife of George

Mother of John


Original Plot Map Notations list the name J. Newman

#44

Walter Patrick

February 1820-March 18,1887

Hannah A. Patrick(nee Cowan)

First wife of Walter

Died August 1,1871

Naomi Elizabeth Patrick

Second wife of Walter

February 1839-January 1, 1880


Clara B. Patrick6 yrs old

Daughter of Walter and Hannah

September 28, 1855-January 7, 1862

Lillie E. Patrick2 yrs old

November 20,1859-May 20, 1862


Ann Patrick

(Walters Mother)

Died 1855


Libby May Humphrey

Died 1865 at 11 months old

Daughter of Senator John Humphrey and Amelia Patrick 

#43  *Stone Remains

Dr. James W. McKee

October 8,1845-July 21,1920


Delany G. McKee{nee Hulett}

James Wife

September 18,1855-April 16,1920


Hazel Moss

Died October 21,1900

of Diptheria at 19 months old

Richard E. Moss

1859-1934

Maria H. Moss

Richards Wife

1854-1918

Laura McGhee {nee Moss}

Daughter of Richard and Maria

January 8, 1887-November 17,1965

Robert McGhee

​Lauras Husband

​September 10, 1876-July 31,1939




#42 

Original Plot map Notations list the name E. Daniels

Lots 42-82
Cemetery Burials