Arguably the most historic place in Libertyville is Lakeside Cemetery. As Matt Gonring and Bonnie Quirke note, it is located along Lake Street and overlooks Butler Park.
Its central location brings comfort to those with loved ones laid to rest at the grounds. They can easily visit their passed family and friends. For those interested in local history, Lakeside Cemetery has plenty to offer.
Although the exact date is unknown, it is believed that the cemetery has an establishment year around 1840. The most antiquated section runs along Lake Street and can be distinguished by the “interesting grave markers,” as Bonnie Quirke put it.
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The oldest identifiable stones belong to John and Judiah Smith who died in 1844 and 1845. Unfortunately, their personal histories are unknown. On a obelisk close to this grave, visitors can find the name, Willard Jones (d. 1872). According to historic records, Mr. Jones was one of the first settlers in Lake County. Also nearby is the family plot of our first lawyer, Horace Butler, namesake of the nearby lake.
What's in a Name?
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Local businesses also share in the history at the cemetery. The building located on the northeast corner of Cook and Milwaukee Avenues bears the name “Schanck.” The Schanck family has a long lineage in the town. According to a 1961 handwritten history of the cemetery, Lewis Gordon Schanck was one of the first to come through the area.
“He hauled soldiers and supplies for the Government between Fort Dearborn, at Chicago, and Fort Howard, at Green Bay in 1833, at which time he 'cut the first wagon track' west of the Des Plaines.” The aforementioned building was constructed by Lewis's relation, George Schanck.
If you have ever wondered about the origin of your street name, it can likely be found in the cemetery.
The Appleys, Diamonds, Austins, Butterfields and Bulkleys are all buried at Lakeside. (Bulkley was mistakenly transcribed as “Buckley” on street name papers, hence the alternative name for Route 137.) In addition to the recognizable names, at least 17 former Libertyville mayors and 50 Civil War soldiers are buried at the cemetery. Veterans are further honored on the 1999 granite monument located on the northern side of the grounds.
Stories Behind the Stones
History detectives may enjoy spending time studying the sculptural stones, the engraved names, and the, sometimes peculiar, dates listed on the monuments. One such peculiarity struck a Cook Memorial Library employee a few years ago.
Walking amongst the hillside, he found the grave of James and Sarah Sage and was surprised to see that they shared a death date of March 8, 1914. After a little bit of research, local history librarians discovered a Lake County Independent newspaper article detailing a train accident that took the couple's lives. Tragically, “they were struck as they were attempting to cross the track in front of the car which they intended to board on their way to Libertyville.” Sadly, James was the victim of an earlier railroad accident in which he was struck, forcing the amputation of his right foot.
Most of the stones tell much happier tales. As Lou Small, Jr. reminds us, “The cemetery is maintained by a non-profit, Lakeside Cemetery Association, who keeps it in very good condition.” A member of the Board, Joe Wilson, takes pride in his position and comments, “I have many fond memories of Lakeside and the surrounding area.”
The Lakeside Cemetery is a beautiful, peaceful place. Next time you are in the area, stop by to pay your respects to those who founded our town and built it into the bustling hamlet we enjoy today.
For more on local history, please visit libertyvillemundeleinhistoricalsociety.org.
