RESTORATION PROJECT
The Elk Grove Cemetery, located at 1 Cemetery Ln, in Elk Grove Village, is a small but important tie between the history of our community and our Nation. Despite the close proximity, most residents, businesses, and passers-by are unaware of its existence.

In honor of 250th Anniversary of the United States and the 70th anniversary of Elk Grove Village, this restoration project shines a light on this historic cemetery, bringing awareness to its location, restoring its condition to honor the veterans resting here, making it more welcoming to visitors, and preserving its history for future generations to enjoy.

NEW FENCING AND SIGNAGE
The replacement of the existing chain link fence with a 6-foot black wrought-iron style fence, brick columns, and signage will not only enhance the cemetery for those who already visit but will draw the attention of passers-by and bring more awareness to this historic site.

REHABILITATION OF HISTORICAL BURIAL MARKERS
Several historical burial markers have deteriorated with age, becoming cracked, misaligned and/or difficult to read. The restoration process preserved the original burial markers, as well as added a new dedication plaque providing easy to read details and historical context.  

DRIVE AND ENTRYWAY IMPROVEMENTS
The entrance drive to the Elk Grove Cemetery, which also serves as the parking area, was in poor condition and in need of rehabilitation to support more frequent visitors. The project resurfaced and widen the existing driveway, patched areas in poor condition, and added a decorative stamped entryway area, along with benches, near the cemetery gate.

HISTORY OF THE ELK GROVE CEMETERY
The Elk Grove Cemetery was formally established by a cemetery association in 1866, although many burials preceded this. The cemetery is located on property originally owned by Frederick W. Miner according to the 1861 plat map of Elk Grove Township.

The first burials at this cemetery were two very young children of Joel Draper and Sarah Cooley in 1837 and 1839. The primary family names found on the gravestones prior to 1866 include Field, Skinner, Draper, Cooley, Barnes, Clough, Kingsley and Wheeler. All these families migrated to Elk Grove from the New England States of Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut as well as from New York.

There are two Revolutionary War soldiers buried in the cemetery - Aaron Miner and Eli Skinner. Miner was born in 1757. In 1775, he enlisted to fight in the Revolutionary War. At the age of 92, he passed away in 1849 and was buried in Elk Grove Village. Skinner was born in 1760 in Connecticut and enlisted first with the Massachusetts state troops when he was 14 years old. After being discharged, he enlisted a second time in 1776, where he served for a few months. He moved to Elk Grove Township when he was 88 years old and then died two years later.

Additionally, there are several Civil War soldiers buried at the Elk Grove Cemetery including: Samuel A. Clough, Eugene Skinner, John Foust, Marinus Mogensen, and George Fredericks.

With the migration of German families to Elk Grove beginning in the mid-1840s, these families began burying their families at the Elk Grove Cemetery. One of these burials was Henry Heimsoth, about three years old, buried in 1859. He died from yellow fever. He was the son of Herman Heimsoth and Maria Scharringhausen. The primary German family names found on the gravestones include Heimsoth, Scharringhausen, Schnell, Bleile, Everding, Goebbert, Cosman, Busse, Schwanz, Wiebe, Rodewald, Reikhoff.