Recently, I journeyed to one of the oldest cemeteries in McHenry County, Chunn’s Burying Ground, otherwise known as Oak Glen Cemetery. Located in Fox River Grove, Illinois, this unassuming acre of land has more history to it than meets the eye! Chunn’s Burying Ground originally was part of a larger tract obtained by Joshua M. Stevens in 1840. In 1843, it was acquired by his business partner, Thomas R. Chunn. Sadly, Thomas would join the residents of the existing graveyard in December of that year. After changing hands, in 1860, the property was back again in the Chunn family when Thomas Charles, druggist and Algonquin Postmaster, bought the land for $25.00, establishing Chunn’s Burying Ground.
The property was later purchased by Civil War veteran John Houghtaling. He donated one acre of the property to the town. That acre is where Chunn’s Burying Ground and the neighboring schoolhouse, Oak Glen School, reside. The schoolhouse is currently a private residence, but the Burying Ground is open for people to visit and pay their respects to those who call Oak Glen Cemetery their final resting place.
Walking around this land can be a bit eerie, knowing that under your feet are unmarked graves from over 100 years ago. The remaining tombstones, as well, have a spookiness to them, as most are broken and illegible. But there’s also a calm to the area that makes it worth a visit.
The first grave placed on this property is said to be of a drowning victim and dates back to 1809. Local legend, however, says that land was also the site of an Indian burial ground, which makes the actual use of this land for burials date back even earlier. While plot maps are unavailable now, according to one source, there were about 50 graves and possibly 50 more, around the time of World War I. Chunn’s Burying Ground was an active burying ground until 1910, when it is said the last body was laid to rest.
As you might expect, as time passed, so did interest in keeping this cemetery in good condition. It fell into disrepair, with stones being broken or moved due to age and vandalism. Concerned residents Sue Knapp, Paula Stengele and Lee Ann Stitz took matters into their own hands in 1989 and petitioned Algonquin Township and local residents for support in cleaning up and restoring the property. With no plot maps, the remaining stones couldn't be placed in their rightful spots and were instead moved to a place of honor surrounding two oak trees on raised land. Since its rededication in 1989, Algonquin Township has kept this property up to date, which has since been open for visitors looking to relive a bit of Fox River Grove’s history, as well as Geocachers looking for local treasure hunts. As of 2008, it has landmark status and now is a protected historic site.
Local history is very important to us here at Barrington Area Library. We strive to make it as accessible as we can so you can easily learn more about the area or your past ancestors. For more information on our resources, visit our website, or contact Kate Mills at kmills@balibray.org.
Adult Services Assistant Librarian Ashley Brooke Sero