Lake Branch Cemetery Photo Album
Photo by Jason Raker
Click for Photo Gallery

Read and copyrighted© by Gloria Dettleff and Dorothy Falk on 12 Apr 2002
Updated from Photos by Diane (Huelsmann) Honerkamp and Linda Potter, assisted by Wilbert and Agnes (Fuhler) Huelsmann Nov 2009

Lake Branch Cemetery is on the Old State Road (the Old Vincennes to St. Louis Trail), about a mile west of Lake Branch Road, on the south side of the road. This old cemetery is dotted with 7 old cedar trees about a block from the road. It is surrounded on all four sides by farm land except for the farm lane that leads to the cemetery and farms. This is a Methodist Cemetery and could still be owned by them. The Lake Branch Methodist Church and the Lake Branch school used to be nearby. The earlier church records might be in the Methodist archives or they might have been taken with the members when their small congregation merged into the small Trenton Evangelical Church, now St. John's United Church of Christ in Trenton. Death dates on stones here range between 1843 and 1917, although burials were made as late as the 1940's. There are stones remaining for 11 people who were born in the early 1800s and 5 people who were born in the 1700s.

As with all old cemeteries, we assume many people were buried here with no marker or with wooden markers that are now gone. Many of the stones are now in pieces, we thank Mr. Huelsman and the Clinton County Historical Society, lead by Harold Gentz, for reclaiming, retaining and stacking them in piles. For this listing, we began Row 1 at the entrance with Grave 1 of each row begining on the north side. The grave numbers indicate the sequence of the remaining stones, adjacent numbers do not necessarily mean adjacent stones. S/w means "Shares tombstone with". This is a combination of what we were able to read on the stones plus a few comments, items not on the stone are marked with an *. For the Veterans, PHS means Private Head Stone and GHS means Government Head Stone.

A history of the cemetery is published in Clinton County Historical Society's Quarterly 19-4.

Click on Yellow headings to sort by that column - click again to change the order of the sort
Row Grave Name Born Died Inscriptions and Comments
ALLS, Mary M.--- 12 Oct 1864 In Memory of. Wife of Robert. Daughter of David & Rebecca POTTS. 29Y 5xx 
BOOKER, Eliza2 Jul 1816 5 Apr 1888 Stone says "Father" and "Mother" on one side, "Husband" on another side. Only Eliza's name is on the stone.* 
BOOKER, Unknown--- --- Concrete marker only, no information* 
--- --- CARR, Alice--- 23 Dec 1858 No stone found, see Death Certifcate 9-5* 
25 CARR, Andrew M.--- 16 Feb 1842 Age 37Y. Footstone A C 
CARR, Anna1 Jul 1844 11 Jul 1874 Wife of Andrew M. S/w Edith. 
26 CARR, Charles McMicken24 Dec 1809 12 Jun 1886 In Memory of. Born in Bucks Co. Pennsylvania, Died in Trenton, IL 
CARR, Edith29 Jun 1874 23 Jul 1874 Daughter of A. M. & A. S/w Anna. 
11 CARR, Elizabeth Ellis--- 23 Jun 1851 Daughter of C. M. & Hannah E. 5Y. Stone worn & broken. Footstone E. C. 
15 CARR, Florence Josephine--- 16 Sep 1852 Daug. of C. M. & Hannah E. Age 2M 8D. Suffer the little children to come unto me. For such is the kingdom of heaven. S/w Hannah Louisa. 
--- --- CARR, Hannah--- 26 Feb 1867 Daug of Andrew M & Anna. Age 16D. Sleep on dear babe and take thy rest, God called thee home when he thought it best. No stone remaining. Information from previous reading.* 
13 CARR, Hannah Elizabeth--- 28 Jul 1857 Wife of Charles M. Age 44Y 1M 12D 
14 CARR, Hannah Louisa--- 8 Sep 1852 Daug. of C. M. & Hannah E. Age 6Y 4M 27D. S/w Florence Josephine. 
CARR, Unknown--- 31 Jul 1845 ? Age 9M 17D. Stone broken, name not visible, between Carrs. * 
12 CARR, Unknown--- 23 Jun 1851/57 Age 5Y. Stone broken, name not visible, between Carrs.* 
14 COATES, Jane12 Jan 1841 7 Feb 1845 In Memory of 
15 COATES, T. S.28 Apr 1842 26 Jan 1845 In Memory of 
--- --- DOWNING, Mary *--- 4 Sep 1881 * Aged 34Y 9M 22D. Death certificate # 969. * 
18 ERISMAN, Elizabeth4 Oct 1804 2 Jun 1858 Age 53Y 7M 28D. Sacred to the memory of. Wife of John. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. My children dear, This place draw near. A mother's grave to see, Not long ago I was with you, But soon you'll be with me. Dearest Mother thou has left here, Here thy loss we deeply feel. But tis God that hath bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal. Yet again we hope to meet thee, When the day of life is fled, Then Heaven with joy to greet thee, where no farewell tears is shed. 
17 ERISMAN, Israel A.18 Apr 1837 18 Jan 1859 21Y 9M. Sacred to the Memory of. Dearest. Our glowing hearts in one __. The hope, the one eternal hope, Which Jesus great has given, The hope when days on earth have passed, We all shall meet in Heaven. 
10 FEATHERSTUN, John R.--- 4 Apr 1872 Aged 29Y 11M 6D. Stone broken in many pieces, lying in pile in front of Mary E. * 
FEATHERSTUN, Mary E.5 Apr 1817 1 Jun 1867 Wife of B/R. 
FISCHER, Infant--- 30 Sep 1843 Age 9M 6D. Stone is broken in many pieces, in pile with 3 others. * 
--- --- FISCHER, M.K. Hel. ?--- 23 Oct --- No stone found, information from earlier cemetery reading* 
11 FISCHER, Martha A.20 Aug 1849 22 Apr 1871 In Memory of. Age 22Y 11M 2D (bad math *) 
FISCHER, Mary G.--- 30 Sep 1845 Age 9M 6D. Daughter of L.P. & M. B. Stone in many pieces, in pile with 3 others. * 
FISCHER, Thomas G.--- 3 Feb 1850 33Y. Stone is broken. * 
10 FISCHER, Unknown--- 28 Nov 1855 Age 3Y 8M. Dau of L. P. & M. B.Stone broken, top missing. Could be M. K. Hel. Fisher 
27 FISHER, Henry W/H.--- 23 Feb 1856 Aged 29Y 11M. 8Dys 
FISHER, James L.--- 18 Oct 1869 Age 2Y 9M 15D. Son of L. P. & M. R. Stone broken in many pieces, in pile with 3 others. * 
FISHER, Wm.--- 11 Dec 1845 Age 54Y 2M. Stone broken in many pieces, in pile with 3 others. * 
FISK, Alvin H.--- 29 Dec 1844 Age 2Y 4M 27D. Son of R. & S. 
FISK, Benjamin C.--- 4 Nov 184x Stone broken, some pieces are gone.* 
FISK, Henry Clay3 Sep 1844 4 Jul 1868 Son of Roswell & Sarah 
FISK, Roswell--- 20 Dec 1847 Aged 41Y 11M 6D. S/w Sarah. Footstone (not shared). * 
FISK, Sarah--- 18 Dec 1846 Age 33Y 1M 24D. Wife of R. S/w Roswell. Footstone (not shared). * 
FISK, Unknown--- 2/0/9 Aug 1852 Age 14Y xxM 7D. Child of R. & S. Stone broken off, information from previous reading. * 
FOEHNER, Leonhart7 Jan 1894 27 Nov 1898 Our Darling. Son of L. & C. Not lost, blest thought, but gone before, Where we shall meet, to part no more. Footstone L. F. 
19 FRYLING, Albert--- 12 Dec 1844 Age 12Y 1M 22D. Son of Samuel & Ann. S/w Edwin. 
20 FRYLING, Edwin--- 8 Jan 1845 Age 14Y 1M 23D. Son of Samuel & Ann. S/w Albert. 
21 FRYLING, Elmira--- 7 May 1845 Age 18M. Daughter of Samuel & Anna. Stone in pieces, in pile in front of Edwin & Albert. * 
16 GINNETT, Thos. J.24 Jan 1828 27 Mar 1856 And footstone T. J. G. 
GOODING, Ada E.1 Dec 1864 28 Sep 1883 Age 18Y 9M 27D. Our sister. Dau of Abram & Malinda. Born in Clinton Co. Died in Belleville, IL. S/w Malinda. 
GOODING, Amy M.--- 18 Aug 1868 Age 7Y 4M 25D. Daug. of A. & M. I love the lamb who died for me, I love his little lamb to be. I love the Bible where I find, How good my savior his cross to stay, I love the grave where Jesus lay. 
GOODING, Bayard T.13 Feb 1857 4 Apr 1872 Our Faithful Son. Son of A. & M. The Spirit like a peaceful dove, Flies from the realms of Noise & Strife. Why should we hear and grieve His Love, Who seals our souls to Heavenly life. 
GOODING, Fanny C.22 Feb 1839 1 Jul 1860 Wife of Robt. Broken stone. Footstone F. G. * 
GOODING, Hannah L.--- --- Dau of xxx, In Gooding plot. Piece of stone leaning against Robert's grave. Surname could be SHEPHARD. * 
GOODING, Malinda26 Nov 1837 4 Apr 1884 Age 46Y 4M 8D. Our Mother. Born in St. Clair Co. IL, Died in Belleville, IL. S/w Ada E. 
GOODING, Robert, Lieut.20 Oct 1834 16 Dec 1864 He died for a land that will honor his name. For freedom that weeps o'er her patriots slain. He died for his Country, her honor, her might. He fell like a hero defending the right. Our brother. Co. E 59th Reg IL No. 1 PHS. Killed at Overton Hill (Nashville, TN*) after serving his country 3Y 5M. Stone is in Gooding fenced plot with sword and shield.* 
11 GORDON, Joseph13 Oct 1802 14 Jan 1886 Age 83Y 3M 1D. Sacred to the Memory of. Here rest thee til we run our race, And heavy toils shall close. Then shall we seek thy resting place, And share thy long repose. 
14 GRAY, Catharine--- 18 Feb 1866 Age 62Y. Wife of G. W. Asleep in Jesus. S/w Jas. W., Mary A. & Wm. A. 
15 GRAY, Catharine--- Sep 1849 Age 17Y. Daughter of George & Cath. 
13 GRAY, Jas. W.--- 25 Apr 1877 Aged 54Y 5M 28D. Gone but not forgotten. S/w Catharine, Mary A. & Wm. A. 
16 GRAY, John--- 18 Aug 1848 Age 22Y. Son of George & Cath. Broken Stone. * 
11 GRAY, Mary A.18 Jan 1856 19 Jan 1856 Dau of J. & E. S/w Jas. W, Catharine & Wm. A. 
12 GRAY, Wm. A.--- 23 Sep 1855 Age 1Y 9M 16D. Son of J. & E. S/w Mary A., Jas. W. & Catharine. 
19 GREER, David--- 14 Feb 1856 Aged 55 years 
GREER, Edward L.6 Oct 1875 26 Apr 1881 Son of B. L. & M. E. He took thee from a world of care, In everlasting bliss to share. 
HARRISON, Henry--- 7 Sep 1858 Age 18Y 2M 9D. Son of D. & R. Stone broken, pieces in a pile. * 
HETZEL, Christina Marty14 Jun 1818 5 Mar 1893 In Memory of. Wife of Michael. Born at Eldenheim Baden Germany, Died at Aviston, IL. S/w Michael. 
--- --- HETZEL, Eliza--- 13 Nov 1884 No stone found, see Death Certicate # 1526. Age 20, born NC.* 
HETZEL, Infant20 May 1895 20 May 1895 Dau of J. & M. S/w Mary J. 
HETZEL, J. W. B. (John)1853 --- Flat concrete stone with 2 crosses.* Born in Missouri, married Mollie FRAZIER in 1893. First name, birth date and marriage provided by Connie Tucker
HETZEL, Jacob--- 26 Jun 1913 Co. G. 13 Ill. Cav. GHS. Date of Death from 1956 Honor Roll. 
HETZEL, Mary J.26 Sep 1896 7 Nov 1898 Dau of J. & M. S/w Infant. 
HETZEL, Michael23 Nov 1812 19 Jan 1897 Born at Neimel, Germany. Died at Aviston, IL. S/w Christina Marty. 
14 HICKLIN, Francis M.18 Nov 1851 2 Aug 1853 Son of John & Arminda. Suffer the little children to come unto me, Forbid them not. For such is the kingdom of heaven. Stone badly deteriorated. * 
16 HICKLIN, John--- 11 Apr 1870 Aged 44Y. Dear friends as you pass by, Think how cold and pail I lie. AS I am now, so you must be, Prepare for death and follow me. Stone has an enbossed broken chain hanging from index finger. * 
15 HICKLIN, William N.16 Mar 1866 19 Aug 1867 Son of John & Arminda 
12 HOLT, James--- 24 Feb 1856 Age 55Y 5M 19D. Stone broken. * 
10 HOLT, Joseph B.--- 16 Sep 1858 Age 29Y 5M 7D 
13 HOLT, Mary A. D.--- 26 Feb 1856 Age 62Y xxM 7D. Wife of J. Stone broken into pieces in a pile. * 
11 HOLT, Priscilla R.--- 3 Nov 1855 Age 12Y 10M 23D. Dau of J. & M. A.D. Dearest sister Thou has left here. Thy loss we deeply feel, But God that hath bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal. 
--- --- JENNINGS, Jennie--- 15 Jul 1871 Age about 2Y. Dau of J. E. & C. No stone found, information from previous reading. * 
JOHNSON, Hetty Ann--- 24 Mar 18__ 26Y 7M 9D. Sacred in the memory of. Wife of J. P. Stone. Stone broken & in a pile, with Footstone. * 
--- --- KERxxx, Mary--- --- Dau of Shirley. No stone found, information from earlier cemetery reading* 
KIRGAN, Alfred--- 18 Aug 1858 Age 28Y 5M 25D. His death was caused by an accidental gunshot. Stone broken and in pieces. * 
28 KIRGAN, Margaret11 Jul 1796 26 Aug 1854 Member of Methodist Church. Wife of S. S. 
22 LEAR, Henry3 Mar 1802 3 Jun 1887 Born in Bucks Co. Pa. S/w Sarah. 4 lines of illegible poetry, includes "home" and "unknown." * 
24 LEAR, Mary--- 28 Sep 1846 Age 42Y. Wife of Henry 
23 LEAR, Sarah13 Jul 1808 23 Dec 1882 Born in Richmond, VA. S/w Henry. 2 lines of illegible poetry including "sleep" and "weep." * 
--- --- LINDSEY, Benjamin F13 Mar 1838 16 Mar 1878 Information from death certificate as provided by Tom Lindsey. Death certificate listed the surname as LINSEY. Benjamin was a Confederate soldier - see his Biography 
10 MARTIN, Infant--- --- Buried with Mary E. 
MARTIN, Mary E.--- 4 Apr 1853 Age 24Y. Wife of T. S. "Also an infant" 
11 NEAL, Adelia R.--- 1 Mar 1856 Age 6M 12D. Dau of T. L. P. & H. 
NEAL, Albert T.20 Dec 1849 24 Feb 1868 Son of T. L. P. & H. He said as he passed over the viper of death, O you must be a lover of Jesus, Or you can't go to heaven. His last words "I do love Jesus." 
NEAL, Belle, Miss16 Jan 1863 4 Jan 1888 In Memory of. Daughter of Thos. L. P. & Huldah. Fare you well dear Belle until we meet in heaven. 
12 NEAL, Edward W.--- 18 Dec 1854 6Y 7M 16D. Son of T. L. P. & H. 
NEAL, Hulda11 Feb 1821 10 Mar 1898 Age 77Y 29D. Born in Trenton, Ills. We shall meet again, sweet mother, In a brighter clime than this, Where the anguish of this world of ours, Is lost in deathless bliss. S/w Thomas L. P. 
10 NEAL, James B.23 Dec 1856 15 Jan 1857 Son of T. L. P. & H. 
NEAL, Martha E.11 Nov 1845 31 Jul 1864 Many hopes lie buried here. Dau of T. L. P. & H. S/w Preston L. 
NEAL, Mary Ann11 Apr 1844 23 Nov 1853 Dau of T. L. P. & H. She died in beauty like a rose, Blown from its parent stem. And now with God in sweet repose, She wears an angel's diadem. Stone is broken.* 
NEAL, Preston L.14 Aug 1860 6 Mar 1862 Brightest flowers soonest fade. Son of T. L. P. & H. S/w Martha E. 
13 NEAL, Samuel--- 20 Aug 1851 66Y. Stone in pieces, in a pile. * 
NEAL, Thomas L. P.--- 22 Aug 1897 Age 83Y 5M 8D. Born in Lawrence Co. Ohio. Died at Lake Branch. S/w Hulda. O Thou who dries the mourners tears, How dark this world would be, Did we not know our Father dear, Was only called to thee. 
NETHERTON, Katie--- 12 Apr 1889 Age 24Y 9M 29D. Rest in peace. Wife of C. H. Sleep on dear wife and take thy rest, God called thee home, He thought it best. S/w Roy C. Also see Death Record # 1531. * 
NETHERTON, Roy C.--- 9 Jun 1889 Age 6M 25D. Son of C. H. & K. Gone but not forgotten. S/w Katie 
ORTEN, Angeline L.--- 7 Apr 1864 Age 1M 28D. Daughter of J. & M. E. Sleep on dear babe, And take thy rest. God called thee home, When He thought best. 
ORTEN, Jasper N12 Dec 1831 16 Jan 1870 In Memory of 
PARKER, Mathilda31 Mar 1853 3 Feb 1908 Beloved wife of Dr. S. M. 
PHILLIPS, Alanzo27 Apr 1852 8 Jul 1871 Farewell. Son of D. & B. Death is the crown of life. Top of stone missing. * 
PHILLIPS, Belinda B.17 Jun 1812 22 Jun 1882 Wife of David. Gone Home. 
PHILLIPS, Cyrus Marshel16 Jul 1878 12 Sep 1878 Son of L. A. & M. E. Stone broken. * 
PHILLIPS, David4 Dec 1807 2 Dec 1876 God gave, He took, He will restore, He doeth all things well. Stone is broken and leaning on Belinda's stone.* 
POTTS, Cyrus--- 16 Aug 1863 Age 26Y 1M 26D. Weep not for me, Companion Dear, I am not dead but sleeping here. Prepare for death, for die you must, And with your Cyrus sleep in dust. Broken stone pieces in a pile. * 
POTTS, Julia J.--- 12 Jan 1869 Age 18Y 10M 3D. In Memory of. Dau of J. & M. C. Our Julia has left us, her spirit has fled. Her body now slumbers along with the dead. Her Saviour hath called her to Him. She hath gone. Be ye also ready to follow her soon. 
18 POWER, Louisa3 Feb 1855 22 Dec 1881 Wife of Thomas POWER. Footstone L. P. No "S" on end of surname.* 
17 POWERS, Thomas L.3 Nov 1840 21 Apr 1881 Surname spelled with S.* The promise of him who sleeps in earth, The pleasant memory of his worth, The hope to meet when life is past, Shall cheer the sorrowing heart at last. Footstone T.L.P. 
RANDALL, Thomas20 Feb 1783 25 Feb 1865  
RENO, A.--- 25 Mar 1910  
RENO, Martha May2 Feb 1888 24 Feb 1904 Daughter of A. & E. 
RIGGS, Gertrude Tennessee22 Dec 1860 21 Apr 1867 Dau of S. W. & Maria E. 
--- --- SCHLEMKER, Mary 13 Apr 1861 31 Mar 1867 Dau of C. B. & Anna. No stone found, information from previous cemetery reading. 
--- --- SEEGRAVES, Jeff'n--- --- Co. K, 8th Ill. Inf. No stone found, information from previous cemetery reading. 
--- --- SELLMAN, John N.--- 20 Jul 1872 Aged 18Y 6M 24D. No stone found, name from previous cemetery reading. 
SHELTON, Wineford--- 25 Aug 1854 Age 66Y 2M 21D. Wife of J. C. Native of Virginia. Tombstone by Kent A. Fuller - St. Louis. Only stone in row 5.* 
SHEPHARD, Spencer, M. D.--- 14 Feb 1859 44Y 5M 30D. In GOODING plot. Footstone S. S. 
--- --- SHORT, John W.--- 15 Mar 1876 Age 8Y 2M 24D. No stone found, information from earlier cemetery reading* 
SHORT, Nancy E.15 Jul 1830 20 Aug 1865 In Memory of. Wife of J. W. Farewell dear husband, I must go, And leave you in this world of woe. A few more days and years at most, Till we shall meet at Canaan's coast. Also has footstone 
17 SMITH, Alcana C.29 Jun 1837 22 Jul 1849  
18 SMITH, Wm. P.15 May 1839 23 Jul 1849  
12 STINE, Joseph B.10 May 1813 2 Jul 1852 Of Memphis, Tenn. Born in Harrisburg. Died of Cholera. None knew thee but to love thee, None named thee but to praise. Stone broken in two pieces. * 
SUTTON, Hannah30 Sep 1797 17 Oct 1882 Wife of Robert. Mother. Maiden name STOCKDALE. Born near Kendall, Westmoreland County, England. S/w Robert. 
SUTTON, Robert17 Dec 1797 3 Sep 1872 Born at Houghton, Parish of Stanwix, Coumberland County England. Father. S/w Hannah. 
11 TWISS, Abigail R.5 Oct 1817 18 Jan 1878 Age 60Y 3M 13D. Wife of W. H. Born in Xenia, Ohio. Died at Aviston, IL. Dearest Mother thou hast left us, And thy loss we deeply feel. But tis God who hath bereft us, He can all our sorrows heal. 
--- --- TWISS, Clara Abigail--- 21 Aug 1896 No stone found, see Death certificate #1527, 6M 6D. 
10 TWISS, Columbus H.25 Sep 1840 2 May 1907 In Memory of. A precious one from us is gone, A voice we love is stilled. A place is vacant in our home, That never can be filled. 
13 TWISS, Edward B.4 Mar 1869 24 Dec 1870 Son of C. H. & L. Oh, we dear parents are weeping for you, O'er the spot where you are sleeping. Sleeping _______ short, And ____ ____ ____. Stone is loose and leaning on Wm. H.'s stone. * 
TWISS, Elizabeth1844 1917 Mother 
TWISS, Lanoria10 Sep 1856 6 Feb 1857 Dau of W. N. & L. 
12 TWISS, Wm. J.8 Mar 1812 15 Nov 1855 Age 43Y 8M 7D. Born in Westmoreland, N. H. Footstone W.H.T. 
Unknown1864 1867 Stone broken and worn* 
Unknown--- 24 Feb 1854 Stone broken and worn* 
WATKINS, Beverley2 Mar 1788 24 Feb 1851 Stone is broken* 
WATKINS, Katy23 May 1782 21 Dec 1853 Stone broken* 
13 WHITTAKER, Clara A.27 Mar 1884 17 Dec 1886 Age 2Y 8M 20D. Child of C. & E. A. Gone but not forgotten. S/w Edna L. Stonemason-J. Kuntz Belleville, IL. See Death record # 1534. * 
12 WHITTAKER, Edna L(ucinda*)9 Mar 1883 25 Sep 1883 Age 6M 6D. Child of C. & E. A. S/w Clara A. See Death record # 1525. 
WOOD, Andrew J.20 Aug 1864 11 Sep 1865 Son of W.D. & N. C. For such is the kingdom of Heaven. 
WOOD, Charles L.3 Jan 1863 10 Oct 1863 Child of Wm.D. & N.C. S/w George W. 
10 WOOD, Francis M.14 Jun 1855 20 May 1856 Son of W.D. & N. C. Inscription: "Infant son lies on the south side." 
--- --- WOOD, Geo. W.--- 7 Mar 1888 2M. No stone found, see Death certificate #1528. 
WOOD, George W.1 Sep 1861 16 Oct 1863 Child of Wm.D. & N. C. S/w Charles L. 
--- --- WOOD, Revelle Lear--- 30 Jan 1889 1M 4D. No stone found, see Death certificate # 1530. 
15 WOOLEY, P. B.25 Nov 1828 24 Oct 1878 Farewell. Stone broken and alone at back of cemetery. Footstone.* 

Cemetery ID:36