The cemetery was founded in 1833 on the land donated by David Christian, one of Babcock’s Grove pioneers. He donated a small, wooded grove located at present-day Riford and St. Charles roads for a common burial ground for local settlers and those in the surrounding area. In David Christian’s last will dated January 1845, verbal permission was given to the inhabitants to use the cemetery. The first two deaths to occur at Babcock’s Grove were Amanda Churchill, daughter of Deacon Winslow Churchill, and Almira Dodge, daughter of William Dodge. Both were originally buried on the family grounds and later their remains were reburied at the cemetery. Their graves became the first at the new cemetery.In 1872, the Oak Grove Cemetery Association was formed by a group of local citizens as a non-denominational and not-for-profit organization. The first Board of Directors were William H. Wagner, president, John Weidman, secretary and treasurer, Isaac B. Churchill, Philo W. Stacy, and William H. Myers, directors. Also signing the Association papers were John Sabin, Amos Churchill, Gilbert Way, and Joseph R. McChesney. Philo Stacy was appointed to act as the caretaker. The Oak Grove Cemetery Association continued in operation until November 1879, when the Association applied for and received, permission from the State of Illinois to incorporate under the new name of The Forest Hill Cemetery Association. Isaac B. Churchill, Philo W. Stacy, and William H. Myers were selected as directors to manage the corporation. William H. Wagner, Amos Churchill, Joseph R. McChesney, John Weidman, and Lawrence C. Cooper also signed the corporation papers.As far back as 1890, veterans of the Civil War would gather in the Village on May 30th and march the cemetery to pay their respects to their fallen comrades. Servicemen from the War of 1812, the Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, Korean War, and Vietnam War are buried in the cemetery at Forest Hill. In 1934, Anan Harmon Chapter of the D.A.R. Placed bronze markets on the graves of four of its real daughters: Mercy Dodge Churchill, Roxana Ward Churchill, Marana Ward Powers, and Matilda Lyon Dodge.As with most older cemeteries, many of the headstones on the early graves are deteriorating due to the elements. Most monuments were placed with no concrete base and the rain wash continues to tilt the fell stones. Forest Hill’s only revenue comes from the sale of burial plots and internment services. The Association has a maintenance trust fund and invites individuals for organizations to donate toward repairing and preserving these stones. A part of Glen Ellyn’s early history can be found by reading the names and inscriptions on these weathered monuments of our forefathers. From its humble beginnings, the Forest Hill Cemetery Association still serves, with dignity, the needs of Glen Ellyn and the surrounding area. From 1966-2013, Jerry Perkins served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Association. He was the fourth person to serve in that position. The current, and first female, Secretary/Treasurer is Frances Cormany.
Plots for Reservation
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