Mayfield Cemetery Association Records (DeKalb County)

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-065

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

These records document the history of the Mayfield Cemetery Association from 1844-1966. The society organized to improve and maintain a respectable burial site for deceased inhabitants of Mayfield, Illinois and surrounding communities. Three burial record books comprise the major series of the collection and detail the name, age, nativity, burial date, and location of each set of remains placed in the lot. In many instances, these record books contain overlapping information for the years 1844-1958. Separate files of burial demits, contracts and deeds supplement the record books delineating the cause of death and plot fee payments. A register of minutes, along with articles of incorporation and by-laws, records the decision of the Mayfield Association to organize in 1884. The minutes also highlight the business concerns of the Association, such as lot maintenance, treasurer’s reports, officer elections, and burial procedures.

Dates

created: 1844-1966
Other: Date acquired: 04/30/1968

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection belong to the Mayfield Cemetery Association; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

Mr. George Clarke led the citizens of Mayfield Township to organize the Mayfield Cemetery Association on April 9, 1884. The group elected Edwin Townsend, Henry Osborne, and William H. Townsend to serve on the first board of directors. At a second meeting on May 29, 1884, the Association approved a constitution and by-laws stating their goals as administering their local cemetery. Concerned that the town’s burial site had been neglected, the local inhabitants formed the Association to preserve and maintain a proper, decent place for deceased citizens. Although the society called itself the Mayfield Cemetary Association, the cemetery was known as the Brush Point Cemetary until the late 1920s. The Association usually met annually at the town’s Wesleyan Church to hear a treasurer’s report, recommend any administrative changes for the cemetery, and elect officers. Today, the Mayfield Cemetery Association still conducts the business of recording burials and maintaining the beauty and dignity of the community’s final resting place.

Note written by

Extent

0.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Mr. Dell J. Lanan and Mrs. Clarence Rote

Method of Acquisition

Mr. Dell J. Lanan and Mrs. Clarence Rote, both of Sycamore, Illinois deposited the Mayfield Cemetery Association Records in the University Archives on April 30, 1968. J. Joseph Bauxar, University Archivist, transferred the collection to the Regional History Center in June, 1978.

Related Materials

Currently, the Regional History Center also holds Fairview Park Cemetery Association Records (RC 49), and burial lists from several small Kendall County cemeteries (V.F.M., “Kendall County”).

Separated Materials

Researchers should note that the contents of the three burial ledgers have been transferred to a current record book retained by the secretary of the Mayfield Cemetery Association.