Old Baby Cementary in Benzie Co.

[James Sofonia]

I'm watching the evening news about a re-discovered old cemetery in Lake Co. over 100 years old. This reminds me of a baby cemetery I found nearly 40 years ago in Benzie Co. I had been following the route of the Frankfort-Traverse City stage coach and mail trail. So long ago I've forgotten the location and details. But was clearly out in the middle of nowhere, and all the graves were children mostly less than one year old. I think most of the dates were 1888 to 1900. Has anyone ever happen across this or read about it somewhere?

[AARR]

No but I'd love to find one or anything old and in the middle of no where

[Michael]

Pixl, Here is a great resource for looking up unique, unknown and sometimes abandoned cemeteries
http://libraryofmichigan.state.mi.us/Mi ... earch.aspx

[James Sofonia]

ok mike, i'll give it a try, thanks.

[Stinger4me]

I wonder if it dates to an epidemic we had in Michigan. When the soldiers returned from Europe after World War I they brought influenza with them. Massive die off after 1918, with not enough room in hospitals. the dates might correspond to that. Good luck and keep up posted.

[Todd Cline]

Given the dates, and remote locations, I'd hazard a guess as a nearby orphanage, and the cause of death as Small Pox, or influenza. I cannot confirm this, just an educated guess..

Todd

[Stinger4me]

Todd; good answer. I think if a location was known it might be possible to look up information. There are some books out there concerning ghost towns in Michigan. The orphanage is a possibility.

[Doktor No]

Old babies...it boggles the imagination...