Oakwood Cemetery is more than a burial ground—it is a living archive of West Chicago’s past. Established in 1858, it holds the stories of the town’s founders, its growth, and the generations who have called this community home. Its weathered headstones and tree-lined paths offer a place of reflection and remembrance, a reminder of the lives that shaped West Chicago’s journey from a small railroad junction to a thriving suburb.
A Gift from the McConnells: The Founding of Oakwood Cemetery
The story of Oakwood Cemetery begins with the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph McConnell, prominent figures in early West Chicago history. In 1858, as the town of Turner Junction (now West Chicago) grew, the need for a dedicated burial ground became evident. The McConnells donated a 132 by 330-foot plot of land, which surveyor Johnathan G. Vallette meticulously divided into 198 lots.
On Christmas Day of that same year, the Oakwood Cemetery Association was formed to oversee the cemetery’s operations. Led by community leaders, including Dr. McConnell as president and Job A. Smith as treasurer and secretary, the association ensured the grounds were maintained and lots sold. Their efforts established a lasting foundation for Oakwood’s role in the community.
Despite their generous contribution, Dr. and Mrs. McConnell rest in unmarked graves within the cemetery, a poignant detail that underscores the passage of time and the often-overlooked stories of those who helped shape West Chicago.
Expanding with a Growing Town
As Turner Junction grew, so did the demand for burial space. Oakwood Cemetery underwent two significant expansions to accommodate the town’s increasing population:
The First Addition (1881): A 60 by 330-foot tract added 54 new lots to the cemetery. Vallette returned to oversee the expansion, ensuring consistency in the cemetery’s layout.
The Second Addition (1898): A 146 by 264-foot tract at the northwest corner of the cemetery marked its final expansion. Surveyed by C.A. Prout of Wheaton, this addition provided much-needed space for the burgeoning community.
These expansions, led by association members like President John Norris and Directors John Parker, Major J. Town, and Theodore E. Tousley, reflected the town’s continued growth and the community’s commitment to preserving a place of rest for its residents.
Oakwood Cemetery as it once appeared with the entrance arch
Neglect and Renewal
Like many historic cemeteries, Oakwood faced periods of neglect. By the early 20th century, its grounds had fallen into disrepair, with unkempt landscaping and numerous unmarked graves. The decline, likely due to financial challenges and diminished community involvement in the Oakwood Cemetery Association, raised concerns about the cemetery’s future.
In 1964, the City of West Chicago took ownership of Oakwood Cemetery, marking a turning point. Under city management, the grounds were restored, headstones repaired, and records organized to ensure long-term care. The West Chicago City Museum played a crucial role in preserving Oakwood’s history, transcribing and indexing tombstone information to create a searchable database for genealogists and researchers.
A Quiet Place of Reflection
Today, Oakwood Cemetery is a serene and contemplative space, its mature trees and winding paths offering a haven for reflection. Visitors can explore the weathered headstones, each one telling a story of the people who built and nurtured West Chicago over the past 175 years.
Among the cemetery’s notable features is the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, a tribute to the town’s residents who served in the armed forces. The monument stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made in service to the nation, adding a layer of honor and remembrance to Oakwood’s grounds.
A Living Archive of West Chicago’s History
Oakwood Cemetery is more than a collection of graves—it is a tangible connection to West Chicago’s heritage. From its founding by the McConnells to its current role as a city-maintained historic site, it reflects the community’s growth, challenges, and resilience.
As West Chicago continues to evolve, Oakwood Cemetery remains a steadfast reminder of those who came before, their stories etched in stone and woven into the fabric of the town’s identity. For the past 35 years the City Museum has paid tribute to those buried here in their annual Tales Tombstones Tell program each October. Visit this historic site to pay tribute to the lives that shaped West Chicago and to reflect on the legacy they left behind. If you are looking to research anyone buried at the cemetery, reach out to us at the City Museum at wegohistory@gmail.com.