Cemetery History

JEROME CEMETERY HISTORY Jerome Cemetery is located on Jerome Road just north of the village of Jerome.  It was originally known as the I.O.O.F. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) Cemetery. The cemetery was deeded to the I.O.O.F. by Isreal and Mary Woollam on April 27, 1889.  On October 17, 1955 the I.O.O.F. deeded the cemetery to Jerome Township who now operates and maintains the cemetery.   

PLEASANT HILL CEMETERY HISTORY was donated by Amos Beach from one acre of his property for a burial ground and named it “Pleasant Hill Cemetery” As more families joined the area they erected their first log church in 1842 at the corner of Pleasant Hill Cemetery.  They used this building until 1860 when they built a frame church on Faulk Street.  The oldest recorded burial in Pleasant Hill Cemetery was the infant son of John and Julyand Rudolph in 1835.  It is said there were burials before 1835 but there are no records of these burials. The Cemetery changed names several times throughout its history.  Originally called Pleasant Hill, it was also known by a few other names such as Brock Road Cemetery, Frankfort Cemetery, Herriott Cemetery, Jerome Township Cemetery #2, Old Jerome Cemetery before it was changed back to Pleasant Hill Cemetery.  This cemetery was deeded to the Methodist Church on March 22, 1841.  At one point Jerome Township began to maintain the cemetery and continued to do so for decades.  It was not until 2023 a search was made to verify ownership of the cemetery and they were unable to trace the chain of title.  Upon discussion with Jerome Methodist church and Jerome Township Trustees it was agreed that Jerome Township would officially acquire Pleasant Hill Cemetery and continue to maintain it.  Union County Auditor listed the current owner as Trustees of Jerome Township.  Pleasant Hill Cemetery is a historical cemetery and has not had a burial for many years.

NEW CALIFORNIA CEMETERY HISTORY New California church was originally built 1852 large frame church at original site of old log building.  The cemetery is located just west of the New California Church.  The oldest recorded burial in the cemetery was in 1820.  The cemetery was obtained by Jerome Township in 1991 and expanded the cemetery in the same year.  Jerome Township   now maintains and operates the cemetery.