Minonk Township Cemetery
Minonk Township Cemetery, established in 1873, is a historic burial ground located in Minonk, Woodford County, Illinois, United States. Situated at the northern edge of Minonk along Maple Avenue, the cemetery is well-maintained and continues to serve the local community with ample space for future interments.
Historical significance
The cemetery's establishment in 1873 aligns with a period of growth in Minonk, which was founded in 1854 following the construction of the Illinois Central Railroad. The town's development was further propelled by coal mining activities in the 1860s, attracting a diverse population of settlers. Minonk Township Cemetery thus serves as the final resting place for many individuals who contributed to the town's early growth and prosperity.
One notable burial is that of Ella Martin, who in 1879 was tragically murdered, and the citizens of Minonk collectively raised funds to erect a tombstone in her memory. Her grave remains a poignant symbol of community solidarity and remembrance. Also interred are Frauke (Hugen) Mairath (1832–1915) and Joachim (Myroth) Mairath (1831–1906): German immigrants who settled in Minonk, the Mairaths represent the wave of European settlers who contributed to the town's development in the 19th century.