Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2026 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== USGenNet Data Repository Notice: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ============================================================================= Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. ============================================================================= History of Bay County Michigan pub. H. R. Page & Co., Chicago - 1883 [p. 106] BURIAL GROUNDS Earth has no corners beyond the reach of death; no crevice in which man may hide himself, and escape the sentence pronounded upon all that is mortal. The last resting place of the dead is always regarded as a sacred spot by the living, whether among savage or civilized people. The pioneers died in lonely places, and their graves were unadorned by the delicate touches of art. The first burial in Lower Saginaw was some time prior to 1840. A man named BENNETT, from Pine River, died, and was buried near what is now the corner of Eleventh and Washington Streets. This was a sand ridge, and was selected on account of its elevation. The next death here was that of MRS. DERR, who was buried in the same place, and these were the only deaths in the settlement for several years. This burial place was used until about 1859. At that time JUDGE JAMES BIRNEY purchased and set apart five acres at the east end of Twelfth Street, in order to have a suitable place for the grave of his younger brother, GEORGE BIRNEY, to whom he was much attached. The ground was enclosed, and has been used since that time. The ground is tastefully laid out, and is still the property of JUDGE BIRNEY, excepting the lots that have been sold for graves. It is rapidly filling up, and shows how the cities of living, people the cities of the dead. This spot is known as Pine Ridge Cemetery. To the east and adjoining Pine Ridge is the Hebrew Cemetery, and a short distance further east is St. James' Catholic Ceme- tery, comprising five acres of ground, originally donated to the Catholic Church by MR. W. D. FITZHUGH. On the opposite side of the Tuscola plank-road from Pine Ridge is a handsome cemetery, laid out by Mr. E. ERCKERMEYER, an enterprising German citizen. This is called Green Ridge Cemetery. ===============================================================================