Redford Cemetery Association

The Redford Cemetery Association is a Michigan Non-Profit Corporation tasked with the operation, upkeep, and preservation of the Redford Cemetery. Formerly known as the Bell Branch Cemetery, the Redford Cemetery has been in continuous operation since 1831.

NEWS AND UPDATES:

3-27-08: We have received word that Chet's Rent-All, a local business that specializes in equipment rental to both homeowners and contractors, has offered to donate the use of a Bobcat skidsteer loader for our grounds restoration efforts!

3-3-08: Redford Cemetery Association is currently seeking donations of materials for our upcoming soil restoration project in the old section of the cemetery. We are in particular need of compost (10-15 yards to start), shade-friendly grass seed, clover/alfalfa/vetch/etc. seeds, and wood chips (10-15 yards). For more information about our needs and how you or your business could be properly recognized for making a donation to Redford Cemetery Association, please contact our President by email.

3-1-08: Updated Green Book (full burial records for Redford Cemetery) is now available! The first full update since 1939! More information can be found here.

2-29-08: We will be making substantial updates to the website in the coming months, including the addition of historical information about Redford Cemetery and its burials, more pictures (resized so as to not be grainy this time!, and additional links of interest.

2-28-08: Redford Cemetery Association made a presentation to the Dearborn Genealogical Society about the history of and current activities at our historic cemetery. Many thanks to the Dearborn Genealogical Society for inviting us and, of course, for their donation to the restoration and preservation of Redford Cemetery!

Learn how you can HELP the Redford Cemetery.

Click here to see LOTS OF PICTURES of the cemetery grounds and activities not found elsewhere on the site!

A Brief History of Redford Cemetery

The Redford Cemetery was originally called Bell Branch Cemetery. Although it was renamed Redford Cemetery in 1933 and the 1886 archway in the front fence also carries the name "Redford Cemetery," the names were used interchangeably through the mid-20th century. It is still occasionally referred to as "The Bell Branch Cemetery" by members of the older generations. With the passing of the generations born previous to 1930, the use of the name "Bell Branch" will probably disappear into the mists of time.

The Cemetery, located on the east side of Telegraph Road, one-half mile north of Five-mile Road, is located on land first deeded by the United States Government to Nathaniel Armstrong on 5 September 1837. The Cemetery was deeded to the "peoples" of the township of Redford in three deeds as follows:

1. A deed from Nathaniel A. Armstrong, dated 29 April 1840, and recorded 6 June 1840, covering 2 acres; consideration, $20.00

2. A deed from Charles F. Nardin and wife, dated 22 December 1854, covering 2 1/3 acres; consideration, $172.96.

3. A deed from Charles F. Nardin and Catharine S. Nardin, dated 14 July 1883, covering 5.8 acres; consideration, $580.00.

During the time the Cemetery property was owned by the Township of Redford, it was mainly kept up and maintained by the citizens of Redford and in the vicinity of Redford. Through their efforts and contributions, in 1886 they constructed an iron fence along the front of the Cemetery at a cost of $1500.00

In the year 1926, when the City of Detroit annexed a portion of Redford, it acquired that part of the cemetery, amounting to about 7 acres, lying east of a line 200 feet east of and parallel to the center of Telegraph Road. In March 1933, Descendants of the Redford Pioneers and people who had rights of burial in the cemetery formed a corporation under the laws of Michigan, known as the Redford Cemetery Association.

The Association filed petitions both with the Redford Township Board and the Common Council of the City of Detroit to obtain possession and control of the Cemetery and was able to obtain a deed from Redford Township in April of 1933 for the portion of the Cemetery owned by Redford Township. In June of 1934, the Association received a lease in perpetuity from the City of Detroit, its Common Council not having the power under the Detroit City Charter to deed away cemetery property.

All business of the Redford Cemetery Association is managed by a Board of trustees elected by its members. The trustees, in turn, elect the different officers. The Association holds its annual meeting each spring to conduct Association business.

Redford Cemetery: A Michigan Historic Site

On June 11 1989, a Michigan State Historic Marker (No. 1317) was dedicated in a formal ceremony. It was erected inside the front fence, centered under the archway bearing the name "Redford Cemetery." The funds for the Marker were donated by Mrs. Olive Hopp Swanson. The ceremony involved greetings from former Governor John B. Swainson, then President of the Michigan Historical Commission; James Kelly, Supervisor of Redford Township; Charlotte Binns, President of The Descendents of the Redford Pioneers; The Redford Historical Society, and others. Wreaths were given by Northrup Funeral Home, The Allen Monument Co., and others. The color guard from the American Legion, Allen Park Post No. 409, posted the colors. Donald J. Pennell, of the Redford Cemetery Association, presided at the ceremony which was attended by well over fifty persons.

All the Redford Cemetery Association officers were introduced: President John M. Prindle, Sr., Vice President Virginia M. Scott; Secretary Helen E. Gallagher, Treasurer Jean M. Pennell, and Trustees Lois S. Harrison, Donald G. and D. Eileen McGuigan, Clyde Hobbins, Jr., and Edward Sackett.