Maple Grove - Indian Cemeteries

Maple Grove is operated by the City of Fremont and is one of the largest sites in the county. In the south east corner of the site is a small area known as the Indian Cemetery, which was originally established for Native American residents of the area. There are several family crypts, of particular interest is the Gerber family (Gerber Baby Food Company), and the Caruso family. The grave of William J. Branstrom, a prominent citizen and attorney who played a pivotal role in the trial of Meda Hodell, is also buried here along with his family. Branstrom Park, on the north end of Darling Street, is named for him. The main entrance to Maple Grove is located at the south end of Division Street

According to A.L. Spooner, a number of Native Americans took up farms from the government along the south end of Stuart Street. Among these were Henry Pego and Wab-e-cake. According to the story, one spring Wab-e-cake's wife made some maple syrup, which she traded to Wilkes Stuart for two dozen eggs. Wab-e-cake's wife hardboiled them and ate all two dozen. Within three hours she had died, bloated and in agony. There is no verification as to the truth of this story other than Mr. Spooner's account, and the fact that Wab-e-cake's wife is indeed buried here.

There was no cemetery established for the Indian population, so Henry Pego set aside a plot of land for that purpose, and Wab-e-cake's wife was the first burial. After some minor legal problems with later owners of the farm, the City of Fremont obtained the property in the early 1930's. The small plot of land is filled, and there are 327 known burials, as well as many others who remain unknown.

Note to reader: I have locations of burials for all of the names listed in the Maple Grove census pages, if you are looking for someone in particular please contact me at tomfury2000@yahoo.com and I will be happy to provide you with the coordinates. See the Maple Grove Census Page for a diagram of the cemetery itself.

Maple Grove / Indian

Maple Grove:

43.27.661N

085.56.695W

Indian:

43.27.595N

085.56.516W

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