Muskegon County, MI
Located along the coast of Lake Michigan slightly less than half way up the Lower Peninsula lies Muskegon County. There are many interesting sites in this county and these often reflect the area's strong lumbering and manufacturing history, here are a few.
Evergreen (43.13.596N, 086.14.149W)
At the intersection of Pine and Irwin in the City of Muskegon, Evergreen has many large and interesting monuments, among the most interesting is the one dedicated to Captain Jonathan Walker, the "Man with the Branded Hand." (See here for additional information.) Captain Walker assisted many slaves to escape and when captured, Capt. Walker's hand was branded with the mark SS, for Slave Stealer. Additionally, many of Muskegon's best known family names including Peck, McGraft, and Hackley are represented here.
Not far from the shores of White Lake near Whitehall and Montague is Mouth cemetery, where lie the remains of many shipwreck victims, and early settlers of the area. There are 76 marked graves from the 19th century, but there is evidence of many more. A very remote spot with an interesting local history.
Moorland (43.13.216N, 085.59.497W)
Moorland Cemetery is located in Moorland Township, approximately 1 mile south of M-46 between Muskegon and Casnovia.
Name Unknown - Anscomb? Chidester? Indian? (43.17.335N, 086.00.477W)
This desolate and forgotten site has, unfortunately, been the victim of not only neglect but also vandalism and only a few markers remain. Although it is uncared for, it is not entirely forgotten, as there are a few flowers planted here and there, but generally it is overgrown and abandoned. It is located just north of the county waste treatment facilities on Swanson Road at Powerline Road, very close to the Newaygo/Muskegon County line, on the west side. Look for a change from farm fencing to chain link as an indicator that you are there.
Seaman (43.16.958N, 085.50.982W)
Located on Canada Road just north of 21 Mile (Canada Road becomes McClelland in Newaygo County), this site has a number of very interesting and unique carvings and markers. Seaman is still active, with the older section being near the middle.