In 1863, land was first set aside here in Pere Marquette Township for Phillips Cemetery. At the time, it was used exclusively as an Indian burial ground. The burial ground fell into disuse some 40 years later, shortly after the turn of the last century.

Mr. and Mrs. Phillips who donated some of the the land for the cemetery, had a daughter, Dora. She was the first Caucasian child to be raised in the area, coming to Mason County with her parents in 1849. As Dora grew up, she became quite an authority on local history. At the time of her death in 1935, Dora Phillips Hull – then age 95 – wanted to be buried in Phillips Cemetery with the native people and the early pioneers.

There was an occasional burial after that, usually a family member who joined others long since at rest. While the cemetery wasn’t actively used, it remained open until all the burial spaces were filled -- or at least purchased. The Township resumed regular care of the grounds in the 1970’s. Today, it remains a peaceful, attractive site along the Lake Michigan coastline.

Please contact the Township Clerk’s office at pmclerk@pmtwp.org  or 231/845-1279 with any additional questions you may have, or to make an application for a burial space.