Potter's Field
Riverside Cemetery Kalamazoo Michigan
A Potter’s Field is a term used to describe a section of a cemetery designated for the burial of individuals who are unidentified, unclaimed, or unable to afford private burial plots. The name originates from the Bible (Matthew 27:7), referring to a field purchased by the priests to bury strangers, using the money Judas Iscariot returned after betraying Jesus. The field had previously been used by potters to extract clay, rendering it unsuitable for farming but appropriate for burials.
- Typically reserved for the poor, homeless, immigrants, or those without family to claim their remains.
- Often used for unmarked or mass graves, especially in times of epidemics or disasters.
- Graves may be unmarked or have minimal markers, such as numbers or simple plaques.
Potter's Field Riverside Cemetery
Riverside Cemetery, established in 1862, is one of Kalamazoo’s oldest cemeteries, municipally owned since its founding.
It spans approximately 90 acres and contains the graves of more than 84,000 individuals
Potter’s Field, a section within Riverside Cemetery, serves as the final resting place for over 2,000 individuals who could not afford burial in traditional sections.
This area is distinguished by its lack of headstones, with many graves remaining unmarked. Notably, Potter’s Field stands out for its inclusivity; from 1860 to 1949, individuals from diverse backgrounds were interred here without segregation. This includes formerly enslaved individuals, free African Americans, immigrants from various countries, and soldiers from the United States Colored Troops (USCT) who fought during the Civil War.
- Kalamazoo Potter's Field was a final resting place for:
- Immigrants
- Enslaved or formerly enslaved individuals.
- USCT & other soldiers from the Civil War though WWII
- Adults of all races, children and infants
Segregation in Potter's Field
The absence of segregation in Potter’s Field during the 19th and early 20th centuries reflects a commitment to equality in death, as in life. The interment records indicate a mix of names suggesting diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Anglo, Dutch, and possibly African-American origins. However, specific racial identifiers are not listed explicitly.
Many entries mention infants and young children, indicating high child mortality during the period. While specific mention of USCT soldiers or enslaved/formerly enslaved individuals is absent in the records, additional military records or markers might reveal more. Many graves are listed as “Unknown,” often with no recorded name or detailed identity.
Patterns of Burials:
The interment records for Potter’s Field at Riverside Cemetery suggest potential periods of higher mortality, which could align with historical outbreaks of illness or other crises in the community.
High Mortality Periods:
The records indicate clusters of burials within specific years, particularly during the late 1860s and early 1870s. For example:
- 1869-1870: A significant number of burials occurred in a short timeframe.
- 1872-1873: Continued elevated burial rates.
Community History:
Kalamazoo, like other towns during this era, likely experienced waves of epidemics. For example:
- Cholera epidemics were common in the mid-19th century and could explain increased deaths around 1869-1870.
- Smallpox outbreaks were also prevalent in Michigan and might have contributed to spikes in burials.
- Potter's Field was often used for those without means for private burial, so it might reflect the impact of a community-wide epidemic, particularly on vulnerable populations.
Military Veterans in Potters Field in 1888
Names in the 1877 Michigan Adjutant General’s Report about the new policy of sending insane veterans to the Asylum in Kalamazoo. The following veterans were not moved and still rest in Potter’s Field.
Graham, John W. Capt.
Co. C, 11th MI Infantry
PF, 255
1836 - 1878
Herrick, Sydney L., Major
Brigade Surgeon
PF, 120
1830 - 1875
Marshall, Balthazar
7th MI Infantry(?)
PF, 682
1838 - 1887 (Can't document service)
Peck, Jackson
Co. E, 16th MI Infantry
PF, 283
1837 – 1880
Stocking, Ira
Co. E, 9th MI Infantry
PF, 227
1841 – 1877
White, Stephen
Co. A, 102nd USCT
PF, 434
1827 – 1882
DOD: Oct 1, 1900
DOD: July 1, 1909
DOD: April 13, 1933
DOD: Oct 11, 1947
Memorializing this Location
The Memorial Reads:
Potter’s Field – Kalamazoo Michigan,
c. 1862 – c. 1949
Burial ground for the unknown, unclaimed or indigent people: regardless of race or religion
Riverside Cemetery - Potters Field
This document is a detailed interment record from Riverside Cemetery, organized by location within the cemetery, specifically for Potter’s Field sections. It lists the names of individuals buried there, along with their associated funeral homes (if available), dates of interment or death, and specific burial locations such as section, block, lot, and grave numbers. Potter’s Field typically refers to areas designated for the burial of unidentified or indigent individuals.
Future Potter's Field Memorial - Click image to enlarge
Meet the Sponsors of the Potter's Field Memorial Project
Tiffany Burns, founder of Smile Savers, is transforming dental care in Kalamazoo, Michigan, through her mobile nonprofit. With over 25 years in dentistry and 11 years as a hygienist, Tiffany provides preventative care and education to underserved populations, including seniors, the homebound, and uninsured individuals.
Tiffany Burns
Founder and Owner of Smile Savers
Twala Lockett-Jones, a Kalamazoo real estate agent since 1995 and broker since 2019, is dedicated to empowering underserved communities through homeownership. She authored Princess Mackie Buys a House to teach children about buying homes and founded Girls Build Kalamazoo, a nonprofit inspiring girls in STEM, trades, and entrepreneurship.
Twala Lockett-Jones
Lockett-Jones Realty Group
Dexter Mitchell, CEO of Vivid Armor, is a USCCA and NRA Certified Firearms Instructor dedicated to firearm safety and family preparedness. Known for his approachable teaching style, Dexter offers Concealed Carry and private training classes. A supporter of the Second Amendment, he is passionate about empowering families to stay safe and prepared.
Dexter Mitchell
President and CEO of Vivid Armor
Special Acknowledgment
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Suzanne Rowland, Cemetery Coordinator; Wendy Burlingham, Administrative Support Manager; Elise V. Case, Ph.D., Asset and Records Manager; Will Eichelberger, Lead Drafter - City of Kalamazoo; Ryan Holley of Patten's Michigan Monuments; Robert P. Polderman, Consumers Concrete Southwest Region Account Manager; and the dedicated local volunteers for their invaluable contributions to the Potter's Field Memorial for Black Pearls of Genealogy. Your unwavering commitment to preserving the sanctity and regulations of the cemetery spaces has been instrumental in aligning our vision with the historical significance of this sacred ground. Your exceptional organizational skills, meticulous management of administrative tasks, and diligent coordination have been the foundation of our efforts, fostering seamless communication and collaboration. We are profoundly grateful for your support and partnership in bringing this meaningful project to life.
