Please feel free to link to my pages, but do not claim my work as your own. I hope you find something here that will aid you in your personal research. E-mail me if you can add a link to the Grand Chain Gang. Also, please be sure to sign my guest book before you leave and list your surnames. Perhaps, another visitor might have a connection.
This is a historic cemetery dating as far back as 1821 with the death of Helen Epps. The cemetery has been know by several names over the years, The Grand Chain Cemetery, Methodist Cemetery, Rhinnie Hill Cemetery, the Colored Cemetery and Ranney Cemetery. The later name of Ranney Hill Cemetery has been chosen to honor the first donators of land to the cemetery, Mr. William and wife Mrs. Marie Ranney. The Ranney's deeded one acre of land to the Trustees of the Colored Cemetery.
Mr. Louis and Mr. Carl Elliott donated additional acreage in later years as the cemetery swelled to capacity.
My original transcription of the cemetery was by a walk through of the cemetery by my immediate family and myself. We hand wrote every inscription of the stones down. I have since that time modified the records based upon the numerous accumulation of obituaries and death certificates that I have collected to prepare a more accurate accounting of the inhabitants of the cemetery.
On April 17, 2010 I revisited the cemetery and took pictures of the stones that were still above ground. A number of the stones have now sunken under the topsoil. Efforts will soon be underway to locate these stones and return them to their proper place. The Cemetery Association is working hard to maintain and restore the cemetery. Please email
ranney@grandchaingang.com to join the committee or to make donations to assist with the effort.
On the morning of January 15, 2012, I located additional records and photos of this cemetery on the Find a Grave site. It is listed as Forestview Cemetery.
Directions: Approximately 8 miles east of Interstate 57, take
the Ullin Road exit, located on IL Route 37, south from Ullin Road. This is an African
American cemetery.
Abraham,
Charity
1894 - 19
wife of Abraham
Genealogical Notes: (Daughter
of Louis T. Claypool 12 Apr 1863 - 24 Oct 1918 and Fannie Gordon Claypool 22 Feb
1868 - 25 Mar 1932)
Abraham, Isiah
1891 - 1964
husband of Charity
Genealogical Notes: Born 22 Nov 1890 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The son of Isaiah, September 1869 – 30 July 1949 and Phenia Abraham born December 1872.
Adams, Iona
January 7, 1913 - March 5, 1932
Genealogical Notes: Born January 7, 1913 in Grand Chain, Illinois. The daughter of Savannah Sutton and Allen Adams. Interment verified on death certificate, no grave stone or marker.
Adams, Savannah
February 14, 1891 - July 2, 1932
Genealogical Notes: Born February 14, 1891 in Grand Chain, Illinois. The wife of Allen Adams and daughter of Fred and Nancy Foree Sutton. Interment verified on death certificate, no grave stone or marker.
Alexander
wife of Thomas, died June 26, 1887
Genealogical Notes: I have tried to determine this wife since Thomas Alexander married one of my ancestors. Two wives have been found for him that lived after this death date. They were Ella McClelland and Mahalia Pritchard.
Allensworth,
Bemus
born 31 December 1876, Grand Chain, Illinois
died 15 Mar 1957, Grand Chain, Illinois
Allensworth,Frankie
born 14 November 1888, Kentucky
died 27 October 1961, Ullin, Illinois
Allensworth,
James E.
born 24 Mar 1869
died 17 Aug 1918
Genealogical Notes: Born in Illinois probably Pulaski County to Randle Allensworth and Sarah Decator Allensworth. The husband of Josephine McClelland Allensworth, April 1869 – 28 May 1904.
Anderson,
Cecile
born 14 Feb 1908
died 15 Dec 1988
Wife of Hurley
Genealogical Notes: Born in Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi the daughter of Stoddard and Mary Payne; wife of Hurley Anderson, Sr.
Anderson, Demara
April 15, 1939 - September 18, 1942
Genealogical Notes: Born in New Madrid, Missouri. Daughter of Isoni Anderson and Ladie Farris. Interment verified on death certificate, no stone found. Cemetery listed as Grand Chain.
Anderson, Ella
Genealogical Notes: Born 3 June 1893 in Grand Chain, Pulaski County, Illinois and died 06 Mar 1966 in Ullin, Illinois. The daughter of Frank Brooks, 1868 – 4 Dec 1935 and Annie Lee Foree Brooks, 19 Feb 1872 – 22 Sep 1931. Interment verified on death certificate, no grave stone or marker.
Anderson, Fred
Born 25 Dec 1880
Died 08 April 1967
Genealogical Notes: Born in Greenville, Mississippi. The son of Peter Anderson 1843 – 12 Feb 1935 and Rosetta Dempsey Anderson 1846 - ?. Interment verified on death certificate, no grave stone or marker.
Anderson,
Hurley Sr.
born 09 Jan 1912
died 12 Feb 1979
Husband of Cecile
Genealogical Notes: Son of Silas Anderson January 1879 – 26 May 1941 and Lucy Clay Anderson 12 April 1876 – 30 October 1971.
Anderson, Lodia
Anderson,
Lucy
Photo 2
1884 -
1971
Genealogical Notes: Daughter of George Clay born 1850 and Laura Washington Clay Jaunary 1857 – 03 Jul 1940.
Barefield,
Nancy
Feb. 24, 1876
Mar. 16, 1963
Genealogical Notes: Daughter of Simon Foree born May 1825 and Millie Tandy born Feb 1840. Wife of
Barfield, Sallie
Born October 7, 1888
Died July 9, 1982
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on obituary , no grave stone or marker. Sally was the wife of Joe Barfield; daughter of Henry and Lucy (Penn) Henderson.
Barfield, Susia
Born 10 August 1897
Died 12 April 1923
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on State of Illinois Death Certificate No. 5 filed April 12, 1923, M.T. Carpenter, Registrar; Informant C. Woolfolk , no grave stone or marker. This person went by the name of Lessie Barfield. She was the wife of Dave Barfield
Barefield,
Sarah
Born June 17, 1904
Died May 26, 1932
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on State of Illinois Death Certificate No. 7 filed September 15, 1932, Reesie Carpenter, Registrar; Informant Dave Barfield , no grave stone or marker. She was the wife of Dave Barfield, daughter of Benton C. and Fannie (Yarbrough) Crossland.
Benson, Alfred
1855 - 1939
Genealogical Notes: Son of John Benson and Betsy Talbet.
Benson, Amandy
1851
- 1916
Genealogical Notes: First wife of Alfred Benson, daughter of Horace Hudgins and Mahaly)
Benson,
Caroline "Doll"
1892
- 1965
Genealogical Notes: Second wife of Alfred Benson, Daughter of Louis T. Claypool 12 Apr 1863 - 24 Oct 1918) and Fannie Gordon Claypool 22 Feb 1868 - 25 Mar 1932)
Benson, Frank
1890
– 1915
Genealogical Notes: Son of Alfred Benson 10 Sep 1853 – 11 Jan 1939 and Amanda Hudgens Benson 1855 – 27 Jan 1916.
Benson, Nora
1917
– 1926
Genealogical Notes: Son of Alfred Benson 10 Sep 1853 – 11 Jan 1939 and Caroline Claypool Benson 1892 - 1965.
Brooks, Annie Lee
Born February 19, 1872 in Grand Chain, Illinois
Died September 23, 1931 in Grand Chain, Illinois
Source Notes: Death Certificate in the possession of Deborah Davis
Genealogical Notes: Annie Lee was the wife of Reverend Frank Brooks, daughter of Millie Tandy and Sim Foree.
Clay, Lilly
born
30 Dec 1917
died 06 Feb 2005
Genealogical Notes: Lilly was born in Grand Chain, Illinois to William and Lula B. Hall Browder. She was the wife of Oris Clay.
Clay, Bishop Mark Sr. and Mother Alice McClelland Clay
April 1, 1885 October 10, 1887
February 21, 1958 March 3, 1948
Genealogical Notes: Mark Clay was born in Grand Chain, Illinois to George and Laura Washington Clay. Alice Clay was born in Grand Chain, Illinois to Richard and Sarah Rutledge McClelland.
Clay, Oris
born
14 Mar 1912
died 03 Sep 1975
Genealogical Notes: Oris Clay was born in Grand Chain, Illinois to Mark and Alice McClelland Clay. He was the husband of Lilly May Browder Clay.
Claypool, Ed
1898
- 1956
Genealogical Notes: (Son of Louis T. Claypool 12 Apr 1863 - 24 Oct 1918) and Fannie Gordon Claypool 22 Feb 1868 - 25 Mar 1932)
Claypool, Arthur Jr.
Born 1931
Died May 15, 1932
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on death certificate, no stone found. Cemetery listed as Grand Chain Cemetery. Arthur Jr. was the son of Arthur and Marie (McClelland) Claypool.
FATHER MOTHER
Claypool, Louis Claypool,Clatie
born 27 Dec 1896 born 31 Oct 1901
died 21 Jan 1985 died 01 Aug 1990
Genealogical Notes: Louis is the son of Louis T. Claypool (12 Apr 1863 - 24 Oct 1918) and Fannie Gordon Claypool (22 Feb 1868 - 25 Mar 1932). Clatie is the daughter of Coleman (Febrary, 1869 - 10 January 1936) and Nannie Bell McClelland (18 November 1860 - 20 October 1924) Woolfolk, Sr.
Claypool, Gerald
died March 21,
1936
Notes: Son of Louis Claypool 27 Dec 1896 - 21 Jan 1985 and Clatie (Woolfolk)
Claypool 31 Oct 1901 - 01 Aug 1990. Interment verified on death certificate.
Claypool, Florence
Born May 20, 1931
Died May 27, 1931
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on death certificate, no stone found. Cemetery listed as Grand Chain Cemetery. Guy was the son of Jack and Audra (Henderson) Claypool.
Claypool, Guy
Born December 31, 1924
Died September 5, 1925
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on death certificate, no stone found. Cemetery listed as Grand Chain Cemetery. Guy was the son of Jack and Audra (Henderson) Claypool.
Claypool, Marion
Born March 17, 1937
Died July 14, 1937
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on death certificate, no stone found. Cemetery listed as Grand Chain Cemetery. Marion was the son of Arthur and Marie (McClelland) Claypool.
Claypool, Mary Jane
Born March 19, 1935
Died August 22, 1935
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on death certificate, no stone found. Cemetery listed as Grand Chain Cemetery. Mary Jane was the daughter of Arthur and Marie (McClelland) Claypool.
Claypool, Nannie Bell
February 15, 1923 - March 31, 1942
Notes: Son of Louis Claypool 27 Dec 1896 - 21 Jan 1985 and Clatie (Woolfolk) Claypool 31 Oct 1901 - 01 Aug 1990. Interment verified on death certificate.
Crossland, Bell
born 1857
died 01 Apr 1933
Age 76 yrs at rest '
Genealogical Notes: Born in Halswood, Kentucky on 14 Aug 1896
Crossland, Lucy
born 30 May 1885
died 02 Jun 1920
Genealogical Notes: Born in 05 Sept. 1903 in Kentucky; died 108 July 1923 in Grand Chain, Illinois.
Crossland, Ruby
Born October 19, 1918
Died June 19, 1934
Genealogical Notes: Daughter of Benton and Mary (Woolfolk) Crossland. Interment verified on death certificate.
Curtis, Jerry
CO. A
4 U.S. CLO
HV ARMY
DUNLAP
FATHER MOTHER
Dunlap, John
W. Dunlap, Wilmoth
CHILDREN
Dunlap, Fate W. Dunlap, Blanche
Dunlap, Pocahontas Dunlap, Lude
Dunlap, Bedford O. Dunlap, Maud
Epps, Helen
died
18 Aug 1821
Gilspie,
Geraldine
born
25 Dev 1944
died 29 Sep 1957
Harris, Vernettie
1905 - 1964
Hart, Harrison
1850
- 1926
Husband of Lula
Hart, Lula
1859
- 1926
Wife if Harrison
Henderson, Baby
Born September 23, 1941
Died September 23, 1941
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on Coroners Certificate of Death filed September 23, 1941, Elizabeth Evers, Registrar; Informant Jerry Henderson, Grand Chain, Ill. , no grave stone or marker. Jerry was the son of Jerry and Lula (McClelland) Henderson. Cemetery listed as Grand Chain Cemetery.
Henderson, Charles
Died December 25, 1932
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on State of Illinois Certificate of Death No. 30 filed December 28, 1932, E. C. Evers, Registrar; Informant Surilda Henderson, Grand Chain, Illinois, no grave stone or marker. Surilda was the daughter of Henry and Lucy (Penn) Henderson. Cemetery listed Colored Me Cemetery.
Family Research Page
Hooks, Ledger Franklin
December 3, 1925
November 15, 1926
Note: Interment verified on death certificate, no stone found.
Howard, Joseph
born
11 Nov 1830
died April 27, 1901
Wife Evlyne
1922
Johnson, Mary
November 25, 1858
October 11, 1947
Note: Interment verified on death certificate, no stone found.
Johnson, Sarah
May
17, 1901
Sister Sept. 21, 1954
Johnson
Johnson, Thomas U. Johnson, Gertrude
born 28 Oct 1882 born 27 Apr 1893
died 27 May 1964 died 17 Jul 1953
J. Deanna Fannie Claypool Gloria L.
Dec 4, 1955 Jan. 6, 1932 Aug. 9, 1957
Feb 6, 1971 Feb 6, 1971 Feb 6, 1971
Jordan, Beulah
September 25, 1899 - May 3, 1927
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on State of Illinois Death Certificate No. 6 filed May 4, 1927, Registrar; Informant Oscar Jordan, no grave stone or marker. Beulah was the daughter of Rome and Lottie Porter Barefield. She was the wife of Oscar Jordan.
Jordan, Charles H.
12 July 1904 - 8 December 1969
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on State of Illinois Certificate of Death County of Pulaski filed December 11, 1969, E. C. Evers, Registrar; Informant Elenon Jordan, Ullin, Illinois, no grave stone or marker. Charles was the son of Dan and Flora Jordan. Cemetery listed as Grand Chain Cemetery.
KIRK'S
DAUGHTER MOTHER FATHER
Kirk, Sophronia Kirk, Millie Kirk, William
1910 - 1966 1889 - 1956 1887 - 1956
Latham, George
Photo 2
born
12 Oct 1880
died 09 Aug 1954
Lewis, Angie (Lovies)
Nov.
15, 1959
May 21, 1983
Lovelace, Juanita
1925 - 2003
Note: Interment verified in Paducah Sun Obituary page, no stone found. Daughter of Sarah Sutton and Francis Clemons.
Manion, Jefferson
died
06 Feb 1892
Genealogical Notes: Manion Family Research Page
Sunrise Apr. 17, 1951
Sunset Jan 12, 2008
Gone but Not Forgotten
McClinton, Sam
February 25, 1875
September 29, 1930
Note: Interment verified on death certificate, no stone found.
McDowell, Fanny
29
Jul 1896
86 yrs. old
April 15, 1920
February 5, 2011
1867 - 1950
Newburn, Arthur
born
13 Oct 1925
died 13 Jun 1953
Porter,
Josephine Witeor Wvatt Porter
died
Oct. 23, 1894
Aged 41 years
Genealogical Notes: The inscription should read Wife of Wyatt Porter. Porter Family Research Page
Richardson,
Kelvin
Born
and Died
Feb 20, 1960
Genealogical Notes: Richardson Family Research Page
Richardson, Sylvesta L.
October 24, 1924
August 16, 2015
Smith, Mattie
born
12 Oct 1882
died 03 Oct 1943
Smith, Charles S.
Born Metropolis, Illinois
Died December 20, 1935, Grand Chain, Illinois
Genealogical Notes: Son of William Smith and Ester Roper Smith
Smith, Eugene
Born Mississippi
Died April 8, 1942 in Grand Chain, Illinois
Genealogical Notes: Husband of Dice Smith. Interment verified on death certificate, no stone found. Cemetery listed as Grand Chain.
Spears, Robert
born
04 Jul 1914
died 28 Feb 1997
Sutton, Charley
Aug.
13, 1904
Mar. 04, 1974
Genealogical Notes: Born in Illinois on 19 August 1904, probably Pulaski County to Fred and Nancy Foree Sutton.
Sutton, Fred
Illinois
PVT
329 ser(illegible)
May 27, 1985
Genealogical Notes: Sutton Family Research Page
Taylor,
Alexander
born
1842
died 26 Feb 1905
Genealogical Notes: Taylor Family Research Page
Walker, Othel
born
22 Aug 1912
died 15 Feb 1990
Genealogical Notes: Walker Family Research Page
Walker, Ollie
Born April 1, 1859
Died December 5, 1935
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on death certificate, no stone found. Cemetery listed Methodist Cemetery. Ollie was the son of Harry and Martha (Brewer) Walker.
Oct. 19, 1918
May 28, 2003
Genealogical Notes: Walker Family Research Page
Washington,
Susie
born
20 Apr 1871 or 1874
died 15 Sep ?
Washum, Porter (Buried when the cemetery was named Methodist Cemetery)
died March 23, 1909
buried March 24, 1909
Washum, Rachel
J.
Wife
of
Rev. John Washum
Born Apr. 3, 1857
Died June 12, 1881
Genealogical Notes: Born in Paris, Tennessee.
Washum, Seth
born
20 Feb 1877
died 18 Sep 1944
Washum, Seth
Major
born
25 Feb 1915
died 22 Apr 1978
Genealogical Notes: Washum Family Research Page
Williams, Annie Jewel
Born April 10, 1930
Died April 16, 1946
Genealogical Notes: Interment verified on death certificate, no stone found. Cemetery listed Grand Chain Cemetery. Annie was the daughter of Robert and Willie Mae (Sutton) Williams.
Williams,
Nelson
born
19 May 1828
died 13 Jan 1914
Williams,
Robert
Dec.
7, 1893
July 25, 1965
Williams, Sarah
E.
born
28 Feb 182?
died 10 Oct 1908 ?
Genealogical Notes: Williams Family Research Page
Wilson, Emma H.
born
01 Aug 1886
died 10 Sep 1928
Genealogical Notes: Wilson Family Research Page
Young, Florence
B.
born
02 Jan 1878
died 28 Oct 1887
Genealogical Notes: Young Family Research Page
Forestview Cemetery Also Known as Rhinnie Hill This transcription is located on the Find a Grave website.
Counter Activated
22 February 2011
This page last updated Monday, January 05, 2015
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