Beckley Cemetery History
Established in 1833, Beckley Cemetery is one of the oldest burial grounds in Battle Creek, Michigan, and holds a significant place in the city’s early history. Originally known as the J.W. Stewart Graveyard, the cemetery was founded by Joseph W. Stewart, a New York native who settled in the Oak Openings area of western Calhoun County. Stewart generously offered burial plots free of charge to the community, reflecting the spirit of care and service that shaped the region.
In 1859, following a Michigan law requiring townships to provide public burial grounds, Stewart officially transferred the cemetery to Battle Creek Township. The surrounding area later became known as Beckley Corners, named after another early settler, Ira Beckley, whose contributions to the community are also remembered.
Beckley Cemetery is also featured in the Michigan Tombstone Transcription Project.
Today, Beckley Cemetery remains a small and peaceful site, with fewer than 500 burials, located at 13390 Helmer Road South, near the I-94 interchange. It is listed on the Michigan registry of historic places, preserving its legacy as a vital part of Battle Creek’s heritage.
Beckley Cemetery stands as a quiet tribute to the pioneers who helped shape our city, offering a place of reflection and remembrance for generations past and present.