OLD MADISON CEMETERY, LAKE CO., SD

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Old Madison Cemetery in the northwest corn of Section 23 of Lakeview township 
is perhaps the oldest burial place in Lake County. It is located at the east 
end of the Chautauqua Grounds near the site of Baker's barn, a well-known landmark 
for early pioneers. Mr. William J. Baker, a progressive settler who came to Dakota 
Territory in 1873 and settled on the north shore of Lake Madison, gave the site 
for the cemetery where he himself is believed to be buried. Cedar trees were 
planted among the several headstones place there.

	Since the cemetery has not been used for burials after about 1890 the site 
fell to the ravages of time, weather, and no regular maintenance.  Man, himself, 
finally desecrate the burial place. All remnants of markers have been removed and 
lake shore cottages have taken its place. One headstone was saved and placed in 
the Smith Zimmerman Museum on Dakota State College campus.

	This burial site being a part of the Chautauqua Grounds merits a brief 
history of the Chautauqua itself. The Chautauqua Association bought 50 acres of 
land at Morena Bean, the entire lake front, including the renown Grand View Hotel, 
which later burned, for $6,000.A stock company was formed at $100 a share. The 
Chautauqua Assembly opened on July 15, 1891 and was a highly successful entertainment 
center. By 1925 its popularity began slipping and in 1935 the site was sold at a 
sheriff's auction because of failure to pay the mortgage and taxes. Madison Building 
and Loan bought the site for $22,721 and in 1945 deed the property to Lake Madison 
Resort for $13,000. Lake Madison Resort, Inc., sold lots 12, 13, and 14 in block 15 
to Dr. P. M. Resnvold in 1945 for the  sum of $1.00.

	Through research a list has been prepared of those believed to have been 
buried in this cemetery.




LAST NAME  FIRST NAME   SEX   BORN          DIED            VET NOTES
Baker      Albert       M     23 Jan 1876   26 Jan 1876         Son of William J. Baker
Baker      James E.     M     18 May 1865   26 Aug 1889         Son of William J. Baker
Baker      William J.   M     08 Mar 1829   30 Mar 1880         Died of Consumption
Burke      Mrs.                                                 Removed to Prospect Cemetery (Chester)
Huntimer
Lee        Arthur E.    M                   1 Apr 1871          4 yrs. son of William & S.  Drown in Lake Madison
Lee        Earnest      M                   22 Sep 1878         Son of William & S. Lee
Lee        Willie L.    M                   17 Nov 1875         Son of William & S. Lee
Thompson   Edith        F                   Bef 1884            Abt. 2  Daughter of James H. & Susan (Baker)
Thompson   Sarah (Mrs.) F     1820          16 Jan 1878         Husband: George
Vine       Grace                                                Removed to Prospect Cemetery (Chester)
Walker     Robert A.    M                   22 Apr 1878         Age 20y, 7m  Son of L. & J. Walker