Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery: A Haunting Legacy

FREAKY FRIDAY

For this week’s Freaky Friday post we are going to head to a haunted cemetery! I don’t know about you, but I genuinely find cemeteries to be peaceful—haunted or not.

Tucked away in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery sits at 5900 W. Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, IL. It’s one of the most notoriously haunted cemeteries in the world, steeped in eerie folklore, tragic history, and paranormal activity that has captivated ghost hunters for decades.

A History Rooted in Early Settlement

The land that became Bachelor’s Grove was originally settled in the 1820s by New England pioneers, followed by European immigrants—predominantly from Germany—in the 1840s. As one of the oldest cemeteries in Cook County, it initially spanned one acre and held 82 burial plots. The cemetery was founded by Edward M. Everden and was originally named Everden Cemetery before undergoing several name changes over the years.

One of the key figures in its early history was Stephen Rexford, a bachelor who, along with three others, settled in the area. According to him, the name "Bachelor’s Grove" was a nod to their single status. Another theory suggests the name originated from the Batchleder family, early settlers who later moved to Rich Township. The truth is a little hazy, so I’ll let you decide which story sounds more plausible.

Rexford played a significant role in the region, initiating the first post office in the area in 1843 and later contributing to the naming of Cook County township governments in 1850.

The First Burials & Family Legacies

The first recorded burial in Bachelor’s Grove took place on August 16, 1835, for William B. Nobles, an event documented in the Blue Island Sun Standard in 1938. Another commonly mentioned early burial is Eliza Scott in November 1844. Over the years, many settlers were laid to rest here, including Civil War veterans.

The final two burials were Laura M. McGhee in 1965 and Robert E. Shields in 1989, the latter being interred in his family plot. Ownership of the cemetery changed hands multiple times, with Frederick Schmidt purchasing it in 1864 and Clarence Fulton later becoming its last private owner. Fulton’s family were among the original settlers, and he recalled a time when people visited their loved ones, picnicking and fishing in the area—a stark contrast to its later reputation.

In 1976, the Cemetery Trustees of the Cook County Board took over ownership, incorporating it into the Forest Preserve Bachelor Grove Woods. Today, visitors are welcome during daylight hours, but visiting at night can result in fines or even arrest.

A Criminal Past & Paranormal Awakening

If you’re into true crime, this part might sound familiar. Bachelor’s Grove wasn’t just a peaceful resting place; it was allegedly a mob dumping ground. The cemetery sits beside a small lake, and rumors persist that Al Capone and his gang used it to dispose of bodies. This sinister past adds another layer to the already eerie atmosphere.

During the 1940s and 1950s, as nearby towns developed, the cemetery became abandoned and fell into disrepair. By the 1960s and 1970s, it became a hotspot for teenage parties, vandalism, and even grave desecration. Some claim that this period of disrespect—combined with rumored Satanic rituals during the height of the Satanic Panic—awakened the spirits of Bachelor’s Grove, leading to increased paranormal activity.

Families who once tended their relatives' graves began to move their loved ones elsewhere. Today, broken headstones and overgrown paths tell the story of a once-respected burial ground turned into one of the most haunted locations in America.

The Ghosts of Bachelor’s Grove

The Phantom Car

Reports from the 1970s tell of a disappearing car. Late-night drivers often saw a vehicle pulled over near the cemetery. When they glanced back in their rearview mirrors, it was gone. Some even claimed that the car would speed past them, pull off the road, and then vanish completely.

In one eerie case, a couple was involved in a phantom car crash near Central Ave and the Turnpike. A speeding brown sedan seemingly came out of nowhere, crashing into them. But when they got out of their vehicle? The car had vanished, and their own vehicle showed no signs of damage. Interestingly, these sightings stopped after the 1980s.

The Blue Light Phenomenon

One of the most well-documented hauntings involves orbs of blue light floating through the cemetery, over the pond, and along the pathway from 143rd Street. First reported in the 1960s, these orbs seem intelligent, responding to movement and interaction.

The White Lady (or White Madonna)

Often seen near the Fulton family headstone, the White Lady appears as a semi-transparent figure sobbing. Some claim she asks if they’ve seen her infant daughter, while others report seeing her cradling a baby under the full moon. A famous 1991 photograph by Judy Huff-Felz captured her apparition, making headlines worldwide.

The Farmer & The Haunted Pond

Perhaps the creepiest legend is that of The Farmer. In 1870, a farmer plowing a field near the cemetery drowned after his horse got spooked and dragged him into the pond. Later, the mob used the same pond to dispose of bodies.

In 1973, police officers reported seeing a hunched specter crawling out of the pond. Since then, The Farmer’s ghost has become one of the cemetery’s most notorious hauntings.

The Caretaker & His Phantom Dog

A grumpy old caretaker, armed with a shotgun and lantern, is said to patrol the cemetery at night, chasing away trespassers. He’s often accompanied by a massive black Doberman Pinscher, who follows visitors to 143rd Street before disappearing.

The Two-Headed Ghost & The Yellow Man

Though details are scarce, multiple reports describe a two-headed specter roaming the cemetery. More recently, in 2009, a ghost hunter captured an image of the Yellow Man, an apparition dressed in 1930s clothing near the Shields family plot.

Ghost Hunting Tips

The following are some tips for ghost hunting at this location from those who have been brave enough to venture here:

• Use an infrared camera—the famous White Lady photo was taken in daylight with one.

• Go on weekdays in winter to avoid crowds.

• Respect the cemetery. Many of these spirits are tied to tragedy—don’t provoke them.

Bachelor’s Grove is more than just a ghost story; it’s a place layered with history, crime, and supernatural lore. Whether you're a true crime buff, a paranormal investigator, or just someone who loves a good ghost story, this cemetery remains one of the most chilling places in the Midwest.

So, if you visit? Watch your step—you never know who (or what) might be watching you.