Detroit — There is a reason many of the names on the graves at Historic Elmwood Cemetery seem familiar. Here lie the people who built and shaped Detroit and beyond.

Dedicated in 1846 it is the oldest continuously operating non-denominational cemetery in Michigan.

There are countless stories buried at Elmwood, and not all of them belong to the rich or well known.

Buried in the Strangers Ground section of the cemetery is Lisette Denison Forth. Born a slave, she escaped to Canada, established residency and returned to work for John Biddle, Mayor of Detroit and founder of Wyandotte. She saved her money, owned property, and when she died, left $3,000 to construct St. James Episcopal Church on Grosse Ile. The church doors are painted red in her honor.

Elmwood also has a lot dedicated to fir

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