Here lies William Ganong Cemetery a place of rest and whispers. This cemetery holds stories of settlers soldiers and even spectral sightings. William Ganong Cemetery is located in Westland Michigan. It’s also known as Butler Cemetery or simply Ganong Cemetery.
William Ganong a local farmer donated this land in 1832. He wanted a final resting place for his family and neighbors. Margaret Root Ganong Williams wife was the first burial in 1836. The last burial happened here in 1977 marking the end of an era.
Over 25 members of the Ganong family are interred here. Many other locals also found their final resting place here. William Ganong Cemetery also holds the remains of several war veterans. Civil War World War I World War II and even the Mexican American War are represented. One poignant story is that of Albert Ganong. He perished at just 17 in Libby Prison during the Civil War.
Wayne County now owns William Ganong Cemetery. It is no longer open for new burials. The cemetery is now known for paranormal activity. Ghost enthusiasts claim this place is haunted. Visitors report seeing apparitions among the headstones. Some even claim these apparitions cause car accidents nearby.
A woman in white is often blamed for accidents on Henry Ruff Road. The road curves sharply near William Ganong Cemetery. Some say the woman startles drivers causing them to swerve. Others have reported seeing a spirit of Sarah Ann Dickerson. She died one month after marrying a Civil War soldier. Paranormal investigators have claimed to hear walking and see eyes.
One bizarre incident involves Marion Kuclo. She was known as Gundella the Green Witch of Michigan. In 1980 she visited the cemetery and found a blonde-haired scalp. Police believed animals were responsible for digging it up.
Investigators have felt an extreme pressure when entering William Ganong Cemetery. They described it as feeling like being in a fog. Dowsing rods have pointed to areas of interest. One spot was the front right corner but overgrown brush made investigation difficult.
An investigator felt drawn to the grave of a young girl named Sarah. Another investigator felt the same pull. During an EVP session investigators captured a “Yeah” and a “moan.” An SP-11 session seemed to say “Brenda” and “Jin Lee.” Could Jin Lee be buried in the nearby Eloise Potters field?
Even with the strange occurrences respect for William Ganong Cemetery is paramount. Please remember not to visit this place after dark. This is due to legal restrictions. Treat the grounds with respect. Remember the lives and stories that rest here at William Ganong Cemetery.