In the 1800s, the Galbraith family owned the Blue Mound Cemetery. The first death recorded was of Charles Ford in 1876.  In 1880, the records show that 11 kids (ranging in age from 1 to 11) died from diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection. There are also many Civil War veterans buried on these grounds. 

 

The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge took over the cemetery in about 1964, at the time farmers were being bought out by the Dept. of the Interior. 

 

Some of the main families which farmed in the area were the Bornekes and the Brandes. They lived in Blue Hill and their lineage is buried in Blue Mound Cemetery. The Refuge bought out their farms along with other land over a span of many years before owning it all. 

 

Although people can still purchase plots in the cemetery, only one side is available. The other side is reserved for those belonging to the original families of Blue Hill. 

 

Blue Hill Twp. Supervisor Roger Nelson is responsible for selling lots and marking the graves and headstones, while Bill Andreason handles the maintenance. 

 

“There isn’t much history known about this cemetery,” said Roger, “But it used to be called the Galbraith Cemetery. It’s not very big but we still sell many plots.” His brother Randy Nelson is also buried here.

 

During deer hunting season, the Refuge closes the gate to the main road, so visitors can only come in if they go through the office to sign in and obtain a key for the cemetery gate. 

 

Blue Mound Cemetery is located in Blue Hill Twp. about two miles east of Co. Rd. 5 on Co. Rd. 9. There are reports there may be a second cemetery owned by the Refuge in a nearby area.