Joliet Township (part 2 of 2)

Oakwood Cemetery was laid out in 1854, and organized under act of the Legislature in 1857, receiving its charter from the State. It is beautifully situated on a gentle eminence on the north bank of Hickory Creek, east of the city limits, and reached by a branch of the City Railway. The grounds are handsomely and artistically laid out with serpentine walks and drives, well graded and graveled. Cultivated flowers, ornamental shrubbery and native forest trees add their beauty to the place, while the " green grass grows rank in the vapors of decaying mortality." The beauty and care bestowed on the grounds show a kind regard for the " loved and lost " by surviving friends. St. Patrick's Cemetery (Catholic) is a beautiful burying-ground, and kept in good order bv the Catholic citizens of Joliet. St. John's Cemetery (German Catholic) is situated northwest of the city, and is a beautiful and well-kept churchyard.

The professions, both legal and medical, are well ^nd ably represented in Joliet, and combine an array of talent that will compare favorably with any city in the State. As a work of this kind is not devoted to eulogiums or fulsome puffs of any one, we shall not attempt to particularize the professions beyond the bestowal of a well-merited testimonial to their character and worth. Joliet has also produced some eminent men - men who have filled high positions with credit to themselves and honor to their conntry. In the court, the camp, upon the benchi and at the holy altar, they have figured with distinction. And at the head of the State Government, in the halls of the law-makers, and as our representatives abroad, they have acquitted themselves with honor and the dignity due their exalted stations. As the "notables" have been particularly mentioned, however, in the general historj)-, we will leave the subject, and conclude our historv of Joliet sans ceremonie.