You can now read about Como Cemetery in a text titled COMO CEMETERY RECLAIMED:  A PLACE and ITS PEOPLE REMEMBERED on file at the Sterling Public Library, Sterling, IL.  Completed in the spring of 2008 by Rosanne Kaletka-Johnson, author, surveyor and cemetery volunteer, the book is available for your review in the Local History/Genealogy Department of the Library.  The text offers the cemetery' s history and a complete survey of its present day gravestones.  For those especially interested in genealogy, this document will prove to be an essential resource when researching ancestors and early pioneers of Como as early cemetery records have been lost. 

Although many gravestones have been lost to nature, time, ignorance and indifference, the cemetery' s remaining gravestones are an integral part of the area' s history as they offer written documentation of the lives and deaths of 156 men, women and children.  The recorded burials range from 1810 to 1920 and include individuals ranging in age from 6 days to 90 years.  The gravestones convey the stories of those who saw opportunities for the future and their struggle for ideals and freedom.  Como Cemetery is the final resting place for numerous veterans of the Black Hawk War, War of 1812, Mexican War and Civil Wars fifteen veterans' gravestones remain in place. 

Como Cemetery' s location is not readily discerned as it is not visible from public roads and one must pass through private property to reach it.  To access the cemetery, enter from U.S. Route 30 a sign points to the access entrance.  An easement runs north and south, parallel to Ruffit Park traversing Quality Ready Mix property.  A gate controls access to the property but may be opened for the purpose of using the designated easement and visiting the cemetery.  Bear left at the weight scale and continue north the cemetery is on the left.  A sign points to the pedestrian entrance.

At this time, Hopkins Township provides for mowing on a regular basis.  All other clean-up and maintenance is provided by three dedicated volunteers.  If you would like to make a difference in the continued support and preservation of Como Cemetery, please contact the Township Supervisor to volunteer.  Your work and efforts will be appreciated.

To read more about the history of the surrounding area and the historic communities of Como, Emerson (previously known as Empire) and Galt please go to: 

Como                                                  http://genealogytrails.com/ill/whiteside/citycomo.html

Emerson                                          http://genealogytrails.com/ill/whiteside/cityempire.html

Galt                                                        http://genealogytrails.com/ill/whiteside/citygalt.html

Hopkins Township                http://genealogytrails.com/ill/whiteside/hopkins.html