In a small group of tall trees, in one of the newest subdivisions in Maryville, sits a tiny graveyard that is older than the town itself.
The Krome Cemetery sits between the tee box at the 4th hole of Stonebridge Golf Course and 2617 Sandstone Drive. The group of about 10 headstones is so well hidden by the surrounding trees that a neighbor admitted to buying his house nine years earlier not knowing the cemetery was across the street.
Within the grove of trees, at the bottom of three concrete steps, is a headstone that is majestic in comparison to its humble surroundings. Charles William Krome, (March 3, 1815 – Dec. 5, 1876) and his wife Anna Krome (May 4, 1821 – Nov. 15, 1885) are laid to rest near the prominent headstone and surrounded by other Krome family members.
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- Krome Cemetery date unknown / Photo courtesy Maryville History Musuem
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- House alongside Krome Cemetery date unknown / Photo courtesy of Maryville History Museum
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- Entrance to Krome Cemeteary / Photo by Roger Starkey
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- Maryville founder CWF Lange and wife Mary Krome Lange (for whom the town is named) / Photo courtesy of Maryville History Museum
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- The headstone of Charles and Anna Krome / Photo by Roger Starkey
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- Gravestone in Krome Cemetary, Maryville / Photo by Roger Starkey
On one side of Charles’ and Anna’s obelisk headstone is a more humble version, toppled to the ground, the writing on it illegible. The headstone for Charlotte S. Krome (Jan. 1, 1848 – Dec. 21, 1876) is on the other side. Charlotte’s headstone is broken from its base, but is lovingly placed against it.
Charles and Anna’s daughter, Mary, is not buried in the cemetery. Mary met and married Carl William Fred Lange in 1863, according to Ron Meier, a descendent of Lange’s. Lange platted Maryville in 1900. The town, incorporated in 1902, was named in honor of Lange’s wife.
A large house presided over the tiny family cemetery for decades, before being demolished as part of the transformation of Keebler Avenue from a sleepy, winding back road to an artery lined with subdivisions, lined with new homes. The cemetery’s address is still Old Keebler Road, according to Madison County records.
Osborne Properties developed the Stonebridge subdivision that surrounds Krome Cemetery and are rumored to have planted the trees around the cemetery for fear the small collection of headstones would drive potential home buyers away. If true, the plan appears to have worked. The neighboring homes all sold and the cemetery, owned by Madison County, is well-hidden from even keen-eyed passersby.
Another nice article Roger…Keep up the good work
Nice article! Impressed by information you have and that it is all local things we should know! Will continue to subscribe!!!!
My question is where was the house actually located at? Was the house located where the cemetery was? Or was there a cemetery in the basement of that house? Was there slaves that died in the house ? And do you have any photos of what the house actually looked like back then of the krome family?? This story sounds very interesting to me, I am a paranormal investigator and was curious to know and find out all the answers to this story
I am a descendent of the Kromes he was a judge and the family lore.is that house was part of the under ground rail road , I was out there last week end and the grave stones were gone I have no idea where they went, my 84 year old father didn’t either he lives on the original Lange farm the house stood real close to the cemetery I remember the house as a child. The house burned down I think 1974
I just seen this article. I am always trying to find out more about my family history. I know when Hans Meier came over from Germany he settled in or near Maryville Illinois. My maiden name is Meier and I know when I was little we visited family near there I think with the last name Kline.
It you stand in front of the graves the house was about 100 feet to the left. I was a large 2 story structure with 4 pillars in the front……when I was under 11 I wouldn’t go into the. Structure and after 12 I didn’t care anymore….I believe when I left to go into the Navy the house was still there….I’d say it was gone by the mid 1980s…..
It you stand in front of the graves the house was about 100 feet to the left. I was a large 2 story structure with 4 pillars in the front……when I was under 11 I wouldn’t go into the. Structure and after 12 I didn’t care anymore….I believe when I left to go into the Navy the house was still there….I’d say it was gone by the mid 1980s…..
I remember when I was like 7 or 8 walking by the house it was just past Maryville Main Street and the Keebler Rd. Walking toward Collinsville. I lived above 157 on the top of Keebler RD. There is also an old German Cemetery above Burdick creek and Keller Farm up on top of the hill.
I lived in the area from about 1968-78