Elizabeth Denison Forth’s Grave

Born into slavery in the Michigan Territory, Elizabeth Denison Forth — “Lisette” — bought her way into history. After she and her siblings secured their freedom, she worked, saved, and invested until she became one of the first Black women to own land in Michigan. When she died, she left money to help build a chapel — an act of faith and generosity from a woman who had begun with nothing the law would let her keep.

She rests at Elmwood, her quiet, remarkable life part of the cemetery’s deep freedom-era history. On our list.