In the south end of Lincoln Park near the Chicago History Museum,  there is a solitary mausoleum with the name Couch on it.   A question is raised why is there a mausoleum in this location.    The answer is that in 1843, a city cemetery opened in this area. Burials ceased here in 1866.  The reason for the closure is sanitation with cadavers and caskets ending up into adjacent Lake Michigan.

     Ira Couch was a Chicago businessman.  He was a propietor of the Hotel Tremont.  Mr Couch died in 1857 while on a vacation in Cuba.  His body was returned to Chicago.  His brother arranged for a mausoleum to be built for Ira.  The structure was quite elaborate weighing 50 tons.It was built with limestone Lockport, N.Y.  Why did this remain in this location?  The answer is not readily apparent.  It may have been that moving a 50 ton structure would be expensive.

     Who is interred in the mauseleum?  It is supposed to be Ira Couch.   Were other members of the family present here.? The answer is uncleat.