Starting with four "blocks" in 1847 four different additions have increased the cemetery size to what it is today. The four original blocks and the first addition are what is called Ottawa Cemetery; the second part is the Ford Addition, the third the St. Francis Addition, and the final area is the Bushnell Addition.

Finding graves is relatively easy, Each section of the cemetery is coded as follows.

Ottawa Cemetery (along with the four original blocks): All burial plots start with the letters "OT" followed by the Lot Number then the Section Number. On the map be sure to find the Section Number first, which is usually the number after the dash symbol, then the Lot Number. Example: OT, 15-3. Note that there are some lots that have "1/2" in them.

Ford Addition: All burial plots start with the letters "FO" followed by the Lot Number then the Section Number. On the map be sure to find the Section Number first, which is usually the number after the dash symbol, then the Lot Number. Example: FO, 2-10, Grave 2 Note that some lots have "1/2" in them

St. Francis Addition: So far all of these burials start with the letters "BU" followed by the Section Number and then the Lot Number. Note that these are both numbers whereas the Bushnell Addition has a Lot Number and a Section Letter. The part that matters is the Lot Number as each Lot Number is used only once in the entire St. Francis Addition. All Lot Numbers are on the cemetery map. Example: BU, 40.51

Bushnell Addition. All burial plots start with the letters "BU" followed by the Lot Number and then a Section Letter (not a number). On the map be sure to find the Section Letter first and then the Lot Number. Example: BU, 5G

Mausoleum: Crypts in the mausoleum are coded "BU, MM," and then a number. The mausoleum is normally locked. Be sure to make arrangement with the cemetery if you need to see a burial crypt there.

Getting around in the cemetery is very easy as there are many roads so you never have to walk very far to visit a grave.