Disappointment at Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman

Given the weather forecast (rain and snow???) It is wise to cancel our work night at Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman Cemetery this evening. (Tuesday) Sorry!

Please remember this Saturday we are to work out at Bem in Gasconade County. The long range forecast looks great. We need a good turnout of members to make this a one-day project. Marc hopes to see you all there.

Awesome Day at Bassora Cemetery / Krog Park

Marc is happy to report a very successful work day at Bassora Cemetery / Krog Park. We spent about two and half hours probing for tombstones, using information gathered in 1926 regarding the location of the headstones as a basic guide.

Our findings were as follows:

1. Base of a small headstone was found flush with the ground.
2. Bottom 1/3 of a small headstone was found sticking out of the ground near Hancock Street. Only inscribed information was that of the monument maker.
3. Intact headstone and base found for Eliza Cowherd, daughter of Washington's founder Lucinda Owens.
4. Intact headstone found for Bernhard Fricke, considered Washington's first or second German immigrant. He housed the twelve Catholic families when they arrived in 1833. His headstone was NOT recorded in 1926, but his name was included on the commemorative stone because research proved he was buried there.
5. An interesting stack of bricks was found at or near the supposed site of William G. Owens' grave. We plan to carefully remove the bricks next time, hoping that perhaps they were laid to protect his tombstone.
   

Although we had a small turnout, some outstanding discoveries were made. It was most encouraging to find these headstones in near-perfect condition. This certainly leaves us hungry for more!  If the most unwelcome snowstorm hadn't hit us, it's hard telling what else would have been uncovered.

Thanks to everyone who was able to help.

Off to a Busy Start -- Please Join Us

At last night’s meeting of the cemetery society we established the following agenda:

Thursday, March 24, 4:30 p.m.: Odd Fellows Cemetery, Washington. Help the Odd Fellows get the cemetery in shape for spring. Some stone work can be accomplished (leveling, cleaning). Fill trailer!

Saturday, March 26, 9:00 a.m.: Krog Park (Bassora Cemetery) in Washington. Probing for headstones, recording information thereon.

Tuesday, March 29, 5:00 p.m.: Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman Cemetery, Campbellton. Still probing for bases and stones. Repair and resetting of stones.

Saturday, April 2, 9:00 a.m.: St. John’s UCC Cemetery, Bem (Gasconade Co.) Carpoolers meet at Washington Historical Society Museum at 8:00 a.m. We'll repair and reset about a half dozen stones. Teach cleaning techniques.

Saturday, April 16, 9:00 a.m.: James Cemetery, Pacific. Heavy equipment will be used to peel back the earth slowly. We are to look for tombstones, record and assess overall situation for future restoration.

Please attend whatever you can; obviously we are busy and could use your help. Also, remember to ask a friend to join us. For only $10 a year, you can really work up a sweat!