Franklin County Missouri Cemetery Society

H A P P Y N E W Y E A R ! ! ! !

2011-12-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

Thank each and every one of you who helped in any way on the Franklin County cemeteries this year. You can look back with pride at what we have accomplished together. Let's look forward to another year working toward our common goal.

Bless You and your families in the New Year. Meet you in a cemetery soon.

A Bit of Cole Cemetery History

2011-11-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

The Cole family occupied this site beginning as early as 1820 (the oldest dated tombstone) and they sold the property to Richard Rue in 1866. Rue and family are buried near Moselle, so they are not possible burials. Sometime later, the site was used by local African-American families as, basically, a public burial ground. This seems to have started during the ownership by the Ming family. Purportedly, there is a Ming slave cemetery, but it is believed to be located farther east than the nearby Ming Cemetery. The Cole site was not a slave burial ground during the Ming's ownership.

In the late nineteenth century and into the mid-twentieth century, South Point (now the eastern-most portions of Washington) had become known as a “black” community. Using death certificates and obituaries, we can almost prove that the Cole Cemetery, then owned by the Ming family, did indeed become what I am calling the South Point (African-American) Community Cemetery.

The two large tombstones that we re-erected were those of John and Jennie Findley. John was the owner of a store at South Point, perhaps the only store owned by an African-American in Franklin County up until that time. He dropped dead in Dr. Stierberger’s office in Union in 1924, where he had gone for treatment as he had been feeling ill. His burial, alongside wife Jennie who had died six years earlier, seems to be one of the last, if not the last, at the site.

This cemetery suffered from intentional partial destruction about thirty to forty years ago. Fortunately, a couple of the discarded headstones have been kept safe by a nearby neighbor. He is willing to return them to the site.

This narrative is condensed from a report shared by Marc Houseman of the Washington Historical Society.

Let's Meet at Cole Cemetery Saturday

2011-11-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

We start our new project, Cole Cemetery, Saturday the 12^th beginning at 12:00 noon and probably working until about 5:00 or darkness, whichever comes first.

Directions: From Washington take Old Highway 100 (at South Point) east roughly two and a half miles. When you get to the entrance (signed) for Washington Methodist Cemetery, which is also the entrance to Riverbend Bible Chapel (the old Ming place), turn around and come back west about a hundred yards or so. There is periwinkle everywhere on the north side of the road, this is the cemetery site. A word of caution: there is an old fence along the road frontage which you will have to jump or climb over. In some places it’s almost down completely, so it shouldn’t be an issue. I think most of us can safely park along the shoulder of the old highway but there’s a chance you may have to park and walk a short distance.

I will try to be there a bit early so you can look for my truck and the trailer.

Please remember: We will NOT be removing brush, weeds, etc. Last Saturday, a visit to the site revealed that the entire place is covered in periwinkle, and there are sporadic trees of various sizes. The only heavy brush work we might want to do is moving already fallen trees or limbs so that we can work safely. Weed eaters may be helpful to temporarily cut the periwinkle to better enable us to search for fallen stones.

Notes: There are two large headstones down that I think we can put back up with enough muscle. One broken stone has a base that may be usable. A small stone was found but no base yet. Also, an intact footstone was found. We will do what we can Saturday and see what happens next! Thanks, Marc

Cole Cemetery Project

2011-11-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

Soon, we will be in touch with Mrs. Tucker about the Cole Cemetery project. My pie in the sky goal would be to finish this small project before year’s end. Marc

Mantels Project Finished at Last!

2011-11-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

Attached is a photo of the new directory box that Warren has fabricated. It will replace the rotten sign on the two posts in front of the cemetery at Mantels and will enclose Paul’s map of plots and the names of those with headstones. Very nice!

Well, I think I can honestly say we are through with Mantels, barring any other major discoveries. Saturday the ladies applied void mix where necessary and the last few tombstones were either erected or repaired. We have made a drastic difference there and I know that the church members are very appreciative, as am I. Thanks to everyone who helped with the project from start to finish. I know it seems as though we’ve been at Mantels for a “long time” but if you’ll remember we didn’t get started out there until sometime in June, so it’s only been about four months in which there has been a dramatic transformation.

Price's Franklin County Raid Victim Found!

2011-10-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

A tombstone for Henry Boeger was uncovered with a death date of October 3, 1864 (Price’s Raid in Franklin County) and the inscription, in German, “Felled at the hands of the rebels.” WOW! One of the few well documented victims of Civil War atrocities from Franklin County had been uncovered!

Partial account of Boeger’s death written by Herman G. Kiel. "At the time of death, he was a member of the town council of Union. In the skirmish at Union on October 1, 1864, he and many others were taken prisoners and moved with the Confederate Army under Price which Army was in danger of being captured by Unionist forces, and saw fit to murder many prisoners including James Wilson and six comrades, killed at Casco near the same place where Boeger was shot in the head and killed on or about Sunday, October 2, 1864, while a prisoner." See the Kiel Files at the Washington Historical Society in Washington, MO.

More Plans For St. John's Mantels

2011-10-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

We will be working at Mantels this coming Saturday October 8, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Tasks:
(1) Burn the brush piles
(2) Trim up the stumps, etc. in the former wooded area; perhaps remove some additional trees / limbs
(3) Continue the repair of tombstones
(4) Set tombstones in new bases
(5) Probe

BONUS:
Lunch is being provided by the members, so if there is something you want to contribute bring it along. We already have hotdogs, chips, cake, cookies, water and soda.

Thanks and hope to see you all Saturday.

Meet Noon Saturday at Krog Park

2011-09-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

We will be probing and digging at Krog Park in Washington tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 1) beginning at approximately noon.

For our newer members; we have an agreement with the Parks Department that enables us to dig up headstones. We'll record the information and take photographs, then return the stones to their storage place in the ground.

Just like panning for gold, only you can’t keep the gold!!

Give Daniel Boone a Hand

2011-09-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Please join the ‘Friends of Daniel Boone’s Burial Site in Missouri’ as they make improvements to the Boone Monument site tomorrow morning (Saturday, Oct. 1) beginning at 9:00 a.m.

October Work Dates

2011-09-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

At our September 27 meeting, the following work dates were scheduled for the cemetery society:

Saturday, October 1: Assist the Friends of Daniel Boone’s Burial Site group with some minor work at the Boone Monument near Marthasville. Following this, an afternoon in Krog Park!

Saturday, October 8, 22 and 29: “Final” work days at St. John’s U.C.C. at Mantels. Let’s get it finished before winter!

Attention Repair Team: A day will be selected very soon for three repairs at Ming Cemetery, Ebenezer “Stone” Church Cemetery and Wildey Odd Fellows Cemetery. Watch for an alert!

Thanks to everyone and I hope to see you soon, Marc

Tuesday Meeting at Mantels -- Dinner First

2011-09-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

The FCCS will be meeting at St. John's U.C.C. Mantels Church at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27 for dinner followed by a short meeting. Please note the place and time. See You There!

A Change of Pace -- FINNEY

2011-09-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

Due to the great weather: a newly scheduled work day! How does this sound? Saturday the 24^th at Finney Cemetery, 9:00 a.m., to burn the brush pile and remove the remaining decrepit fence.
Some tools for we'll need at Finney:
Wire or bolt cutters, Claw hammer, Shovel and / or pry bars to remove “t” posts, Rake, Fire (matches that is) (Ha!), Chainsaw? A Truck (I think there may still be a couple of cedar logs laying around if anyone wants them) Remember, we must haul away the junk fence.

If we get this done rather quickly, perhaps some of us can move over to Mantels afterward. Mantels is nearing completion but there are some definite challenges remaining there.

Great Day at Mantels!

2011-09-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

You don't know what you missed! We had a great day yesterday at Mantels! The ground was finally soft enough to probe and the revelations were numerous.

We made the decision to reset the footstones where possible, something we wouldn’t normally do, but since this is a very historic cemetery and there are no longer burials taking place there, etc., we decided to go for it. Since many of the footstones were still intact and tossed into the wooded area we simply played “Concentration” and matched them back up with their headstones. If a base was found, we reset it and if not, we buried the it atop the grave as we had originally planned.

The large headstone found in the woods with a fractured base was successfully reset and is a new benchmark for our group. A daunting task made simple by our outstanding crew. Our small team of four who braved the cool and threatening weather didn’t stop there. Divine intervention led us to discover that we had reset two headstones in exactly the right spots as we later found their accompanying footstones in those very places. Weird and wonderful.

To top off the day, we located a one-break headstone in the wooded area which had not been located previously (photo by Warren).

Rescheduled Day at St. John's Mantels

2011-09-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

It was bound to happen some time.

Last Saturday, despite the rain, a few of us die-hards worked at Mantels for about two hours. After being thoroughly soaked, we gave up and headed home.

In the wake of that disaster, let’s have a workday this coming Saturday beginning at 9:00. I hope you all can make it. We’ve made great strides and the remaining work is very rewarding as the fallen stones are going back up, repairs are being made and the place is really looking great.

Please join us if you can.

Late News From St. John's Mantels

2011-09-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

Our group made more fast and efficient progress Thursday evening at Mantels. We are getting down to the nitty-gritty. The stones that had been discarded into the woods have mostly been reset using plot plans and relying on the old German-American burial method of chronology. A good number of headstones were epoxied back together and await their final touches using our ‘void mix’.

There is still the frustration of having bases for which we have found no matching headstones and headstones for which we’ve found no matching bases. Very Humpty-Dumptyesque at this point but getting better quickly.

Come join us. See you Saturday, September 10th at 9:00 a.m.

September Meeting Place Change

2011-08-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends: A Message From Marc

Next month’s FCCS meeting will be held at St. John’s “Mantels” United Church of Christ. The members are preparing a dinner for us in appreciation of our work on their old cemetery. The meal will be served at 6:00 p.m. and our meeting will follow. Please mark your calendars accordingly.

Next Time at St. John's "Mantels" Cemetery

2011-08-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

The following work dates have been set for St. John’s “Mantels” Cemetery.

Thursday, September 1-----4:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 8-----4:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 10----9:00 a.m.

We are making rapid progress. Actual stone repair work and additional cleaning remains to be done. This is the fun, rewarding and enjoyable part! The heavy back breaking work is mostly finished. Thanks to everyone who has been able to help. Hopefully all of you can make it to one or more of our scheduled work dates. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Enjoy your week off!

Treasure Beneath Krog Memorial Park

2011-08-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

An interesting article was published in the Washington Historical Society Newsletter concerning the unearthing of the tombstone of William Owens. After his death, his widow founded the city of Washington. Her stone wasn't found, but she is likely buried next to her husband.

Owens is buried in the old Bassora Cemetery now beneath Krog Memorial Park. The park is cat-a-corner across from St. John's Mercy Hospital. The article gives details on how the stones in Bassora came to be buried under the sod about 85 years ago.

The article was written by Marc Houseman, Director of the Washington Historical Society Museum and founder of the Franklin County Cemetery Society. Marc is very knowledgeable of area history and, in particular, the cemeteries.

For more details contact the historical society at the address given in the link to the right of this page. Better still, consider joining the organization for a mere $25.oo for an individual.

Work Schedule for St. John's U.C.C. Mantels

2011-07-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

At the Tuesday, July 26 evening meeting, we created an agenda for August at St. John’s U.C.C. Cemetery at Mantels.

Saturday, August 6 beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, August 11 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 18 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The brush, weed, and flowering plant removal is nearly complete. A plat has been created and a complete (though growing!) inventory of the headstones has been made. We are ready to tackle the headstones with cleaning crew, repairs and much straightening. The clearing of brush has revealed several headstones that have never been recorded, so historically speaking, this has already proven to be a valuable project.

“Mantels” is located on Highway A south of Krakow, between Union and Washington. The “new” cemetery is located right alongside Highway A. The old cemetery, where we are working, is adjacent to the church which is on the other side of the highway on Mantels Road.

Magnificent Accomplishments!

2011-07-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Last evening, about six of our members converged on the Wildey Odd Fellows Cemetery in Washington. Though not a large turnout, the group was able to straighten and / or otherwise reset about fifteen headstones! Included in the list of re-set monuments were the rather large tombstones of Joseph H. Schmidt and family and that of the Kloentrup family. These thousand-pound plus markers, though incredibly heavy, quickly yielded to the muscle power of our determined team, well, and a variety of equipment. Also, several headstones were cleaned, including those of the Lay and Murphy families, some of the oldest markers in the cemetery. Their stones actually predate the establishment of the cemetery and likely the graves they mark were once in the old Bassora Cemetery / Krog Park Thanks to all who were able to help!

NEW JOB: St. John’s U.C.C. “Mantels”

2011-07-05T15:19:00.000-07:00

We have another job, the restoration of the old cemetery at St. John’s U.C.C. “Mantels.” No work dates have been set. We'll keep you posted.

The cemetery is located between Union and Washington, south of Krakow off of Highway A. The church’s present cemetery is located alongside Highway A, but the older graveyard is next to the church, which is down a short lane off of the highway.

Before the work begins in earnest, there are some preliminary things that might be accom-plished by individuals or small groups.

We should have an inventory, either on paper or photographically, of all the existing headstones. I’m hopeful that a comparison of headstones to the church’s burial records will afford us an accurate list of unmarked burials, some of which may be marked by sympathetic descendants! A list of irreparable headstones will also be helpful; and there are some.

If there is a pattern to the burials, that is: Were they buried chronologically? That would be helpful in determining the proper locations of displaced headstones.

There are headstones in a wooded area adjacent to the cemetery. Are these headstones ‘discards’ from the cemetery or are there actually graves in the woods? Probing for bases might resolve this.

Let's have some discussion at tonight’s (July 5) work event at Odd Fellows Cemetery regarding work dates.

Let's Meet at Wildey Odd Fellows Cemetery

2011-07-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

We have several monuments at Odd Fellows that, many years ago, were laid flat into wet cement. Among other chores, we will attempt to remove the tombstones from their concrete “tombs” and re-erect them properly. This will be very interesting and rewarding work.

Wildey Odd Fellows Cemetery in Washington beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5 and Wednesday, July 13.

Look for us on Facebook, too.

Wire Fence Removal at FINNEY CEMETERY

2011-06-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Permission has been granted to remove the old wire fence from around the Finney Cemetery with the exception of the line of fence running parallel with Finney Road. We will discuss when and how to best remove it at the next meeting unless someone gets inspired to do it before July 26th. We CANNOT leave the wire on the property, that was the only condition the property owner made. Recyclers unite!!

St. John’s U.C.C. at Mantels (near Krakow)

2011-06-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

This Saturday Marc will meet with a gentleman from St. John’s U.C.C. at Mantels (near Krakow) to see if the old cemetery there will be a good candidate for restoration. He’ll be in touch as soon as he gets the details hammered out.

Odd Fellows Cemetery Schedule

2011-06-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Schedule:

July 5 and July 13; 4:30 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Washington.

With so many new folks joining, the Odd Fellows Cemetery will be used as a teaching tool for the proper techniques of cleaning, repair and resetting. There is plenty to do there and it is all very much appreciated.

Calendar of Cemetery-related Events:

2011-05-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 21: The ‘Veterans Hall of Honor’ will be officially dedicated at the historic courthouse in Union.

Saturday, May 28: Annual Odd Fellows memorial service, followed by a presentation by county commissioner Terry Wilson and a tour of veterans graves at the cemetery. Begins at 9:00. Free Lunch!!

Sunday, May 29: To celebrate Washington’s founding date, the Washington Historical Society will host a “tour” of the Bassora Cemetery / Krog Park at 1:00 p.m.

James Cemetery -- Pacific

2011-05-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m., meet at the James Cemetery in Pacific. We’ve been rained and or flooded out twice, but we’re going to try really hard to make it happen! Please join us there.

KROG PARK Probe

2011-05-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

Krog Park, probing for and unearthing headstones – Thursday, May 5th at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. Come rediscover the history of Washington (and Bassora!).

New Tombstone Bases Fabricated

2011-05-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, April 30, several of our members converged on the Odd Fellows building to fabricate bases for five headstones at our Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman Cemetery project. All the bases were made and are at the Lodge building curing. I’m hopeful that one or two more trips to this project site will finish things up! Thanks to those who helped. Some work was also done at the Odd Fellows Cemetery.

"James Cemetery" Probe Rescheduled

2011-04-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

We have rescheduled the Pacific workday for Saturday, April 30 due to weather.

An Exciting Project -- James Cemetery

2011-04-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

A reminder that we are working at Pacific this coming Saturday at 9:00 a.m. (yes, I’ve heard the weather forecast) with a rain (snow?) date set for Saturday, April 30 if necessary.

This has the potential of being a very fun project. As you may remember, we have been asked to help “unearth” a cemetery that has been covered up by decades of flood waters and the development of a home at the site in the 1960s. Today, the home has been demolished as part of the big flood buy-out at Pacific a few years ago.

One fragmented headstone was unearthed by city crews last summer. Old timers recall perhaps as many as a dozen headstones at the site. The City of Pacific has arranged for an operator of a bobcat or backhoe to come and gently scrape away the layers of earth as we watch for headstones and other indications of grave sites. Our working name for the site is “James Cemetery” as the James family members were first to exclude the cemetery from the sale of the surrounding property indicating that the James’ had an “interest” in the graveyard.

Contact Marc at Washington Historical Society Museum for directions.

Last Week at Bem

2011-04-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe it was nearly a week ago that we worked out at Bem! We had a perfect day with sunshine and mild temperatures. Rev. Rick Oberle and crew were on hand doing their annual maintenance to the church cemetery. Our job was to make some repairs and train the church members in proper cleaning techniques. Overall, the cemetery is in excellent condition. Only about six headstones actually needed repair (two must be replaced) and these repairs were completed for the most part. Many stones were leveled and dozens were cleaned by a super-ambitious cleaning crew. Six of our members showed up, but with the help of a dozen or more church members, things went quickly and efficiently. A luncheon was served by the church for which we are grateful. Thanks to all who helped. Thanks to Susan for the picture.

Disappointment at Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman

2011-03-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

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:

Base of a small headstone was found flush with the ground.
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.
Intact headstone and base found for Eliza Cowherd, daughter of Washington's founder Lucinda Owens.
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.
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

2011-03-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

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!

Cemetery Work Dates Set

2011-02-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 1: From 4:30 p.m. until dark we will be probing for bases and headstones at the Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman Cemetery near Campbellton. Bring probes and shovels. Weather permitting. We might need the shovels to move the snow! On Highway KK west of Campbellton, Fire #KK4302.

Saturday, March 12: Beginning at 9:00 a.m., we will be working at Finney Cemetery near Robertsville. This is a completed project that was badly vandalized last month. The tombstones need to be re-set and Washington Monument Company has offered to help us with the heavy work. Also, we need to drop and burn two dead trees and perform some other general maintenance. There is a lot of trash in the road ditch that needs to be cleaned up, etc. Bring chainsaws, rakes, trash / recycling container, matches (in case I forget), etc. If the weather is uncooperative we will reschedule.

We need to get the iron crosses from St. Francis Borgia reset sometime soon. Do you have them Allen?

Reminder: Work day at St. John’s U.C.C. at Bem (near Owensville) is Saturday, April 2.

Reminder: The Trailer Committee will meet soon to ready our trailer for lots of action! A special Thank You to Shelly for designing the decal for the trailer.

Marc Has a Doozy of an Idea!

2011-02-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

Our little group uses expendable supplies that become exhausted and need replacing. By keeping your dues current, new materials can be purchased and always available for use.

Just remember, your dues can keep the work going even when you are unable to join the crew every workday. Your help is always greatly appreciated. Don’t forget our meeting, Feb. 22, 2010. We look forward to seeing you there!

It'll Soon Be Time to Visit the PROJECTS!

2011-02-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

Spring is just around the corner, so buy some new work gloves and blow the dust off your back brace; it’s almost time to get cracking!

A trip to Finney Cemetery yesterday resulted in resetting the misplaced footstones and all of the rocks that had marked graves. Also, the smaller stones belonging to the two Finney infants were set up. Washington Monument Company has graciously volunteered to assist in putting the headstones back up whenever we set a work date. There are a number of cedar logs still scattered around the perimeter of the cemetery. If anyone wants these, please make arrangements to pick them up before the bonfire, otherwise they will be up in smoke!

Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman Cemetery: Our Campbellton project is awaiting completion. If we cannot locate bases, we will need to build and set about six of them. We will use our knowledge of the family relationships to determine the placement of the headstones. We may also have a burn day there to clean up the brush pile and we need to finish cleaning the headstones.

James Cemetery (working name): At Pacific, we have committed ourselves to an “early spring” day where we will observe as layers of earth are peeled back an inch at a time. Our job is to spot headstones or other markers as the earth is peeled back. Then, our assignment will be to repair and reset whatever is repairable. The city of Pacific will be maintaining the site.

St. Francis Borgia Cemetery: There are still a couple of iron crosses to be reset. The church’s volunteers will continue to straighten leaning and settling stones.

Wildey Odd Fellows: Some have expressed an interest in working here as time allows and perhaps in smaller groups, etc. There is much that can be done, including straightening, repair, and lots of cleaning.

St. John’s / Bem: We will be spending one work day at Bem in Gasconade County to help their cemetery committee with a few repairs and share our techniques.

Ebenezer “Stone” Church: Two of our repairs have failed, so we need to spend time there. One headstone is being replaced by Washington Monument Company. Thanks!!

St. John’s U.C.C. at Bem

2011-01-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, April 2 we will be joining members of St. John’s U.C.C. at Bem (Gasconade County) at their annual cemetery work day. As you may remember, we agreed last year to assist the congregation with one work day at which we would train them in the proper methods of cleaning and stone repair. Overall, the cemetery is in excellent condition, but there are perhaps a half dozen headstones that need our help. The church is a member of the Grape Country Cluster, which is a member of our society.

FINNEY CEMETERY WORKDAY COMING SOON

2011-01-28T15:05:00.000-08:00

At our January meeting, it was also decided that work would be done as soon as practicable at the Finney Cemetery. We will attempt to replace the unmarked rocks in their proper places. Some of the smaller headstones may go back up rather easily, with just a little bit of ‘manpower’. We'll have to assess the rest of the damage to determine how best to proceed.

There are one or two trees that still need to come down and be burned. We might as well do this type of work before things green up again. Watch for emails regarding work dates at Finney.

FINNEY Cemetery Averted Tornado, Not Vandals

2011-01-15T14:59:00.000-08:00

Marc checked out Finney Cemetery, since the tornado hit Robertsville a couple of weeks ago. The tornado missed the cemetery, but vandals have knocked over every single headstone. Even some of the rocks marking graves have been kicked over. Footstones were pulled completely out of the ground. It’s a horrific and extremely disappointing site.

The incident has been reported to the Franklin County Sheriff. Even if he finds them, they will probably end up doing it again.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Greetings!

2010-12-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year from your grateful and appreciative president. I’ve never been involved with a harder working group of people. Working “for the dead” can seem at times, unrewarding. But if you’re like me, the before and after photos prove that it is not unrewarding work. Our reward is the completed projects and our bonuses, if you will, are the friendships we have forged and the camaraderie we have built by working together.

Here’s to another prosperous year. Thank You all for your dedication to the cause. I am very proud of what we have accomplished and hope that you are too.

All the Best, Marc Houseman

P.S. St. Francis Borgia Church sent our group a nice Christmas card with a generous donation enclosed!

Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman Recent Work Day

2010-11-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

Photo by Susan. This is a shot of our most recent project, at the Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman Cemetery near Campbellton.

Saturday Nov. 20 - I.O.O.F. Washington

2010-11-24T07:48:00.000-08:00

At the workday held last Saturday at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Washington our group was  teaching monument dealers from four states how to clean and repair old headstones!  For our efforts, we were treated to lunch and handed a generous donation. Our Thanks to Susan for the photo.

Let's Try Again Saturday the 13th

2010-11-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

Have been keeping an eye on the forecast. Let’s try for another workday tomorrow (Saturday) at the Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman Cemetery. We made great progress last Saturday but as always, much remains to be completed! Hope to see you there.

DIRECTIONS To Saturday Work Site

2010-11-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

From Washington take 100 west to Highway 185. Turn south onto 185. Go past KK (on the left at Campbellton School) and keep going through the “town” of Campbellton. Turn right on KK and go approximately 1 mile to #4195 Highway KK or fire #4302. Turn right into this driveway and it will lead you to Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman Cemetery.

Please Join Us!

2010-11-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Don't Forget! We are having our first work day at the new project site this Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided!

Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman Cemetery, Nov. 6

2010-10-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Our next big project is scheduled to begin on Saturday, November 6 at 9:00 a.m. and this will be a fun project. The Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman Cemetery contains about twelve headstones dating from the 1840s to the 1880s. Many are down or precariously leaning. All need cleaning and several need repair. Most will need resetting in bases, etc. This should be a fun project and not too labor intensive……..yeah right!

Vitt-Burckhardt Annual Clean-up

2010-10-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, November 3 at 10:00 a.m. members will converge on the Vitt-Burchardt Cemetery near Campbellton for the annual clean-up. Bring trimmers, grubbing hoes, etc. for weed and small brush removal. There may or may not be an impromptu wienie roast!

St. Francis Borgia Finished

2010-10-26T15:05:00.001-07:00

Visit Our Web Page Now Under Construction

2010-10-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

This blog can be viewed by way of our web page. It is a work in progress. Check the link on the right of this page.

Evening at the Museum, Tuesday, Oct. 12th

2010-10-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

The October Evening at the Museum program will be held Tuesday the 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Washington Historical Society Museum, 4th and Market Streets in downtown Washington.

The program “Why Should I Care about Cemeteries?” will be presented by Marc Houseman, Museum Director and president of the Franklin County Cemetery Society. The presentation will focus on the work being doing by the cemetery society to preserve, record and restore cemeteries in the Franklin County area.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information you may call the historical society at 636-239-0280.

Finney Cemetery Wednesday the 6th

2010-10-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

Reminder: Finney Cemetery, mowing and trimming Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.

"Evening at the Museum"

2010-09-29T15:19:00.001-07:00

The next "Evening at the Museum" at the Washington Historical Society will feature the work of our cemetery society. The program will be Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the museum at 4th and Market in downtown Washington.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.

St. Borgia Work Schedule

2010-09-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

At last evening’s meeting we set the following work dates for St. Francis Borgia Cemetery in Washington. We are hoping to finish up the Borgia project soon.

Saturday, October 2, 2010 beginning at 9:00 a.m. ‘til ?????
Thursday, October 7, 2010 beginning at 5:00 p.m. ‘til dark
Saturday, October 9, 2010 beginning at 9:00 a.m. ‘til ?????

We Need You Friday and Saturday!

2010-09-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to having a full working crew at St. Francis Borgia Cemetery in Washington this Friday beginning at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. We need all of you to help in order to get this project knocked out. We will be assisted by members of church’s cemetery committee and others, so please plan to be there for a good ‘showing’.

New Date/Old Date--Work Days at St. Borgia

2010-09-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

The re-schedule date is Friday, September 17 (with the following day, Saturday, remaining a work day as previously scheduled).

St. Francis Borgia Work Dates

2010-08-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

The following work dates for St. Francis Borgia Cemetery in Washington have been set.

Thursday, September 9 from 5:00 p.m. to ?????
Saturday, September 18 from 9:00 a.m. to ?????

Thanks for your interest. Hope to see you there!

COOLER Weather! Our Friend

2010-08-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Autumn weather is just around the corner, it's time to get busy. We'll line up some projects at tonight's meeting. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

St. Francis Borgia Cemetery

2010-07-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

A work day is scheduled at St. Francis Borgia Cemetery for Tuesday, August 3 beginning at 5:00 p.m. Let’s hope for cooler weather!

LAST MINUTE MEETING CHANGE

2010-07-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

Our monthly meeting is being moved to this coming Tuesday, July 20, 2010. Hope this doesn't inconvenience anyone.

The Last,, LAST Time?

2010-06-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

With Marc's promises of the “last time”, please meet at Ebenezer “Stone” Church next Wednesday the 23rd at about 5:00 p.m. Allen made the last two bases and they are ready to be installed. There are a few other minor repairs and some general clean-up and we are good to go!

After Stone Church, we will converge upon St. Francis Borgia Cemetery in Washington. We will be repairing and resetting several headstones there.

Following that, we will restore the Cheatham-Gibson-Coleman Cemetery near Campbellton, a small family cemetery that is being cared for by the property owner but whose headstones need our attention. It is a neat, small graveyard and I know you’ll love it!

REMINDER: Our regular monthly meeting will be held Tuesday the 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at the museum.

Hope to see all of you on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Final Visit -- Ebenezer Stone Church!

2010-06-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

Let’s head to Ebenezer “Stone” Church this coming Monday evening and try, try that is, to finish things up. Allen: Can you get the bases out there by Monday evening? Or bring them along if you can come out. There isn’t much left to do and with a nice turnout we can "get 'er done" in one final visit. Let’s meet around 5:00 p.m. or whenever you can get there.

ALERT: Highway Closed

2010-06-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight is our work night at Ebenezer Stone Church. ALERT: Highway ‘E’ is closed about a mile or so out of New Haven, so if you normally take ‘E’ you will need to find another route. Let Marc know if you need help / directions.

Ebenezer “Stone” Church--Final Touch

2010-05-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

At this week’s meeting, we set the following work date:
Ebenezer “Stone” Church: Tuesday, June 1 at 5:00 p.m. (or earlier if you have your own tools, etc.)
Hope to see you there! We are almost finished at Stone Church, so let’s get it knocked out and on to the next project.

Ebenezer “Stone” Church Revisit

2010-05-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

The Franklin County Cemetery Society will be working at Ebenezer “Stone” Church Cemetery on Saturday, May 8 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided by the church. (Subject to change due to bad weather)

This will be our second full day at "Stone" Church. It is a beautiful country setting and the rewards are instantaneous! Lots of work is yet to be done. Please join us!

PITTS CEMETERY UPDATE

2010-04-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

GOOD NEWS at the Pitts Cemetery. The large tree by the Struchtemeyer stone has been removed, along with most of the concrete wall, with only a small section remaining. The stones can now be easily accessed, including one we attempted to dig and lift out of the soil. The cemetery has been mowed and the old fence removed. This was to make it easier to remove the concrete wall and the tree. It is so gratifying to see the interest taken in the cemetery.

Ebenezer “Stone” Church Reminder

2010-04-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

This Saturday we are having a work and training day at Ebenezer “Stone” Church’s old cemetery beginning at 10:00 a.m. This will be a fun project and there is a lot to do. The good folks at the church will be providing lunch for us.

Directions: From Gerald, take Highway Y north about 6 ½ miles to Stone Church Road (left). Take that road about one mile. The church is on the right.

From New Haven, take Highway E south-westerly to Highway Y, turn left on Y and go about six miles to Stone Church Road (right). Then, same as above.

Hopefully all of you can make it. The weather forecast looks idyllic thus far. Let’s have a nice turnout for this one; there are potential new members to be had!

WORK DATES:

2010-03-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Ebenezer Stone Church (Gerald area), Saturday April 10, 10:00 a.m.
Straightening, cleaning, repair, resetting, possible brush removal, and training of church members.
Rain dates: April 17 and / or 24
Lunch provided by Ebenezer Stone Church!!!
Water available on site
Electricity may be available on site
This is our first “big” project for 2010; let’s have a great turnout and make some new friends!

Pitts Cemetery near Warrenton: On Saturday, May 1 at 9:00 a.m. we will be working on the Pitts Cemetery. This will be a training session for persons interested in forming the Warren County Cemetery Society. Carpooling and following-the-leader will be arranged at 8:00 a.m. that day at the WHS museum.

Pitts Cemetery is small with perhaps twenty headstones. Many just need a little straightening. We may be removing one or more trees, but there are only about three trees on the site. Several stones need resetting, but these can be handled by three or four of us.

There is one concrete wall surrounding two graves that we may be asked to remove. Plan on spending most of the day but with a good number of helpers, it will be about a half-day project.

CLEANUP AT BRYAN'S CEMETERY

2010-03-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 20, the Friends of Daniel Boone’s Burial Site in Missouri cleaned up the Bryan Cemetery (Marthasville). While attempting to reset the headstone for William A. F. Grabs, a search for the base ensued and it was found at a depth of about 16” in the earth. While digging it up, the original handmade headstone was found and it was a delightful discovery! According to Marc, the headstone was made of soapstone and is not recommended it be left in the elements.

Warren County Cemetery Society

2010-02-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

The Warren County Cemetery Society has scheduled a workday at Pitts Cemetery, Friday March 19 at 6:00 p.m.

3rd Time Charm? Vitt-Burckhardt Cemetery

2010-02-26T12:55:00.000-08:00

A workday is scheduled for Saturday, March 6 at 9:00 a.m. at the Vitt-Burckhardt Cemetery. The weather keeps interfering with this project. Hopefully, the tree can be cut down prior to this date.

2010 DUES REMINDER

2010-02-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

If you have not sent in your 2010 dues, please do, so that we don’t have to mail out reminders. Due are $10 and may be sent to P. O. Box 146, Washington, MO 63090.
Thank You

John Maurath on Missouri Civil War Museum Board

2010-02-21T08:43:00.000-08:00

John Maurath, of Sunset Hills, has been added to The Missouri Civil War Museum board of directors.

John is very proficient in the restoration of tombstones and monuments. He taught the first members of FCCS the proper techniques of cleaning, repairing and realigning tombstones. His advice was invaluable.

He is also a skilled family historian, researcher, and genealogist.

The Missouri Civil War Museum is a not-for-profit educational institution located at Jefferson Barracks. The purpose of the museum is to educate the public about the history of the American Civil War and its relevance to the state of Missouri. The museum is slated to open on April 12, 2011.

For more information about the Missouri Civil War Museum, please visit www.mcwm.org.

ITEMS ON OUR WISH LIST

2010-02-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

Here is your chance to assist a volunteer group by making their job easier. Our dues income is not sufficient to cover the expense of the items on our wish list.

1) Enclosed trailer for transporting equipment
2) Drills
3) More volunteer laborers

Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Last Minute Cancellation!

2010-02-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

Well, here we go again. Someone up there doesn’t want us to cut that tree down out at Vitt-Burckhardt Cemetery! I can’t imagine burning a very wet tree out in a very muddy field, etc. We need to get this done before the crops go in, but other than that we’ll just keep choosing dates until something works.

Order Your Tee-Shirts or Sweatshirts Now!

2010-01-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

We need just a few more orders for t-shirts or sweatshirts for the Franklin County Cemetery Society. If interested in placing an order, please email our contact directly.

Vitt-Burckhardt Workday Resceduled

2010-01-27T11:42:00.000-08:00

Notice / Reminder: We will be working at the Vitt-Burckhardt Cemetery on Saturday, February 6 beginning at 9:00 a.m. You may remember we canceled the last scheduled workday as it was a balmy 5 degrees!

Work-Day Canceled for January 9

2010-01-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

Our scheduled work-day at the Vitt-Burckhardt Cemetery on Saturday, January 9 has been canceled. Our hardy group requested an alternate date due to the expected snow and severe cold.
A new work date will be chosen at the regular monthly meeting on January 19. Our president suspects a weather conspiracy, but hasn't figured it out yet.

Good Morning and Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

A reminder that the FCCS will be having a work-day at the Vitt-Burckhardt Cemetery on Saturday, January 9 at 9:00 a.m. Help is needed with chainsaws this day, so bring one if you have one. We will remove and burn one medium-sized dead tree and also do some general clean-up of the cemetery, as needed. This may be an idea wienie roast day if anyone would like to volunteer to bring the hot dogs, etc.

Directions: From Washington take Highway 100 west to Highway KK. Turn south on KK to Sunny Road. Left on Sunny Road to first driveway on the right. Turn into the driveway and proceed to the end. The cemetery is about 100 yards from the end of the driveway out in a bean field.

Happy Holidays From Your FCCS President!

2010-01-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!
I want all of you to know how much you are appreciated. The cemetery society is the realization of a life-long dream to locate and restore old cemeteries. It’s the greatest gift I could have ever received and it just keeps on giving. Plus, I have the added gift of having met all of you wonderful people. It’s a real pleasure to know and work with all of you. I’ve never met a more hard-working and talented group. On behalf of the dead in Franklin (and surrounding) counties, thank you all very much and have a blessed and safe holiday season. Sincerely, Your Humble President

Warren County, Missouri Group Forming

2009-11-27T13:30:00.000-08:00

There will be an organizational meeting of our potential “spin-off” group, of the Warren County Historical Society on Thursday, December 3 at 6:00 p.m. at the Warren County Historical Society Museum in Warrenton (one block south of the courthouse).

Update of Happenings

2009-11-27T13:20:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on the happenings of the Franklin County Cemetery Society.
At our meeting Tuesday we set one work date: Saturday, January 9 at 9:00 a.m. at the Vitt-Burckhardt Cemetery near Campbellton. We will be removing one fairly large tree and burning it in the field. We also plan to reinstall the section of iron fence which has been repaired. Some weed-eating may be needed there as well.
Directions to Vitt-Burckhardt Cemetery: From Washington take Highway 100 west to KK. Turn left onto KK and go several miles to Sunny Road. Turn left onto Sunny Road and go to the first driveway on the right. Turn into the drive and go to the end (next to the house). Park there and walk out into the field on the right. You will see the cemetery as you enter the field.
Froehlich Cemetery in New Haven is finished. The New Haven Preservation Society will plant grass there in the spring and maintain the site hereafter. An added bonus of our last work day there was the removal of all of the tree stumps in the cemetery and the brush along the back fence line. The place really looks great and thanks to everyone who helped on that project.

HELLING Cemetery

2009-11-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a potential upcoming project.  It will only require tombstone cleaning and in one case, using stack mix to reattach the pieces.  This is the Helling Cemetery, about five miles south of New Haven.

There are four marked burials and possibly one unmarked burial.  The descendants are interested in cleaning it up and will handle all brush removal, and they will decide what to do with the fence, which is partially down.  Thanks to Susan W. for taking the photos.

November 4 Update

2009-11-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

Finney Cemetery was visited on November 3, hitting it head-on with weed-eaters, chainsaws, etc. The crew got the weeds down, cut a few stumps a bit shorter and removed a couple of small trees.

The new sign was installed at Union Church Cemetery (Germantown) this past Monday.

At the History Fair in Union Sunday, we gained two new memberships in the Franklin County Cemetery Society and handed out at least a dozen of our brochures. Quite a number of folks took a look at our display, so let’s hope we get a few more members.

Reminder: Saturday November 14 at 9:00 a.m. we will be working at the Froehlich / Poese / Pruessner Cemetery in New Haven, with plans to finish the project. We especially need “cleaners” that day as some will be absent. There are two medium-sized obelisk type stones that need cleaning. One stone, in three pieces, needs to be glued together. This, plus maybe a little minor ‘landscaping’ should take care of it. Please join us to see this project completed.

FALL PROJECTS REPORT

2009-10-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

Froehlich Cemetery in New Haven: Work day on Saturday, November 14 beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Union Church Cemetery: The sign will be installed at a mutually agreed upon time.

Finney Cemetery: “Weed-eating” the cemetery will take place in the next couple of weeks.

Vitt-Burckhardt Cemetery: Date to be selected for a winter work day to remove and burn the dead tree.

Ebenezer “Stone” Church (old) Cemetery: Possible project for next year.

Griswold Cemetery, Marthasville: The one broken stone to be re-glued.

Ming Cemetery: Essentially finished, but one stone needs void mix.

Pleasant Hill Cemetery: Board member is satisfied with the overall appearance. One or two large stones may need adjusting by the monument company.

Froehlich Cemetery update

2009-10-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

A brief report on our accomplishments at the Froehlich Cemetery.

We had a small turnout, and one descendant of those buried at the cemetery was present and helped as well. In all, there are eight marked graves at the site. Three headstones are standing, including a modern military stone marking the grave of the Civil War veteran Augustus (a.k.a. Gustave) Froehlich. The other two standing monuments were obelisk style and had been re-set by descendants several years ago.

The original stone of Froehlich was badly fragmented and since it had been replaced, the fragments were buried atop his grave. The two obelisk style stones were unstacked and then restacked using our stack mix. A finial was glued back on top of one stone; the other finial remains missing.

All of the stones except the two obelisks and the modern headstone were thoroughly cleaned. All bases were located except for one. All bases were reusable, one being in fair condition and may be ‘improved’ by the descendants. The base of Froehlich’s original stone was utilized for the headstone of his infant grandson, whose base was not located. Genius! All but one headstone is reinstalled. This stone was in three pieces and we have the bottom third in its base, but need to epoxy the remainder. Two footstones were located and reinstalled.

The NHPS will level out the ground and plant grass in the spring next year. They will handle the ongoing maintenance.

We will plan another visit to complete the repairs on the one headstone and also to clean the two obelisks. Overall, the appearance of the cemetery was improved greatly yesterday. The weather was absolutely perfect. Everyone’s help was appreciated!

Our Thanks to the New Haven Preservation Society, who were on hand to help and they also provided coffee and coffee cake, and later chili with all the trimmings, and soda for lunch.

Directions to Froehlich Cemetery

2009-10-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

Highway 100 to New Haven. Turn right onto Douglas Street (between the Boondocker Inn and the New Haven Care Center). Turn left onto Raintree Drive. Turn right onto Walnut. The cemetery is on the right hand side of Walnut between two modern houses. Park on Walnut Street.

WORK DAY SCHEDULE

2009-10-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 8: 4:30 p.m. at Finney Cemetery; mowing, trimming and clean up
THE ABOVE WORK PROJECT IS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER. It will be rescheduled at a later date.

Saturday, October 10: 8:00 a.m. at Ming Cemetery and 1:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hill (lunch provided by the Scheers)
Saturday, October 17: 8:00 a.m. at the Froehlich Cemetery, New Haven. NEW PROJECT!! See Below.
Also, a head count is needed of those going to Froehlich Cemetery in New Haven on Saturday, October 17. The New Haven Preservation Society is hosting lunch our workers. Please let Marc know A.S.A.P. if you are attending that day. Thanks.

Froehlich Cemetery - New Haven

2009-10-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

The Froehlich Cemetery inside the corporate limits of New Haven has been prepared for our restoration work. Let’s plan on Saturday, October 17 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Detailed directions to the site will be sent before that date. This is not a large project, but several stones are in of need cleaning, repairing and resetting. There is no brush or weed removal required. The site is basically level and easily accessible. This should be a small, but fun project. Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us!

SATURDAY WORK TIME

2009-09-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Union Church Cemetery (Germantown)

We will begin Saturday September 19 at 8:00 a.m. or whenever you can get there. Our main project is to glue the broken headstones together, so we will need lots of clamps, etc. We will probably only be there a few hours, so no need to bring a lunch.

Vitt-Burckhardt Cemetery Revisited

2009-03-06T07:24:00.000-08:00

On January 24, 2009, several members met at Vitt-Burckhardt Cemetery to tidy up and replace a large stone back on its base. The weather was cold and brisk, but the mission was accomplished.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

2008-12-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

The Franklin County, Missouri Cemetery Society will not meet in December 2008. Please enjoy the Holidays and plan to join us at our next meeting, Tuesday, January 27, 2009. We have had a very successful year and sincerely appreciate each and everyone who has given of their time and assistance to improve a number of cemeteries.

We continue to make the public more aware of the existence of the many small country cemeteries. It is hoped they will be protected and preserved for future generations.

FINNEY CEMETERY - CLEANUP - REPAIRS

2008-09-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

The Finney Cemetery was revisited on Saturday, September 27, 2008. Accomplishments were removal of small brush and weed eating, clearing of the roadway area in front of the cemetery, repairing sections of the old fence and resetting several of the old rock markers that had sunken into the ground.

The large Finney tombstone was reset upon its base on Sunday and two other stones straightened.

One more work day is to be scheduled later in the Fall.

Bryan Cemetery Needs Work; Original Resting Place of Daniel Boone

2008-08-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

A meeting was held recently at the Washington Historical Society to discuss the replacement of the destroyed Boone Monument plaque by the Missouri State Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In a nutshell, the D.A.R. will replace the plaque and perhaps do some repairs on the red granite base.

At the same meeting, discussion arose regarding the condition of the cemetery itself. A few people remained after the D.A.R. meeting and discussed using the monument’s vandalism to our advantage to begin an earnest fund raising campaign to restore the entire cemetery to a more pleasing appearance. Also, the graves of Flanders and Jemima (Boone) Callaway have never been marked; an oversight that should be rectified. According to recorded deeds of the “Bryan Farm” the cemetery contains one acre (of which about 1/3 is currently fenced) and that acre has been exempted from the surrounding property since at least 1860. In other words, the cemetery is a stand-alone ‘entity’, as required by state law.

The difficult part of this project is everyone wants to do it but no one wants to initiate the process. Then, we all end up doing nothing! This is a unique opportunity. No one would argue that the site is one of historical significance. A lot of recent attention has been given the site due to the theft of the plaque. Let’s strike while the iron is hot.

A meeting has been set for September 11 at 7:00 p.m., location to be determined. See this site for additional details or call the Washington Historical Society at 636-239-0280.

HARVEY GRISWOLD STONE AFTER CLEANING

2008-07-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

GRISWOLD CEMETERY REPAIRS

2008-06-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, June 5, 2008 the society met at the Griswold Cemetery at Marthasville, Warren County. The group chose to tackle the Griswold Cemetery even though it’s not in Franklin County. Several of the group’s members had worked at Griswold a number of years ago and had intended to go back and finish it, but that hadn’t happened.

About twelve volunteers, including the Marthasville Police Chief, showed up to help. Nine tombstones were firmly re-set in their bases and several more stones were leveled out. In the Wilkinson family plot, the bases for Samuel and Martha Wilkinson’s stones were uncovered after the area was thoroughly weed-eated. The police chief offered to try and find a less than average citizen who needs to do some community service work and who may be able to reinstall some of the brick wall that originally surrounded the two Wilkinson graves. Samuel Wilkinson’s stone was re-set and the stone of Martha, which is beyond repair, was neatly stacked as best we could on her grave. The gravestone of William Shaw Hughes, which had been repaired by volunteers a number of years ago, had fallen and broken again. Repair work was done to this stone and will be finished on the next visit. Some hand-cleaning of four tombstones was accomplished as well.

The Griswold Cemetery will be revisited on Thursday, June 12 with work beginning at 4:30 p.m.

MT. CARMEL REVISITED

2008-04-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

Our hardiest members showed up to begin a probe of Mt. Carmel Cemetery to locate other stones that may lie beneath the surface. The weather was extremely cold and strong winds prevailed. Three rock markers were found about four feet apart in perfect line with the graves in the row. All were near the area where Sarah Kellison's multi-piece stone was found under the soil last fall.

A burial spot thought to be that of Henry Kelso who died in St. Louis in 1939 was also found. It was between the graves of Martha Kelso and her son Stephen Kelso.

FINNEY FAMILY

2008-01-30T13:08:00.000-08:00

John Finney was a native of Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky and came with his parents to Missouri in 1832. They settled in Warren County and he later moved to Franklin County in 1845.

On 23 October 1845, John Finney of Warren County, was married in Franklin County to Miss Louisa "Louisey" Elizabeth Roark, a daughter of John & Elizabeth (Napper) Roark of Berger.

John and Louisey Finney were the parents of nine children. Namely; William Roark, Nancy Jane, John M., James Harrison, Elige T., Zimri Carter, Timothy, Benjamin F. and Mary Finney.

The Finney family was well-to-do and highly respected in the community. They were very private people and kept close to home. That could explain why most of them died single.

By 1888, the land owned by John Finney consisted of 750 acres. A piece of the land had formerly been owned by the Cole Family and is the parcel where the cemetery is located. The Finney graves are located in a row in the back of the cemetery and two graves are located in the front of the cemetery. Down the middle there are approximately eight fieldstones believed to mark the graves of Cole family members.

However, James H. Finney, had an African-American hired hand named Howard Bland. It could be that some of his family is buried there.

John Finney was a Master Mason. He and his son, William R. Finney, was affiliated with the Robertsville Lodge #363, A.F. & A.M.

William Roark is the only one of the Finney children known to have married. On 04 Dec 1876, in Jefferson County, he married Virginia F. North, a daughter of Arthur C. and Pauline E. (Watkins) North. Virginia died in 1923 and was buried near House Springs, Missouri. They are known to have had one daughter, Elizabeth called "Bessie" and a son named Frederic. Elizabeth "Bessie" Finney married John M. Allee who was considerably older. They resided in St. Louis County, but he was buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, near Eldon, Miller Co., Missouri. He had children by his first wife who died in 1899. Frederic Finney, age 19, was living in Jefferson County with his grandmother, Paulina North, in the 1900 census.

Elige Finney committed suicide by cutting his own throat with a razor. He was never married. His brother, John M. Finney also committed suicide. He shot himself in the heart.
Zimri Finney had grabbed his fiddle and started playing, then slumped over and died. When his body was found, the bow was still in his hand.

The Finney Cemetery was visited by members of our group in November 2006. At that time, the results of a previous windstorm had left cedar trees broken and mangled all over the cemetery. It was a horrible sight.

In the spring of 2007, our members began the laborious task of uncovering the tombstones. It took several long days of chainsaw work to view the cemetery lawn once more. The debris removed was burned next to the cemetery at the proper time allowed by law. Miraculously, none of the grave markers were damaged. One larger stone had been knocked off its base. The group is seeking outside help to get it back upright again.

FINNEY CEMETERY

2008-01-30T13:01:00.000-08:00

CALVEY TOWNSHIP, FRANKLIN CO. MISSOURI
Township 42 North, Range 2 East, Section 21
Near Robertsville, Franklin County, Missouri

FINNEY, ZIMRI C. 06 MAY 1863 19 JUL 1931
FINNEY, ELIGE T. 12 OCT 1861 26 DEC 1909
Not lost, blest thought, But gone before, Where we shall meet, To part no more.
FINNEY, JOHN 22 AUG 1822 19 APR 1909
FINNEY, LOUISEY ELIZABETH 12 FEB 1824 07 JAN 1900
FINNEY, JOHN M. 23 DEC 1853 27 APR 1894
FINNEY, W. R. (Mason) 27 JUN 1847 01 FEB 1896
FINNEY, NANCY JANE 12 NOV 1849 10 APR 1940
FINNEY, JAMES H. 11 SEP 1855 06 SEP 1953
FINNEY, MARY 08 FEB 1878 08 FEB 1878
FINNEY, BENJAMIN F. 18 JAN 1866 12 DEC 1866
FINNEY, TIMOTHY No Stone No Dates