The fence and gate have been replaced. On our to do list: repair and reset headstones, memorial area with flagpole, ongoing maintenance, road surfacing. You can help!!
FOREST GROVE CEMETERY PROJECT
Forest Grove Cemetery in Lexington, Missouri has fallen into disrepair over the last fifty or so years—overgrown with brush, headstones knocked down by vandals, a fence in desperate need of replacement....but good people around the city and beyond are acting to spruce things up at Forest Grove so it can again shine as part of our historic narrative. You can help, too!
Last fall about 40 members of the Lexington Methodist Church and a tree crew from Chris Huffman’s IG Construction company met there for a work party. Brush was cleared, dead trees removed, and headstones placed upright (many still need to be reset). Shortly after the work party, the City bolstered the entire cemetery road with old asphalt recycled from a recently resurfaced street. The asphalt was laid out by IG Construction. The last step now is to replace the fence.
Here’s the plan. Our best bid for 270 feet of iron fence is $8,655 installed. That’s what we ask you to help raise. Any funds over that amount will be used to reset damaged headstones.
We thank you now for any contribution you are able to make. Donate early and your gift value doubles through an anonymous donor’s pledge to match 50% of this fence goal.
An account to raise funds for this project has been set up at B&L Bank, Lexington, Missouri. Please send your contribution (payable to Forest Grove Cemetery Project) to: Forest Grove Cemetery Project, c/o Alonzo Hannon, 2615 Franklin Avenue, Lexington, MO 64067.
See the photos for the current condition of the fence, and the proposed fence.
The first burial on these grounds was in 1872, but Forest Grove Cemetery of Lexington, Missouri was established October 28, 1890 as a final resting place for the Black citizens of the community. Many of those first buried at Forest Grove were born into slavery there, but as free people the scope of their labors has mirrored the times. Military veterans of domestic and foreign engagements are laid to rest among the coal miners, horsemen, smiths, farm hands, civic leaders, merchants, musicians, morticians, athletes, carpenters, cooks, domestics, barbers, educators and construction workers who made their homes in this historic river town.
The original deed transferring the property states: “The City of Lexington of the County of Lafayette in the State of Missouri party of the first part: and Israel Burles, W. Henry Glaus, George Jones, Henry Hall and Simon Lewis, trustees for the colored people of Lexington parties of the second part: Witnesseth that the said party of the first part in consideration of the sum of one dollar to said City of Lexington paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged doth by these presents, remise, release and forever quit claim unto the said parties of the second party, the following described lots, tracts or parcels of land, [property description] . . . To have and to hold the same . . . for the colored people of Lexington to be used as a grave yard and burying ground.”
Among the people buried at Forest Grove are:
Morocco Saunders (1845-1915) was born into slavery in Lexington. The inscription on his headstone is “A tribute by Wentworth Alumni,” in memory of his service as a cook at Wentworth Military Academy.
William Bell (1892-1960) served his country as a Private in Company B of the 325th Service Battalion in World War I.
George Green (1857-1952) was born into slavery, and is listed in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not for never having missed a day of school, or having been tardy for 56 years. He attended Douglass School in Lexington and later served as president of Lincoln University.
Miss Eva Saunders (1893-1986), who played amazing piano, and graced us all with her performances at the school cake walks and other events. She also helped establish "Teen Town,” a place where teens could spend their Friday and Saturday nights. She was an elementary school teacher before the schools were integrated. Miss Eva was given a car by the city in appreciation for her community efforts. Her husband, Emmanuel (1889-1951) served with the 164th Depot Brigade in World War I.
John “Doc” Carter (also known as “Professor”) (1904-1982), the principal of Douglass School during segregation, and a science teacher in the local junior high school after integration in 1955. He was loved by all of his students.
Donations may be sent to Forest Grove Cemetery Project, c/o Pete Wilkerson, 6231 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Raytown, MO 64133. An account for these funds has been set up at NASB.
