Snodgrass Union Cemetery
Bates County, Missouri
County Line of Henry & Bates on H highway
The following article appeared in the Appleton City Journal August 1952 and was written by Eura Kretzinger--
"We are gathered here this Sunday July 27, 1952 to commerate the Centennial Anniversary of this cemetery. One hundred years ago, when this country was covered with timber untouched by the hand of man, a little group of families from Kentucky immigrated to Missouri and settled in Bates County. With great courage this band of people started out to clear the land, build houses and make homes.
It was not an easy task. They endured hardships and privations but with that pioneer spirit of progress that had inspired them to seek a hoe in the new country, they pushed onward with united effort and blazed the way for us whom are here today.
Among that company were a young man and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Snodgrass. Tradition tells us this beautiful and sad story. One day this good woman said to her husband, "This would be a nice place to be buried." Strange as it may seem, in a short time she became ill and passed away. The grief-stricken young husband buried her in the yard of their little home.
To the young husband came the idea of a burial ground for others so he deeded an acre of land (this acre) to the people and they were glad for the gift, and what a gift it was, a beautiful resting place for their loved ones.
This is the origin of the Snodgrass Cemetery. After the death of his wife, Mr. Snodgrass, with his three small children, moven to another location on the farm where he reared his family, spent the remaining years of his life, and was buried beside his companion.
The children, when grown, married and settled in the community. All of them and their companions are buried here. The children were J. V. Snodgrass, Mrs. Philena Jennings and W. G. Snodgrass, known to our general as "Uncle Fuller."
The grandchildren now living are Mrs. Mollie Erhart, Kansas Cit, Edgar Jennings, Spruce, Mrs. Allie Kimble, Butler, and Mrs. Cora Ludwick of New Mexico.
As the years passed, sickness and death came into the homes of each and all of the families and one by one they brought them here to this cemetery, thus making stronger the bond of love throughout the years, a bond that will last until time shall be no more. To us this spot is hallowed ground.
This is one of the oldest cemeteries in this section of the state. One hundred years is a long time and generations come and go, and in the century from 1852 to 1952 many prominent citizens of eastern Bates and western Henry Counties have been buried here and today the descendants of these good people with their families and neighbors have gathered at this sacred spot to honor those who have gone before, paying every tribute the human heart can offer.
We look with pride on the beautiful homes and the wide fertile fields and breathe a prayer of Thanksgiving to God for those pioneer families who taught us to worship. That is our greatest heritage -- the example and the influence of Christian parents and Christian homes.
Several families have three generations buried here and two families, the Snodgrasses and the Baskervilles, have four.
About 1885, a church was built on the land adjoining the cemetery on the south. That too, was Snodgrass land and was deeded to the church which was named Snodgrass Union Church. The church flourished for many years and was the scene of many a wonderful revival.
As time went on and the older people passed away, the church declined and was used only for funerals. Finally some of those interested thought best to sell the church and use the money for the cemetery. Despite some opposition, this was done by process of law in 1938.
With the passing of the church, a cemetery association was organized inserting the word "Union" in honor of the church and making the name "Snodgrass Union Cemetery Association."
Officers in the association made effort to improve the cemetery and in a few years there was much accomplished. In 1948 funds were solicited and a power mower was purchased. This made the task of keeping the cemetery easier and now it is one of the best and prettiest cemeteries to be found in this section.
A graveled drive thru the cemetery joins the highway.
Located on Highway H at the Bates and Henry County line between Butler and Montrose stands this "Beautiful Silent City of the Dead." -- The Snodgrass Union Cemetery.
