Protecting Our Heritage… Wolf Cemetery

Protecting Our Heritage…

Wolf Cemetery

By Kevin Fox

A group of concerned and caring citizens have taken it upon
themselves to cleanup the Wolf Cemetery near St. Francisville. Among those who
assisted in the cleanup were Tom Kerr, Ron Harrison, Terry Walker, Rodney
Harvey, and members of the Clark County FFA Chapter under the direction of Mark
Lemmon. The group began cutting brush two weeks ago and on Saturday, March 3rd
the FFA Chapter carried and stacked brush as well as assisted in setting up
head stones at the cemetery.

Work is now proceeding in acquiring the bronze military
stones for those who served in the military and have made the Wolf Cemetery
their final resting place.

For those who may not be aware of the Wolf Cemetery it is
reportedly the oldest cemetery in Clark County and perhaps Northeast, Missouri.
According to Rodney Harvey, local historian, “The Wolf Cemetery has the oldest
stone in Clark County with the date of 1836. There is another stone in Clark
County with the date of 1833, but I believe it is not the original stone due to
its style. The 1836 headstone in Wolf Cemetery is that of Samuel Bartlett, who
died on August 21, 1836, aged 35 years, 9 months, 10 days. He was killed when
logs rolled of a wagon and fell on him. As far as where the Wolf Cemetery gets
its name it comes from Christopher Wolf.

Among the veterans who now lie at rest there are:

George Reading, soldier of the Revolution and an Elder in
the Presbyterian Church for 50 years.
Mr. Reading was a private from Pennsylvania of Col. Logan’s Regiment. He
was born December 8, 1781 and passed away August 4, 1846.

William Sullivan, veteran of the War of 1812 and would fall
at the Battle of Athens. Born August 8, 1794 and died August 5, 1861.

Jabez Harrison – Co. F 21st Mo. Infantry.

M.T Kelly August 20, 1841 – September 9, 1861. 7th Mo. Cav.
Co. K

Wallace Goodwin, died November 18, 1862, aged 21 yrs., Co. B
69th, Mo. Regt.

Lieut. Thomas S. Staples & Pvt. Lilliburn Mussetter, of
Co. K, 69th, Regt.

Another famous resident of the Wolf Cemetery is Jeremiah
Wayland, who was among the first white settlers in the area, who lost his first
cabin in the flood of 1832. It was Jeremiah Wayland who dealt with the Indians,
including Chiefs Keokuk and Black Hawk. According to Clark County historians,
he is considered the Abe Lincoln, and Daniel Boone of the area.

The next step on the renovation of the Wolf Cemetery, after
acquiring veterans plaques, is to have a sign made that will be placed along
the highway to allow the cemetery to be more visible to travelers, as well as
easier to find.