Golden Valley Preservation

Overview of Oak Grove Cemetery

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On May 20th, 2024, I had the privilege of continuing an important tradition with Mary Kelley from Gillette, Wyoming, a descendant of Henry County settlers Aaron and Perry Morgan. Last year, Mary and I worked together to clean up the Aaron Morgan Cemetery, and this year, we tackled the Perry Morgan Cemetery, which is located on property managed by White Oak Ventures.

Along with the help of Joel, Rachael, Brent, and Kole Carroll, we spent hours cleaning and resetting a large number of stones. Even when I had to run back to Clinton to grab some forgotten supplies, the team didn’t miss a beat—by the time I returned, they had the entire cemetery cleared of leaves, making a noticeable difference.

Once we got to work, I focused on resetting the headstone of Celeste Morgan, born June 16, 1873, and who sadly passed on April 6, 1882, at just 8 years old. Her three-part obelisk needed complete resetting. After carefully cleaning all three parts with water and D2 biological solution, I used Pratley Putty, monument setting compound, and historical pointing mortar to repair the cracks and reset the stone.

Meanwhile, Brent, Kole, and Joel discovered that many of the bases were sunk at least 6 inches into the ground, making the task even more challenging. Despite the difficulties, they did an incredible job. By the end of the day, we managed to reset one headstone, five footstones, and five bases.

Before wrapping up, we tackled the headstone of Grace Rivers Morgan, born in 1894 and who tragically passed away just five months later in 1895. Thankfully, this stone was easier to reset, and it turned out beautifully.

Perry Morgan, born August 31, 1847, in Kentucky, passed away on March 19, 1920, in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. He was a retired farmer and married twice, first to Viola and then to Susan Jane Eli Malone. Perry and Viola had three children together:

Celeste Morgan: Born June 16, 1873, and passed away on April 6, 1882.
Loyd Kevil Morgan: Born October 11, 1877, in Syracuse, Morgan County, Missouri, and passed away on August 15, 1949, at the age of 71.
Lola Alice Morgan Stansberry: Born March 15, 1880, in Henry County, Missouri, and passed away on August 28, 1953, at the age of 73.
Their lives are a significant part of our local history, and it’s an honor to help preserve their legacy for future generations.

On a somber note, I want to share something that has weighed heavily on my heart. Brent Lee Carroll, 20, of Warrensburg, Missouri, who worked alongside us that day, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 28, 2024. I only had the chance to meet Brent this one time, but his work ethic and determination left a deep impression on me. His enthusiasm for a project he wasn’t obligated to help with truly inspired me and reminded me why preserving our history is so important. I was looking forward to working with him more, and I am still deeply saddened by his loss.

To his mother, Crystal Tirey; Joel Carroll (Rachael); Brent’s son, Fynn; his partner, Alexis Rowland; and his brothers, Cameron, Koel, and Wyatt—I want to send my deepest condolences. His loss is profoundly felt.

Here’s to all those who helped make this project possible, and to continuing the work of preserving our local history.

As snow blankets the ground and frost coats the air, we bid farewell to the last season of the year. The trees stand bare, shedding their remaining leaves in the bitter chill, as the world around us grows quiet and still. The long, dark nights seem to stretch on forever, but we know that spring will soon bring new life and warm sunshine. For now, we wrap ourselves in cozy blankets and prepare for the end of winter, a time for reflection and rest before the new year begins.

With that being said next year I will be working to really promote my business. If you or anyone you know is in need of a stone cleaning or repair, I would love to help!