On a recent beautiful evening in August, friends, families, and the community came together to share their love for the historic St. Charles County landmark called Smith Chapel Cemetery. Established in 1871, it was listed on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom in 2024, because at least three freedom seekers: Benjamin Oglesby, Martin Boyd and Smith Ball lay in the small family graveyard. Then they received a Grant from the Network to Freedom to restore the small African American Cemetery, and place historical markers at the cemetery. Students of Professor Grace Moser of St. Charles Community College, are enrolled in her Service Learning American History Class, are doing research, writing and cemetery restoration work. Jerry Prouhet, a professional cemetery preservationist, works with the students and is restoring lost and overturned headstones.
In February of 2025, Audrey Pinson, a student from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, heard about the project and contacted Dorris Keeven-Franke, Project Director, wanting to know more. The result was a small documentary that tells a huge story! Interviews with Barbara Love, a descendant of Benjamin Ogelsby, and those working on the project share their love for this nearly forgotten cemetery that contains a lot of history. For those who were unable to join us, we would love to share!
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Smith Chapel Cemetery 