Author Archives: Dorris Keeven-Franke

Restoring History

The stone had toppled and had been lying on the ground for well over 70 years, according to his descendant Bill Sanders, who was there to witness the restoration by Prouhet. Sanders is the caretaker of the Cemetery and has many relatives in the cemetery. The students are learning genealogy techniques as well; but information is scarce for African American families. 

Buried History, Uncovered Stories

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!

FILM PREMIERE

Join us on August 23, 2025 in Oglesby Park, 2801 W. Meyer Road, (St. Charles County Parks) in Foristell, from 6pm til Sunset as we Premiere their documentary called BURIED HISTORY, UNCOVERED STORIES. The public is invited, this event is being held by those working on the cemetery, who wants to share the story with everyone. The screening will be outdoors in the pavilion at the back of the Park near the Douglass Schoolhouse.

Student Recognition Day

In Foristell, Missouri, the Smith Chapel Cemetery, was begun by nine Trustees for the Smith Chapel AME Church established in 1871, was listed on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom in 2024. Now, students from St. Charles Community College, studying with Professor Grace Wade Moser are working to uncover the history of this small African American cemetery in western St. Charles County.

News Update

In January 2025, the historic Smith Chapel Cemetery was awarded a grant from the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The Project Director is Dorris Keeven-Franke, working with Barbara Love from the Wesley-Smith Church in Wright City, Grace Moser from the St. Charles Community College, and Jerry Prouhet, a professional cemetery restorer. The grant of $16,000 is for the work of Prouhet to restore and clean headstones in the cemetery and signs to be placed at the cemetery. This Grant includes the research by the students at St. Charles Community College’s Service-Learning American History Class.

Smith Chapel Cemetery

In 1871, several freedom seekers who had fought in the U.S. Colored Troops in the Civil War had returned home. These resilient men, would pool their funds, and establish an African Methodist Episcopal Chapel, with a Circuit rider preacher, that spread the gospel between St. Charles and Jonesburg at that time, and name it Smith Chapel at Snow Hill.

History of the Cemetery

Established in 1871, Smith Chapel Cemetery is an African American burying ground established by nine formerly enslaved individuals in St. Charles County Missouri. At least three men were freedom seekers, and members of the Smith Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church associated with this graveyard. The cemetery is final resting place for Smith Ball (1833-1912), BenjaminContinue reading “History of the Cemetery”