Veteran – Smith Chapel Cemetery

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”

Freedom Seeker Martin Boyd

Freedom Seeker Martin Boyd was a trustee that established Smith Chapel A.M.E. Cemetery…. Read more

Benjamin Oglesby and the U.S. Colored Troops

His children, grandchildren, and future generations would attend Douglass School, a segregated African American schoolhouse, which has been removed to Ogelsby Park, part of St. Charles County Parks & Recreation.