Union Mission Cemetery Cleanup and Maintenance
Union Mission Cemetery entrance after cleanup
Many people contributed to this clean-up including Union Mission Chapter, NSDAR, members Amy Sparks and family; Betty Thomas and family; Dalena Nichols and husband Lee; Pat Morgan; Lesa Larsen and husband Harland and these volunteers from the community: Bert and Arlene Nelson and cadets of the Thunderbird Youth Academy.
Many of the improvements have been made with donations by Union Mission Chapter, NSDAR, member Betty Thomas. |
Historical Marker
Union Mission Chapter, NSDAR, dedicated this large grey granite marker on November 7, 1992. The State of Oklahoma presented a citation to the chapter recognizing this endeavor.
Unfortunately, the monument was toppled by vandals. It was reset flat as shown below. |
Monument Inscription: Union Mission was established in 1820 by the United Foreign Missionary Society as a mission to the Osage. It was in existence only 15 years but occupies a unique position in Oklahoma history. It was the pioneer institution in bringing Christianity and aspects of western civilization such as education to Oklahoma. Here was the site of the first church, the first school and the first protestant wedding. The Union Mission Chapter, NSDAR, feels a pride and obligation to commemorate the brave spirits who labored here.
Persons listed in the Union Mission Journal as having died at this site between 1822-1825 and according to tradition who are buried in Union Mission Cemetery, baby of Abraham and Phoebe Beach Redfield - February 8, 1822, Osage woman - October 17. 1822, Osage infant October 19, 1822, Infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Fuller - March 9, 1823, Robert Bake, - August 20, 1823, Charolotte Vaille, child September 6, 1824, Jane Redfield, child - September 9, 1824, Epaphras Chapman, First Missionary to the Osage - January 17, 1825. |
Chouteau Family Cemetery Stones
Tombstones (circa 1800) from the historic Chouteau Family Cemetery were re-located to Union Mission Cemetery with the family's permission to prevent further vandalism. A granite marker, memorializing the event, indicates that these stones were originally located southwest of Union Mission Cemetery.
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Marker Inscription:
"We Honor Their Memory, We Call Their Names, They Live Again
Chouteau Family Graves Originally located southwest of the cemetery. Desecrated by vandals, markers discarded by farmers late 1900. Rescued and moved for permanent memorialization Dec 2001. Dedicated Apr 4, 2002. Joint project of: Jean Pierre Chouteau Descendants, Union Mission Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Alpha Co. Thunderbird Youth Academy and Oklahoma Historical Society. Contributors Calvin Coverdell, Bert & Arlene Nelson, Bill Kemp, Rainbow Concrete Co and Witt Monument Co." |
Main part of the cemetery
Additional Cemetery Pictures
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