EVERY NAME REPRESENTS A LIFE, A STORY.
As Clay County African American Historian, Dr. Cecelia Robinson says, “Whether among those who were enslaved or free, the African Americans buried in unmarked graves of Fairview and New Hope are a testimony to a community of resilient people with character and principles who made significant contributions to Liberty and Clay County.”
This page exists to share some of the well-researched stories of those resilient people whose lives and legacies changed and enriched the fabric of this place. This page will be consistently updated as we continue our research. Check back regularly for updated stories and contact us if you think you might have more information on a person buried in this hallowed ground.
Lucy Jacobs Stewart
The midwife extraordinaire who assisted the women of African descent in labor and continued to be a trusted source of generational wisdom for the community.
Merrit Withers
An experienced farmer who was enslaved by one of the most prominent men in the county and enlisted in the Union army to secure his freedom.
Clarence Edward Gantt
Clarence Gantt was the beloved principal of Garrison School during the height of segregation. After Brown vs Board of Education and the desegregation of schools, Gantt worked as a hall monitor at Liberty High so he could continue to guide Black students in excellence and dignity.
Clarence Claybrook Parker
The son of a reverend who became an accomplished ragtime pianist in Chicago. Clarence returned home to Liberty when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and is buried in an unmarked grave next to his mother.
Katherine “Aunt Kitty” Thompson Alexander
Aunt Kitty was the beloved cook and caretaker for the boys of the William Jewell College Boarding Club for more than 25 years.
Thomas Jefferson Helman
Tom’s early 20th century dairy supplied products to a large Liberty clientele. By the 1910s, he owned 18 milking cows, a horse for the delivery wagon, and three other properties besides his home.
Jesse E. Dodd, Sr.
Jesse Dodd owned and operated Michigan Cleaners for over 25 years, demonstrating that a Black man could establish a successful business in a then highly segregated society.
Jack Fields
Liberty resident Jack Fields passed away in February 1898 and was buried in Fairview Cemetery. Shortly after his burial, his body was stolen from his grave and was never recovered.
Charles Griggsby
Charles was a respected community leader and dedicated member of the Royal Arch Masons. His funeral was a grand event with the Knights Templar band leading the cortege.
Mary Decoursey Slaughter
From birth born enslaved to a rich heritage and legacy, Mary Decoursey Slaughter is a picture of dignity and strength.
Pvt. David Drake Blue
Private David Drake Blue’s life takes us from a baby born into slavery to a brave hero, husband, and father, who faithfully fought for his country and his freedom.
Katie May Atchison Gordon Nelson
This is an origin story, how the research for this project became a memorial project in large thanks because of the discovery of one woman, Katie May Atchison Gordon Nelson, who lived as a servant in Liberty a hundred years ago.
Perry “Pinky” Samuel
Born the child of an enslaved woman, then serving that family as a servant, to building a family and life of his own, Perry Samuel has a rich and resilient history in Clay County.
Confirmed Persons
Here you will find the most up to date list of confirmed names of the African Americans buried in the segregated sections of Fairview and New Hope Cemeteries.