Marker honors emancipated Black woman who helped care for soldiers at Wilson s Creek Sara Karnes, Springfield News-Leader
More than a century after her death, an emancipated Black woman finally received a headstone.
Rhoda Ray Jones was buried in an unmarked grave at Hazelwood Cemetery. Nearly 100 people visited the cemetery Sunday not just to see the unveiling of the marker for her, but to also recognize Rhoda Ray Jones for her help during the battle at Wilson’s Creek.
“She was a person of courage who helped there at the battle at Wilson’s Creek,” said Patricia Haas, president of the Mary Whitney Phelps Tent No. 22 and with Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War. “It’s been over 123 years since she died. She never had a headstone, so we’re very pleased she’s going to get a headstone now.”
More than a century after her death, an emancipated Black woman finally received a headstone.
Rhoda Ray Jones was buried in an unmarked grave at Hazelwood Cemetery. Nearly 100 people visited the cemetery Sunday not just to see the unveiling of the marker for her, but to also recognize Rhoda Ray Jones for her help during the battle at Wilson’s Creek.
“She was a person of courage who helped there at the battle at Wilson’s Creek,” said Patricia Haas, president of the Mary Whitney Phelps Tent No. 22 and with Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War. “It’s been over 123 years since she died. She never had a headstone, so we’re very pleased she’s going to get a headstone now.”
Wilson S Creek National Battlefield Site Pass
The Battle of Wilson’s Creek on August 10, 1861 was the second major battle of the Civil War, and the first fought west of the Mississippi River. The engagement placed Missouri in the middle of the national conflict and brought the state to national attention with the death of the first Union general, Nathaniel Lyon. The battle and the well-preserved battlefield mark an important but painful milestone in Missouri and U.S. history. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield features a 5-mile self-guided driving tour, walking trails to key battle sites, and the historic Ray House. The newly renovated Visitor Center and Museum features a collection of artifacts considered to be one of the finest public held museum collections representing the Trans- Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War.
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