A large stone is jacked into place at London Cemetery.

Submitted by Beverly Clinkingbeard

London Cemetery is a final home to the first settlers and bear witness that it was a haven for families from the North Star, Moulton and London communities. It is located in Atchison County’s northeast corner. A few years ago, malicious fools, in the dark of night using truck and log chains, desecrated the lonely little cemetery.

The most recent burials were 1975 and 1961. Burials began in the 1870s and it is estimated there are 30 graves unmarked. Names engraved on the tombstones are: Stafford, Stevens, Clark, Cozad, VanMeter, Francis, Harness, Steel, Grubb, Hutt, Andrews, Gordon, Gronwold (died 1897, 1 yr, 1m, 22d). They testify, as do the peonies, iris, and day lilies the pioneers planted, of a loved one put to a final rest.

There was once a block utility shed where tools to keep the cemetery presentable were housed, but as the years passed, the little building deteriorated and the maintenance of the cemetery became cumbersome. The neighborhoods changed with lifespan and mobility – other cemeteries were favored for burial. For years, Presley Clark and Glenn Stevens kept trees and wild weeds at bay. Then Chic Stevens picked up on his grandfather’s interest to burn, mow and cut big trees and limbs that fell in storms. Along with occasional contributions of labor from Cody and AnnaBelle Johnson, Klutes, Clinkingbeards, and now, Rod and Jake McEnaney, have taken an interest in the survival of the little cemetery. Recently, Rod contacted a family from Arkansas, Corson Cemetery Restoration. They have equipment and know-how to repair fallen stones, and they’ve been doing just that.

With a special thank you to Corsons, Chic, Rod and Jake, this Memorial Day, the London Cemetery tombstones will stand straight and respectfully for those whom they represent.

’Til next time.