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.”