Rosson Memorial Cemetery
Site Brief:
Founded: 1874
Location: Kenton, TN
Additional name(s): Rossons Cemetery Kenton
Affiliate group(s):
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Kenton, TN
History:
Established in 1874 as a burial ground for the Rosson family, who played a prominent role in the area’s early history. Among the first to be interred were Samuel M. Rosson (1814–1885), a Confederate soldier, along with his sisters Elizabeth Rosson Graham (1848–1874) and Mary Robinson Rosson (1816–1880). For many years, the cemetery was primarily used by the members of the Rosson family. The cemetery’s rich history took a significant turn with the involvement of African American families before the end of the Reconstruction era. One of the most prominent African American families connected to Rosson Memorial Cemetery is the Cole family. William Carter Cole (1879–1975) and his wife, Sophia Brown Cole (1889–1965), were the last individuals buried there. Their family’s deep ties to the community began a new chapter in the cemetery’s history, reflecting the evolving racial landscape of the area. William Carter Cole, a lifelong resident of Kenton, served many roles, including working at Shatz Produce House and preparing bodies for burial before undertakers were widely available. His leadership in the community and St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, along with his legacy as a father of seven, left a lasting mark.
