Rosson Memorial Cemetery

Sep 8

Written By Kaleigh Hoyt

Site Brief:

Founded: 1874

Location: Kenton, TN

Additional name(s): Rossons Cemetery Kenton, Rosson Memorial Cemetery

Affiliate group(s):

St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Kenton, TN
Moore Heritage Projects

History:

Established in 1874, the Rosson Cemetery–a federally recognized cemetery–was initially used by members of the Rosson family, including early settler and Confederate soldier Samuel M. Rosson and his sisters. However, after the end of the Civil War and the Reconstruction era, the cemetery’s usage and history took a significant turn and was primarily used by the local African American community. The earliest documented Black burial is 1915, and, to date, death certificates for eighty-four people have been obtained. Because death certificates were not mandated by the state of Tennessee prior to 1915, earlier burials’ documentation or markers may have been lost. Some burials in the Black section prior to 1915 have sunken markers, fifteen of which have been identified, though there may be as many as 50 based on the size of the section. Ongoing research continues to identify these unmarked burials and lift sunken markers. The entire cemetery is currently surrounded by a private farm; the Black section of the cemetery is located at the eastern end and is currently maintained by the Rosson Cemetery Improvement Committee. The original Rosson family section of the cemetery is the Western portion of the cemetery and is an unkept area that is hidden by overgrowth and brush.

The Cole family is one of the most prominent African American families connected to Rosson Memorial Cemetery, with William Carter Cole (1879–1975) and his wife, Sophia Brown Cole (1889–1965), being 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 in many roles, including working at Shatz Produce House as well as 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. Originally initiated by the daughters of Sophie and Will Cole shortly after Sophie’s burial in 1965, the Rosson Cemetery Improvement Committee has worked tirelessly to affirm the right to access the cemetery, improve the access road, and maintain the cemetery grounds and vegetation. Until recently, most community members were not aware that a portion of the cemetery grounds had been used by the Rosson family and descendants of Samuel M. Rosson and his sisters and other members of the White community previously, and that this section of cemetery currently remains unmaintained. The Rosson Cemetery Improvement Committee funds ongoing maintenance of the post Reconstruction era area of the cemetery, primarily the Black portion of the cemetery, as well as impromptu cleanups. And, since 1967, the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church has hosted the cemetery’s annual programming.