Eldridge, Missouri, is a small, unincorporated village nestled in the rugged mountains of the Missouri Ozarks. Surrounded by rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers, Eldridge is a quiet place steeped in history. Its remote location has allowed it to retain a strong sense of identity, shaped by the resilience and determination of its early settlers.
Eldridge has a rich African American history, deeply rooted in the strength of its founders. After emancipation, formerly enslaved people sought a place to call their own, and for some, that place was the land around a life-giving spring in what would become Eldridge. This spring, known as Alfred Spring, was named after Alfred Eldridge, an original settler who, along with his family, chose to make this area their home.
The establishment of the first post office in 1876 was a beacon of progress, followed by the official founding of Eldridge Township in 1884. These milestones were not merely administrative acts; they were symbols of a community carving out its identity and asserting its place in the broader tapestry of American society.
In addition to its African American history, Eldridge also saw contributions from notable white families, such as the Fohn, Waterman, and Martin families, who helped shape the town's development. The Fohn family played a crucial role in agricultural growth, ensuring the city remained a center for trade and farming. Their dedication to land cultivation provided economic stability and strengthened community ties.
The Waterman family contributed significantly to civic engagement, taking active roles in governance, education, and social development. Their presence helped guide Eldridge through various changes, fostering progress in local policies and community initiatives. Likewise, the Martin family influenced the town through agriculture and leadership, leaving a legacy of perseverance and service.
The history of Eldridge is a testament to the strength and courage of those who, having endured the hardships of slavery, sought to build a community where they could thrive. It's a history that reflects the broader African American experience of striving for a better life and contributing to the rich fabric of American history, alongside white families who shaped the region through their contributions.
Nestled in the heart of Eldridge, Missouri, lies Kenoly Cemetery, an all-Black cemetery that serves as a silent guardian to the memories of an African American community that thrived in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This cemetery, which is now ensconced within the bounds of a private farm, holds the remains of many local luminaries, including the esteemed Reverend John Kenoly, a community pillar and the founder of the Kenoly Baptist Church in 1892.
Kenoly Cemetery was established as a dedicated burial ground for African American families, preserving the heritage and honoring the lives of those who built and sustained the community. The gravestones and markers, weathered by time, tell a story of resilience and faith, echoing the lives of those who once walked the earth.
On a fateful afternoon in June 2012, the Ozarks Paranormal Society was granted special access to this hallowed ground. What transpired during their visit would add a new layer to the already rich tapestry of Kenoly Cemetery's history.
The society's members, including Tonya Mulitalo and David Harkins, meandered among the weathered tombstones, paying silent homage to the lives that once were. It was then that the ordinary turned otherworldly. Tonya and David, gripped by a sudden sense of presence, began to capture what their eyes beheld—a spectral anomaly, a disturbance in the stillness of the afternoon.
Tonya and David sought to immortalize the apparition in a flurry of shutter clicks. Yet, a stark contrast emerged when the moment passed and the images were laid bare. Tonya's photographs revealed nothing but the serene landscape of the cemetery. At the same time, David's captured a visage of the inexplicable—a misty figure, an orb of glowing energy, a silent sentinel in the frame.
This visual enigma, a stark anomaly amidst the clarity of the surrounding images, sparked wonder and speculation. Could this be the manifestation of a spirit, a spectral resident of Eldridge reaching across the veil to acknowledge the living? The evidence, as intangible as it was compelling, marked a significant moment for the society, a testament to their pursuit of the paranormal.
The experience at Kenoly Cemetery remains etched in the annals of the Ozarks Paranormal Society. It is a narrative of mystery interwoven with the historical tapestry of Eldridge. It reminds us that history is not merely a collection of dates and events but a mosaic of human stories—some seen, some unseen, all waiting to be discovered.
As the sun sets on Kenoly Cemetery, whispers of the past linger, inviting the curious and the brave to explore the depths of history and the possibilities of the beyond. The encounter of June 2012 stands as a beacon for those who seek to unravel the mysteries that history so jealously guards—a journey that continues to captivate and inspire.
As we reflect on Eldridge's history, we are reminded of the power of community and the unyielding strength of the human spirit. Its history deserves to be remembered and honored, for it is a vital part of the rich mosaic that is American history.
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