Near Kenesaw in Adams County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Susan O. Hail Grave

Photographed by Buck Tanzi, June 22, 2020

1. Susan O. Hail Grave Marker

Inscription.
To overland emigrants the rigors of the trail began with the "Coast of Nebraska," the ridge of sandhills separating the Platte Valley from the open prairie behind it. Thousands of emigrants passed this way during the peak emigration years of the 1850s. Hundreds died of disease, principally of Asiatic cholera. It is believed that a grave near here is of one such victim. Of all those who died, only a few graves are known. On August 3, 1859, a surveyor noted the grave and its marker:

Memory of Susan O. Hail
of Lafayette County, Missouri
Who died June 2, 1852
Age 34 Yrs. 5 months 12 days

That marker, since destroyed, was of polished workmanship, unlike most trail gravestones. It is said her husband returned to Missouri, had the stone made, and brought it to this spot on the prairie. The people of the area have cared for the grave, and the land was purchased in 1958 and presented to Adams County by the Federated Women's Club of Kenesaw and the Adams County Historical Society.

Erected by Kenesaw Centennial Committee and Nebraska State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker

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is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Women. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 2, 1852.

Location. 40° 39.323′ N, 98° 43.449′ W. Marker is near Kenesaw, Nebraska, in Adams County. It is on 44 Road north of West 70th Street, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kenesaw NE 68956, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Smoky Hills

and in Eastern Nebraska. It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Susan C. Haile (approx. 0.6 miles away); Boot Hill (approx. 6.2 miles away); 1872 Lowell 1972 (approx. 6½ miles away); Gibbon (approx. 7.2 miles away); In Honor of D. E. "Mac" McGregor (approx. 7.3 miles away); Early Shelton Pioneers (approx. 8.6

Photographed by Buck Tanzi, June 22, 2020

2. Susan O. Hail Grave Marker

miles away); Joseph E. Johnson and the Huntsman’s Echo (approx. 8.6 miles away); Meisner Bank Building (approx. 8.7 miles away).

Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2024, by Buck Tanzi of Poughkeepsie, New York. This page has been viewed 497 times since then and 116 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 6, 2024. 2. submitted on September 29, 2024, by Buck Tanzi of Poughkeepsie, New York. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.