Fort Scott in Bourbon County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Mayhew
The Forgotten Cemetery
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026
1. Mayhew Marker
Bourbon County has many cemeteries, but few with a story like Mayhew's. It was an active cemetery in the northern part of Fort Scott which became the final resting place of over 400 persons. The majority were African American. The cemetery was maintained but fell into neglect and finally the headstones were bulldozed in order to till the ground for crops.
Burials at Mayhew Cemetery included a Civil War Veteran, former slaves and ages from stillborn to 104 years, all who were residents of Bourbon County and helped build Fort Scott and our county. Family histories of most of those buried in Mayhew have been researched and are now in notebooks. Some, however, have remained mysteries.
Mayhew Cemetery is listed in the 1888 and 1892 City Directories as Mayhew or Mayhew Burial Grounds - Colored-located one mile NW of the city. John Morgan, manager. A 1914 Fort Scott newspaper said, "real estate tax land value of the Mayhew cemetery was $250."
Research to locate Mayhew was started by Mary Foster Berry Chapter DAR, in the 1980's. The OFGS past members, new member Ann Rawlins, plus years of research and dedication by
this page online
Essex McLemore was the earliest burial in 1868 while stillborn Infant Zirk, in 1937 was the last known burial. Newspapers and death records have confirmed 177 persons are buried at Mayhew #1 and Mayhew #2. Most burials would not have made the newspaper. Little has been previously noted in Fort Scott and Bourbon County history. Deep searching has revealed the story of Mayhew Cemetery.
So many stories are still waiting to be told. Most lived on the eastside of Fort Scott. They were early settlers, lifetime citizens of Fort Scott who worked, married, raised families, played and died in our community.
Erected by Old Fort Genealogical Society of Southeastern Kansas.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 37° 50.582′ N, 94° 42.357′ W. Marker is in Fort Scott, Kansas, in Bourbon County. It is at the intersection
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026
2. Mayhew Marker
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas and specifically in Bleeding Kansas Border War Country. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. 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 walking distance of this marker: Medal of Honor (a few steps from this marker); Fort Scott (a few steps from this marker); The Sites and People of Fort Scott (a few steps from this marker); Gordon Parks (a few steps from this marker); Go Greyhounds! (a few steps from this marker); Sutler Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Joe Skubitz, U.S. Congressman (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Scott Yesterday (within shouting distance of this marker).
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026
3. Mayhew Marker
Plaque next to the marker, which lists the interments at the cemetery (not transcribed)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 21, 2026
4. Mayhew Marker
Looking south into downtown Fort Scott
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 2 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 21, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
