Making a difference one grave at a time
Placing permanent markers on unmarked gravesites
ABOUT
We are a 501c3 Public Charity placing permanent markers on unmarked graves.
Our organization name was inspired by an uncle lost at the very young age of 17 years old.
William Lewis Keith, Jr. "Sonny" 1923-1940.
Uncle Sonny is still making a difference all of these years later.
Unmarked graves happen for various reasons. Relocation of family and being financially unable to purchase a permanent marker are the most common.
Over time, the graves may become lost with the deteriation or disappearance of a temporary marker, change of landmarks, etc.
We also will help your family in locating the grave of your loved one or ancestor.
Please visit and like our Facebook page, "Sonny's Halo Project" to continue the journey with our organization as we make a difference one grave at a time.
Our organization name was inspired by an uncle lost at the very young age of 17 years old.
William Lewis Keith, Jr. "Sonny" 1923-1940.
Uncle Sonny is still making a difference all of these years later.
Unmarked graves happen for various reasons. Relocation of family and being financially unable to purchase a permanent marker are the most common.
Over time, the graves may become lost with the deteriation or disappearance of a temporary marker, change of landmarks, etc.
We also will help your family in locating the grave of your loved one or ancestor.
Please visit and like our Facebook page, "Sonny's Halo Project" to continue the journey with our organization as we make a difference one grave at a time.
Make A Donation
Thank you for considering a donation to Sonny's Halo Project. When donating, please specify if you would like your donation to be used for Sonny's Halo Project generally or if you would like it to be used specifically for the Souls of Prairie Grove Project.
We truly appreciate your generosity and willingness to help us make a difference, one grave at a time.
We truly appreciate your generosity and willingness to help us make a difference, one grave at a time.
$25
Join us
We are a 501C3 Public Charity. We currently service Dodge City and surrounding Ford County locations. Feel free to contact us with any questions or to request an application for a gravesite in need. Donations can be mailed to: Sonny's Halo Project c/o Gayle Hall 201 Campus Dr. Dodge City, KS 67801
Souls of Prairie Grove
Over 150 years ago, if a person had family, friends or money, they were buried at the Fort Dodge Cemetery.
Travelers, criminals, paupers or unknowns were buried on the hill, on the outskirts of town. This became known as the paupers cemetery and is in the area where the Boothill Distillery now stands.
Eventually, it was determined that the hill area could be developed and provide income. The bodies {at least those found} were moved to Prairie Grove Cemetery approx. 1878-1879.
The Prairie Grove Cemetery was a 5 acre tract owned by a group of local businessmen, in the area currently south of Comanche, between Avenues A and C.
The cemetery closed in 1887 to be developed as a residential area. There are also reports of a fire destroying records, monuments, etc.
Approx. 1887-1888, the bodies that could be found were moved to the newly established Maple Grove Cemetery.
If no family or friends knew the location of the grave at Prairie Grove or had relocated elsewhere, those bodies were placed in separate plots in an area at Maple Grove.
There are approx. 30 unidentified bodies in this area.
ALL of the unidentified/unknown bodies have been interred at least twice and some three times!
The area more than likely contains bodies of women facing hardships, children passing from accident or disease, lawmen, criminals and travelers.This diverse group of unidentified souls helped form the community of Dodge City in the 1800's and made it what it has become known for in history.
Please donate today!
Travelers, criminals, paupers or unknowns were buried on the hill, on the outskirts of town. This became known as the paupers cemetery and is in the area where the Boothill Distillery now stands.
Eventually, it was determined that the hill area could be developed and provide income. The bodies {at least those found} were moved to Prairie Grove Cemetery approx. 1878-1879.
The Prairie Grove Cemetery was a 5 acre tract owned by a group of local businessmen, in the area currently south of Comanche, between Avenues A and C.
The cemetery closed in 1887 to be developed as a residential area. There are also reports of a fire destroying records, monuments, etc.
Approx. 1887-1888, the bodies that could be found were moved to the newly established Maple Grove Cemetery.
If no family or friends knew the location of the grave at Prairie Grove or had relocated elsewhere, those bodies were placed in separate plots in an area at Maple Grove.
There are approx. 30 unidentified bodies in this area.
ALL of the unidentified/unknown bodies have been interred at least twice and some three times!
The area more than likely contains bodies of women facing hardships, children passing from accident or disease, lawmen, criminals and travelers.This diverse group of unidentified souls helped form the community of Dodge City in the 1800's and made it what it has become known for in history.
Please donate today!
