Daniel Grove

DANIEL GROVE CEMETERY

aniel Grove is by far the largest African American cemetery in Clark County and one of its oldest. The burial grounds was established in 1887 on four acres of land on Muddy Creek Road purchased from H. S. and Mary Cooper (Clark County Deed Book 53:176). There was a time when the cemetery was said to have been a beautiful place to take a stroll on a summer evening.

The cemetery fell into disrepair in the 1970s, becoming overgrown with weeds, vines, trees and trash. A 1985 story in the Winchester Sun noted how a family had to hack their way through a thicket to find a burial spot for a deceased loved one. After the story there were some organized efforts to clean up the cemetery, but the task was simply too large. In the 1990s noting the deplorable shape of the cemetery, Ed Burtner, then City Manager of Winchester, along with Marie Gainey-Benton, led the efforts to reclaim the cemetery. Grants were obtained and several years were spent on the cleanup of the cemetery. Today the cemetery has been completely cleaned up and is both a beautiful and respectful place to honor those buried there.

The City of Winchester acquired the property in 2004. The grounds are being well maintained by the city.

Daniel Grove today

In 2002, Matthew R. Williams mapped and transcribed the gravestones at Daniel Grove for an Eagle Scout service project. His list includes 512 names plus another 70 stones that were illegible and may be viewed at Daniel Grove Memorial Cemetery.

The cemetery is also listed on Find-A-Grave. This website maintained by Lyndon Comstock includes 1,991 names. These names, gravestone photographs and biographical information may be viewed at Daniel Grove Cemetery.

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