Lives remembered at Union Cemetery walk

Four deceased Cole Camp residents were brought back to life Sunday during the Union Church cemetery walk.

The Union Church and Cemetery, formerly the Methodist Episcopal Church and Williams Cemetery, was built in 1842, south of Cole Camp on Highway F.

In 1904, renovations were made to the church, and it was renamed Union Church.

Ezekiel Williams started the Cole Camp post office and gave the city its name.

In 1842, Williams sold land he owned to the Methodist Episcopal Church to build a cemetery and place of worship.

Dale Bachman, of Warrensburg, spoke about Williams’ life. “I think this is a fantastic way to get back in touch,” Bachman said.

Williams died in 1844, but his life is still remembered.

Many Cole Camp residents remembered Dorothy M. Phifer as “crazy Dorothy.”

Phifer died in 1997, and her life was anything but easy. She fell in love, got pregnant and had to abort her child because of her father’s disapproval. Later in life she married, but her husband left her after finding out about her former affair.

The loss of her child and the divorce may have pushed Phifer to a breaking point. People remember her for running through the woods naked, landing her a spot in a hospital to receive shock treatment.

“I wasn’t always crazy,” said Lois Viebrock, as she portrayed Phifer.

Josephine Gerken, of Cole Camp, participated in the walk and thought is was very interesting.

"I found out things about Dorothy that I didn’t know before,” Gerken said.

The cemetery holds the remains of more than 90 Civil War soldiers who died during the battle of Cole Camp, which occurred shortly after the beginning of the war in 1861.

Kelli Tatum, 18, of Cole Camp, said the walk is a great experience.

“I absolutely love learning about my town,” Tatum said. “It really brought it to life for me.”

Kristin Mothersbaugh, 18, hunched over Sophia Harms’ dead daughter’s grave as she explained her life.

“It’s peaceful here.While you are walking, will you enjoy this place?” Mothersbaugh said as she portrayed Harms.

Harms died in 1904 from diphtheria. Mothersbaugh said Harms had eight children and lost her daughter, Julia, in 1899.

Turf Martin, of Sedalia, portrayed the life of Gerd Muller, who died in 1933.

Muller was a mule trader who lived close to the cemetery.

“We had a pretty good life,” Martin said while acting as Muller.

After the walk, people enjoyed gospel music and dinner.

The church no longer has services but does have a Memorial Day service and occasionally will host weddings and funerals.

chudson@sedaliademocrat.com