Cemetery Photo

Delaware County, Oklahoma

Polson Cemetery

The Polson Cemetery was established around 1839. One of the first burials was John Ridge, who was assassinated just 100 yards NE of here on June 22, 1839. Major Ridge was assassinated on the same date, but first buried near where he was killed which was on the Arkansas state line South of here. He was moved to the Polson Cemetery around 1853. Stand Watie was working on his old home place near here when he died, and since the Grand River was up and his body couldn't be taken to their family cemetery on what is now Monkey Island on Grand Lake, he was buried here near his cousin, John Ridge. His wife, Sarah Watie, intended to have him moved to the family cemetery, but died before that happened.

In the 1960's the old Watie cemetery was not being cared for and his family was moved here, along with the four sided stone that lists his name.

The Polson Cemetery was cared for by different family members over the years -- William F. Stevenson cared for it for many years, until his death in 1966. His daughter, Ruth Stevenson Nuckolls, took over the care of the cemetery until her death in 1995, and Nancy Nuckolls Brown has cared for the cemetery since then. You can contact her at (918) 854-3467.

We are supported entirely by donations and all the help is greatly appreciated. Please send your donations to:

The Polson Cemetery
P.O. Box 145
Southwest City, MO 64863