After the Civil War, many African American families and former soldiers moved west to Oklahoma seeking new opportunities and a fresh start. Attracted by the promise of land and the chance to rebuild their lives, these brave families became part of the westward expansion, contributing to the development of the region with many staking their homestead claims in the 1889 Land Run.
They played significant roles in establishing communities, engaging in agriculture, creating thriving businesses and participating in local government. Their migration to Oklahoma marked a pivotal period of growth and transformation in the state's history prior to 1907 statehood, blending the legacy of the Civil War with the pioneering spirit of the American frontier.
The Gower Cemetery was established by John and Ophelia Gower in November 1889 for the burial of area residents. Over the next fifty years many of the early homesteaders and family members were buried in the Gower Cemetery.
For more information about those buried in Gower Memorial Cemetery go take a look at the NSDAR Research Project:
www.cordeliasteennsdar.weebly.com/gower
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13 сен 2024
