The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
Jack Fork Cemetery in Ada, Okla., is a historical site. This cemetery has been the final resting place for freedmen slaves for over 132 years. It was a well-known cemetery established by the black community and over time it began to deteriorate. The cemetery is hidden by a cluster of trees that hovers over the cemetery as if to protect it from negative, demeaning and disrespectful behaviors of society. In 1957 Jack Fork Cemetery was brutally vandalized.
Headstones were broken and monuments toppled over from its bases, but yet a few still remain. Jack Fork Cemetery was once filled with beautiful old markers, headstones and monuments of all shapes and sizes, until that dreaded day back in time. The remains of prominent men rest in this cemetery such as; Nathan Cochran, King Blue, and Bartlett Franklin Sr. These men were considered pillars of the community known as “The Freedom Fighters.” They were also advocators for the rights of freedmen slaves.
The names on the headstones are barely legible covered with grass and moss caused from a lack of care. This cemetery was forgotten by society and over looked by many over the years. Jack Fork Cemetery Association is a non-profit organization that was formed by the descendants of the many souls that are buried here. The association also consists of friends that genuinely care about the condition of this cemetery and its historical reputation.
Future renovations include installing a fence, restoring broken headstones, purchasing a monument, and planting bushes and flowers for the beautification of the site. A ceremony is in the process of being scheduled in the near future to re-dedicate the cemetery back into society. A sign marking the site was previously purchased by the Jack Fork Cemetery Association. The Tulsa Monument has played a major role in their donation towards a monument. On behalf of the association in order to preserve this cemetery donations and an abundance of prayers will be greatly appreciated as we begin our journey in an effort to restore a part of history.
For more information and donations please contact Adrian Rodgers at 918-592-0086 or email jackfork18@yahoo.com.
