The sign leading into Oak Grove Cemetery was damaged during the tornado of 2021. It has been completely reworked through the efforts of Hoyt Peden.  Mr. Peden generously donated his time and the materials needed to repair and refurbish the sign.  City of Iuka workers and Chris Brown placed the sign in its original location. We offer our thanks to these men for all they have done for the city.  Slowly but surely our cemetery and other damaged areas are returning to normal.  The outstanding efforts of many volunteers, generous donors, and others who care deeply for our community have made this possible.

Cemetery History

One of many burial sites in and around Iuka is Shady Grove Cemetery.  Earliest records show it began at the same time the city of Iuka was formed, 1857.  Early residents of the area are buried there, including 263 Confederate soldiers from the Battle of Iuka.  These men are interred in a mass grave, many of whom have been identified. 

In 1866, Col. John L. Moore donated land for a cemetery to be located in the northern part of Iuka.  It has become the final resting place for many citizens, and former citizens of our area. Sadly, death is no respecter of persons.  Many babies, as well as people of all ages are buried here.  Veterans of the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, and the many military actions since Vietnam are buried at Oak Grove.  Several of the earliest graves located here were actually reinterred from cemeteries at Eastport.  Those include James Coman DeWoody, and J. T. Williams, who appear to be the first two reinterred. 

One of the most famous of the deceased buried at Oak Grove is Governor John M. Stone.  Governor Stone served in many civic capacities, as well as several elected positions in both Eastport and Iuka before being elected as governor.    He became Mississippi’s longest serving governor.  He served as the second president of Mississippi Agriculture and Mechanical College, now Mississippi State University.  Governor Stone died in Holly Springs, MS and was brought to Iuka for his funeral and burial.  The funeral was held at the Iuka Methodist Church with the cadets from A and M attending.  His monument is the tallest monument in Oak Grove, with several relatives also buried in this plot. 

Fairfax Washington is interred at Oak Grove.  He was hurt in the Battle of Iuka and died from his injuries.  He was buried in the McKnight family plot.  Washington was a relative of our first president, George Washington. Yet another well-known citizen buried here is Dr. Miles Simmons.  He is famous for a medicine sold far and near called Simmons Liver Medicine. 

In 1955, a mausoleum was constructed at Oak Grove.  Several people are buried there including a famous doctor from this area, Dr. A.E. Bostick.  The cemetery has approximately 9000 grave sites.  At some point, a rock wall was constructed around the cemetery.  Local historians have asked many people what year it was built, who constructed it and why was it added.  No definitive answers have been found.   It is a beautiful, peaceful resting place for so many relatives and friends.  Many of the older grave sites need work however, their families have moved away or all the family is deceased.  The cemetery is well-kept and easily accessible to any and all visitors.  

We well remember the terrible events of  August 24, 2021, when the tornado hit Iuka.  Major damage and much loss was incurred by many homes, property, including Oak Grove Cemetery.  Since that time, much work was attempted to return the cemetery to its stately beauty.  Sadly, this was not possible because of the loss of the beautiful old cedar trees.  The trees were damaged during the tornado, but in actuality, they were dying already.  At the city’s request, Mississippi State University sent an arborist to help determine what could be done about them.  He determined they were dying from age, thus nothing could be done to save them. Multiple stones were overturned, graves uprooted, border markers were pulled from the ground by tree roots, while other stones were broken into one or more pieces.  Much work has been completed to date.  Hundreds of man hours were volunteered immediately after the tornado to help remove debris, cut dead trees, and to complete other back-breaking jobs.  Local workers have completed difficult repairs on many stones.  This was graciously done with a love for hometown.  Many families have been able to repair and replace stones for their family members.    A business called Rock Doc, has been to Iuka for several visits to repair some of the older stones.  They are specialized workers on old monuments and repair work in historic cemeteries. They have completely reworked the plot and all of the graves in the Governor Stone area. This work was complete due to the generous donations of two donors.  Rock Doc is currently making plans for another set of smaller, but older monuments, to be repaired.  Often, weather and previous commitments, have made their visits require more time.  Ongoing discussions about the gazebo are being considered, but it was felt the monuments should be repaired first.  Shortly before the tornado, a local resident had donated the materials and skilled labor to rework the rock fence.  There are about 5 wrought iron fences around some plots.   Only one of those was seriously damaged. An iron worker accustomed to using this material will be needed to repair this.  If you are skilled in this and would like to donate your time, it would be greatly appreciated.  To date, it has been impossible to locate any family members who might help with this expense. 

Donations Are Still Needed!

 As one can imagine, the work remaining for the cemetery is quite expensive.  Thus far, donations, insurance, and cemetery gifts have helped pay for the work that has been completed.  But we are still in need of donations.  These are not tax deductible.  They can be made to the City of Iuka, Cemetery fund.  Please note this on your check and that is where the money will be used.  The City of Iuka has been very generous, as have donors.  Thank you for any and all contributions.