Shelby Memorial Cemetery (aka Shelbyville IOOF Cemetery) is located in Shelbyville, Shelby County, Missouri. The oldest section of the cemetery is referred to as "Shelbyville Old" and it was nearly forgotten until a few years ago when Shelby County Historical Society took it upon themselves to preserve the cemetery.
The earliest known burial in this cemetery is that of Franklin S. Bounds in 1842. Franklin was the young son of Mr. and Mrs. T.J.Bounds of Shelbyville, MO. On 4 September 1858, Mr. and Mrs. Chester K. Cotton sold two acres of land to the Grand Lodge of I.O.O.F. to enlarge the present Shelbyville Cemetery and in July 1871, an additional 1/2 acre was purchased to the south of the cemetery. This is the section we commonly refer to as “Shelbyville Old.”
Today, the Cemetery Board allows the Shelbly County Historical Society unlimited access to preserve the neglected stones and it is now mowed regularly. They have collectively re-set and/or repaired over 100 stones in this cemetery and are working on plans to offer cemetery tours, etc.!
Shelby County Historical Society and Museum, 107 S. Center Street, Shelbina, MO 63468 - (573) 406-8589, Kathleen Wilham, President
Check out the Find a Grave here!
For more specific questions or concerns regarding the event at Shelby Memorial Cemetery, or if you’re interested in making donations:
Contact Kathleen Wilham at the Shelby County Historical Society and Museum. (573)406-8589 or Jerry Myers (573)633-2177.
A donation box is located at the entrance!