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These hallowed grounds were originally two separate cemeteries. One in the northeast was named Ashland and one in the southwest was called Oakland. Both began in 1869 and both were started by local churches. As well, both were public cemeteries.
During November 1913, Oakland Cemetery was sold to the Ashland Association to form one cemetery. Each cemetery had maintained their original burial books. All of Oakland records from 1869 to 1913 were "lost." This was a common occurrence back then. Even a large amount of the Ashland records mysteriously disappeared. Yet an older book was referenced when the ledgers were rewritten.
Mr. Edward F. Jones was the first person to be buried in Ashland after the merger. He died Nov. 14, 1913. His death was recorded in the ledger without a specific burial location but was referred to simply as being in "OK." Simply meaning the Oakland side. Someone attempted to add the locations later.
Speculation has been rumored for more than a century that a fire destroyed Oaklands records. For decades people have said that a fire in 1954 destroyed the records. The fact is no proof exists of a cemetery fire in Saint Joseph, Missouri between 1913 and 1954. Archives have been searched again and again only to come up empty handed. Furthermore local newspapers and church histories (affiliated with these cemeteries) could neither validate nor deny the claim.
The cemetery is located on 2324 Ashland Avenue, St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri.