Headstones recovered and restored at Greenwood Cemetery in Leavenworth

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (KCTV) - The Greenwood Cemetery in Leavenworth is home to hundreds of headstones, some seen and some hidden. The goal for the Greenwood Cemetery Preservation Commission is finding every headstone and bringing them back to life.

Jim Claunch is one of the commission’s founding and said many of the stones have been damaged from weather, time or even vandalism. He said he has helped restore dozens over the last several years.

Claunch said the cemetery holds hundreds of important people, including pioneers, settlers, soldiers, immigrants and slaves who fled from Kentucky. He uses a tripod-like gadget, shovels and spray bottles to preserve the stones.

“People want to know where a grandmother, grandfather or great uncle is buried, so we help with their research,” Claunch said.

Leavenworth County’s Attorney, Todd Thompson, is one of many people who have learned about the family buried at the cemetery. He said his great-great-great uncle and great-great-great grandmother both have headstones at the cemetery. He said he didn’t know until last year.

“We knew they had to be somewhere in this location because we knew that they were buried in Leavenworth and part of my relatives are in a different cemetery,” Thompson said.

The commission is always asking for more volunteers. You can learn more HERE.

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