Father Moses Dickson: Abolitionist who traveled the South, organizing a secret anti-slavery organization known as the "Knights of Liberty"; Minister of the African Methodist Church; founded the International Order of Twelve; Educator and activist for black suffrage.

Born free in Ohio in 1824, Moses Dickson traveled throughout the pre-war South as an itinerant barber. Despite the unspeakable hardships of slavery, he saw within the Black community a wealth of talent, courage and strength. He later became a minister and dedicated his life to social activism on behalf of freed slaves. In recognition of his many contributions (including the relocation of 16,000 freed slaves, and co-founding what is now Lincoln University), the cemetery was dedicated and named for Father Dickson. It stands as a tribute to his belief that as individuals and as a people, we can make a difference. He died Nov. 28, 1901.

John Vashon: Renowned attorney, linguist and teacher for whom Vashon High School in St. Louis is named. [Note: Vashon's headstone has been illegally removed and the theft has been reported to Crestwood Police.]

James Milton Turner: Educator, founder of Lincoln University and first U.S. Ambassador to Liberia;

Henry Lewis; Popularly known as "Steamboat", an entrepreneur and personal barber to Augustus Busch, Sr.

NOTE: As one of the first public cemeteries available to Black people in the St. Louis area, Father Dickson Cemetery was the site of 12,000 burials before it closed in the 1970's. Without a perpetual care endowment, the cemetery fell victim to abuse and neglect. Friends of Father Dickson Cemetery organized in 1988 to repair, restore and preserve the historic site. Their vision was to reclaim the natural beauty of this local landmark, and prevent the loss of its historic value to commercial development.

FATHER DICKSON CEMETERY