When Sunset Hill began in 1868, the cemetery contained 13 acres, was in somewhat of a rectangular shape, but had small projections in the northeast corner and at the entrance. Nearly 200 graves were moved in from the old cemetery located off of Gay Street and lots were sold for $10 a piece. Sunset Hill was given to the city by its previous owner W G. Colbern in 1880. At one point in time, goats were brought in for cemetery up keep. Over the years, numerous expansions have taken place bringing Sunset Hill up to the massive 60 acres now viewed by visitors. In the back west, 13 more acres of wooded property is owned by Sunset Hill which will allow the cemetery to expand and meet the needs of future generations.
Sunset Hill Cemetery Office
About the Author
Research for this information was compiled by county research assistant Tom Papez in a coordinated effort between the City Manager's Office and Central Missouri State University. All attempts were made to create precise and exact information. If you wish to add to a story or provide information about people not listed, we would love to hear from you! Tom Papez would personally like to thank everybody, especially Albert Baker, Bob Theiss, and the Historical Society, for their efforts in providing valuable puzzle pieces to Sunset Hill's past.