(African Americans)

The Looney family graves are located near the eastern edge of Union Campground Cemetery. The tombstones of Carie and Mary have been vandalized. The tombstone for Benjamin is missing.

Research has produced only a few facts and these are listed below.

LOONEY, Benjamin- birthdate unknown – died 27 Oct 1907 at age of38. Tombstone missing.

Springfield, MO Republican Tuesday 29 Oct 1.907. “Benjamin Looney, colored, dIed Sunday at this home on George Street. Aged 38 years. The funeral was held at 10 o’clock Monday morning with interment at Union Campground Cemetery, nine miles northeast of the city.”

Greene Co. MO 1900 Census, North Campbell Twp. E.D. 61 sheet 18, lists Ben Looney born May 1871, age 29, farmer, wife Lilly, born Jul 1874, age 25, married 6 years. She has had 3 children: Gela 5, Ray 4 and Lena, also 5. This family is next door to Nathan Bedell.

 LOONEY, Carie – born 1827 – died 6 Oct 1894. Tombstone standing in front of a tree. See Greene Co MO 1880 Census p. 139, has C. Loona, age 47; M. A. 35; Amanda 15′ Jane 13′ Netta 12; Matty 11; Benjamin 9; James 7; Adia 5; and Seth 2. This family is black. Looney, Mary A. – born 1836 – died 13 Oct 1899. Stone broken about onethird way up from the base. Paxson Funeral Home Records 1871-1900 “James C. Looney and Mat Fulbright, #2 box damaged $20.00 and shroud $3.50.”

by Jean Rayl