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Resident urges archaeological review after finding graves on North Oakley property
Summary
A Clay County resident told commissioners that unmarked graves may be on his North Oakley property and requested an archaeological search; the administration accepted documentation for follow-up and staff said it will examine the materials and report back.
During the public-comment period, Philip Suddarth of 4549 North Oakley Avenue told the commission that his home and neighborhood contain unmarked graves and that a 1914 platting "illegally platted riverfront property" may have obscured burial sites. He said he has gathered 30 years of evidence and asked the county to perform an archaeological search of his property to confirm and document the graves.
"Over the last 30 years, I have discovered that my home is a graveyard," Suddarth told the commission, describing markers in yards, connections to local brickmaking and a possible Underground Railroad link. He provided printed copies of his materials to the administrator and asked the commission to review the documentation.
The county administrator accepted copies and commissioners asked staff to examine the materials and report back on what further actions might be warranted. No formal vote or directive to commission archaeological work was made during the meeting; the request is pending staff review.
What happens next: Staff will receive and review Suddarth's materials; the commission asked the administrator to ensure commissioners and staff have access to the documentation and to present any recommended next steps at a future meeting.
