Honor Forgotten Orphans: Mark Their Graves

Honoring Forgotten Lives: A Campaign to Mark the Graves of Orphans

Objective: To purchase and install grave markers for seven young orphans buried in unmarked graves at the Saint Benedict Monastery orphanage cemetery in Saint Joseph, Minnesota.

Background: The Saint Benedict Monastery orphanage in Saint Joseph, Minnesota, operated from 1875 to 1893, providing shelter and care for many children who were orphaned during that period. Among these children was my grandfather, Frank Simon, who, along with his siblings, found refuge and care under the watchful eyes of the Benedictine Sisters.

Sadly, a number of the children who passed away during their time at the orphanage are buried in the "forgotten orphan cemetery" with no markers to commemorate their lives. Up until the 1960s, small wooden crosses marked each grave, but these have since deteriorated and been removed. My Grandfather's brother, John Simon, is one of these forgotten orphans.

The Story: On March 28, 1883, my grandfather Frank Simon, along with his siblings John Joseph Simon and Maria Louisa Simon, became orphans. They were taken in by the Benedictine Sisters. John Joseph Simon passed away at the age of six and was buried in the monastery’s cemetery. In addition to John, six other young orphans are also buried in this cemetery without markers.

My grandfather, Frank Simon, remained at the orphanage until he was 15, contributing to the community in various ways, including serving as a Mass Server and helping with transportation and other duties. His story, along with the stories of the other children, is a testament to the resilience and faith that helped shape their lives.

Why This Matters: The orphanage provided a lifeline to children who had lost their families. Marking these graves is not just about placing stones, but about acknowledging their existence and honoring their memories. It is about ensuring that these young lives are remembered and respected.

Our Goal: We aim to raise funds to purchase and install appropriate grave markers for the seven orphans buried in this forgotten cemetery. Each marker will include the child’s name, age, and the dates of their birth and death, ensuring they are recognized and remembered with dignity.

How You Can Help: Your support will enable us to purchase and install these markers. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us reach our goal and give these children the recognition they deserve.

Join Us: Help us honor the lives of these young orphans by contributing to our campaign. Together, we can ensure that their final resting place is marked with the respect and remembrance they deserve.

Thank You: Thank you for your generosity and support in making this project a reality. Your contribution will help preserve the legacy of these children and bring peace to their forgotten graves.