Honor Fredrick Clayton with a Memorial Stone

Dear friends, family, and compassionate strangers,

My name is Charles Clayton, and I'm reaching out with a heartfelt plea to help honor the memory of my great-grandfather, Frederick Clayton. In 1928, Frederick was laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth, Minnesota. For 95 years, his grave has remained unmarked—no tombstone to signify his life, his legacy, or the love his family holds for him.

Who Was Frederick Clayton?

Frederick was born in 1855 and was a man of humble beginnings but great character. As a dedicated [occupation, e.g., "railroad worker"], he contributed to the growth and spirit of Duluth during a pivotal time in its history. He was a loving husband to Caroline and a devoted father to their [number of children] children. His values of hard work, integrity, and kindness have been passed down through four generations, shaping our family's core.

Why This Matters So Much

Imagine visiting a loved one's grave only to find an unmarked plot—no name, no dates, no tribute to a life lived. This has been our family's reality for nearly a century. Due to financial hardships during the Great Depression, our ancestors couldn't afford a tombstone for Frederick. As time passed, the unmarked grave became a silent testament to forgotten stories and unspoken memories.

We believe it's time to right this historical oversight. Frederick's life deserves recognition, and his resting place should reflect the dignity he embodied.

Our Mission

We are aiming to raise $5,500 to:

Commission a dignified tombstone engraved with his name, birth and death dates, and a heartfelt inscription. Cover installation costs and meet all cemetery requirements. Host a small memorial service to honor his memory once the tombstone is placed.

How You Can Make a Difference

Your generous contribution will help us:

Provide closure and pride to our family by honoring our ancestor properly. Restore a piece of history in Forest Hill Cemetery, acknowledging one of Duluth's early community members.

Pass down a legacy to future generations, teaching them the importance of remembering and honoring those who came before us.

No donation is too small; every dollar brings us closer to our goal. If you're unable to contribute financially, simply sharing our story with others would mean the world to us.

A Promise of Gratitude

We are committed to keeping all supporters updated throughout this journey. Once the tombstone is in place, we will share photos and stories from the memorial service. We hope to make you all feel part of this significant moment in our family's history.

From the Bottom of Our Hearts

Thank you for taking the time to read about our mission. Your kindness and generosity will have a lasting impact—not just on a piece of granite in a cemetery, but on a family's connection to its roots and the preservation of a legacy.

With sincere gratitude,

Charles Clayton, and the Clayton Family