Hiawatha, Kansas: The Strange Grave of John Milburn Davis

Ten life-size, Italian marble statues -- and one of granite -- depict John and Sarah Davis at various stages of their lives.

John Milburn Davis died 75 years ago on April 26, 1947. He was an obscure Kansas farmer, and he wanted to be remembered. So he spent many years, and nearly all of his considerable fortune, on an elaborate grave in the Hiawatha, Kansas town cemetery, featuring five life-size statues of his wife and six of himself. The grave was complete for over a decade before Davis died, and while he was still alive he enjoyed its notoriety on postcards and in pamphlets.

Davis was known to sit in the cemetery on Sundays, watching tourists visit his grave. They still do; after 75 years it remains one of the most popular offbeat attractions in Kansas.

Sad that John Davis didn't want to share some of his money with the community, but to each his own. His love for Sarah is evident by this memorial. P.S. - Why in the world someone would decapitate John's head off one of the stones is tragic!

Actually quite lovely. It's obvious this man loved his wife greatly and genuinely missed her after her death. Some statues are in need of repair. Unexpectedly touching!