Peetie Wheatstraw’s Gravesite

In the 1930s, Peetie Wheatstraw, whose real name was William Bunch, was one of the most popular bluesmen around and a leader of the first wave of “urban blues” of that time. Known as the “Devil’s Son-In-Law,” the flamboyant Wheatstraw grew up on a farm in Cotton Plant before leaving for St. Louis in 1929. He was killed in an auto accident in 1941.Locals recall Wheatstraw would often return to Cotton Plant. To reach the cemetery from Cotton Plant, travel east on Ark. 38 (which is also Ark. 17 North) for about 3 miles and look for the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. The cemetery is next to the church.