In 1847, Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP, founded the community of Dominican Sisters at Sinsinawa Mound. Fourteen of these Sisters are buried here. In 1852, Father Samuel opened St. Clara Academy in Benton, and the Sisters staffed the school across the street from the church, providing outstanding education for young women. They also taught in the public school. In 1867, the Sisters moved the Academy back to Sissinawa Mound. Some of the Sisters who had begun their religious life in Benton asked to be buried here.