Richmond Cemetery, Monroe County, Iowa

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: Monroe County, Iowa
Surname/tag: Cemeteries

The cemetery was created when the Davis family, who was travelling west by wagon, had four children die of dysentery. They went to the nearest home, that of Samuel Richmond, and asked if they could help bury the children. They were buried in the northwest corner of the cemetery, but the rocks used as markers markers, as well as the names of the children, are long gone. Over the years many members of Samuel's family and friends were buried in the small cemetery. The Richmond’s would also allow families to bury a child that had died unexpectedly. There are at least 8 children from different area families buried there. There are four homemade markers with words written in green stones placed in concrete that are no longer legible. According to Katherine Wynn these were the grandchildren of Cyrus Richmond.

According to Find A Grave there are 37 people buried in the cemetery, however there are only 32 grave markers. The people without markers are: Isaac Bell, Elizabeth (Keiser) Bell, David William Conley, Leonard Jones, and John A Richmond. It is also believed Catherine Cooper is buried with her spouse John, but her inscription was never added to his grave marker. According to Rosa Phipps death certificate she is also buried here, but I can find no stone or any other documentation to confirm.

The cemetery is located in rural Monroe county off a gravel road with a long grass covered path. You cannot see it or the sign from the road. The entrance looks like you are just entering some woods, and the gate to the drive is usually locked.