Cemetery Has Its Secrets

NEWELL, WOOD

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 2/13/2020 at 02:59:36

Several local residents wish to buy abandoned lots in Newton Union cemetery, but records sat the city hall and inquiries among longtime residents here do not reveal who the owners are, it was disclosed Monday night at a meeting of the city council.
Because of location, the abandoned lots, for which perpetual care has not been paid, the lots are desirable to owners of adjoining lots.
Early Burials
On one of the abandoned lots an infant daughter born to P.W. and M. Wood was buried before 1861, and there is space for seven more graves on the lot. H. J. Lammers, city clerk, reported to the council. A prospective buyer interested in the unused portion of the lot has been unable to locate a descendent of P.W. and M. Wood, Mr. Lammers said.
On another lot three members of a Newell family were buried in the 1860’s leaving space for nine more burials on the lot. Descendants of the family cannot be located.
History
The city could take legal steps to acquire the unused portion of abandoned lots in the cemetery, but in Monday night’s council session there was no indication such a procedure would be favored. There are many choice lots open for sale and obtaining abandoned lots might lead the city in difficulties, councilmen said.
The cemetery has been owned by the city since 1857 and since 1920 persons purchasing lots have also paid for perpetual care. Records show that some reburials were made in the cemetery from a cemetery once located on First street North on the site where the Newton Knights of Pythias hall is now located.
Source: Newton Daily News; December 2, 1941