The Latter-Day Saints evacuation from Nauvoo, Illinois included about 14,000 emigrants. Their trek across Iowa ended in the summer/fall of 1846, at the Missouri River, present day Council Bluffs. Winter Quarters were set up for the winter of 1846-47, along the Missouri River.

Alpheus Cutler was among these pioneers. He was one of the master workmen of the Nauvoo Temple, a member of the high council, and respected leader in the church. By the time the emigrants had reached western Iowa, a small group of about 20 families, had become disenchanted with Brigham Young, and led by Cutler left the movement at Kanesville (Council Bluffs). They settled first on Silver Creek, north of Malvern, and later moved south to develop the community of Manti. The first home, in the area, was established by Edmund Fisher. The new “Cutlerite Church” was built in 1853, with a membership of 102 baptized members.

After 1860, most of these joined the “Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints”. After the railroad was located northeast of Manti, and Shenandoah was established, Manti slowly disappeared. The cemetery now sits in the midst of farmlands, about 1/3 mile east of the old schoolhouse. At one time the cemetery was said to have 200-400 graves. Many have been moved to other cemeteries. Alpheus Cutler is one of the remaining stones.

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