Cass Co. IAGenWeb

HIGHLAND CEMETERY

Highland Cemetery was laid out in the summer of 1881. C.W. Deeds and his wife deeded three acres for the cemetery. A Methodist church was located on the site for many years. However, it eventually closed and the building torn down, with only some broken steps remaining today.

The first burial was in June, 1881, that of George Van Slike, the thirteen-year old son of C.A. and S.A. Van Slike. The last burial was Walter Marsh in 1959.

This cemetery was walked in November, 2011. All existing gravestones were photographed and are being uploaded to the Iowagravestones Photo Project (GPP).  Unfortunately, some gravestones were laying on the ground and the side of the stone touching the ground could not be photographed/checked for an inscription due to the weight of the stone.

This cemetery was also walked and recorded many years ago by the Cass County Genealogical Society. About 85 graves were recorded at that time. That recording was published in Cass County, Iowa - Cemeteries, Book One - Benton Twp., Brighton Twp., Pymosa Twp. You may contact the Cass County Genealogical Society for a lookup.

Sadly this cemetery is very much in need of restoration. There appears to have been significant vandalism in the past, and there are many toppled and broken gravestones. Time and the elements have certainly taken their toll, but some of the damage appears to be deliberate. A number of graves are obviously still lovingly tended, and are decorated with silk flowers in remembrance of loved ones.

Sources:  Cass County, Iowa, published in 1980 by the Cass County Genealogical Society, page 13.

Highland Cemetery is located on the south side of the S.E.1/4 of the S.E.1/4 of Section 2, Benton Township.

DIRECTIONS: Take the Wiota exit (Exit 64) from I-80 and drive south on N-28 (toward Wiota). Turn left (east) on Boston Road and drive approximately 2 miles. Highland Cemetery will be on the left. There is a short driveway up to some broken concrete steps, and gravestones will be visible farther up the hill. There is no sign, just watch for the steps and gravestones at the crest of the hill.