Iowa County Cemetery Stones and History 1844-1975 (manuscript) by Pauline Lillie

                    ATHEY CEMETERY OR SAYERS 
                         History by Pauline Lillie


Location
One mile north Marengo then west 7 miles, on the north side, of
the Iowa River west; Or up 212 Hy. from Marengo to Koszta, cross 
the Iowa River bridge, go east first road about 2 miles; Back off 
the road up to the top of a steep hill. Probably one of the highest 
points on the north side of the Iowa River.

Marengo 81 Township Range 11, Section 5/8 line; This township was then 
known as Cono Marengo, check the various atlas.

History
According to the 1881 History, mentions it contained about 150 
graves. Since many grave I copied were after 1881, according to 
the dates on the stones, there must have been at least 200 buried 
here. Possibly those of early years did not have stones, or may 
have been removed, or destroyed, covered over with grass.

In the Auditors Office of Iowa County, I came across a roll of paper 
that had this plat attached. A copy made up, best without a survey 
map. No names were given as to ownership, and if one exists I 
did not find it.

Only a few GAR Markers were in existance. It was little different 
copied in May of 1975 than the first time in 1961. No one comes 
here and put up flags apparently.

The last burial here was Barbara Merrifield (mother) who died in 1924 
Relatives use to come here and visit her grave, but have not done so 
for about 8 years.

Chief Cono and his wife are buried here. The past ten years, I have 
researched the material for the Chief and his Wife, which will appear 
within a point of time in print.

Condition
It was mowed off and on, but really not necessary as it is covered 
with a heavy growth of prairie grass, few weeds, fence in good cond-
ition.

Remarks
One should not make an attempt to go into this cemetery, because you 
have to trespass on a farmers pasture which has many cattle, and they
do not want them scared into breaking down the fence, and going 
into the timber. Neither is it safe to ever go into a field with 
cows, calves, and bulls, without assistance.


Researched by Pauline Lillie


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