AFTER THE WAR

Steamboat Rock, can boast of having what is truly one of the most beautiful cemeteries anywhere. 

When the town was first laid out in 1855, a cemetery was not included. The Robinson addition was added later, and accommodation was made for a cemetery. It was joked that Robinson finally got everyone in his addition because he had the cemetery. 

Over the years additions have been added to the cemetery. They include the Christians, Harned, Broadway, South Side, Arnolds, New West South Side and the latest Sunset Addition. 

Minutes of the Steamboat Rock Cemetery Association are available from 1920 to the present. Early board members include H.H. Johnson, J. Willard Caldwell, B.F. Morse, A.J. Bear, William Hartman, C.E. Starr and H.P. Jensen. 

When Mrs. Walter Harned (Sarah) passed away in 1932 She left $10,000 to the cemetery for its beautification and upkeep. The Harneds are buried in the Cemeteries only mausoleum which was built after Mr. Harned’s death in 1924. 

Dr. J. Willard Caldwell devoted a great deal of time and money to the local cemetery, planning for it and contributing to it. It was Dr. Caldwell who made arrangements for the planting of many of the trees and shrubs that make it one of the most beautiful cemeteries anywhere. 

Other citizens have taken a great interest in the beauty and maintenance of the cemetery including Ben Johnson, Thomas Kruse, Betty Asher and a great many others.