SEYMOUR —
New signs are finally making it easier for travelers to find Tharp Cemetery, an important Mormon landmark near Seymour. Tharp Cemetery is known for being the location and inspiration for the writing the hymn “Oh Come All Ye Saints” by William Wines Phelps. Until recently, this important location was difficult for travelers to locate in remote Wayne County.
The signage came about after Historic Hills Scenic Byway Coordinator Katy Anderson met with Iowa Mormon Trail Association. “I was sharing with the group that Pathfinders RC&D received a federal grant to research and document points of interest along the Iowa Mormon Trail,” reports Anderson. “We started talking about Tharp Cemetery because a potential donor in Utah said it was critical to have Tharp Cemetery marked before they would consider making a financial donation.” By the end of the meeting, Anderson had funds and staff committed to buy and install the signs. The signs were installed in July.
With this accomplishment behind her, Anderson now focuses on raising the matching funds for the Transportation Enhancement Grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation. “We need $39,000 to match the $86,000 in grant dollars.” Anderson said. “The project will research and develop and interpretation plan for Mormon Trail sites along the Historic Hills and other Scenic Byways in Iowa.”
Once funding is secured, the project will commence. The project includes research, interviews, site visits, and the use of GIS and LiDAR imaging to collect data.
Anyone with information pertaining to possible Mormon Trail sites or stories are asked to contact Pathfinders RC&D. Items of interest include undocumented wagon ruts, relics, diaries, letters, or information on anything related to any of the various trails. Additionally, Pathfinders is also interested in knowing about previously identified historic sites that need attention.
Pathfinders will also accept donations toward financial match. For more information, contact Katy Anderson at Pathfinders RC&D at katy@pathfindersrcd.org or (641) 472-6177.
Historic Hills Scenic Byways is one of many projects overseen by Pathfinders RC&D. Pathfinders is a nonprofit organization that assists local communities with initiatives related to economic development, natural resource conservation and recreation. Pathfinders has been serving Jefferson, Van Buren, Mahaska, Keokuk, Davis and Wapello counties since 1978.
CNHI/Southeast Iowa
New signage points to significant Mormon Cemetery
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