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Mason City

5to Waverly

Antioch Cemetery

Watch for the Antioch Cemetery on the north Artifact manufacture and

side of the route a couple miles east of the town popularity dates suggest the

of Clarksville. This historic cemetery has graves site ceased being used as a

from some of the earliest settlers in Butler Coun- residence in the mid-to-late

ty, including one individual dating to 1859. If you 1860s, probably reverting to

look to your right, approximately three miles farmland shortly thereafter.

south of the Antioch Cemetery and across the As part of the permitting

river, you may be able to see the Hawkeye-Shell process for the new ethanol plant, 13BT35 was

Rock ethanol plant. On the grounds of this large set-aside and preserved through a conservation

industrial property is archaeological site 13BT35, easement. The Office of the State Archaeologist

a ca. 1855–1864 rural residence. Twenty-eight (OSA) of Iowa holds conservation easements on

artifacts were collected from the surface of six sites in eastern Iowa; these easements allow

the site. These are domestic in nature and the landowners to utilize their properties for econom-

“Framed Panels” ceramic pattern recovered ic gain while preserving in perpetuity significant

was especially common in the 1850s. Research archaeological and historical non-renewable re-

indicates the site represents the remnant of sources. Contact the OSA if you are interested in

the Isaac and Rhoda Swim original claim cabin setting up a conservation easement for property

and residence, in use by the couple from about you own.

1855 until 1859. The Swims likely knew

individuals buried in Antioch Cemetery. Did You Know?
All human remains in Iowa are protected by law.

Iowa was the first state in the nation to pass burial

protection legislation that ensures protection of all indi-

viduals regardless of age or ethnic affiliation. It is illegal

Historic in Iowa to knowingly disturb human remains. Acciden-
ceramic tal discovery of human remains requires notification of
sherds local law enforcement, the State Medical Examiner,
from site and if ancient, the Office of the State Archaeologist
13BT35 (319-384-0732). “Ancient” is defined in the Iowa Code

as 150 years in age or older.