Clayton County Pioneer Cemetery Commission seeks $2,000 grant to reset gravestones, plans June 27 memorial
March 14, 2026 | Clayton County, Iowa
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The Clayton County Pioneer Cemetery Commission on March 14 approved routine minutes and expenditures and agreed to submit a $2,000 grant application to fund resetting gravestones in county pioneer cemeteries.
Paul Young, a commission member, told the group he has nearly completed documentation and support letters for a $2,000 request to the Clayton County Foundation for the Future and plans to submit the application before the deadline. He also said the commission may seek larger grants from the Mississippi Gaming Commission for future, higher-cost projects.
Commission members discussed current balances and a fiscal-year restriction on county funds. Bruce Collins, the commission secretary/treasurer, reported balances of $1,199.25 in county funds and $1,424.21 at Freedom Bank and reminded members that county funds must be used by the fiscal year end, June 30, or they will not carry forward.
On repairs, David Beck reported he engaged gravestone repairer Clay Bolsinger, who picked up eight stones from Barnum-King Cemetery for gluing and resetting. Bruce Collins provided contact information for three additional stone repair and setting providers (one listed in a local paper, two with previous work at St. Joseph Cemetery in Elkader) in case additional capacity is needed.
The commission also moved forward with plans for a Reed Cemetery memorial on June 27 to highlight veterans buried in the county. David Beck presented a county map he created showing burial sites for veterans of the War of 1812 and a Revolutionary War veteran; the commission plans to make copies of the map available at the event. Ellen Collins displayed a flier prepared by Rosie Thomas to publicize the memorial at local museums. Mildred "Milly" Stewart, clerk for Sperry Township, asked whether a port-a-potty was needed; the commission determined it was not.
Other items: Paul Young said a Scout troop has expressed interest in mowing and maintenance at Eastman Cemetery this season, pending follow-up. Chairperson Lee Embretson proposed installing a sign to mark the McClelland grave-site while avoiding creating a path across active cropland; the commission asked for further discussion. Bruce Collins will investigate the role township trustees play with pioneer cemeteries, noting variation among townships.
Votes at a glance: The commission approved the meeting agenda and the previous meeting’s minutes (motions by David Beck; seconded by Ellen Collins); it approved payment of a mileage reimbursement request for Ellen Collins (24 miles) related to Reed Cemetery work (motion by David Beck; seconded by Lee Embretson); and a motion to adjourn passed shortly after 10:00 a.m.
The commission scheduled its next meeting for Saturday, April 11, and, weather permitting, may visit Hamlett Cemetery in Elk Township to inspect reportedly piled gravestones.
Meeting adjourned shortly after 10:00 a.m.
Paul Young, a commission member, told the group he has nearly completed documentation and support letters for a $2,000 request to the Clayton County Foundation for the Future and plans to submit the application before the deadline. He also said the commission may seek larger grants from the Mississippi Gaming Commission for future, higher-cost projects.
Commission members discussed current balances and a fiscal-year restriction on county funds. Bruce Collins, the commission secretary/treasurer, reported balances of $1,199.25 in county funds and $1,424.21 at Freedom Bank and reminded members that county funds must be used by the fiscal year end, June 30, or they will not carry forward.
On repairs, David Beck reported he engaged gravestone repairer Clay Bolsinger, who picked up eight stones from Barnum-King Cemetery for gluing and resetting. Bruce Collins provided contact information for three additional stone repair and setting providers (one listed in a local paper, two with previous work at St. Joseph Cemetery in Elkader) in case additional capacity is needed.
The commission also moved forward with plans for a Reed Cemetery memorial on June 27 to highlight veterans buried in the county. David Beck presented a county map he created showing burial sites for veterans of the War of 1812 and a Revolutionary War veteran; the commission plans to make copies of the map available at the event. Ellen Collins displayed a flier prepared by Rosie Thomas to publicize the memorial at local museums. Mildred "Milly" Stewart, clerk for Sperry Township, asked whether a port-a-potty was needed; the commission determined it was not.
Other items: Paul Young said a Scout troop has expressed interest in mowing and maintenance at Eastman Cemetery this season, pending follow-up. Chairperson Lee Embretson proposed installing a sign to mark the McClelland grave-site while avoiding creating a path across active cropland; the commission asked for further discussion. Bruce Collins will investigate the role township trustees play with pioneer cemeteries, noting variation among townships.
Votes at a glance: The commission approved the meeting agenda and the previous meeting’s minutes (motions by David Beck; seconded by Ellen Collins); it approved payment of a mileage reimbursement request for Ellen Collins (24 miles) related to Reed Cemetery work (motion by David Beck; seconded by Lee Embretson); and a motion to adjourn passed shortly after 10:00 a.m.
The commission scheduled its next meeting for Saturday, April 11, and, weather permitting, may visit Hamlett Cemetery in Elk Township to inspect reportedly piled gravestones.
Meeting adjourned shortly after 10:00 a.m.
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