First stones ordered for pioneer baby graves

Backers of an effort to restore individual markers to the graves of nearly 300 Des Moines pioneer babies say they are making progress.

The first 48 stones have been ordered and they should be installed this year.

The local Abigail Adams chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is heading the fundraising effort. The members of The Colonial Dames of America recently made a $1,000 donation that aided in the initial purchase of stone markers.

So far about $8,000 has been raised.

“Our goal is to raise the funds to ensure the babies from pioneer families buried in historic Woodland Cemetery have permanent grave markers,” said Laura Kozin of the Abigail Adams chapter. “We are pleased to connect with others in the metro who share a passion for history and historic preservation.”

Woodland Cemetery lies along the western edge of Sherman Hill, a designated historic district. It is the resting place of many early Iowa families, and builders – famous and not-so famous – of what would become Iowa’s capital city.

Cholera, smallpox, diphtheria and typhoid fever, all highly contagious, were widespread in the late 1800s. In the 1890s, smallpox outbreaks scourged Iowa communities. After 1900, quarantine, vaccine and sanitary education began to turn the tide.

“Baby Hill” was designated in 1899. Within six years, 500 infants were buried there. DAR chapter historian Kristine Bartley is integral in the campaign to restore this part of the cemetery. A fifth generation Des Moines native with many ancestors buried in Woodland Cemetery, Bartley knows first-hand the many years of neglect.

“These babies have been in unmarked graves for over 100 years. It’s long past time to honor these children with proper headstones,” Bartley said.

The project was inspired by Gerald A. LaBlanc, a spark plug for preservation, restoration and appreciation of the history at Woodland Cemetery. An educator and tour guide, LaBlanc has long advocated for cemetery preservation.

Make a donation

WHAT: Abigail Adams chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is raising money to purchase grave markers for pioneer babies buried at Woodland Cemetery.

HOW: Donations, marked “Tiny Stones” can be sent to Abigail Adams Chapter, c/o Treasurer Andi Summy, 687 N.E. 64th St., Des Moines, IA 50327-9168. All gifts are tax-deductible.

MORE: Invite an Abigail Adams member to speak to your group by contacting Kristine Bartley at 515-720-5361 or kristinebartley@gmail.com.