Attention Funeral Homes, per section 3.4 of our Cemetery Rules, we need to be contacted for each service conducted at the cemeteries. The whole of Section 3 will explain why. For the most up to date contact information, please refer to the Township Officers link on Warren County Iowa Auditor page. You may also send an email to: Squaw Creek Township which is then forwarded to each member of the board.
On March 30, 1858 Abel Smith donated 1/2 acre of ground on his homestead for a Cemetery. The Cemetery was named after Abel Smith and is known as Smith Cemetery. The first burial was most likely that of Alecy E. Kinsley, who died September 9, 1851. She was the daugher of J.C. and E.A. Kinsley. Abel and his wife Sarah are buried in row 5. Rumor has it there is an unmarked Indian grave that lies by the gate. During the Ground Penetrating Radar session held in May 24, 2023, it was confirmed that there is a grave by the gate.
Many graves were marked with wooden crosses which succumbed to a fire many years ago.
On April 3, 1933 a road petition was submitted to Warren County Board of Supervisors to extend Taft Street further West and North to the cemetery to make the cemetery more accessible from Highway 69. Although the portion of Taft Street that goes West is gravel, the road to the North, 108th Ave, is currently dirt. We are in the process of making improvements to 108th Avenue and completing the road to the cemetery as well as providing an area to park. When you visit, please do not trespass on the adjacent land owner's property.
Smith Cemetery Burial Information - as known by the Trustees of Squaw Creek Township
Iowa Genealogy Web Project - Smith Cemetery Burials.
Pictures of gravestones can be found at:
Iowa Grave Stones - Smith Cemetery
Smith Cemetery is located at 21150 108th Avenue.
Directions from Indianola: Follow Highway 69 South to Taft Street, turn right(West). Follow Taft Street for .4 miles. Turn right (North) and continue past mobile home to cemetery. Please do not trespass on the adjacent property owner's land.