Dana Fellows will lead a walk through the cemetery and share some of its history, including:
- The Heaton family and the beginnings of the cemetery
- Some of the earliest known burials
- Stories of children who died young and families who later moved away
- Connections among the families buried there
- Unidentified graves, missing stones, and conflicting records
- Discoveries made while researching and restoring the cemetery
- How the restoration project began and the work involved in preserving its damaged monuments
Sammy Dalati and representatives from the Whiteside County Natural Area Guardians will also discuss the unique native prairie adjoining the back of the cemetery. They will explain why these remaining natural areas are important and how the organization works to identify, protect, manage, and preserve native prairie and other natural areas throughout Whiteside County.
The Natural Area Guardians were organized in 1988 and operate as a subcommittee of the Whiteside County Soil and Water Conservation District.
The planned program will last approximately 40 minutes, with time for questions, audience participation, and anyone who would like to share information or connections they may have to the cemetery or surrounding area.
Parking & Accessibility
Parking at Heaton Cemetery is limited and somewhat unusual. Depending on attendance, passengers may need to be dropped off near the cemetery entrance before the driver parks along Ward Road. This will help prevent anyone from having to walk through the tall grass in the roadside ditch.
We will be moving around the cemetery during the program. The grounds are uneven and contain dips, stones, monument bases, and other potential tripping hazards. Please watch your step and be careful around the tombstones.
There is also a modest uphill incline leading to the cemetery gate. Visitors with mobility or balance concerns should take this into consideration and use extra care.
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are strongly recommended. You may also wish to bring water and insect repellent, as ticks are present in the area. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Weather
The event will continue in the event of very light rain. If conditions become too wet or the weather makes walking through the cemetery unsafe, the program will be postponed. Any postponement or rescheduling information will be posted on the event page.
Please Come Prepared
There are no restrooms, drinking water, or refreshments available at the cemetery. Please plan accordingly and bring anything you may need during the program.
Directions
Heaton Cemetery is located on the south side of Ward Road, approximately four miles northeast of Morrison. Take Lyndon Road north past Hazel Road and turn left onto Ward Road. Look for the tall communications tower—the cemetery is directly across the road. Map coordinates: 41.83720, -89.93060
Come learn about the early families who lived in this area, the people buried at Heaton Cemetery, the work being done to preserve their monuments, and the rare native landscape that survives alongside them.
Learn more about the Whiteside County Natural Area Guardians.
