Waterloo in Monroe County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Potter's Field
September 29, 2019
1. Potter's Field Marker
A Potter's field is a term used for a place for the burial of unknown or indigent people. The expression potter's field derives from the Bible, referring to a field used for the extraction of potter's clay; such land, useless for agriculture, could be used as a burial site. Here lies "potter's field", where many men, women and children were buried in unmarked graves, dating back to 1897. To help preserve its history and for respect of those buried here, Michael Rebholz placed a wooden cross to honour the deceased and built a split rail fence around the perimeter of this cemetery.
There are 66 people known to be buried here:
(names not transcribed)
His project would not have been possible without the generous support given from the following organisations and individuals:
Monroe County Genealogical Society
Monroe County Historical Society
History Museum of Monroe County
City of Waterloo
Ralph Axe & Jeff Axe (Creators of the Cross)
Thank you for helping promote & preserve the rich history of our great city!
Special thanks to Pat Vaseka and Janet Flynn for researching and finding those buried here at Potter's Field.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 2016.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James McRoberts (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dedicated to the Pioneers (about 300 feet away); Revolutionary War Soldiers Memorial (about 300 feet away); The Bellefontaine Bridge (about 700 feet away); Corn Stalk Cutter (approx. 0.2 miles away); International Harvester Horse-Drawn Hay Tedder (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sears Roebuck Handiman Jr. Walk-Behind Tractor (approx. 0.2 miles away); Twin City Thresher (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waterloo.
More about this marker. About 2 minutes south of the Bellefontaine House Waterloo, across the field and over the bridge, right next to bean fields.
Photographed By Thomas Smith, January 28, 2020
2. Potter's Field Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2019. This page has been viewed 347 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 30, 2019. 2. submitted on January 29, 2020, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A transcription of the names on the marker. • Can you help?
