Nelson Pioneer

Mule Cemetery

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The only mule cemetery in Iowa (that we know of), here lies Jennie and Becky. Daniel Nelson purchased two white mules at an auction in Centerville in 1865. Jennie and Becky were Civil War veterans. Branded with “US” on their hips, they pulled artillery guns and supply wagons for the Union Army. They worked on the Nelson farm for decades and enjoyed much acclaim from the Nelson family and other local residents. Becky died in 1888 at 34 years of age, and Jennie died in 1897 at the age of 42. Nelson family lore states that the mules were buried with their heads resting on satin pillows.

A Note to Photographers

Please call our Director at 641-672-2989 or email them director@nelsonpioneer.org to get permission to come take photographs of the property. This is not an open site and permission is necessary so we can let our property caretaker know.