Abernethy Cemetery

Just off Washington State Route 4, about 14 miles west of Longview, WA is a tiny cemetery, hidden in obscurity and overgrowth.

There are only a handful of graves at the diminutive site, but with family ties to local history that can make it an interesting stop.

THE OLDE DAYS

Alexander Abernethy headed to the Oregon Country to work with his brother, George, who had established a mill at Oak Point in the 1840s.

In 1867, Alexander, and his wife Eliza were granted 636 acres of the new Oregon Territory under the Oregon Donation act of 1850.

Alexander lived another twenty one years, passing away in 1888 at the age of 74, and was buried in the family plot; the Abernethy Cemetery.

BROTHER GEORGE

George Abernethy was an early entrepreneur in the budding Oregon Country. His water powered sawmill on ‘Mill Creek’, constructed in the 1840s, was an early industry in the region.

Abernethy was also active in Oregon Country politics, twice being elected as provisional governor until the post was dissolved in 1848, when President James Polk signed the Oregon Territory into law.

After his time as provisional governor, George continued to find success in business, but lost all of his assets in the Great Flood of 1862.

In March of 1877, George passed away at the age of 69, in Portland, OR.

However, even in death George remained active, so it would seem…

…he was first laid to rest in Vancouver, WA in 1877, but was later reinterred in Portland, OR in 1883.

NOWADAYS

As the State Route 4 passes through the Oak Point area, it crosses a pair of creeks. ‘Mill Creek’ was once the power source of George Abernethy’s 1840s mill.

Just east of Mill Creek, is Abernathy Creek, said to be where Alexander Abernethy settled and made a family.

While Abernethy’s mill is long gone, just across the Columbia River, the Beaver Power Plant could perhaps be imagined of as a sort of spiritual successor.

Let it’s droning industrial hum remind you of simpler times…

GETTING THERE

From Longview, WA: Take the State Route 4 west toward Illwaco. About 14 miles west of Longview, you’ll see Abernathy Creek Rd.

Don’t be compelled to turn here, and don’t be confused by the subtle change in spelling. Abernethy and Abernathy seem to be used interchangeably!

Instead, cross over the creek and turn north on the road immediately on the other side, that is the west side of Abernathy Creek.

Very soon a country road will appear on your left, this is the cemetery road.

At it’s end, next to a private home, is the tiny cemetery.

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More pics: Abernethy Dec 2018

Coulee City Pioneer Cemetery

Coulee City is not the same settlement that it was at it’s founding early in the twentieth century. A time traveler from our time would instantly notice at least one glaring difference: back then, the town wasn’t on the shores of a giant lake!

YEARS PAST…

The earliest interments at the site pre-date the town and are thought to date as far back as 1889, though burial records do not exist from that era.

Coulee City was founded in May of 1907, by that time the graveyard had been in use for close to two decades, yet had still not been recorded with county government.

Known burials took place over a 30 year period spanning 1895 to 1924, but after the 1920s the graveyard went disused. By some accounts it was an issue with the water table causing subsidence problems when graves would flood, others claim it was abandoned because the rocky soil was just too tough to dig.

Decades of neglect passed by until the 1970s, when a band of volunteers formed to bring the forgotten graveyard back from the brink. Their laudable efforts culminated in the official dedication of the cemetery on Memorial Day of 1976.

Almost 90 years after it’s unofficial founding, the graveyard was finally recorded with the county and given a name.

NOWADAYS

Since the great volunteer effort of ’76, maintenance at Coulee City Pioneer Cemetery has been sporadic.

Tumbleweeds pile up and the weeds and grasses grow tall enough to obscure many of the remaining markers.

The open spaciousness of the plot tells of the monuments that have vanished to time, while the stones that continue to weather-on might remind visitors of the grit and tenacity of those who settled these Scablands.

MOTORIN’

Coulee City is along the US-2, roughly in the center of Washington State, on the south shores of Banks Lake.

Just northeast of the tiny berg one can find the cemetery, though you might have to drive by a few times until you notice it.

Parking is limited to the roadside, but traffic is sparse.

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REFERENCES:

https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/986

More pictures: Coulee City Pioneer Cemetery

Coulee City, Grant County, WA, USA

Old Clallam Bay Cemetery

Hidden in the low hills just south of the seaside hamlet of Clallam Bay is the town’s old abandoned cemetery.

While not a long journey, you’ll have to find your way there, and there isn’t exactly a clear cut path. At least not one that that I could find. Not a bad idea to have a gps!

YEARS PAST…

Clallam Bay has its beginnings in the 1880s, around the same time Washington was becoming a state.

Initially the town served as a steamship stop, but before long, lumber and fishing began to develop.

Barrel making however was the big pre-20th century industry in town, serving nearby West Clallam’s (now Sekiu) Pacific Tanning Extract Company, for whom business was booming.

The tanning extract business tanked in 1893, leaving hundreds unemployed. Some left town in search of work, others tried to cut a living from the local forests, or fish it from the local waters.

For some of course, Clallam Bay was the end of the line. Of those departed souls, thirty-one ended up what is now the Old Clallam Bay Cemetery.

Originally a five acre parcel, the land was donated by a C.J. Snider for the benefit of Clallam Bay in the early days of the settlement. In those days a wagon road passed nearby. Travelers may have stopped by to pay their respects on the way to Forks.

The earliest recorded burials date to the first decade of the 20th century, with the last interments being in the early 1930s.

It’s unclear exactly when the cemetery was abandoned, but at some point the property fell into the hands of a logging company.

The cemetery was logged in the early 1990s, which suggests that the trees had reached a marketable size by then. A clue perhaps to the time of it’s abandonment.

NOWADAYS

As of 2017, coniferous trees once again stand tall above the forgotten cemetery’s scarce remnants.

Hidden in the forest stand a couple legible markers and various features that might suggest where markers may have once stood.

Rusted fixtures and fencing can also be found beneath the dense coniferous canopy. Some rocks suggest they also may have been purposefully placed.

There is no indication at the site regarding its name, history, nor it’s current status.

GETTING THERE

Just south of town, one can take Eagle Crest Way to it’s fork with Charley Creek Rd. Follow Charley Creek Rd to its abrupt end.

The now abandoned roadway makes for a fitting walk to this long abandoned graveyard.

Head south on the post-apocalyptic looking road grade, keeping an eye out for promising looking paths up into the woods not long into your journey. (<1/4mi)

If you fail to be convinced by anything you see leading off into the woods, you’ll eventually see homes and such at the end of the road. From there the graveyard is more or less directly above you. The hillside at that point however is rather steep, so you’ll see what I mean about trying to find a promising looking path before you reach this point.

I was not able to locate a trail on the way there, rather punching up into the woods before the hill became impassable. With the aid of gps, I followed deer trails through the brush to make my way to the site.

However on the way back up the road to my car, I seem to recall seeing a possible trail up into the woods. Keep your eyes peeled!

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References:

https://clallamcogs.org/cemeteryRecords.php?cid=36

Lone Pine Cemetery

This lonely Palouse cemetery served communities for 70 years before languishing in abandonment for decades. 

Volunteer efforts have since brought Lone Pine back from the brink…

THE PAST

Lone Pine began as a stagecoach stop between the communities of Farmington and Cheney. 

The Lone Pine Cemetery was officially recorded with the county in 1896 when the Smiley family sold two acres of their farm for the purpose of a cemetery to a Chicago businessman by the name of Marshall Field.

The grounds had been being used as a cemetery since at least 1883, and continued for many years until the last internment in 1953.

Lone Pine Cemetery was effectively abandoned after that time until a pair of local women, Amy Warwick and Lori Enzler, became interested in the forlorn parcel and began to form what is now “Friends of Lone Pine Cemetery” in 2006.

NOWADAYS

Since the formation of Friends of Lone Pine Cemetery, the graveyard has been kept up through volunteer efforts.

Much of the overgrowth has been cleared, but the graveyard still retains a lot “abandoned charm”.

If you’d like to contribute to the restoration efforts at Lone Pine Cemetery, please visit their website: http://www.lonepinecemetery.com/ to find out what you can do to lend a hand!

MOTORIN’

You’ll have to get to the east side of the state to visit this rather remote pioneer cemetery. 

FROM TEKOA, WA: Head west out of town on Poplar St. Just before turning into SR27, there will be a left hand turn onto Lone Pine Rd. Follow it a couple miles to the intersection with Sievke Rd. head north. The graveyard will appear on your left shortly. 

References: 

http://www.lonepinecemetery.com/

Whitman County, WA, USA 

Winona Cemetery

There isn’t much at Winona these days; a couple old buildings, some houses and a few grain elevators are about the extent of it. Well, except the little graveyard just outside of town. That’s why you came here after all…

Yessir, pretty quiet I guess you could say, but then again,  there was that one time…

Downtown Winona

THE PAST

On the evening of August 3, 1907 a fire broke out at the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company’s Winona yard, igniting a crate of dynamite stored at the depot. The blast and ensuing fire killed one, injured another twenty and nearly leveled the entire town. 

Every building was reported damaged or outright destroyed, and Winona was never the same. 

The cemetery was officially recorded with the county a few months later in October, although burials had been taking place there since at least 1896.

NOWADAYS

Like I said, there isn’t much in town except for a few dilapidated buildings that look like they may date back to the Winona Explosion.

The cemetery is just a little further west on the highway, partially occupying a hill on the north side of the road. 

Many old graves dot the peacefully desolate landscape, and a walk to the top of the hill grants a unobstructed view of the countryside.

COINCIDENCE, OR…?

The unfortunate soul killed in the Great Winona Explosion was a railroad car inspector by the name of R.E. Buchanan. 

It was said his “body was burnt to a crisp” while he was trying to save railroad property from the ferocious blaze that fateful August night in 1907.

Listed in the Winona Cemetery is a fellow by the name of Roscoe E. Buchannan, however his date of death is listed as 1911…

Coincidence, somehow connected, the same person?  I do not know, but it struck me as interesting. 

MOTORIN ‘

Doesn’t matter where you’re coming from, this tiny town is out of the way and any direction I try to give would likely be confusing. 

Endicott is the closest town, at about 4 miles away to the east. Beyond that is Colfax, which is the closest settlement of size. 

HAPPY TRAILS! 

References: Ewanida Rail Records, http://www.mrail.net/data/cemete/wash/whitman/winona/index.htm&nbsp;

Winona, Whitman County, Washington, USA

Dusty Cemetery

Alongside Dusty Road, in the tiny town of Dusty, WA one can find the peaceful Dusty Cemetery. 

THE PAST

The Dusty Cemetery was established in 1901. In those early days the diminutive necropolis was known as Ackerman Cemetery, for it started life as the Ackerman Family’s burial grounds. 

Sometime later the Ackerman family donated the parcel to the Dusty community. 

NOWADAYS

In this day and age these restful grounds are cared for and maintained by the Dusty Cemetery Association.

While there aren’t many pre-20th century graves here, there are some beautiful monuments and the cemetery has a certain charm all it’s own.

MOTORIN’

Dusty sits at the confluence of the WA-26 and the WA-127 on Alkali Flat.

I’ll be honest, you’re better off with a map than directions on this one because no matter where you’re coming from it’s going to be from a long ways away. 

Happy Trails! 

References: Ewanida Rail Records http://www.mrail.net/data/cemete/wash/whitman/dusty/index.htm

Dusty, Whitman County, WA 

Endicott Cemetery

Endicott, WA is a ways off the main road, but is worth a stop if you’re a taking a motor tour of the Palouse.

THE PAST

Many years ago in 1882, the town of Endicott was carved into the rich earth of the Palouse and was named for William Endicott Jr. of the Oregon Improvement Company. 

The next year ground was broken for the graveyard, which at that point was being called Mountain View Cemetery. That same year of 1883 is also the earliest year of a recorded interment at the graveyard. 

A couple decades after that, during the February of 1905, Endicott, WA was officially incorporated. 

NOWADAYS

These grounds are currently under the management of the Whitman Cemetery District #4 and are well kept. 

Endicott Cemetery is situated on a hill and has a great view of the surrounding area. One can look upon the town of Endicott, as well as far across the Palouse to points beyond. 

The cemetery has headstones predating statehood as well as some interesting monuments. Perhaps you saw the obelisk on the way in! 

MOTORIN’

Starting from Colfax, WA puts about a 20 mile drive between you and Endicott. 

FROM COLFAX: Head west out of town on the state route 26, bearing right onto Endicott Road at the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds a couple miles west of town. 

Follow the road northwest through the tiny communities of Mockonema, Diamond and finally Thera before arriving in Endicott. 

The cemetery can be found on the north side of town. Gravel lanes within the graveyard provide vehicular access. 

An island of eternal rest amongst oceans of wheat

HAPPY TRAILS! 

References: Ewanida Rail Records, http://www.mrail.net/data/cemete/wash/whitman/endicott/index.htm

Endicott, Whitman County, Washington, USA

Thorp Cemetery

To the transfixed I-90 motorist, Thorp, WA probably isn’t much more than a large white building on the north side of the freeway, emblazoned with the words ‘Thorp Fruit and Antique Mall’. 

You can’t miss it!

While a lot of folks might only ever see Thorp doing 70mph on the interstate, or from the fuel pump at the gas station, for the more interested among us there are things to see…

Just across the interstate from the gas station in fact, one can find the historical Thorp Cemetery. Not a bad starting point if you’re looking to discover Old Thorp…

THE PAST

The cemetery parcel was donated by a farmer named Herman Page, who made his claim in the Thorp area in the 1870s. (Later buried in this very cemetery) 

In the 1880s the cemetery became the property of the Thorp Methodist Episcopal Church and was operated by the Thorp chapter of the Odd Fellows Lodge until 1940, when the lodge was dissolved.

Some decades later in 1962, the Kittitas County Cemetery District No.1 took over management of the grounds and continue to do so today.  

At one time just saplings.

NOWADAYS

This is still a working cemetery and is regularly maintained, but fully retains a pioneer cemetery charm.  

Set where the mountains meet farm country, the views are unique. Mt.Stuart rises high to the north while sparse pines give way to farmlands eastward. 

Many of the stones date back to the early 1900s and into the century before. The cemetery holds a handful of unique and well aged markers to see, including an obelisk. 

LOCAL LORE

A reoccurring apparition is said to occasionally appear in this cemetery…

In the 1890s a young Indian woman named Susie was lynched in the Thorp area by assailants unknown. The brutal murder is recorded in official Kittitas County records.  

Since that time ‘Susie’ is said to appear atop a ghostly white horse in the Thorp Cemetery, weeping amongst the headstones on clear, moonlit nights. 

Susie did not appear during my last visit, and this cemetery is closed during hours of darkness. 

MOTORIN’

Not too difficult to find from the Thorp Fruit Antique Mall: Head southward on South Thorp Highway, crossing over the I-90 before taking a right onto Thorp Cemetery Road. The cemetery will appear on your right in little time. 

A gravel pullout in front provides parking. 

Historical Pre-Freeway map! 

HAPPY TRAILS!

Maury Island Cemetery

Atop the bluffs rising up behind the seaside settlement of Gold Beach, WA is the sole graveyard on Maury Island.

While a bit sparse and lacking any massive tombs, it’s an interesting enough place for a side trip. If nothing else, it’s a final resting place with a nice view!

THE OL’ DAYS

The Maury Island Cemetery was originally established in 1887 when Abraham Dawson donated two acres of land for the purpose of a graveyard.

However the earliest marker in the cemetery is dated 1901, and the cemetery was not recorded officially until December of 1908.

In the past this diminutive graveyard has been known as “The Penbrock Cemetery”, a name which is still found on USGS maps. It has also been called “The Old Vashon Cemetery”.

There are about fifty souls resting in these grounds, and possibly a few more. It’s thought that some field stone arrangements within the graveyard may mark the graves of those who’s names are now lost to time.

Possible marker

THE NOWADAYS

Maury Island Cemetery is situated in a light residential area, with the south side of the property terminating in a steep bluff.

These days the cemetery is just shy of the original two acres, having sacrificed a small portion to the construction of a road in the not too distant past.

While it may no longer be a working cemetery, the grass is cut and an informational kiosk greets curious visitors.

Bluffside plots

THE MOTORIN’

Unless you live on Vashon or Maury Island, you’re going to have to take a ferry ride to see this cemetery. 

From Vashon Center: Head south on Vashon Highway Southwest to Southwest Quartermaster Drive and follow it east to the beach settlement of Portage. 

In Portage, take Dockton Rd Southwest out of town, continuing southward on 75th Ave Southwest after it splits straight off Dockton Rd. SW.

The Maury Island Cemetery sign will appear on the left shortly after intersecting Southwest 255th Street. Parking is on-street. 

Says Penbrock on this one

HAPPY TRAILS! 

Johns River Cemetery

Markham,WA-  Long forgotten, and hidden beneath a shady canopy of conifers lies the remote Johns River Cemetery. You’re going to have to make a pilgrimage if you wanna see this one, so…

Don’t forget your hiking boots! 

Graves among the underbrush

THE PAST

While the first waves of the manifest destiny hit the Markham area in the 1850s the oldest stones in the yard are somewhat younger, dating to the 1880s.

In the distant past this cemetery served the town of Markham. Back in those days no road existed to the site, and it is said that funeral parties would have to float upriver with the incoming tide and depart by way of the ebb.

Some sources list this cemetery as the Fry Homestead Cemetery and indeed here a few Frys rest. 

In total there are thought to be eleven souls interred here, however no official records exist for this site.

NOWADAYS

To the casual visitor, Markham is mostly an Ocean Spray plant along the highway. Ain’t much else around, so grab any hiking snacks beforehand. 

The WDFW manages the 6,700 some odd acres of the Johns River Wildlife Area, and an applicable permit is required for parking. (Discover Pass or WDFW access)

Johns River Wildlife Area is open to hunting during certain times of the year, so be aware. A little bit of hunter orange ain’t bad to wear. 

THE HIKING

Ambling to the cemetery requires putting in a little over a mile and a half on a gravel road, with just enough up and down that I can’t say it’s flat. 

The “trailhead” might give you a bad first impression; it’s muddy, feels a little sketchy and is often the victim of illegal dumping. Don’t lose heart! 

Beyond the gate is a decent gravel road, the worst case is likely the occasional windfall or a surly elk standing in your path. Deal accordingly. 

Initially the hike offers sweeping views across the Johns River Estuary, meandering along the northern edge of the expanse before crossing over the muddy banks of Beaver Creek.

From here on, most of the hike is through young forest and recent cuts. However, vistas open up from time to time, and you’ll likely be serenaded by some birdsong or another. 

A path breaks off into the woods towards the tiny graveyard around the mile and a half mark. At the time of this writing it is marked with various flagging and a spraypainted chunk of lumber. 

Follow it to a clearing on top of a wooded knoll where the dozen or so souls rest eternal. 

Johns River Estuary

MOTORIN’

From Aberdeen: Head towards Westport/Grayland south on the SR-105. You’ll be traveling about 10mi or so to Markham.

You’ll know you’re in Markham,WA when a large Ocean Spray facility appears on the west side of the highway. Unfortunately this also means you’ve gone a bit too far.

The unmarked “trailhead” is a muddy, gated road that you probably didn’t see just before the Ocean Spray facility, but it’s on the opposite side of the highway.

HAPPY TRAILS! 

Reference:  

http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2015/06/13/johns-river-wildlife-area/