Frank Abel Cemetery
3819 Lewis River Rd.
Woodland, Cowlitz County, Washington 98674
360-560-5118 or 360-225-9994
Directions
The Frank Abel Cemetery is located approximately 7 miles east of Woodland, situated between Lewis River Road and Old Lewis River Road, adjacent to the Lewis River.
History
Frank Abel, a pioneer settler in the area, donated the original one-acre tract of land for the cemetery, a significant act that shaped the history of the Woodland area. The oldest recorded burial is that of Mary McAferty, who passed away in 1873. There are approximately 450 burials in the original cemetery, with most graves marked by headstones, though some remain unmarked. In 1957, an additional acre was purchased adjacent to the original tract. The older section of the cemetery is nearly full, containing graves of local residents and individuals from more distant locations.
In 1955, the Frank Abel Cemetery became a part of Cowlitz County Cemetery District #2, which expanded by adding several parcels of land to the original cemetery. Today, Frank Abel Cemetery is the most frequently used cemetery in the Woodland area.
Before the 1950s, many local cemeteries lacked regular maintenance and were often overgrown with grass and weeds. In response, the Washington State Legislature enacted laws to establish local cemetery districts to manage and maintain these cemeteries.
A cemetery district organized under Washington State laws has the authority to acquire, establish, maintain, manage, improve, and operate cemeteries and conduct all associated business as defined by state law. The district is overseen by a board of commissioners, comprising three members who are elected for six-year terms. These commissioners are responsible for making key decisions regarding the management and development of the cemetery district. Funding for cemetery districts comes from tax levies, other local taxes, and the sale of burial lots. In Cowlitz County, there are seven different cemetery districts.
Cowlitz County Cemetery District #2 includes Frank Abel, Lone Pine, Kerns-Bozorth, and Yale Cemeteries, all located along the Lewis River valley near Woodland, WA. This district was formed on 11 October 1955, with its offices located at Frank Abel Cemetery. Cemetery commissioners hold monthly meetings that are open to the public.
Cemeteries, including those in Cowlitz County Cemetery District #2, serve as places of solace, providing a sense of peace and comfort to the community. The district is dedicated to maintaining this important role for the community.
Additional information
