The Cemetery Girl

Salem Pioneer Cemetery (Odd Fellows Rural Cemetery) is considered the oldest cemetery in Salem. In 1854, the Odd Fellows Organization founded the cemetery on 5 acres of land that they obtained from Rev. David Leslie’s property, which was part of the land claim made by the Methodist Missionaries headed by Rev. Jason Lee. The Odd Fellow’s organization took care of the cemetery until the 1950’s. In 1985, a group of residents formed the “Friends of the Pioneer Cemetery.” Currently, the cemetery sits at a little over 17 acres.

Rev. David Leslie’s second wife, Adelia, was the first person buried in this cemetery, and his first wife, Mary, was reinterred here.

There is an area with some Chinese headstones and an altar for the funerals

Here are some notable individuals who have been buried here.

Below are views around the Cemetery

Sources

Plot Map:

https://www.cityofsalem.net/home/showpublisheddocument/24216/638621635544630000

Salem Pioneer Cemetery | Salem, Oregon

Pioneer Cemetery – Willamette Heritage Center

Articles on “The Friends of Pioneer Cemetery”

Dedicated group of volunteers keep history alive at Salem Pioneer Cemetery – Salem Reporter

Friends of Pioneer Cemetery 40 years into tending historic Salem site

All pictures taken by Paula