Washington Cemetery Records Research Guide
All of the cemetery inventories for the state of Washington have been published by the Washington State Genealogical Society. Various historical societies for certain towns, cities and areas have also published their own area graveyard and tombstone records. Many graveyard inscriptions for Washington graves have been published under the heading of "Tombstone Transcription Project" on the USGenWeb website as well.
For Definitions of all Cemetery Terms See Symbols on Gravestones and Their Interpretations
Keep in mind it is important to try to track down where a person lived and was buried to help make your records retrieval easier. Of course, for Washington cemetery records where a person lived may not be where they were eventually put to rest. The county they lived in may not be where they were buried. It could be where they went to church. It could even be their original childhood home in another state and would not be on any Washington cemetery records.
A Useful Resource
Washington cemetery records can give you the name of a person, including the maiden name, as well as the date and location of birth. In many instances, you will also be able to track down a person's spouse or other family member data by using this resource. There are several vital records a person can use for this kind of data, but few people think of using Washington cemetery records.
Washington State is a big area to research, so it is important to try to narrow down the area to look in for Washington cemetery records. You should also try to know the approximate time frame to look in for finding this kind of data. Looking in too wide a time frame can make the work quite a daunting task.
Whichever vital records you choose to use, you should be aware of how important it is to start off with as much data as possible. This will ensure that you have better results in your records hunt. Consider using Washington cemetery records for your family ancestry project to find out just how useful they can be.
Research In Washington Cemetery Records
The Washington State Genealogical Society has published statewide inventories of cemeteries in Washington. Several local genealogical societies have published information on tombstones from graveyards in their areas.
Famous People Buried in Washington Cemeteries
| County | Name / Date / Cemetery | Description |
|---|---|---|
| King | Hendrix, Jimi 11/27/1942 - 9/18/1970 Greenwood Memorial Park |
Guitar Legend. Unquestionably one of modern music's most influential figures on the electric guitar. |
| King | Lee, Bruce 11/27/1940 - 7/20/1973 Lake View Cemetery |
Acclaimed Martial Artist, Actor, and Film Director. Balancing martial arts theory and film performance, Bruce Lee remains the most recognized martial artist of the twentieth century. |
| King | Leisy, Robert Ronald 3/1/1945 - 12/2/1969 Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park and Funeral Home |
Vietnam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served in the United States Army during the War in Vietnam as a 2nd Lieutenant in Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. |
| Lewis | Memorial, Mt. St. Helens - Johnstons Ridge (formerly Coldwater II) |
Memorial honoring the victims of the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens in Washington State. Located near the Johnston Ridge Observatory, the memorial records the names of the 57 known people killed resulting from the explosive lateral blas |
| Okanogan | Joseph 1/13/1905 - 9/21/1904 Chief Joseph Cemetery |
Nez Percé Chieftain. Born in the Wallowa Valley in what is now northeastern Oregon, son of Joseph the Elder, he was given the name Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt which loosely translates to Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain. |
Washington Cemeteries
| Cemetery Name | Cemetery City |
|---|---|
| Comet Lodge Cemetery | Beacon Hill |
| Tahoma National Cemetery | Kent |
| Calvary Cemetery | Seattle |
| Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park | Seattle |
| Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery | Seattle |
| Lake View Cemetery | Seattle |
Washington Cemeteries & Graveyards Links
