History
The Lewistown City Cemetery, located in Fergus County, Montana, is one of the oldest public institutions in Lewistown. The city was incorporated in 1899, and shortly thereafter, the Lewistown Cemetery Association was established, filing its articles of incorporation around 1901.
The early 20th century saw significant growth in Lewistown and Fergus County, with the city's population expanding from just over 1,000 in 1900 to more than 6,000 by 1920. This rapid expansion, driven by homesteaders, railroads, and mining activities, placed immense pressure on the private Cemetery Association. Consequently, in 1918, the association transferred ownership and management of the cemetery to the city of Lewistown.
The cemetery serves as the final resting place for many of Lewistown's early citizens and prominent Protestant leaders. The heart of the cemetery is notably reserved for veterans, characterized by a low-key and dignified setting. A gravel drive thoughtfully separates two distinct sections dedicated to veterans. The presence of numerous fraternal lodge markers also indicates the strong community ties and organizational presence in the area's history.
Landscape and markers
The cemetery is a physical record of the harshness of the frontier. The dates carved into the markers tell a story of brief booms and sudden collapses, of winters that took the young and mining accidents that took the strong. To walk among these graves is to feel the immense weight of the past pressing down on the present landscape.
Who is buried here
The stones here tell the story of the settlement. Ethel Gilkerson (c. 1900) - An early burial in the cemetery. John Merryfield (1900) - An early burial, noted as a miner at Maiden. "Col. Joe" Montgomery (died 1984, aged 107) - A veteran of the Spanish American War, he arrived in the area in 1894 to work in the Kendall mines. Known for his colorful self-description: "Soldier, Gambler, Landman, and Weather Predictor. I never voted wrong. Powder River Let ‘em buck." Sherwood (d. 1904) - Marked with a "Woodman of the World" fraternal lodge marker. Bert Claver (died 1962) and Hazel Claver - Buried in Lewistown City Cemetery.
Visiting
The Lewistown City Cemetery is located at 305 W Watson St, Lewistown, MT 59457. It is a city-owned property, having been transferred to the city in 1918. The cemetery features a dignified and low-key setting, with a gravel drive that separates two sections reserved for veterans. For inquiries, the city office can be contacted at (406) 535-1760. The nearest town is Lewistown itself, as the cemetery is within city limits. The general condition of the site is well-maintained, reflecting its status as a public institution.