The IOOF Cemetery in Monroe, Washington, is a 13-acre site situated on a hill northeast of the city. Its history is a combination of two early local burial grounds that eventually merged under the management of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF).

Early Origins and Development

•    Stockton Hill Origins: The land was originally owned and logged by William Stockton, leading the hill to be known locally as Stockton Hill.
•    Two Cemeteries: The site originally consisted of two adjacent burial grounds: Monroe Memorial Park (also known as Stretch's Cemetery) and Monroe IOOF Cemetery.
•    Establishment (1899): The Monroe Monitor officially noted the establishment of Monroe Memorial Park in early 1899 under proprietor John F. Stretch.
•    Pre-existing Burials: Evidence suggests the site was used for burials even before its official 1899 establishment, often listed on early maps as Stockton Hill Cemetery.

Fraternal Connections
The cemetery reflects the core mission of the Odd Fellows—a benevolent organization established in the U.S. in 1819—which includes a commitment to "bury the dead".
•    Community Service: Odd Fellows lodges historically established cemeteries to provide affordable burial plots for members and the general public.
•    Symbolism: Many headstones at the Monroe site feature the three-link chain symbol, representing the fraternity's values of Friendship, Love, and Truth.
•    Legacy: The Monroe Historical Society now maintains extensive records and mapping for the cemetery to preserve its historical data.

Notable Features
•    Veterans: The cemetery serves as the final resting place for several Civil War veterans who settled in the Monroe area after the war.
•    Location: It is located at 21714 Old Owen Road and is sometimes referred to as the Woods Creek Cemetery due to its proximity to that area.
•    Current Status: The cemetery remains active and is a significant landmark for the city, reflecting the lives of early settlers and prominent local families.
💡 Key Fact: The cemetery's hill was originally logged by William Stockton, an early pioneer, whose name still appears in historical maps of the burial ground.