The Hansville Cemetery
The Unique History of Hansville’s Cemetery
"Ole Olsen was the first of the early residents to die in 1911. Anton Husby died in 1913, Peter Husby in 1914, and John Eide in 1914.
As Hansville residents began to die, it became apparent that there was a need for a cemetery for the settlement. Those who died in the very early years were buried on land on the hill above the town, which was privately owned. As the number of grave sites grew, the land was informally put aside for a town cemetery and cared for by those interested in doing so.
It appears that there was an organized board of trustees for the cemetery prior to the land being formally deeded as such, as those who signed the deed were identified as trustees. On 11 January 1947, the cemetery was deeded to the Ladies’ Aid Society by owners and trustees Julia Pedersen, Erick and Mable Lefstad, and George and Mable Bruce. The deed included 1.47 acres; some of the property is on the west side of the Hansville Road and currently not used for interment. In 2009 Carl Zimmer donated an additional .53 acres on the west side of the road for the use of the cemetery. The cemetery continues to be maintained and administered by a board of trustees and the Ladies’ Aid Society, which now calls itself “Hansville Helping Hands.” The society raises funds to pay for the care of the cemetery, which currently contains almost 300 graves.”
- People of North Kitsap Peninsula, pg 104, “Hansville” by Gay Davis and Lois Lee, 2019
Note to Hansville Residents
Permanent residents of Hansville (including Cliffside residents) who have resided in Hansville for over a year are eligible for a free cemetery plot at the Hansville Cemetery. Residents can reserve a burial plot by contacting HHH&C. Another requirement is that a flat grave marker is provided and in place within a year after burial. If needed, HHH&C can assist with obtaining a marker for a very reasonable cost.​
To inquire about burial plots, to support the cemetery's preservation, or volunteer with the Helping Hands, email John McGinn for more information, or call 360-638-0000.
August 2024
Hansville Cemetery Undergoes Restoration, Recognized on Washington Heritage Register
The Hansville Cemetery, located in Kitsap County, Washington, has officially been added to the Washington Heritage Register of Historic Places, recognizing its cultural and historical significance to the Hansville community. This prestigious designation was granted on August 9, 2024, by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), following a comprehensive 21-page application submitted in January by local historian Fred Nelson.
The application included detailed documentation of the cemetery’s founding in 1911, its connection to early Hansville settlers, and its lasting impact on the region. Historical research was supported by the Hansville Historical Society, whose archives played a key role in compiling the needed information.
In conjunction with this recognition, Hansville Helping Hands, the nonprofit organization that manages the cemetery, was awarded a $17,000 grant from DAHP to support the restoration and preservation of historic headstones. With no salaried employees and burial plots offered free of charge to residents who have lived in Hansville for at least one year, the cemetery relies entirely on donations, volunteers, and community fundraising efforts.
Restoration work was completed in July 2024 by Pacific Coast Memorials, a trusted gravestone restoration company based in Everett, WA. Nearly 100 grave markers—some dating back to the early 20th century—were professionally cleaned and restored. Thanks to these efforts, the cemetery’s historical character has been preserved for future generations.
The Hansville Cemetery is unique among community cemeteries in Washington State due to its nonprofit status and volunteer-driven operations. It serves as a final resting place for long-time Hansville residents and stands as a testament to the area’s rich history.
The Unknown Logger
“Idlenot” is a sweet country road that lives on the right-hand side of Hansville Highway. It climbs up a gentle slope and circles around the perimeter of Hansville Cemetery. The lush green grass hugs the trees on either side and is adorned by stone markers that boast about their occupants with silent banter. As you read the names on each of the stones, you see a beautiful picture emerge. All of these names were instrumental in creating our community and helping to shape what our town is today through their efforts, triumphs, loves, and their losses.
It is here in the upper section of the cemetery that lies the grave of the “UNKNOWN LOGGER.” The head stone simply reads “UNKNOWN LOGGER.” As I viewed the letters scrawled across the headstone, part of me felt sad. Was it possible to give this logger a name? I wondered how old he was and where he was from? Was he lured here by the promise of steady employment from corporations like The Puget Mill Company? Or was he working here later and living in Camp Gamble which was established in 1922? Did he leave behind a wife or children? Without a name, how was his family able to be notified of his passing?
My interest had been piqued and I decided to contact the current cemetery manager, Fred Nelson. I wanted to try and find out who this logger could be? Fred was very accommodating and together we began to dig through old cemetery documents. I located a typed note which listed a single account of a logger named Andrew Louseth that was killed in an accident and was the first person to be buried in the cemetery in 1910. I looked for more clues but found nothing that collaborated with the previous findings. Unable to prove or disprove the information, I came to the conclusion that his name is still a mystery. Even so, his existence is real, and he played an important part in the history of our community along with all of the other beautiful names that reside here.
One thing is for certain, we are all connected somehow. Together we stand strong in the face of adversity by supporting our neighbors through giving and kindness. I would like to show my gratitude to everyone that lives in our litile community. I know I have grown as a person through the relationships that I have created with each and every one of you.
Susan Stevens
(Reproduced from the Hansville Log)