The Pioneer Cemetery grounds were in use as early as 1852, with the burial of Elias Brigg's children. In 1866, Harvey Small, Edwin Powers and T.J. Brattain were selected trustees by a town meeting. Elias Briggs and his wife Mary, executed and delivered the cemetery deed to the trustees on October 31, 1866. Lane County Cemetery Association papers were filed.

In 1872, Springfield was surveyed and platted, and the cemetery was platted as block 41; the total area being roughly two acres. The cemetery continued to be used for burial purposes until about 1900.

On lot 4 of block 41, the First Christian Church was built and remained there until approximately 1905 when it moved to it's present street location at 4th and North A streets.

On July 22, 1913, because of an incorrect description of the property, a suit was filed in Circuit Court of Lane County; the resulting decree conveyed the cemetery to thje Town of Springfield. The mayor and members of the common council and their successors, were then appointed trustees of the cemetery.

On June 28, 1915, the city council recommended that the cemetery be surveyed and fenced. From this date until 1972, very little was done for the improvement of the cemetery. On February 7, 1973, the City of Springfield undertook a beautification project and renovated the cemetery to honor Springfields pioneer families.

(As copied from plaque)

This is what remains of the Springfield IOOF Cemetery, at 112 South A Street in Springfield. This bunch of markers are actually on South C Street, on the opposite side of the park. South A Street actually runs along a cliff at the north side of the property. There are no other headstones, and no other sign that this was a cemetery. My sister worked in a crew which tidied up the brush in this park, and she says that they were warned not to touch any remains that were above ground, but to report it to their boss. I assume that they were reburied, but I am not sure--- I'm still investigating.