History
The ground now known as Woodlawn Cemetery was purchased in several different parcels. In 1836, D.F. Dwight acquired land from the State land office at Bronson, of which Sec. 21 was a part and wherein is located Woodlawn cemetery. On June 25, 1839, D.F. Dwight conveyed to the Township of Leslie one and six tenths acres of land for cemetery purposes, consideration being $100.00. On February 21, 1867, Edwin W. Shaw and Amanda B. Shaw transferred to the Township of Leslie the second parcel of land for the consideration of $40.00. This deed was drawn by the late J.S. Torrey and has this clause. "Amanda B. Shaw, wife of Edwin B. Shaw, on a private examination by me, separate and apart from her husband, acknowledged that she executed the same freely and without fear of, or compulsion from anyone."
Again on the 21st of May, 1875, Ogden E. Edwards and Jane Edwards, his wife, sold the Township of Leslie, the third parcel for the sum of $1,200.00, the deed being executed by Jas. Blackmore, a Notary public at that time.This comprises the cemetery land east of Church Street.On September 17, 1913, Ella Ackly VanAlstine sold to the Township the West six acres, and again on the 23rd day of August, 1927, the last parcel of land consisting of 10.95 acres was purchased from Mrs. VanAlstine, making in all about 35 acres in the cemetery. Little is known about the early burials as no records of burials were kept. Byron Woodworth, a grandson of Elijah Woodworth, Leslie's first resident, told once of going with his father when a small boy to the "graveyard" to a burial. It was a cold winter day and the corpse was carried on a home made sled drawn by a yoke of oxen.There was just a winding trail through the woods to a little opening and the burial was made by neighbors.Neighbors also performed the duties of Funeral Director.
Woodlawn Cemetery is located at the north limits of the City of Leslie and was chosen as a site for a cemetery because of its natural beauty.Its level acres, with a gentle slope to the south and east, lends itself admirably to landscape harmony and every effort has been made to beautify these grounds so solemnly consecrated to the burial of the dead.
In 1968 the Village of Leslie became a City and, therefore, the Township Cemetery had to be reorganized.The new Woodlawn Cemetery Board is composed of one member from each unit of government with a third member chosen alternately by the City/Township with each term being for three years.
We look forward to your cooperation to create an environment of peace and solitude in respect to our deceased loved ones.