History of Pioneer Cemetery

Pioneer Cemetery, established in 1819, is Greenville's oldest cemetery. The oldest known grave is that of James Dunklin (June 24, 1779 - April 10, 1827), but there are many unmarked and "lost" graves that may be older.

Captain William Butler, for whom the county is named, is buried there along with many Greenville/Butler County pioneers and Confederate Civil War soldiers. The last burial in Pioneer Cemetery took place in 1961 when Lily Black Stanley (July 2, 1876-August 3, 1961) was buried there.

Pioneer Cemetery Historic Marker in Greenville, AL