The History of Laurel Hill
Laurel Hill Cemetery was founded in 1874 (incorporated in 1899), by a group of Columbia businessmen that included: J. Gust Zook, Isaac H. Ryan, John Skiles, Samuel W. and William S. Guiles, Joseph H. Zeamer, Henry S. Stauffer, William H. Moore, Franklin P. Miller, Henry Westerman, Ansel Purple and Andrew G. Nissley.
They recognized the need for a cemetery of substantial size to serve the area.
The 33-acre site, adjacent to Columbia High School, was chosen for it's majestic and panoramic views of the Susquehanna River and surrounding communities.
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The cemetery is the final resting place for veterans and those killed in combat since the time of the Civil War. Revolutionary War Veteran Michael Wisler,
68 years old, was buried on the Wisler family lot in 1824, and incorporated
into the cemetery at the time of it's founding.
The flag-lined Avenue of Honor leading to the Veteran's Garden is a fitting final tribute for a veteran of any military service or war.
In 2000 Laurel Hill was purchased by Robert Lomison, owner of the Letum Group. The Letum Group currently owns and oversees operations at 9 cemeteries and 1 funeral home. Mr. Lomison is proud of Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens rich history and looks forward to continuing the tradition of quality service and maintaining the beautiful grounds.
We are proud members of the ICCFA which is the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association.
Through our membership in this organization we receive current information and the results of continuous research, which will enable us to serve you better. We adhere to the Association's Code of Ethics, Creed of Ideals and Consumer Code, and dedicate ourselves to fulfilling our public trust.