Our History

Hillcrest Cemetery was originally named Abbott’s Corners Cemetery Association and was incorporated on March 23, 1872.   From 1812 to 1850, Abbott’s Corners became the main crossroads of the township including the greater Hamburg/Orchard Park area.  With the building of a church, tavern, hotel, tannery, and store, it attracted many prominent citizens.  Dr. Warriner was the first doctor in Hamburg and Charles B. Hyde the first lawyer.

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In 1812, Hamburg’s first Town Meeting was held at the home of Jacob Wright.

Abbott Road provided a direct route to Buffalo, allowing farmers easier access to the city.  The Post Office at Abbott’s Corners served as the single postal location for Hamburg, Frontier, Orchard Park, and Lakeshore.  The first library in the area was also established in Abbott’s Corners.  These facts indicate how Abbott’s Corners was the population and commercial center of the entire town until about 1850.

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In 1828, Seth Abbott donated one acre of land for the building of the Presbyterian Church, which was located on the current property of Hillcrest.

Many Historical Figures that had a significant impact on the development of Hamburg are buried here.

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Historical Figures buried at Hillcrest:

  • Seth Abbot & Generations of his Family

  • Dr. William Warriner

  • John W. Salisbury

  • John Ostrander

  • Nathaniel Foote

  • Judge I. Arthur Desmon

  • Joseph Hawkins

  • Dr. Horace B. Camp

  • Henry Foote

  • Dr. David Drysdale

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Veterans from the War of 1812

buried at Hillcrest:

  • Captain Obediah Newton

  • George Meacham

  • Rev. Hiriam Moore

  • Nathaniel Titus

  • Michael Miller

  • Aaron Parker

  • Erastus Baker

  • Joseph Hawkins

 Did You Know…

  • Seth Abbott as well as several members of his family are buried in the original church graveyard.

  • George M. Pierce was the first chairman of the Board in 1872.

  • In 1873, the price of a burial at Abbott’s Corners was $5.

  • The name “Hillcrest” was selected in April 1946 because of the natural contour and location of the terrain.

  • The pond was created at Hillcrest in May of 1961.

  • A Historical Society marker was placed on the south end of the cemetery in May 1967.

  • A Civic Beautification Award was given by Hamburg in May 1985.

  • In 1998, the first columbarium was completed.