Established in 1882 on land donated by settler J.W. Swayze for a church building, school house, and cemetery, Cottonwood Cemetery's first grave was that of J.R. Swayze (1850-1882), a brother of the donor. Now enlarged to five acres, the cemetery includes acreage donated by Bessie Goodman from land of her ancestor, C. L. Tippett, as well as property given by J. A. Hugghins from the Swayze tract. Both pioneers are buried here. The grounds are cared for by descendants and friends, who have built fences and improved roads, and the cemetery is also used by other neighboring communities.