Join me on my Cemetery Searching expedition for the 2023 A to Z Blog Challenge. I’ll be re-visiting some cemeteries and preparing for a wish list of others. Some family members will be mentioned but I also have an interest in German family graves as well as those of people born in Co Clare Ireland.
Rockhampton (Rocky) cemeteries, Queensland
These cemeteries remain one of my outstanding places for family burials. I was fortunate to be sent this photo of my maternal great-grandparents’ grave by a cousin many years ago. Also buried with them are their daughter Margaret and son David John. They are buried in the North Rockhampton cemetery.
I wrote about the Diamond wedding jubilee for Peter and Mary McSherry here. https://cassmobfamilyhistory.com/2014/11/01/sepia-saturday-mr-mrs-mcsherry-diamond-jubilee-1941/
My great-great grandmother Bridget McSherry aka McSharry nee Furlong is buried in the South Rockhampton cemetery in a separate grave from her daughter, Margaret, aged 12 who died from burns. Frustratingly I’ve been unable to find a news story on her accident or death. Despite the different spelling and usage of their name on arrival, Sherry, they are the same family. In addition to sons Peter and James there were four surviving daughters at the time of Bridget’s death.
Roma, Queensland
My search in this cemetery was for Joseph Francis KUNKEL, son of my 2xgreat grandparents, George and Mary Kunkel. Unfortunately while his burial is recorded there is no memorial. His death is recorded as 27 July 1897. Joseph and his wife Martha Elizabeth Mitchell had four surviving sons and two daughters at the time of his death.
Rushden, Hertfordshire, England
This is an adjoining parish to that of my ancestors, the Kent family. It’s a pretty village with thatched houses, a beautiful church and a tranquil churchyard. When I first saw it in the late 1980s the hill of the churchyard was covered in daffodils.
Cemetery Searching Wishlist
As I mentioned above, Rockhampton cemeteries remain high of my to-visit list.
Family history across the seas 
A shame there is no memorial for Joseph Francis Kunkel. I wonder of the “cold” he contracted might have been something more serious, such as an influenza.
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I’d imagine it could well have been, or perhaps even pneumonia. I guess back in those early days, no one had spare money for memorials.
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The hill must have been beautiful with the daffodils covering it. They are so bright and springlike.
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It was and I’ve remembered it for decades.
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Christopher Kruger must have had a premonition to take out life insurance. It’s good they paid up.
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Yes I noticed that too, maybe because he knew how hazardous well-sinking could be. Doubt they would these days.
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Quite a few eloquent phrases in these old reports, I particularly like “Terminated fatally” and “gradually sank and expired”.
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I prefer the latter to the former.
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The newspaper article detailing the death of Christopher Kruder was very sad to read Pauleen. The Rushden cemetery looks very beautiful and peaceful.
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There are so many sad stories behind some of the graves.
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