A new book published by Kiama’s Family History Centre provides a fascinating insight into what life was like in the early years of the municipality.
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Discovering Kendall’s Private Cemetery is a comprehensive survey of the lives of the people buried at the cemetery between 1853 and 1957.
Author and family history officer Susan Lark, said cemeteries were an important part of our past.
“Cemeteries tell us much about people who lived in our community before us,” she said.
“Not just genealogical information, but how they lived, their religion, politics and social relationships.”
Ms Lark spent twelve months combing the resources of the Family History Centre, death certificates, parish registers, newspapers articles, personal letters, wills, photographs, paintings and drawings to produce the book.
Volunteer Don Wood was also involved in the project, surveying and photographing the cemetery.
“We were able to confirm that there were at least 79 burials at Kendall’s Private Cemetery,” Ms Lark said.
“The earliest burial was former Royal Navy Surgeon John Reid in 1853 and the last was the interment of the ashes of Ethel Bailey in 1966.”
The book provides information on the birth, baptism, arrival, parentage, occupation, marriage and cause of death. It also explores the lives of many of those interred, including:
- John Black – Magistrate, Alderman and Mayor of Kiama ‘Borough’ Council.
- John Greenwood – Convict transported in 1829.
- Ann Haydon – Matron of the Croydon Workhouse Surrey.
- Samuel Perry – Assistant Surveyor General NSW.
- Fanny Willmott – A daughter of a convict and Kiama’s midwife for many years.
- Thomas Surfleet Kendall – Pioneer settler.
“Historical cemeteries throughout Australia are irreplaceable and invaluable reminders of our history and a fundamental part of our historical landscapes,” Ms Lark said.
“Unfortunately urbanisation, vandalism, pollution and apathy is threatening many of them.
“I hope Discovering Kendall’s Private Cemetery not only provides an important record of our heritage, but inspires people to discover and appreciate these physical records of our past.”
Discovering Kendall’s Private Cemetery can be purchased at the Family History Centre, under Kiama Library, or online at fhc.kiama.nsw.gov.au