We do enjoy a good mystery and the one of locating the final resting places of Mahons in the Old Burying Ground in Perth has always been on our minds.
James and Ellen, the Originals, along with Elizabeth (daughter in law; and first wife of Thomas the eldest son) and their son young Thomas are confirmed by Church burial records to reside in the Old Burying Ground. But where exactly, has been the mystery.
Dear Monica found a plot map but alas no names were attached. With map in hand a few of us spent hours walking the OBG inspecting every stone in the Catholic section. We peeled back sod, watered illegible stones, and whispered their names into the breeze asking to give us a sign. “Someone” even suggested we meet at midnight garbed in black with rye-bar to check for buried stones but the area is well lit and we didn’t want to spook the neighbours. Well one of us is still up for it ;) but that is another story for Halloween.
Flash forward...The plots numbers have been posted by a very intrepid researcher on the Pioneer Cemetery F-A-G site. With pen in hand the names were recorded on the map. Are we happy? You bet we are. Thank you Bruce!
There is a valid question: why aren’t James and Ellen buried together; as well as Elizabeth and her son young Thomas? My thoughts are James and Ellen passed five years apart and Elizabeth and young Thomas separated their departure by three years. Perth’s population was expanding ever so quickly and the OBG was the only burial ground. Plots were probably designated by urgency and hence laid out in grid formation. After all choosing future plots would be the last thing on their mind after settlement and weather, and working hard to create a home for ten people who landed in 1819 with the clothes on their backs and little else. There is also the realization our kin were stonemasons, and while employable as the evidence of the fine stone buildings in Perth and country side, their wages may have been just enough to keep them clothed, fed and warm.
When spring arrives, and it will, we will continue the research such as comparing standing stones to the plot map and reviewing church records. This will give us more accurate locations. And who is to say there won’t be a midnight investigation, ummm, walking tour.
