Hamilton - Old Hamilton Cemetery Walk
History of the Old Hamilton Cemetery
In May 1851, the township and the cemetery site were gazetted. By the 1880's the cemetery was well and truly part of the Hamilton settlement as land around it was released for sale, purchased, and subsequently occupied.
The first recorded burial appears to have been that of James Costigan in 1852. The earlier headstones faced east, towards the rising sun. Some very substantial and imposing monuments are located throughout the cemetery. All tell a story about the past in their own way. There are approximately 11,000 burials in the Old Hamilton Cemetery and around 2,500 headstones can be seen.
Self Guided Walk of Cemetery
The walk commences at the entrance of the cemetery, just off Coleraine Road, marked by two ornate cast-iron gate-posts and by several historical markers.
The walk will take from 45 minutes to an hour depending on fitness level and age. Some things to remember are to wear suitable footwear, kindly keep to the path, be aware of wildlife and please respect the graves and headstones.
Symbols and Epitaphs
The Hamilton Cemetery contains many headstones that are rich in symbols and which bear fine informative epitaphs.
Draped Urn - widely used funerary symbol from the 19th Century representing mourning.
Hourglass - a traditional British and Australian funerary symbol representing the passing of time.
Broken Column - symbolizes a life cut short due to accident or other misadventure.
Torch - represents immortality and the idea of triumphant life.
Broken Chains - represents grief or links of love with a family.
Celtic Cross - traditional symbol and memorial found in most older Australian cemeteries.
Angels - symbolizes their role as guardians of the dead.
Clasped Hands - signify love, friendship and unity.
Significant Graves
Jessie Dickens
Jessie was the wife of Alfred Dickens, son of famous writer Charles Dickens. She died at the age of 29 on the December 14th 1878 after being thrown from a carriage when her horse bolted in Collins Street. She died later in hospital.
James Costigan
Believed to be the first burial in the cemetery. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and came to Australia on the bounty ship "Agostina" in 1841. He married Cecilia Dalton and they had three children together. Their daughter is buried with him.
Alexander Mackillop
Father of Blessed Mary Mackillop. Died at Victoria Hotel Hamilton on 19 December 1868. He died from a haemorrhage of the stomach. Born in the Scottish Highlands on January 21st 1812, Alexander migrated to Australia in 1838. He spent the last period of his life in Hamilton engaging in public speaking, church and civic life.
1. James Costigan
Born County Tipperary, Ireland. Labourer, died Hamilton, 1852. Believed to be first burial.
2. Alexander Mackillop
Father of blessed Mary Mackillop. Died at Victoria Hotel Hamilton 1868.
3. Military Graves
Four war heroes from World War II. Ramsay, Sheilds, and Von Alwyn served in the Royal Australian Air Force. Milton was in the Royal Australian Artillery. They died 1943 to 1944.
4. Gunga Singh
Indian hawker who died in 1901, aged 46. Was cremated and his ashes returned to India.
5. Learmonth Family
Well-known pioneer family in Hamilton and district. Some members of family took up cattle ranching in Mexico.
6. Alexander Learmonth
Important public figure in early Hamilton. First mayor of Borough of Hamilton, 1863.
7. Rizzo Memorial
Antonio Rizzo was a jeweller who died in 1920 and is commemorated by an attractive headstone and cameo made in Florence. Italy.
8. Twomey Family
Early settlers. Interesting ancient Celtic cross. Timothy died 9/7/1894.
9. Thomas & Elizabeth Cameron
Blacksmiths. Their ship "India" caught fire in the South Atlantic Ocean and they were rescued by a French whaler. Thomas died in 1884 and Elizabeth in 1889.
10. Skene Vault
Early pioneer family. Owned the property "Skene" in Strathkellar.
11. Thomas McKellar
Pastoralist. The McKellar Hospital Maternity Wing was named after him. Died 1900.
12. David Laidlaw
Early Hamilton Shopkeeper - Laidlaw's Store in Gray St - owned by same family from 1861 until 1952.
13. Rippon Family
Owned Hamilton Spectator from 1876. Today the family still have investments in the Spectator.
14. Cuthbert Featherstonhaugh
Police Magistrate from 1854 to January 1869. Died 1892. Born in Ireland, widely respected in Hamilton and district.
15. Thomas Hull
Officer in charge of the Hamilton Police Station from 1865 to 1868 when he was shot and killed by a mounted trooper, who was later executed for his crime.
16. Dr Lovel Byass
Pioneer doctor of the Western District having landed in Portland in 1837. Moved inland and mixed medicine with pastoral pursuits.
17. Jessie Dickens
Wife of Alfred Dickens, daughter-in-law of famous novelist Charles Dickens. She died at the age of 29, on December 14th 1878 after a carriage accident on Collin St.
18. Honourable Thomas Bromell M.L.C.
Large land owner at Hensley Park. He was President of the Dundas Shire Council from its formation in 1868 until 1874.
19. John Prendergast
Hamilton Police Magistrate of the Western District in 1860's. Played key role in establishment of Hamilton College.
20. Colonel Sir Arthur 0smand Williams
1st Baronet 1909 Knight of the Realm. He died in Hamilton in 1927.
Monumental Stone Masons whose work can be found in the cemetery
This guided walk was created by Green Corps.
Location
209 Coleraine Road, Hamilton 3300 Map
