As part of Auckland Libraries’ Family History Lunchtime Series I was able to hear Lyn Whelan speaking on ‘Stories on Stone'. This talk on monumental inscriptions provided a wealth of information about the purposes of the inscriptions, what can be found, and tips for using these in our family history research.



Reynolds Family grave, photographed by James D. Richardson Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-RIC284

Monumental inscriptions have the ability to tell as more about the lives of those they memorialise. For family historians the information to be found can range from names, relatives and dates, to unique historical events and clues to the history of the community. Clues are important; they may not provide us any answers but they can point us in the right direction, towards our next step or to new information on family we already knew about.

Inspired by Lyn’s talk I spent time looking into monumental inscriptions of my own family.

Using the Auckland Council page of cemetery databases as a starting point for those who I knew lived in Auckland proved fruitful, as did more specific searches for relatives where I knew the name of the cemetery.


Auckland Libraries has a wealth of information about cemeteries in Auckland, and further afield. Coming into one of our Research Centres opens the door to a wide range of resources and indexes of cemeteries, as well as the help of our knowledgeable staff when your search hits a wall.

My journey into discovering more about my relatives leads me to the next step of visiting their final resting places in Pukekohe. I am lucky enough to still live in Auckland where many of my relatives are buried. Those who would have to travel further afield may find that the wealth of headstone transcriptions and photos now online and in the library provide them with a similar experience. For everyone monumental inscriptions provide us with the ability to use the information we find as the next clues for discovering more about our families and the world they lived in.



The Close Family, photographed by James D. Richardson, 1890-1899 Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-RIC334

Monumental inscriptions for Symonds St Cemetery can be found in our Family History eResources and Databases.


Some photographs of headstones can be found in our Heritage Images database, and there are other photographs that haven't been digitised yet, that can be ordered from Sir George Grey Special Collections.



Central Auckland Research Centre has a large number of monumental inscription and tombstone transcription books available for a wide range of countries.

For those that missed out on Lyn’s talk, or who want to look further, can also find videos of a number of talks that took place during New Zealand Cemeteries' Heritage Week on our website.


Be sure to come along to the Family History Lunchtime Series for 2016 at Central City Library: more information about the talks and booking your place can be found at the link.


Happy researching

Laura



Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19150218-47-1 A WAYSIDE CROSS AS THEIR TOMBSTONE: RUSSIANS FALLEN ON AN EASTERN BATTLEFIELD WAITING BURIAL



The East Coast Bays Cenotaph

Anzac Day for me, means Anzac Day services and family time. A time of commemoration of the fallen, and for those who may not have fallen but who's lives were altered completely by war. Its a time of paying respects and thanksgiving.

Every year there seems to be more people turn out for the services.

We went to the Civic Service at East Coast Bays. There was a huge turnout, especially of children from schools and youth/community groups - highlight was the speeches by two prefers from Long Bay College.

Standing in this beautiful location, under the pines, looking out towards the Cenotaph and beyond it the beach and the sea, the peace of the location added to the poignancy and atmosphere of the service. The Coastguard boat and crew even attended, moored just off the beach and still within earshot.

After the service, our family lunched with friends at our local RSA.

We always have a great response each year from the blogging community for our Blog Challenge. This year has been no exception.

We've been blessed with well-researched, well-written blog entries from New Zealand, Australia, England, and Iceland!

Bloggers have used letters, diaries and newspapers, as well as the other traditional resources.

Roll of Honour

Reflection of what Anzac Day means to one family
http://themadnessofhamsters.blogspot.co.nz/2013/03/anzac-day-memories.html

2nd Lt Hugh Lindsay PATTON (NZEF), d 27 Aug 1918, Bapaume, France
http://genealogy-new-zealand.blogspot.co.nz/2013/03/ww1-soldier-hugh-lyndsay-patton-123121.html

Allan (Jack) ELLIS, returned serviceman, WWI AIF
http://anglersrest.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/2013-trans-tasman-anzac-day-blog.html

Cpl Alexander Joseph McDONALD, d 25 April 1915, Gallipoli
http://familystoriesphotographsandmemories.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/military-monday-2013-trans-tasman-anzac.html
and
http://familystoriesphotographsandmemories.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/amanuensis-monday-letter-from-major.html

Pte George FORSYTH, d 9 August 1916, Pozières
http://ancestorchaser.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/private-george-forsyth/

Frederick Andrew NELSON, returned serviceman, WWI AIF
Henry Oscar NELSON, d 20 July 1916, Fromelles
http://rydegoestowar.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/our-anzac-family-nelson-brothers-of.html

Pte John Bertrand CHATFIELD, missing 3 May 1917, later declared dead
http://geniaus.blogspot.com/2013/04/anzac-day-blog-challenge-kintalk.html

Pte James Daniel BOOTHER (BEF), d 23 September 1915, the Marne, France
http://huntingancestors.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/in-memory-of-private-james-daniel.html

Fred MORRIS, d February 1915,  France
Leonard MORRIS, d 1916, the Somme
Ethel FROST and son Leonard, (civilians), d 14 November 1940, air raid, Coventry, England
http://conversationswithgrandma.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/the-power-of-provenance/

Cpl Margery GREENFIELD, d 7 October 1945, Rennes, France
http://corrinne-kiwicolleen.blogspot.com.au/

Denis Patrick FINN, returned serviceman WWI AIF
Robert FINN, returned serviceman WWI AIF
John FINN, returned serviceman WWI AIF
http://www.shaunahicks.com.au/world-war-one-the-brothers-finn/

Ernest James HAMBLIN, d 14 October 1917, Battle of Broodseinde, Flanders
http://halfmuffled.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/ernest-james-hamblin-the-anzac-connection/

Sgt Peter M GAFFANEY (NZRB), 5 April 1918, Mailly-Maillet, France
http://blog.iwikiwi.com/2013/04/for-acts-of-gallantry-in-the-field-sgt-p-m-gaffaney-m-m/

Indigenous Australians at war
http://troppont.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/v-is-for-our-valiant-indigenous-anzacs/

2nd Lieut Percival Richard COUTTS (AIF), returned serviceman
Sgt Arthur Theodore COUTTS (AIF), d 30 November 1917, Flanders
Leo William COUTTS (AIF), returned serviceman
http://vickitheviking.blogspot.co.nz/2013/04/war-does-not-determine-who-is-right.html

LCpl Leslie Herbert COOMBRIDGE (AIF), returned serviceman
http://mywdfamilies.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/from-six-bob-tourist-to-souvenir/

Also you are welcome to re-read ANZAC Day Blog Challenge Review 2012 and the 2011 Review of the TransTasman Anzac Day Blog Challenge.

Thank you to all who contributed your stories. Thanks also to those who read these blogs.

Remember also in the lead up to the centenary commemorations, that you can contribute your New Zealand stories to New Zealand's WW100, and your Australian and New Zealand stories to Inside History and FindMyPast's Memory Bank, to help preserve your families' memories of WWI.

Kind regards

SEONAID

Heritage Images database Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-RIC256

Showing the grave and tombstone of Eliza Anne Larkins and John Russell Larkins in St Mark's Cemetery, Remuera.

The inscription reads:

In loving memory of Eliza Anne the beloved wife of Frederick Larkins of this parish who fell asleep in Jesus September 14 1885. Until the day break and the shadows flee away.

Also of John Russell Larkin beloved and only son of Frederick and Eliza Anne Larkins who died May 31st 1886 aged 20 years.

'Thou gavest him a long life even for ever and ever'

Heritage Images database  'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-RIC282'

Showing the grave and tombstone of Edward Rickerby in Symonds Street Cemetery.

The tombstone reads:

In memory of Edward Rickerby who died at New Plymouth 23rd Jan 1897 aged 61 years.

Mark the perfect man and behold him upright, for the end of that man is peace

Heritage Images database 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-RIC278'

Looking from the church yard towards the apse of St John's Theological College Chapel, showing the grave and tombstone of Charles William Selwyn.

The inscription reads:

In memory of Charles William Selwyn, late Captain Royal Horse Guards and MP for Wisbech. Born 7th March 1858 died 1st March 1893.

'What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter'

Heritage Images database 'Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-RIC277'

Showing the grave and tombstone of Johanna Stone, John Thomas Stone, Philip Henry Hackett, and Henry John Hackett in Symonds Street Cemetery.

The inscriptions read:

In affectionate remembrance of our loving mother Johanna Stone who died August 25th 1889 aged 60 years.

Also in the glory of our beloved father John Thomas Stone who died March 12th 187? aged 43 years. (The rest of this inscription is obscured.)

Sacred to the memory of Philip Henry Hackett native County Tipperary Ireland who departed this life 24th February 1877 aged 34 years. Erected by his beloved wife.

Also of Henry John Hackett infant son of the above who departed this life 13th March 1873 aged 1 year and 6 months.

May their souls rest in peace

Heritage Images database Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-RIC276

Showing the grave and tombstone of Charles Sutton and Ann Jackson in St Mark's Cemetery, Remuera.

The inscription reads:

In loving memory of Charles Sutton died 12th August 1896 aged 66 years.

The Lord gave and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Ann Jackson died 6th June 1877 aged 78. Not thy will, but thine be done

Heritage Images database Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-RIC273

Showing the grave and tombstone of Helena Williams at St Matthias' Church, Panmure.

The inscription reads:

Sacred to the memory of Helena dearly beloved wife of William Perkin Williams and eldest beloved daughter of Alfred and Sarah Pollard died 12th March 1890 aged 21 years.

Not lost but gone before.

Heritage Images database Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-RIC265

Showing the grave and tombstone of Michael Gallagher in Symonds Street Cemetery.

The inscription reads:

In affectionate remembrance of Michael Gallagher who died May 26 1894 aged 38 years.

Erected by his widow, H K Gallagher.

In charity with all men.

The grave and headstone of his mother Mary Gallagher is partly visible to the left.

Heritage Images database Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-RIC261

Showing the graves and tombstones of Joseph Bennet Goold, Isaac Gwynne and Sarah Gwynne in St Mark's Cemetery, Remuera.

The inscriptions read:

'Jesus Christ tasted death for every man'.

In loving memory of Joseph Isaac Goold of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England, who died November 25th 1890 aged 27 years.

Sacred to the memory of Isaac Gwynne, who departed this life 7th July 1880 aged 35 years. Requiescat in peace.

Also his beloved wife, Sarah Gwynne, who departed this life December 6th 1893 aged 45 years.

The grave and tombstone of James Sutton is also partly visible to the left.

Heritage Images database Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-RIC257

Showing the grave and tombstone of Philip James Kunst, Helena Kunst, Charles Albert Kunst and Mary Ann Kunst in the Symonds Street Cemetery.

The inscription reads:

Sacred to the memory of Philip James Kunst, printer of the city who died August 9 1884 aged 78 years, Helena his wife August 30 1894 aged 68 years, Charles Albert Kunst died July 16 1895 aged 43 years, Mary Ann Kunst died June 12 1855 aged 9 months



Image from StonePics website



The Central Auckland Research Centre has a brand new collection of 60 CD-Roms from StonePics who have been photographing cemeteries and headstones of The Czech Republic since 2003. This collection, Cemeteries of the Czech Republic contains over 81,000 names on a searchable database, many also important to German genealogy research.

Three CD-Roms contain records from Prague’s Vysehrad National Cemetery which was established in the 15th century next to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. Many famous Czechs have been laid to rest there including Antonin Dvorak, Bedrich Smetana, Jan Neruda and Karel and Jozef Čapek.

A further 57 CD-Roms record headstones from Prague’s Olsanske Cemetery. This large complex of cemeteries includes Jewish and Orthodox cemeteries and graves of soldiers killed in both WWI and WWII. Olsanske Cemetery covers fifty hectares and according to some estimates, two million people have been buried there.

This is an amazing welcome addition to our family history collection.


LR