Follow the trail to discover the hidden history of this fascinating site.
With the help of independent historian Stephen Callaghan, we are uncovering stories and information about the people buried in the cemetery or with headstones erected in their memory. We are also looking into the various stonecutters who worked in the local area in the 1800's.
One of notable headstones was erected by a Captain of the Auckland Volunteer Rifles in memory of his mother and siblings. Captain Michael Keiley appears in the Daily Southern Cross newspaper in New Zealand on 15 May 1860 listed as "Lieut, Michael Keiley, to be Captain". He next appears in the Otago Witness newspaper on 8 September 1860 at the Opening of the General Assembly of New Zealand where he commanded the Guard of Honour. It is worth noting that, although the inscription on the headstone is dated 1831, it was likely erected many years later after Keiley became a Captain.
