History of the Old Dubbo Cemetery
Dubbo was proclaimed a village in 1849, a town in 1872 and officially became a City in 1966. The Old Dubbo Cemetery opened in 1863. It is located to the west of St Mary’s Primary School, bounded by Cobbora Road, Barden Avenue and Myall Street. Entry is via both Cobbora Road and Myall Street with the gates opening from sunrise to sunset every day. Foot access from Barden St. Ashes may be interred with burial sites, however permission from the family is required.
In 1967, Council successfully negotiated with the Crown Lands Department to cease cemetery activities at this site and to create a New Dubbo Lawn Cemetery on Cobbora Road. This decision was made on the basis that the Dubbo residential area was expanding to the east and that the land would be more appropriately used for the urban expansion rather than as a cemetery.
One of the additional problems encountered at the Old Dubbo Cemetery was the presence of rock bands, which made digging graves very difficult and at times impossible. This was another reason for the cessation of the cemetery and the creation of the New Dubbo Cemetery. Only people with prior reservations have been buried in the Old Dubbo Cemetery since 1967.
Prior to 9 November 1962, the Cemetery was controlled by the various religious denominations and includes the following sections:
· R1 Presbyterian/Methodist
· R2 Church of England
· R3A Roman Catholic
· R3B Roman Catholic
· R4A Presbyterian
· R4B General
· L1 Presbyterian
· L2A Church of England
· L2B Church of England
· L2C Church of England
· L3A Roman Catholic
· L3B Roman Catholic
· L4A Methodist
· L4B Roman Catholic
Unfortunately, the records of burials at the Cemetery are incomplete with some records lost or destroyed prior to Council’s trusteeship. The loss of records makes it difficult to trace lost friends or relatives (1).
Lavinia Gilroy 1876-1879 and her sister Sylvia Gilroy 1882-1883
“In loving memory of Lavinia Ann only child of Francis and Mary Ann Gilroy who departed this life Feb 6 1879 aged 11 months. Also Sylvia Mary Gilroy died 2nd July 1883 aged 8 months”. Their lives were a blessing lent, (indecipherable) away, their heavenly father for them sent, they could no longer stay, may our little darlings meet upon that happy shore, where every sorrow we forget, the (indecipherable) will not (indecipherable) no more”.
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| Lavinia and Sylvia Gilroy |
Francis Gilroy 1814-1884
Francis Gilroy’s grave is not far from the graves of his grandchildren Lavinia and Sylvia. The top of the headstone has broken and fallen to the ground.
"Francis 1881 70y 2m.. indecipherable"
"Dearest father how we miss you, none but loving hearts can tell, earth has lost thee, heaven has found thee, dearest Father fare thee well"
An old resident of Dubbo, named Francis Gilroy, 75 years of age, was buried on Sunday in the Dubbo Cemetery. The deceased had been ill a long time (11).
Anne Gilroy nee Kairns 1824-1892
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| Plaque on the Wall of Memories Anne Gilroy (14) |
Dubbo Historical Society - We do have a publication of headstones in the Pioneer Cemetery and Old Dubbo Cemetery and Francis Gilroy is included in that publication but Anne's name unfortunately is not included. Our Society also holds copies of the Dubbo City Council Interment Registers, the majority commencing from about 1893 (Catholic from 1899, Church of England from 1893). I note that Anne died in 1892, so sadly we are unable to confirm the burial site for Anne (13).
My dearly beloved wife, died Feb 16th 1903, aged 59 years.
"We miss thee from our home dear Mother
We miss thee from thy place
A shadow o'er our life is cast
We miss the sunshine of thy face”
Erected by sorrowing husband and children
Death of Mrs G. Buck. We regret to report in this issue the death of Mrs G Buck, sen., of Rosehill, Dubbo – one of our oldest and most respected residents. Mrs Buck had been for some months in feeble health and her illness recently took on a hopeless character. She was a native of Windsor (NSW) and in her 59th year. She leaves a large family including several married sons and daughters who have themselves made homes in the district (6).
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| Mary Buck |
Rose Keighran 1877-1912
After several years of suffering, two years of which she was a confirmed invalid, Miss Rose Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Keighran, passed away peacefully last night. Since her case was diagnosed as incurable the unfortunate young woman bore up with the utmost of fortitude, declaring that she would fight against death, but, alas, the dreadful complaint from which she suffered gradually gnawed away her constitution. At the age of 9 years Miss Keighran was butted by a cow, as a result of which a cancerous growth took root on one of her breasts. For several years she was treated for another complaint; although the parents spared not patience or money in procuring the advice of the best medical authorities, it was not considered necessary to operate on her till two years ago, when the breast was removed. Though unable to move about her home without assistance, deceased was ever of a cheerful nature, and took a live interest in all current topics. She was 35 years of age. The remains will be interred at 4 p.m. to day. We extend our deepest sympathy to the bereft parents and relatives (10).
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| Rose Keighran |
George Buck 1835-1913
George’s Buck’s grave is next to that of his wife Mary Gilroy 1942-1903.
“May his soul rest in peace”
Inserted by his loving sons and daughters
Another honored pioneer of the western district, Mr. George Buck, succumbed to heat apoplexy on Friday last, at the age of 70 years. He had only a brief illness, and death was rather attributable to old age than to the heat. For very many years he had resided at 'Rosehill' farm, near Dubbo, and was well respected. He travelled west with teams, before the railway was extended as far as Bathurst. His wife predeceased him some years ago but he is survived by a grown-up family, most of whom are married and settled in this district. On Sunday the funeral took place, and was largely attended. The body was interred in the Catholic section of the Dubbo cemetery, alongside the remains of the late Mrs. Buck. The Rev. Father O'Dea officiated at the graveside, - and Mr. J, Tighe had charge of the mortuary arrangements (5).
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| George Buck |
My dear wife and our dear mother
“Long days and nights she bore the pain.
To wait for cure was all in vain
But God alone who thought it best
Did ease her pain and give her rest”
Inserted by her loving husband sons and daughters
MRS. SALTER. After a long and painful illness, which she bore with a Christian fortitude that was admirable and spiritualising, Mrs. Elizabeth Anne Salter, wife of Mr. Wallace Salter, of Carrington Avenue, Dubbo, passed away on Saturday last, at the age of 54 yours. Deceased was born in Dubbo, and here, with the exception of holidays spent else-where, she had lived all her life. There are many who remember her as a school-girl, a gleeful, happy child; as a young woman, of vivacious temperament and the happiest of dispositions, one who was sincere, honest, truthful, benevolent, and possessed all of the kindred virtues. Her married life was supremely happy. The marital, parental and filial affections were the strongest and this first great severance will be a severe assault on the long happiness of the Salter family. The funeral procession on Sunday was one of the longest soon in Dubbo. Many of those who attended travelled long distances to bear testimony of their sympathy with the bereaved family, and to pay their tributes of respect to the memory of one who, as a mother, was the angel spirit of the home, who, as a wife spread around the threshold the flowers of existence, - Many beautiful floral tributes of affection were laid on the casket, and solemn and sympathetic indeed was the mien of all who stood around the graveside as the Rector conducted the beautiful service of the Church of England. Mr J R Tighe made the arrangements. There are four sons — Alfred George, a soldier still in Europe, Cecil James, Charles Frederick, and Mervyn Wallace, all of this district. Mrs Lesslie (Eumungerie), and Misses Elsie, Ada and Gladys Salter of Dubbo, are daughters (4).
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| Elizabeth Salter |
George Keighran 1851-1919
George is the husband of Anne Gilroy, Mary’s sister. He was laid to rest in the same grave as his daughter, Rose, who died seven years earlier.
The death occurred at his late residence Church-street, on Saturday morning, of George Leander Keighran, at the age of 68½ years. Deceased, whose health had been failing for some time, only took to his bed about a week before his death. He had resided in Dubbo for close on half a century and was highly respected by all with whom he came in contact. Deceased was a saddler by trade, but for a considerable time he had been engaged as auctioneer in Dubbo, and represented a sewing machine company at Bourke for a time. About 44 years ago he joined Loyal Sir Hercules Lodge M.U,I.O.O.F., and was one of the oldest members of the Order in the Dubbo District. The remains were laid to rest in the Catholic portion of the local cemetery on Sunday afternoon the funeral being a large and representative one. Several members of the Oddfellows' Lodge marched in the procession. The pallbearers were four Past Grands of the local lodge viz., Bros. S. J. Stroud, W. Edds. J. T. Logue and H. Kingston. The Rev. Father Kelly read the burial service, and Mr. J. R. Tighe carried out the funeral arrangements. Deceased leaves a widow (nee Miss Gilroy), and two daughters (Mrs. A. B. Perrin, Cobar and Miss Alma Keighran, Dubbo) to mourn their loss and these have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their bereavement (8). One daughter died about five years ago (9)
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| George Keighran and daughter Rose |
Wallace Salter 1862-1922
Wallace Salter’s grave is between that of his wife, Elizabeth Buck 1864-1918, and brother, Charles Salter 1854-1947.
“Our Dear Father, peacefully sleeping resting at last
life's weary troubles and suffering all past. “
Inserted by his loving children
The death occurred on Tuesday last in a private hospital in Dubbo of Mr. Wallace Salter, at the age of 59 years. The deceased gentleman was well-known in the Dubbo district, having resided here for the greater part of his life. He carried on farming pursuits at "Mountain View,'' near Eumungerie, and was always looked upon as a man of his word. He was born at Corowa. The late Mr. Salter was twice married, and is survived by a widow and family of four sons and three daughters. His first wife pre-deceased him about four years ago. Two brothers of the deceased, Messrs. C. J. and R. Salter, residents of the district, also survive him Mr. Salter had been suffering for some time, and recently he underwent an operation, from which he never fully rallied. The remains were laid to rest in the Church of England portion of the local cemetery on Wednesday afternoon. Prior to the funeral a short service was held at Holy Trinity Church. The cortege was the largest seen in Dubbo for many years. The Rev. C W. Leavers conducted the burial service, and Mr. J. R. Tighe had charge of the mortuary arrangements (2).
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| Wallace Salter |
Death of Mr Wallace Salter - A well known and popular personality in the west for about half a century passed away in a private hospital in Dubbo on Tuesday afternoon— Mr. Wallace Alfred Salter, who was in his sixtieth year. Mr. Salter was born at Corowa, but as a boy came to Dubbo with his parents, and the family home was at Warrie Flat. That family has now become a very numerous one in this district, and all are shining examples of the success that lies within the reach of all who apply themselves with industry to the work in which they may be engaged in this land of opportunity. The deceased was twice married, his second wife surviving him. There is an excellent family of three sons and four daughters, all of whom are helping the Dubbo district to achieve its destiny. Mr. Salter was a man of many parts, in common parlance, he could turn his hand to almost anything, and do it well. He was noted for his tireless industry, and it might be said of him, that, though he had been two months in the hospital, after a serious operation, he died in harness, for he worked right up to the time he was compelled by wracking pain to seek medical advice. His death is a loss to the district, and it deeply deplored by his largo circle of relations and hosts of close friends. He was just such a man as won friendships wherever he was. His cheerfulness was proverbial. He was noted for his happy disposition. Though he liked company, he preferred to enjoy it at his home, where every happiness reigned, and where hospitality was dispensed on a lavish scale. He was a man who had made good comparatively early in life, notwithstanding that he had to contend against more opposing natural conditions than have to be confronted by the men on the land at present. And having made good, he came to Dubbo to live and take a rest, but the call of his rural surroundings at Mountain View, where he lived and worked for some years, was irresistible. The town or city life had no allurements for him. Were there many more of his type there would be no wail heard about the drift to the city and the abandonment of production. The song of the birds, the purling of the brooks, the lowing of the cattle, and the soughing of the wind in the arcadias were the sweetest music to his soul, and the most pleasing sights were the productions of his fields, the resplendent glories of a bounteous spring. Proud of the results of his labor on his farm when the seasons were auspicious, nothing was so lovely to him as his cultivated fields, where large increase had blessed the fruitful plain, and he with joy beheld the swelling grain, whose heavy ears, to-wards the earth reclined, waved and trembled in the whisking wind. The funeral was one of the largest witnessed in Dubbo for a long time. Almost everyone in Eumungerie came to Dubbo to show their sympathy with the bereaved one, and to pay a tribute to the character of a very worthy man. Mr. J. R. Tighe had charge of the arrangements, and before the hearse marched a number of his brethren of the Lodge Talbragar (I.O.O.F.). The service at the graveside and at Holy Trinity, were conducted by the Rector, Rev. C. W. Leavers, and Brother H. Howard read the service of the Order to which the deceased belonged.
Francis Buck 1869-1931
Francis is buried next to his mother Mary and father George Buck. His uncle, George Keighran is the grave alongside.
After an illness of about two months, Francis William Buck passed to his rest last night at the Dubbo District Hospital. Deceased, who was 62 years of age, was a native of Dubbo, and laid resided in the district the whole of his life-time. In 1912 he left Dubbo and went to the Eumungerie district, where he carried on farming until he was seized with the illness which caused his death. Frank Buck was widely known and had the respect of everyone; he interested himself in all matters for the advancement of the town and district. A faithful husband and loving parent, he leaves a widow and six children —three sons and three daughters — to mourn his loss. The sons are Frank, Keith and Harold (Eumungerie), the daughters, Mrs. Hendry (Coboco), Nurse Buck (Bourke), and Miss Rita Buck (Eumungerie). He is also survived by four brothers— George, Daniel and Edward (Dubbo) and Patrick (Armatree), and three sisters, Mesdames Frazer, Vintini (Sydney), and Miller (Collie). The members of the family have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their bereavement. The funeral will take place to-morrow (Wednesday) morning, at 10 o'clock. After a service at St. Brigid's Catholic Church, the remains will be laid to rest in the Catholic portion of the Dubbo cemetery. Shakespeares will conduct the funeral (7).
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| Francis Buck |
Charles Salter 1854-1947
Charles has no headstone. He is buried next to his brother Wallace. Once there was a foot name that matched his brother and sister-in-law’s.
The death occurred on Tuesday of a very old and well-respected resident of Dubbo district in the person of Mr. Charles James Salter, aged 97 years. Deceased who had been engaged in pastoral pursuits at Jones Creek, had lived in Dubbo for many years. Mrs. Salter predeceased him some years ago. Members of the family left to mourn his loss are Chares, (Leeton), Vaughan and Milton, (Jones Creek, Arthur, (Sydney), Margaret (Mrs. G. H. Roberts, Dubbo) Grace A. (Mrs. Turner North Sydney) and Emily Maud (Mrs. Adams, Toronto). After a short service at the Church of England conducted by the Rev. Canon Leavers the funeral moved off on Wednesday afternoon for Dubbo cemetery. Messrs. W. Larcombe and Son had charge of funeral arrangements (3).
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| Charles Salter with brother Wallace and sister in law Elizabeth |
More images of these graves in Old Dubbo Cemetery can be found at
https://francisgilroy.blogspot.com/p/complete.html
Sources
1. Old Dubbo Cemetery . Australian Cemeteries Index. [Online] 2017. <https://austcemindex.com/cemetery?cemid=1389>.
2. "LOCAL AND GENERAL" The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate (NSW : 1894 - 1954) 28 April 1922: 4. Web. 14 Apr 2017. [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76897808>.
3. "OBITUARY" The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate (NSW : 1894 - 1954) 25 September 1947: 6. Web. 14 Apr 2017. [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132609242>.
4. "MRS. SALTER." Dubbo Dispatch and Wellington Independent (NSW : 1887 - 1932) 3 January 1919: 5. Web. 14 Apr 2017 . [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228190227>.
5. "GEORGE BUCK." Dubbo Dispatch and Wellington Independent (NSW : 1887 - 1932) 9 December 1913: 4. Web. 14 Apr 2017. [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226981066>.
6. "DEATH OF MRS. G. BUCK." Dubbo Dispatch and Wellington Independent (NSW : 1887 - 1932) 18 February 1903: 3. Web. 14 Apr 2017. [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226970888>.
7. "FRANCIS WILLIAM BUCK" The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate (NSW : 1894 - 1954) 10 November 1931: 1. Web. 15 Apr 2017. [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132211336>.
8. "OBITUARY." Dubbo Dispatch and Wellington Independent (NSW : 1887 - 1932) 23 September 1919: 1. Web. 15 Apr 2017. [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228356443>.
9. "OBITUARY." Dubbo Dispatch and Wellington Independent (NSW : 1887 - 1932) 23 September 1919: 1. Web. 15 Apr 2017 . [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228356443>.
10. "DEATH OF MISS KEIGHRAN." Dubbo Dispatch and Wellington Independent (NSW : 1887 - 1932) 4 October 1912: 4. Web. 15 Apr 2017. [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226985667>.
11. "Dubbo News." Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) 4 June 1884: 6. Web. 15 Apr 2017. [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107268779>.
12. "DEATH OF AN OLD RESIDENT." Dubbo Dispatch and Wellington Independent (NSW : 1887 - 1932) 22 April 1892: 4. Web. 15 Apr 2017. [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226757752>.
13. Email Correspondence. Dubbo Family History. [Online] 5th December 2016. <info@dubbofamilyhistory.org.au>. <www.dubbofamilyhistory.org.au> .
14. Donated Plaque by Suzanne Nagel. Wall of Memories. Dubbo, NSW, Australia : Dubbo City Council, 2016. <https://www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/forms/wall-of-memories-old-dubbo-cemetery>
15. "Death." Dubbo Dispatch and Wellington Independent (NSW : 1887 - 1932) 12 December 1906: 3. Web. 14 Apr 2017. [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228333807>.
16. "The Dubbo Liberal AND MACQUARIE ADVOCATE." The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate (NSW : 1894 - 1954) 23 September 1919: 2. Web. 15 Apr 2017. [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75638029>.
17. "DEATH OF MISS KEIGHRAN." Dubbo Dispatch and Wellington Independent (NSW : 1887 - 1932) 4 October 1912: 4. Web. 15 Apr 2017. [Online] <https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226985667>.
18. NSW Australia 1840, Assisted Immigrant Passenger Lists 1828-1896. Ancestry. [Online]
19. Lingard, Aileen and document, original, [ed.]. NSW Death Transcription, copy. 1892. 1892/4925.
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