Page 8 - Dictionary of Heraldry and Related Subjects

representative is the wife of Charles Armstrong; also a Gordon Barkley family.
Having mentioned the Ben Watson farm earlier in these memories I would make a further few
remarks before leaving this piece of history. The Watson families had settled in an almost unbroken
line fiom Hammond to near Leonard with their relatives (Kinsellas and Hunters and Tom Young on
the John Watson farm now). I seem to have heard that a Watson was on the farm now owned by
Albert Lavigne, Maderie Payant on the Robert Watson farm, Belanger on the Tom Watson place, Roy
on a Hunter farm, Birch's on the Joe Watson place and George Watson on the Ben Watson place. I
understand they were adherents of the Church of Ireland or Anglican originally, but some of them
atte:nded and supported the United (Church) at Hammond, probably for convenience or through
marriage or possibly conviction.
Seeing that the two railroads gave a lot of employment, it often meant moving for their
employees, so there were many others who lived at Hammond for short periods.
The Cooper family had been among the earlier settlers and when the Kinnaird family moved
wetit the Coopers bought their farm and were among the first users of the cemetery. They moved
away in 1961 and the Cardiff family (left) in 1965, leaving hardly anyone who had been connected
to the church and cemetery able to carry on. Arthur Miller was appointed a Trustee and Cecil Young,
Secretary Treasurer, along with Cliord Cardzand Charles Armstrong. Both Arthur Miller and Cecil
Yo~~ng Anglicans but this was the most suitable arrangement under the circumstances. All those
are
interested in the cemetery who it was possible to consult felt it was left in good hands and expressed
their appreciation of their friendly gesture.
As this is not a detailed history of the place and people, but only some memories, I realize
how much room there is for criticism, like the lack of dates or if quotations may be wrong as I have
not checked any records. I ask the reader to make allowances for the fact that I am not a historian,
so 'do not get everything down consecutively.
It may seem strange to the reader not to have mentioned the Public School in the North Indian
area but I would explain that by remarking that a teacher, Miss Dorothy Watson, had composed a
shcirt history of (the school) and different copies of it have been made and are in some of the school
records.
It might be possible, but not probable, that another movement of population might take place
anti once again the area be peopled by English-speaking and a Protestant majority, but unless (this
occurred) eventually the cemetery must gradually fall into disuse. When that time comes, I suggest
that the Board then in control try to interest a Historical Society to have it as one of their projects,
or else the Women's Institute take over, a local branch or a county branch. Failing anything like that,
I ~lould suggest grouping the tombstones in a circle or square in the centre of the lot with a fence
arclund them but with a plaque or stone or even a written record of the names for which there are no
tornbstones.
In conclusion I hope that the present Board may be able to carry on for many years, and if one
member should pass away, they will be able to name a replacement.
(Written by J.F. Cooper in 1965, who died on May 13, 1973 at the age of 90. His wife Carrie Cardiff
died Dec. 30, 1977 at age 75. Edited by Dolly Allen, February 1992.)