The Haines Family

The Haines Family grave plot tells the saddest of stories. In most years the cemetery averages around 20-30 burials. In 1861 there were 62. In the 5 months from February to July, 23 infants and children alone were buried. Records indicate that Scarlet Fever, Influenza and Dipheria were to blame.

This grave shows three children aged 10, 4, and 2 died within 21 days. Two were buried on the same day. Unfortunately there are many other graves here that show similar stories. A testament to the reality of the hardship of the times.

By a twist of fate the father, Richard Haines (also buried here) was an original member of the Cemetery Trust, formed just 2 ½ years earlier. He could never have envisaged what lay ahead. It’s hard to imagine his state of mind.