Gravesite of German Workers

 Gravesite of German Workers is a small field containing the unmarked graves of 14 German railway workers who died of Cholera in 1854. It is located in on Harwood Rd in Harwood, just north of Cobourg. All left here is the plaque pictured above and below reminding us of these people who died here. I'm not sure the field behind the plaque is Potter's Feild, or where the actual graves are. Also, based on where the plaque is located, I'm assuming the field is private property, so please be respectful. I would love to know if the old wooden cross still remains standing somewhere in those trees.

 Gravesite of German Workers
in 1854, fourteen German immigrants who had been employed on the construction of the Cobourg and Peterborough Railway died of cholera on this property (lot 6, concession 8, Hamilton Township). They were buried in unmarked graves beside the nearby railway berm. In 1882, J.R. Barber, a one-time superintendent of the Railway, erected a wooden cross to mark the site. The inscription on the cross reads: "IN MEMORIAM fourteen GERMAN Labourers who DIED of CHOLERA 1854" and "Potter's Feild".
The sign was erected in 1987.

Harris Burial Ground

The first thing you should know if you are planning to visit Harris Burial Ground/Susanna Moodie Home is this-you can't. It's privately owned, and as far as I can tell, very far back on the property. The cemetery is supposed to be located in the hills just south of the creek, but further research shows that there are actually no markers left on the graves, rather just two boulders.

Checking Google Maps, which I do, I can see two things that look like boulders, but they appear to be west of the creek. But they could be something completely different. The only people who know now are the property owners.

Boltus Harris and family were the first settlers in this area, and this is the first cemetery in the area. It dates back to 1797. I also found an article dating back to 1994 regarding this cemetery, and it discusses how it has basically fallen into ruin and debates whether or not the graves should be made open to the public or relocated:
http://images.ourontario.ca/Partners/Cobourg/0000509491T.PDF

If you read this blog (based on the numbers, you don't), you know my feelings about moving graves. NO! Would it be cool to open this to the public? Sure, I'd love to see it. It's a great bit of local history. Also, I think the concern about the teenagers hanging out there is a little outdated and silly. Unless the graves have wifi, kids don't care. But I can understand not wanting to allow a bunch of people to go traipsing through your property too. Hard call. Maybe they could just let me see it. I'll take a picture and I totally promise to share it with you. Fair, right?

The view of the property from the road. I hope the new owners are taking care of the cemetery, they are apparently hard-core restoring the house to its original charm.
https://www.northumberlandnews.com/sports-story/3768166-a-writer-s-journey-to-her-home/

Vroomanton Cemetery

Vroomanton Cemetery is a small, pioneer/settler cemetery in the town of Vroomanton, in Brock Township. Vroomanton was once a farming community and was founded by Colonel James Vrooman, but it is currently considered a ghost town (which is awesome!). Colonel James Vrooman was granted free land (which is what became Vroomanton) due to his noble service during the War of 1812. His monument still stands in the cemetery today.

In Memory of the Late James Vrooman, who died Sept 4 1871. Aged 75 years.

All I can make out on this is the name Phebe Vrooman, but a little research tells me that this is one of his daughters, 1832-1858.

Jane wife og John Vrooman, who died March 9, 1838. Aged 38 years, 1 day. Also Adam Vrooman, her son. Died Sept 1842, aged 20years and 5 months. I'm not sure why they have spelled the names Vroman istead of Vrooman.

Again, too worn to read properly, but I can make out Samuel.

George Tree? And Willaim Darby, maybe?

In Memory of Elizabeth Parrish, died Sept 5, 1853.

I think this is June Oliver, aged 1 month.

Thomas Oliver, I'h guessing. Can't make much of the rest out.

The elements have had their way with this one, I wasn't able to make anything out.

Vroomanton Cemetery is located on the corner of Sideroad 17A and Concession Rd 7 in Sunderland/Brock township. If you are in the area, and you'd like to see some neat local history, drop by. The United Church that the cemetery is beside is the original church from the olden days, and you can find a few barns and a house from the active days of Vroomanton too! Remeber: Take only Photo's, leave only footprints!

Joseph Scriven Memorial

I had driven passed the Joseph Scriven Memorial many a time, and not realized that that is what it actually was. Why is it in the shape of a tombstone? I always assumed it was an old grave sitting on the edge of someone's property, no sign or anything marking this as a Memorial. And it's got a sign on the 401 stating that this memorial exists, so I expected it to be much bigger.

Joseph Scriven wrote the famous poem/hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". He was born in Ireland, but wrote the poem while living in Port Hope, and died in Port Hope too. He is buried in Pengelly's Cemetery (which I will cover eventually). This monument is just outside on the main area in the town of Bewdley.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

1. 
   
2. What a friend we have in Jesus,
   All our sins and griefs to bear!
   What a privilege to carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
   Oh, what needless pain we bear,
   All because we do not carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
3. Have we trials and temptations?
   Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful,
   Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows our every weakness;
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
4. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
   Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
   Take it to the Lord in prayer!
   In His arms, He’ll take and shield thee,
   Thou wilt find a solace there.
5. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
   Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
   May we ever, Lord, be bringing
   All to Thee in earnest prayer.
   Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
   There will be no need for prayer—
   Rapture, praise, and endless worship
   Will be our sweet portion there.