About Us
The Cobden Union Cemetery is a place of peace and remembrance nestled in the serene countryside of Cobden, Ontario. Our cemetery proudly serves members of the Anglican, Presbyterian, and United Churches, providing a final resting place that honors their faith and legacy.
Since 1891, our cemetery has offered a sacred space for the community. Three acres of land in Ross Township (now Whitewater Region) were purchased by the Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian denominations. It became a burial ground, uniting Protestants in their common belief in eternal rest. When the Methodist congregation joined the newly formed United Church of Canada in 1925, our cemetery continued to serve as a cherished symbol of unity and respect.
With a rich history spanning over a century, our cemetery holds a special place in the hearts of many. We have preserved a number of old stones that predate 1891, a testament to the enduring memories held within these hallowed grounds.
Step back to 1922, when the Cobden Sun newspaper first chronicled the valiant efforts of the Women’s Institute by Mrs. Walter Stitt, President, Mrs. Hugh Hill, Treasurer and Mrs. W.J. Connelly, Secretary. The Women’s Institute took on the project of cleaning up the cemetery which was littered with brush, weeds and fallen branches. A generous $100 donation was made by the Women’s Institute to hire a dedicated caretaker.
A committee of devoted church members, Mr. H.W. Fraser, mortician, Mr. Hugh Hill, Mr. James Childerhose, who were local farmers and Mr. W.J. Connelly, cattle drover, rallied together to establish a cemetery committee. Armed with axes and an unwavering spirit, they reshaped the landscape, one plow and harrow at a time. Mr. Richard Byers, the first caretaker, earned a modest wage of 25 cents per hour.
As time passed, Cobden Cemetery became a tapestry of memories. On Decoration Day, a pipe band was in attendance playing the timeless hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers”. Following the religious service, the tradition continued as the Women’s Institute served a supper in the Memorial Hall. Even today, on the last Sunday in June, the religious service tradition remains.
In 1958, a new chapter unfolded with the appointment of Mr. Stephen Childerhose as President of the Cemetery Committee. For nearly 30 years, he led the way, shaping the cemetery’s growth and ensuring its preservation. In the 1970’s, Mr. Sam Crozier dedicated countless hours to rejuvenating the cemetery’s landscape. With meticulous precision, he cleared fallen trees, extracted stubborn stumps, and leveled grave sites. His masterpiece was an intricately detailed map, painstakingly charting the location and ownership of every lot.
Yet, let us not forget the pioneers who came before us. In the early days, grave digging was a labor of love by relatives or neighbours of the deceased, dug by hand with picks, shovels and crowbars through snow and frozen ground. As the years progressed three generations of the Caswell family, Reuben, Osbourne, and Jamie performed this task.
In 1976 a vault was added to the cemetery under the supervision of James Huckabone, Elson Purcell, Mac McLaren, Stephen Childerhose, Hugh Hill, and Sam Crozier.
As the years unfolded, Cobden Cemetery expanded its horizons, acquiring additional land on multiple occasions.
In 1999, the cemetery board was comprised of James Huckabone, President, Mrs. Donald (Peggy) McLeod, Treasurer, and Wilfred Smith, Secretary. Church representatives included Jack McLaren, Douglas (Pat) Gemmill, George Somerville and Mansel Hill. Mr. Hill also carried out the duties of caretaker.
Today, Cobden Cemetery stands as a symbol of community spirit, a testament to the strength and determination of those who came before us. We embrace its rich heritage and are preserving this sacred sanctuary for generations yet to come.