James Mahon Rogers - Robert Thornbury - Windermere, BC
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member T0SHEA
N 50° 28.037 W 115° 59.643
11U E 571391 N 5591070
A very unusual double tragedy provided the first two burials in the Windermere Cemetery.
Waymark Code: WMVHW9
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 04/23/2017
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member MountainWoods
Views: 2

The cemetery, on the eastern shore of Windermere Lake, was established in 1886 on 5½ acres of donated land at a place known as Windermere Point. In that year an unfortunate soul by the name of James Mahon Rogers was killed when a wagon load of lumber somehow managed to fall on him, killing him. It fell upon a man named Robert Thornbury to dig the grave, which he accomplished then started home on his trusty steed. Somewhere along the road home he was thrown from his horse and managed to break his neck, killing him.

A double funeral was held and the two became the first to be buried in the new cemetery. Simple wooden markers served as headstones for the two, deteriorating to nothing over the years. Recently a new bronze plaque was placed at the site, now serving as the headstone for the two and briefly relating the tale of the luckless duo.

Photo goes Here

R.L.T. Galbraith, owner of the town-site of Windermere, donated 5 1/2 acres on Windermere point to be used as a cemetery for the people of the Valley. The first burial took place in 1886 when a double tragedy occurred. James Mahon Rogers was killed when a wagon load of lumber fell on him. Robert Thornbury was digging the grave and on his way home afterward, was thrown from his horse and suffered a broken neck. A double funeral was held. The cemetery was managed from the town-site office.
From the Windermere Valley Museum
Type of Death Listed: Accident

Cause of death inscription on headstone: Thrown from horse

Website (if available): [Web Link]

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