This first photograph was taken not long after the funeral of Mrs Margaret Williams, and as you will see, it is one of the first graves in the Presbyterian Section of the Kalgoorlie Cemetery. Sadly the grave has not survived very well. The grave surrounds have sunk and the headstone has snapped off and is lying on top of the grave.
Margaret Williams, who died on the 8th May 1924.
The following article appeared in the West Australian 13th May 1924:-
WILLIAMS.— On May 8 at Kalgoorlie, at
Grave of Margaret Williams 1924 Kalgoorlie Cemetery
WILLIAMS.— On May 8 at Kalgoorlie, at the residence of her adopted daughter, Mrs. Cyril Donaldson, Margaret Williams, relict of the late John Williams, of Happy Valley, Bendigo, Victoria and fond mother of Mrs. Salter, Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Bunker, Bessie, Edward, Thomas, Williams.
Aged 80 years – Melbourne and Bendigo papers please copy.
Margaret Williams – Kalgoorlie Cemetery 2019
Moya Sharp
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This grave is almost identical to the one my wife’s great uncle, William Smith, was buried in at the Bardoc Cemetery in 1916. He left Rosedale, Victoria, in 1895 for the goldfields and around 1900 became the licensee of the Bardoc Hotel by marrying Mary Dudley the widow of the previous licensee, Lionel Dudley.
I just wanted to thank you for all the time that you put in for the newsletter.
Dear Sue
Thank you so much for your kind comments, they are very much appreciated ! (:
Margaret Williams Kalgoorlie Cemetery Today!
Can the Kalgoorlie Government assist in restoring the Past Graves instead of leaving them as shown on the Photo?
I enjoy reading your stories, Moya Sharp!
Hi Margaret I totally agree with you but unfortunately the graves are considered the property of the family usually for 25yrs then it reverts to the governing body which is more often than not a local government council. I have never know any council to be willing to restore even some historically significant grave. It is indeed sad to see these graves disintegrate. However taking photos such as these is one way to preserve them if in image form only.
It is so sad to see the neglect, its just a shame there is not some sort of group that can maintain cemetery,s. Apart from families maintaining there own family sites