I hope someone can help me with the history of the Wilson Hill Pioneer Cemetery south of Cookstown, and help me find other sources to pursue, regarding the death of Henry and Elizabeth Mooney. When did the first burials take place in the cemetery? What denominations used this cemetery? Who provided the stones and did the engraving? My ancestor was Henry Mooney and his wife Elizabeth. I have photographed their monument. The inscriptions are very well preserved, since the stone was tilted forward on about a 45 degree angle, protecting it from the elements. The inscription reads: On the top: Elizabeth Underneath: Henry Mooney Died Sept. 10, 1842 Aged 65 Family oral history reports Elizabeth died c.1865 and was buried on the corner of a Mooney farm in Egbert, a large stone for a marker. I have no other confirming records of their deaths. The 1861 census of Essa shows a Henry Mooney, aged 91, living with the family of John McManus. Could there be 2 Henry Mooney's ages approximately the same, both born Ireland? And both early pioneers? Thanks, Carolyn

Carolyn Land for this cemetery was deeded to the First Presbyterian Church in 1858. A number of stones record deaths prior to that date, one as early as 1839. However, it was not uncommon for pioneers to be buried on their farm, and later when a church was established, to be reinterred in the new church yard cemetery, or at least have their name included on a stone there. Either way, the stones were normally erected by immediate family members, occasionally by a good friend or neighbor and rarely by the local congregation. The stones were generally purchased and engraved by the nearest local monument makers, such as J. Cassidy, Reid, M & B and Borrowmen typically in Bradford or Barrie, but occasionally Newmarket, Alliston or even Toronto. Hope this helps. John F. Wright Barrie, Ontario -----Original Message----- From: can-ont-simcoe-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:can-ont-simcoe-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of CAROLYN Sent: Friday, November 05, 2010 8:12 PM To: CAN-ONT-SIMCOE@rootsweb.com Subject: [CAN-ONT-SIMCOE] Wilson Hill Pioneer Cemetery