Exploring the Historical Significance of Pioneer Cemetery - Part 1

North Carleton, Prince Edward Island

We embarked on a journey, recently to find Pioneer Cemetery, one of the oldest burial grounds in PEI. However, we soon discovered that there are over 3 Pioneer Cemeteries on the Island. Eventually, we located the right one.

North Carleton Pioneer Cemetary

It is known that one grave lies alone, in a remote area. While only one grave marker might be visible, many bodies remain, giving rise to folklore (more on that later).

Before we delve into our recent visit, let's explore the history of this unique historical cemetery.

The History of Pioneer Cemetery

North Carleton Pioneer Cemetery is significant due to its connection with the early Scottish and Irish settlers in the areas of North Carleton, Augustine Cove, Cape Traverse, Seven Mile Bay, Sea Cow Head, Kinkora, Augustine Cove, and Albany.

It is also notable for its ties to the early history of the Roman Catholic presence as the Mission of St. Peter, Seven Mile Bay.

The Roman Catholic Mission of St. Peter in Seven Mile Bay is one of the earliest missions founded in the Prince Edward Island diocese, dating back to the early 1800s. In its early years, the mission was connected with those in Indian River and Charlottetown. Established around 1815 or earlier, the cemetery was in use until the mid-1860s.

The exact number of burials in this pioneer cemetery is unknown.

St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church

Between 1863 and 1866, the chapel by the shore was moved to the location of what is now St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. Shortly thereafter, it was enlarged, and in 1908, it was expanded again to serve the increasing number of parishioners. In 1955, the church was struck by lightning and burned down. The present church building, which seats 500 people, was opened in 1958.

During the 1970s, the cemetery was refurbished by the Knights of Columbus, who removed brush and placed wooden crosses around its perimeter. Records from that time show that there were two tombstone markers in the cemetery:

One for Jereusha Murphy, wife of James Murphy, who passed away on April 12, 1858, at the age of 56, and their son, John, who died on July 23, 1858, which still remains.

Another stone, honoring someone with the surname MacInnes who died in 1858, is mentioned in the 1970s records, but it was not visible in 2013. Other sandstone markers and an iron cross were reportedly removed and transferred, likely in the 1970s, to the nearby St. Peters Roman Catholic Church cemetery.

In 2014, the site was cleared of overgrown trees and shrubs.

Grave Marker of  Jereusha Murphy and Son

The peaceful resting place of some of the province's earliest settlers in the St. Peters Parish area, The North Carleton Pioneer Cemetery remains an important landmark commemorating early Roman Catholic settlers.

Now that we've explored the history of this cemetery, it's time to uncover its darker side...

Folklore, legends and spine- tingling stories await!

Does The Pioneer Cemetery hold any secrets...?