Last Updated on November 3, 2024 by Pat McIver
[Patrick: As discussed during an information session at the 2024 McIver Family Reunion, Ron McIver and Betty McIver are spearheading a restoration project, which will return fragments of Hugh McKeever’s headstone back to the cemetery as part of a new commemorative bench. The bench will be installed in the cemetery and provide a restful place for individuals to sit, and enjoy the peaceful solitudes of St. Malachy’s cemetery. The following is a piece written by Ron McIver. Those wishing to contribute to the project can contact Ron and Betty by emailing headstoneproject@mciverpeiancestry.ca.]
Project Update #1: Click here!
Hello Everyone,
Before I start talking about the Hugh McKeever headstone restoration project, I’d like to say what a real pleasure it was re-connecting with so many of you at the family reunion as well as meeting some of you for the first time. It’s such a blessing to gather as an extended family and celebrate our heritage and our ancestors. I’m already looking forward to the next five-year reunion in 2029!!
Some of you may not be aware that 2 pieces of Hugh McKeever’s original headstone has been found. They were found a few years ago in a farmer’s field beside St. Malachy’s cemetery. Hugh’s headstone was originally erected in 1857, 167 years ago to mark the resting place and to celebrate the life of a man that had the strength and courage to immigrate from County Monaghan Ireland, to Prince Edward Island in 1839 with his loving wife Mary Quinn and their children. Hugh was born in approximately 1801 in County Monaghan, Ireland and died March 24th, 1857. He was buried in St. Malachy’s cemetery.
Unfortunately, no pieces of Mary Quinn’s headstone have been found.
In honour of Hugh McKeever and Mary Quinn, we would like to restore the original pieces of Hugh’s headstone back to St. Malachy’s cemetery.
During this past reunion on the Saturday afternoon, Betty McIver and myself held a Hugh McKeever headstone restoration project discussion which was open to anyone attending the reunion. We talked about the 2 pieces of Hugh’s headstone being found and asked for ideas and suggestions on how we could restore the pieces and place them back in the cemetery. We talked about the possibility of erecting a new headstone or incorporating the original pieces in a memorial bench. We passed around pictures of what a memorial bench could look like and discussed how and where the 2 pieces could be attached on the bench. We asked for comments and feedback.
The feedback which we have since received has been very positive and helpful. The suggestion to restore the original pieces on a memorial bench was by far the most favoured and popular. Given this feedback, Betty and I have requested a quote of restoring the two pieces and attaching them to a memorial bench. We Just received a written quote for a total of $8,932.80 installed.
The following pictures are a mock-up of what the memorial bench will look like.
This first picture is a view of the front portion (forward facing) of the bench. The last name ‘McKeever” is prominently displayed on the face of the bench as this is how Hugh’s last name is spelled on the original headstone. You can also see on the left-hand portion that Hugh’s last name is spelled ‘McIver’. This is how the family name is known locally in Kinkora. As well, you can see below the seating area in pencil, where the 2 pieces of the original headstone will be placed.
The second picture is a view of the backside of the bench.
The third picture is a view of the left side or end of the bench. Each of Hugh’s and Mary’s children are listed with their birth and death dates. One of the children, Charles, has no dates. We do not have any documentation on Charles’s birth or death dates. We know he was young when he died and had no children.
This memorial bench would not only serve the purpose of restoring the original 2 pieces of Hugh’s headstone back to the cemetery, but would also provide a place for anyone visiting the cometary a place to sit, remember, reflect and pray for loved ones passed. There are currently no benches in the cemetery.
We will be moving ahead and purchasing this design. Given the benefit of providing visitors to the cemetery a place to sit and as well as a stable and protective place to display and house the original pieces, it’s a logical decision to purchase this design.
Timeline, the installation date has not been determined yet as it’s dependent on when the vendor can manufacture and install it. Hopefully it can be installed in 2024.
We will keep you posted.
Future updates, as soon as we know the installation date, I’ll forward it off to everyone. Also, on a regular basis I’ll send status updates along with any other pertinent information.
Are you interested in contributing towards this project?
If you’re interested in making a donation to the Hugh McKeever Headstone Restoration Project, please contact Ron McIver by sending an email to headstoneproject@mciverpeiancestry.ca.
An income tax receipt will be issued by St. Malachy’s Church for your donation.
Thank you for your interest and consideration in this project.
Ron McIver and Betty McIver
September 2024