Historical information
The Album was compiled by Nancy McHaffie late 1990's, with the assistance of Edith Jeffery's, with her book "Garden of Memories" and extensive knowledge of Phillip Island.
The Cemetery lies back from the road and is surrounded by Manna Gums, rare Peppermint Gums, Blackwoods and other native trees. In all 25 acres of land were set aside as Crown Land in the land settlement of 1868. There are 6.2 acres of wetlands near the cemetery entrance.
Physical description
466-42: Thomas William Hobbs BEM. Thomas was born in England and came to the Island in the 1920's to work for the Chicory Farmers. He later owned his own farm at Ventnor and won the Better Farming Competition conducted by the Phillip Island Council. He was always an active community worker. Thomas was a Councillor and served two terms as President. He was the only resident to be awarded the British Empire Medal, Civil Division, for services to Phillip Island. Thomas died 1980 aged 75. His wife Catherine died 1991 aged 87.
466-43: Matilda Richardson. Matilda was born at Kyneton on 12th July 1865 and came to Cowes with her parents in 1869. She attended Cowes Primary School with her brothers and sisters. She became ill in November 1872 and died on 10th February 1873 aged 8 years and 7 months, from a severe bout of Quiney. It was a great sadness to the family and they went to a lot of trouble to secure Matilda a fine grave in the cemetery. It is the oldest grave in the cemetery and a lasting memorial for her short life.
