Holy Cross Cemetery, Fillmore

From an undated (after 1938) Historical Sketch of St. Patrick’s Church by Rev. James J. Kirby, Pastor.

(From the files of Margaret Hodnett) 

The Parish Cemetery is located on the Houghton Belfast Road, (Route 19) about one mile south of Fillmore.  It was organized Sept 30, 1882.  Area, three acres, cost, $381.  It was acquired by Father McGrath from Clark Hopkins.  It is a special corporation, being incorporated in 1920.  the original incorporators were: Peter Loftis, John Shay, James Lapp, Wm Kinney, Robert Butler, Henry Bolton and Edward Fitzgerald.

The present incorporators are: The Pastor, Wm Kinney, Robert Butler, Nellie Hodnett, William Hodnett, William McCarthy, Leo Whalen… 

John Hodnett, brother of Miss Kathryn Hodnett, now residing here, is believed to be the first person buried in the Cemetery.  The average number of burials a years since 1882 would be about four.  It was consecrated in 1882, and named Holy Cross Cemetery, Fillmore. 

Before 1882, the dead were taken to Java and Portageville.  Many were transferred back to the Fillmore Cemetery after 1882.  During the pastorate of Father Cox in 1932, Robert Lewis donated the money for planting beautiful shrubbery and laying good roads around and through the Cemetery.  For a country cemetery it is strategically located, expertly kept and jealously regarded by both incorporators and parishioners as “a worthy resting place for our honored dead.”

This information is meant to help you in your quest for family.  As with all material provided by others,  you must verify using your own methods.  Please report any errors you may discover (with proof of correction needed)  so we can provide accuracy on the web.

2007 Update from Eleanor Schwalb from Obituarie(s) printed in Blue.